Archive
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EVENTS taking place in East Lancashire on Saturday, February 7, 2004.
A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. Free Internet Sessions, ICT Learning Centre, Turf Moor, Burnley, 10am-noon. Girls Dance Group (age five-13 years), Brunshaw Action Group's Community Drop-In Centre, Burnley
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EVENTS taking place in East Lancashire on Friday, February 6, 2004.
A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. Over-50s Fellowship, Elim Church, Grimshaw Park, Blackburn, 11am. "GaGa" -- A Tribute to Queen, Municipal Hall, Albert Road, Colne, 7.45pm. The Pendle Jazzmen, Coach
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New pro for Greenmount
GREENMOUNT Cricket Club have announced their new professional for the forthcoming season, Indian, Nishit Sudhakar Shetty. A 31-year-old left-hand batsman who is also a more than useful slow, left-arm orthodox bowler, Shetty has been recommended to the
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Boro target Moors
AFTER a weekend's enforced rest due to the Unibond Cup, Boro are back in action on Saturday when they entertain North East side Spennymoor United. Having not lost at home so far this year - beating Bradford Park Avenue and Frickley United in the league
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Rams get used to the rain
WITH his snorkel and facemask in the boot of his car, Ramsbottom United boss Vince Overson is equipped to face Skelmersdale United whatever the state of the Riverside pitch. "With all the rain we've had this week there has to be a question mark over tomorrow's
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Police carry on questioning murder suspect
POLICE investigating the murder of 44-year-old David Young at his home on Cadman Grove, Hindley, have been granted permission to continue questioning a man. A 29-year-old Wigan man has been arrested on suspicion of murder, and officers have now been given
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Didn't know you scared!
The legendary Circus of Horrors is set to trundle back for its second visit to Blackpool's Grand Theatre for a one-night extravaganza guaranteed to curdle blood in the hardiest of veins. Set in 1900 the show is set to music from a fantastic live rock'n'roll
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You'll be glad that Sam plays it again and again
Look, it's bucketing down outside and it's not going to change for days. I'm a Celebrity is getting boring -- so do yourself a favour and get yourself off to the Blackpool Grand for a quick theatre fix by enjoying a young lively cast's production of Rodger
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Checking up on town hall
TOWN Hall leaders are hoping for good news after Audit Commission inspectors visited Bury East area board. The commission will determine whether the council should be upgraded again, from "fair" to "good". The inspectors came to Tuesday's meeting (Feb
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Closed ward back in use
AN adult psychiatric ward closed last January "for three months" was officially back in action in Tuesday as a child and adolescent mental health facility. Pennine Care NHS Trust Health bosses were forced to close Ward 31 at Fairfield General in a bid
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Jailed for life
A MAN has been jailed for life for murdering a friend he claimed he 'loved like a brother.' James McGrady, 48, was told he must serve at least 12 years of the sentence after a jury found him guilty of stabbing Brian Jeffers to death during a drinking
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Death toll rises to 18 cocklers
THE DEATH toll of cockle pickers whose bodies have been pulled from Morecambe Bay has now risen to 18. The casualties include 16 men and two women, all of Oriental origin. Police and Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescuers were called at 9.30pm last night (
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Tucking into gourmet nosh "in" the house!
GEOFF and Win Chadwick will have a gourmet meal cooked in their Bury home as part of top chef Andrew Nutter's continuing help for Christie Hospital. Mr and Mrs Chadwick won the mini banquet as first prize in a raffle at Nutter's, Andrew's award-winning
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Tour of duty for town's First Citizens
BURY'S First Citizens were given VIP treatment in Holywood when they inspected our troops on the front line in Northern Ireland. The Mayor and Mayoress Councillor Wilf and Mrs Maureen Davison recently spent two days with the 2nd Battalion, the Royal Regiment
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Tough test for RMI
LEIGH RMI face an important test at fellow strugglers Tamworth on Saturday, and Starbuck admits that nothing less than a win will suffice to close the four point-gap on the Staffordshire outfit. He added: "It is a big game for us and nothing less than
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Fit-again Rowley named in Cup squad
PAUL Rowley makes his long-awaited return for Leigh Centurions on Sunday as they take the first step towards what they hope will be a successful Challenge Cup run. Hooker and vice-captain Rowley has missed all Leigh's pre-season warm-up games and last
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GARNER: Rovers need stability
GRAEME Souness has some major decisions to make during the next five days. Now that the transfer window has slammed firmly shut, the Blackburn boss knows exactly who he can call on in the battle for Premiership survival. And if he plans to win his fight
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Gone nuts over Year of Monkey
THE Chinese New Year was celebrated in cracking style in Preston at the weekend with a feast of music and colourful entertainment. Singing, dancing and traditional Chinese food was laid on at the city's Guild Hall to celebrate the Year of the Monkey.
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Mary' looking for 'miracle' to save Booths store
A LONE campaigner who is fighting to save a Booths store from closure, has admitted it will probably take a miracle to save it. Trainee nurse, Mary Dawes, of Shaftesbury Avenue, took time off her studies to collect more than 1,600 signatures on a petition
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Teens get stuck in to build garden
TEENAGERS have been getting their hands dirty to help build a community garden for their area. Fifteen young people, aged between 13 and 17, have pulled together to help the Larches and Savick Community Association build a garden at the back of the new
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OAP David fights back over council tax
AN OUTRAGED pensioner is campaigning to show how older people in Preston and South Ribble are being driven to poverty by the council tax. Retired plumber, David Potts, 77, started a petition protesting about the 75 per cent rise in council tax since 1996
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Ex-mayor in 'last chance' to be MP
A FORMER Burnley Mayor bidding to become the Liberal Democrats' parliamentary candidate in the next general election said it will probably be his last chance to fight the seat. Councillor Gordon Birtwistle stood as the candidate in the 1992 and 1997 elections
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Police hunt man after bus assault
A MAN with missing teeth and smelling of alcohol made obscene remarks to a Morecambe schoolgirl before pushing a stick up her skirt. The indecent assault took place as the 15-year-old was heading home on the number 42 bus along Morecambe Road, Lancaster
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Jailed for life
A MAN has been jailed for life for murdering a friend he claimed he 'loved like a brother.' James McGrady, 48, was told he must serve at least 12 years of the sentence after a jury found him guilty of stabbing Brian Jeffers to death during a drinking
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Pals pull it off
AFTER more than 26 years gathering dust and plummeting into disrepair, a famous Morecambe theatre has been thrown a lifeline. Following months of contemplation, the Friends of the Winter Gardens have decided to buy the historic building. The Friends fought
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Scan can ease wait on staff's shoulders
HOSPITAL bosses and patients today praised a state-of-the-art scanner unit that has been officially opened at Burnley General Hospital. The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner can be used to diagnose a range of conditions, including life-threatening
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Pub plan sparks village rebellion
SHOCKWAVES are rippling through a small community as dismayed residents say a new pub will change the face of their historic village forever. Residents in Heysham are furious that a blueprint for the watering hole was given the nod by Lancaster City Councillors
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Death toll rises to 18 cocklers
THE DEATH toll of cockle pickers whose bodies have been pulled from Morecambe Bay has now risen to 18. The casualties include 16 men and two women, all of Oriental origin. Police and Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescuers were called at 9.30pm last night (
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MP blasts Blair WMD admission
MP GORDON Prentice has described Tony Blair's admission over weapons of mass destruction as "astonishing." The Prime Minister said he did not know during the key debate on going to war with Iraq last year whether the weapons in the Government's dossier
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Clarets fan on ball at road safety game
A CLARETS fan will be watching tomorrow's game against Gillingham for free as part of a drive to promote road safety. Terrence Parker, of Barkerhouse Road, Nelson, won three tickets in a competition organised by Lancashire County Council's road safety
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Unique tribute on show
A TRIBUTE to 12 First World War soldiers who had worked at a Radcliffe waste water plant has been handed to Bolton Museum after spending decades hidden away from the public. The dozen were called up from their jobs to fight in the trenches and are featured
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Rugby union - Hoppers in the mire
Hoppers suffered a body blow to their hopes of league survival with this home defeat. They had the better of the first half and a try by Gary Monahan converted by Paul Bailey who also kicked a penalty gave them a half time lead of 10-8, the visitors points
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Junior rugby league
WARRIORS were down to the bare minimum of 11 players for this match and in the end they just could not cope with the constant pressure by the Bulldogs. Leyland were soon 12-0 down following an interception and a breakaway try. They battled on and were
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What's on around Preston
IRISH singing star Martin Branigan will be the cabaret performer at Preston Grasshoppers' Rugby Club, Lightfoot Lane, Fulwood, on Friday, February 13, from 7.45pm-midnight. The charity event, in aid of Fulwood and Cadley County Primary School Parent Teacher
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Dennis backs his own cure
BUSINESSMAN Dennis Stewart is fronting his own distributorship to market medication which helped overcome his own debilitating back problems. And the 52-year-old Bury man's belief in the products is evidenced by the fact he paid £3,000 for the licence
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Survey prompts sales optimism
THERE'S New Year cheer for Bury firms who could be on the verge of a new, successful era. That's the optimistic forecast from Chamber Business Connections following a survey of businesses across North Manchester involving firms in Bury, Bolton, Oldham
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Council did not 'grab' park land
I FELT I had to write and correct last week's headline 'Council grabs park land' as there is surely some mistake. The following article makes it clear that the land in question was the property of the city council and therefore it was Mr Konemann who
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Councillor has it utterly wrong
WE all know that County Cllr Niki Penney is keen on Lancashire County Council but it really shouldn't be necessary to abuse those who previously worked hard for her election to defend it. Her letter last week ignores the fact that really big decisions
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Facts support a nine per cent tax increase
CITIZEN Smith would be entitled to his cynicism over council tax if the facts supported his argument - they do not. A 'mega-increase' in council tax was on the cards if we had followed the spending plans of the MBI. You do not have to take my word for
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What a washout
WINTER'S cold snap followed by endless hours of rainfall put paid to sport across Lancaster and Morecambe at the weekend. Morecambe were already due to be without a fixture as the rain swept across the country but Lancaster City's daunting trip to Unibond
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Women speed up their business contacts
BURY businesswomen are being urged to make a date with an organisation which has their interests at heart. EasyNet offers a special version of speed-dating and was the central feature at the latest meeting of Mosaic, the women in business forum of Chamber
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Limber up in the lingo
IF "Hasta La Vista" is as much as you can say in a foreign language, then you're not alone. A recent survey showed that more than 66 per cent of UK adults cannot speak a second language at all. But travel agent Going Places, on The Rock, Bury, is hoping
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Injury rules Cox out again
FORMER Burnley favourite Ian Cox will again miss out on a Turf Moor return. The Gillingham defender is still struggling for fitness and may even need surgery to cure him of ankle problems. Cox has not featured for the Gills since last month's defeat at
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LOCHHEAD: A victory is all that matters!
A HOME win is imperative when the Clarets take on Gillingham at Turf Moor tomorrow. It doesn't matter what the performance is like because what we need out of this game is three points. If we can pick up that win then hopefully it will change the pattern
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Horse-drawn carriage in tribute to farrier
A POPULAR Prestwich blacksmith-farrier was borne to his final resting place on Thursday (Feb 5) by a horse-drawn carriage. It was the centrepiece of a poignant procession in tribute to 40-year-old Philip Jordan's long association with the animals. He
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Appleby have designs on payment firm
PRESTWICH design and communication specialist Appleby Bowers has masterminded a striking new corporate identity for fast growing cashless payment solutions firm VMC. And it is the first change in that company's livery since it was formed more than ten
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Farewell to Neva
THE funeral of one of South Ribble's longest serving councillors, Neva Orrell, will take place on Friday, February 6. As a mark of respect, the funeral cortege will pass the Civic Centre in Leyland before a service at 10.15am at the Methodist Church,
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Bury FC: Rochdale walk is big fundraiser
DO you fancy helping raise some much-needed cash to aid Bury Football Club through the summer break? Then sign up for Forever Bury's sponsored walk to Spotland for the club's Third Division clash against fierce local rivals Rochdale on Saturday, March
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Pony hoofs it from stable
IT WAS a case of the wild North West after a Shetland pony bolted its stable for a bit of after-dark horseplay with a local bobby in Blackpool town centre. The 3ft tall white pony escaped from its stable on Blackpool Old Road, close to Collegiate High
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Rams in cup blow
RAMSBOTTOM United have been ordered to replay their North West Counties League Challenge Cup quarter-final against Great Harwood Town. The Rams won 2-1 in the original fixture on January 24 but goalkeeper Graham Bennett has been ruled ineligible because
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Bitton the side to look out for
COLNE are bracing themselves for an FA Vase backlash at the hands of Bristol battlers Bitton in the FA Vase fifth round tomorrow. After upsetting the odds when they shot down all-conquering AFC Wimbledon in the previous round, it's now Colne's turn to
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Andrew gets his smile back
TEARS turned to smiles for a Lancaster youngster when his treasured bike was returned home... thanks to the Citizen. Andrew Fairbairn was fixing a flat tyre on his Apollo Vortice BMX in Ryelands Park when a man in his twenties grabbed it and cycled away
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Darwen get that Friday feeling as Harwood arrive for first leg
DARWEN and Great Harwood Town meet in the semi-final of the NWCL Division Two Trophy tonight with both managers entering the game with different priorities. While Darwen boss Steve Wilkes will put out his strongest side for the first leg clash at the
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Speak up now plea
YOUNG people in Lancaster and Morecambe are being urged to make their voices heard - both locally and nationally. Their opinions on everything from sports provision to public transport are wanted on the local district youth council. They are being urged
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Moving out for £1.2m revamp.
BET you never knew there was so much in it! This cast iron telephone box, pictured, is one of nearly 40,000 items to be moved out of Bury Museum. Major building work on a new £1.2 million museum and archive centre at the Moss Street site starts on March
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Solicitor who kept cash reprimanded
A SOLICITOR from Whitefield has been reprimanded for keeping £3,500 from clients in housing deals. Conveyancer Michael White (55) failed to pay back money owed to customers after a sale had taken place. He charged homebuyers the full amount for a local
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Swimming: Winning start to new season
SIX members of Radcliffe Swimming Club took part in the North of England Winter Triathlon Championships in Preston, with the event consisting of a run, a swim and a pistol shoot. The event began with the run and even though it was extremely cold at least
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Athletics: Juniors get their awards
RADCLIFFE Athletic Club held their annual Junior Presentation Evening on Friday to mark another good year of competition. The junior section is by no means an exclusive one, with any youngster over the age of nine welcome - if the talent is there coach
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McGregor sounds win warning
MARK McGREGOR has warned that victory is vital against Gillingham tomorrow to kick-start a climb away from danger. The Clarets defender refuses to get carried along on the crest of a five game unbeaten run that has lifted spirits at Turf Moor. However
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Gangs pledge
POLICE today pledged to crack down on gangs of youths who intimidate older folk and get drunk in Darwen town centre. Gangs of up to 30 youths aged 12 to 15 have been roaming the The Circus area on evenings throughout the past two weeks, causing trouble
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Warden Dave is the top dog
A DOG warden has helped put Rossendale on the map by winning a national award for his work in the Valley. Dave East, who has been the borough's dog warden for 15 years, was selected for the award by the Kennel Club board for the Good Citizen Dog Scheme
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I'm not up to old tricks!
A BLACKPOOL pensioner famed for his love of cast-offs has hit back at council claims he is using a private plot of land as a dumping ground for his "collection". Dennis Bostock, 67, says environmental health officers have "exaggerated" piles of refuse
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Number's up!
TRADITIONAL bingo halls could be changed forever if massive casinos are given the go-ahead for Blackpool, a leading industry figure has warned. Sir Peter Fry, chairman of the Bingo Association, told the Joint Committee on the Draft Gambling Bill that
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Drowning case date
A COUNCIL and a headmaster face criminal prosecution over the death of a disabled girl during a swimming lesson. The hearing of the case took place at Blackpool Magistrates Court today. The defendants Steven Weaver who as Chief Executive is nominal head
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Jim goes right back to the start
"IT'S a journey through football" says Jimmy Armfield of his new autobiography, Right Back to the Beginning: "I don't think anybody else has come down the road I have." With a varied career as a manager, journalist and, of course, an unforgettable 18
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Mum hit lout with handbag
THE mother of a nine-year-old boy knocked over by a hazard cone kicked into him by a man handed out her own form of rough justice. Blackburn magistrates heard that the woman attacked Michael Currie, 20, with her handbag. And the court was told that after
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Bunk off - miss out
TRUANT teenagers are being targeted in a hard-hitting poster campaign at bus shelters across East Lancashire. Eye-catching posters with the message of "Bunking Off - Missing Out" have been put up at billboards on main roads and near secondary schools.
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Legal wrangle could cost taxpayers £750,000
UNION representatives say a legal wrangle which resulted in one of Lancashire's most senior firefighters quitting could have cost taxpayers up to £750,000. Assistant chief fire officer John Williamson resigned two years after he was suspended for providing
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Shutdown of surgery anger
A PATIENT has demanded a full explanation after the surgery he has attended for 50 years was closed down. The James Street practice had operated for 60 years, but its 1,800 patients were transferred to Little Harwood Health Centre when it closed on Sunday
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Stars help kids win hands down
BLACKBURN Rovers stars let their hands do the talking for a change in a bid to help a children's charity. And Ewood fans will be able to grab an unusual souvenir thanks to the kind-hearted players who got up to their elbows in paint. Club captain Garry
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'Berlin Wall' fear in £15m Square plan
DEVELOPERS and council officials have failed to agree over a £15million redevelopment plan for Blackburn's Lord Square which traders fear could create a "Berlin Wall." Reit Asset Management, the company which owns the shopping centre, met with Blackburn
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Family disgust at sentence
THE family of a teenage ice hockey player today spoke of their disgust at the sentence given to a rival who attacked him during a game. Robert Brownbill, 19, was found guilty of common assault after it was revealed that he continued to hit Richard Hulme
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James is staying
ACCRINGTON Stanley have been handed a massive boost after star striker Lutel James ripped up his transfer request. The hitman demanded a move earlier this week following a bust-up with manager John Coleman over the wide midfield role he has been asked
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Players told to clean up their act
ANGRY Accrington Stanley chairman Eric Whalley has warned his players to clean up their act - or pay the price! Whalley has blown a fuse after paying out over £2,500 in fines this season due to the Reds' appalling disciplinary record. Stanley have had
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Chorley face Russian army
CHORLEY Lynx take a journey into the unknown tonight when they face Russian outfit Lokomotiv Moscow in the third round of the Powergen Challenge Cup at Victory Park (kick-off 7.30pm). Little is known about their Russian opponents, only that they took
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I'd love to be a fly in Kev's dressing room
I WAS as relieved as any Manchester City fan when they ended their run of 14 games without a win against Leicester on Wednesday. Not because I have any allegiance to the blue half of Manc Land, I hasten to add. It was relief for Kevin Keegan - one of
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Not a true reflection
This particular horse was only six years old and had plenty of working years left in it, therefore it had not reached the end of its usefulness, so can't be seen as an example of what happens to spent landau horses. How daft does this anonymous writer
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Is this how these landau horses are treated after a life's work?
WELL, now we know from the vitriolic personal attack on me by 'Details supplied via e-mail' that the majority of retired landau horses do end up at auction, not sanctuaries. This unknown person who prefers to hide behind anonymity tells us, in between
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Drop blue targets
I FOUND the 'Blue Murder' article very interesting. This month we went to the Grand Theatre, and parked the car in Birley Street on a disabled parking place. We place the blue card, the correct way up in the middle of the dashboard. I turned to look,
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Bad day for free speech if Hutton cows the BBC
ON the night that the Lord Hutton's astonishingly one-sided attack on the BBC was published, the 10 o'clock news reported the criticisms against their own organisation in great detail. It was one of many examples of the integrity of journalists working
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Can you help us with this roller coaster information?
COASTER Kingdom is one of the most popular European theme park resources on the internet and welcomes over a thousand unique visitors daily, and over a million pages visits annually. At the moment we are fairly well advanced into writing a comprehensive
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Cowards who won't address the genuine arguments
I AM not being drawn into a slanging match with the defenders of horse-drawn landaus on Blackpool Prom. But before I pass on to itemise the important issues of this subject, I want to say that I find it very cowardly of the person who referred to Mrs
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Women's football - PNE still unbeaten
PNE kept up their unbeaten league run with this comfortable victory. They took the lead on ten minutes when Michaela Barlow met a through ball from Mel Martin and Martin again provided the cross for Fiona Dransfield to finish on 16 minutes. Barlow made
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Future in his hands
NORTH End will put faith in young hands this weekend with Andrew Lonergan expected to appear between the sticks for the first time this season. Lonergan was due to play at Sunderland's Stadium of Light after Jonathan Gould was ruled out with a thigh strain
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Sedgley feeling the growing pressure?
NOTTINGHAM...22 SEDGLEY PARK...17: A THIRD defeat in a row for Sedgley - and to the team directly below them - cut Park's lead at the top of the division to just two points. Despite a much more committed performance, Nottingham inched closer to the leaders
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hope she has a great day
I WAS delighted to read the story (Bury Times, January 30) about Miss Marisa Dale and her time as the first head girl at St. Gabriel's RC school in Bury. I personally owe Miss Dale a debt of gratitude. She has always been a very hard-working teacher and
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We do respond to complaints
READER A. Dickinson (Letters, January 23) complains that the town hall has at times flown the Union flag upside down and that the council has yet to respond to his/her comments. We have to confess that a few months ago we did err and the flag was flown
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No blott's on the landscape
ARTISTS and ex-servicemen have produced a unique art exhibition for Blackpool. The town's Blott artists' group and the Comrades of the Great War Club have got together to create an exhibition of new and existing paintings, sculpture and photography at
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Date announced for county's premier agricultural show
THE Royal Lancashire Agricultural Society today officially announced the date for this year's Royal Lancashire Show. The show will take place on the 27, 28 and 29 July and will be celebrating the very best of agricultural and rural life. Lancashire's
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Down Your Street...
THORNTON - THE WINDMILL Players' production of Noel Coward's 'Waiting in the Wings' continues until this Saturday (February 7) at Thornton Little Theatre, Four Lane Ends. Tickets are on sale at Percival's, Victoria Road, Cleveleys, priced £4. CLEVELEYS
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By George, he's tuning up for TV date
BURY busker Nick Bold will play to his biggest-ever audience this weekend when he takes centre stage on ITV's popular Stars In Your Eyes. He will perform under the guise of the late Beatle George Harrison in the highly-rated show fronted by compere Matthew
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Water, water everywhere!
IN the last few days the area has witnessed flood conditions and high river levels. On Sunday the Bury Society's Third Winter League match was held in mild conditions on Island Lodge with topped up water levels. The venue fished well. Dave Jowett (jnr
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Parakeet takes seat of learning
AN exotic bird caused a flap when it visited from on high during an RE lesson at Bury Grammar School. Girls gasped as the green and red parakeet flew through a classroom window at 9.30am on Thursday (Feb 5). Teacher Rob Latham said: "The bird narrowly
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Turning pages for fun.
YOUNGSTERS turned the page on their usual lessons to enjoy a special week of books and reading. St Bernadette's primary school in Whitefield held their book week event to encourage the children to take an interest in reading. During the week, pupils browsed
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Heads roll after shock cup exit
LEIGH RMI boss Phil Starbuck has run out of patience with his under achieving players and has released one and put another four on the transfer list writes David Magilton The manager was unhappy with the way his side performed against Unibond First Division
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Souey backs strikers to be a force
BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness believes Jon Stead and Paul Gallagher have what it takes to become weapons of mass destruction in the Premiership. Souness, who will lead Rovers for the 100th time in the top flight at Middlesbrough tomorrow, swooped earlier
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Hospital workers vote to strike
MAINTENANCE workers at Royal Preston Hospital and Sharoe Green have voted to go on strike over pay. The walk-outs, on Monday, February 16, could have repercussions for patients and staff as the workers are responsible for day-to-day running of boilers
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Order vital to secure BAE jobs
A UNION heavyweight, representing thousands of workers at BAE Systems, visited the firm's Warton site this week. Derek Simpson, general secretary of manufacturing union Amicus, said the future of BAE Systems jobs at Warton and Samlesbury sites depends
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Stab victim loses battle for life
A PADIHAM man left fighting for his life following an alleged town centre stabbing has died. Robert Davidson, 58, of Parish Street, Padiham, died in Burnley General Hospital yesterday morning some time before 1pm. Mr Davidson died after an altercation
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Hit squad will tackle burning issue
ARSONISTS intent on setting light to rubbish in Morecambe are about to face serious opposition - from a specialist hit squad. The Government's arson control forum is dishing up £133,000 to tackle the burning issue. And another £44,456 is being put in
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Health chiefs eye medical school idea
PLANS are afoot to create a medical school for training doctors and nurses in Lancashire and Cumbria. The Strategic Health Authority for the two counties is working with St Martin's College and the Universities of Central Lancashire, Manchester and Liverpool
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Keep council tax low, says Minister
RESIDENTS in Lancaster and Morecambe should face a 'low single figure' council tax increase, says Local Government minister Nick Raynsford. The message follows an announcement that local authorities are to receive an extra 7.3 per cent in Government funding
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Union members back Farms action
DISGUST at a 'derisory' low pay offer has led a band of workers at Lancaster Farms to take industrial action. Local members of the Public and Commercial Services Union vowed to 'work to rule' this week to keep up pressure on bosses to reconsider the offer
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First strike!
A NEW political party dedicated to fighting 'anti white racism' is fielding its debut candidate in Heysham. The England First Party is vowing to battle in the Heysham South by-election with robust views on immigration and home rule for England. Paul Bamford
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Dave's happy to stay
ANOTHER month at Gigg Lane will be no problem at all for Stockport County central defender Dave Challinor. The former Tranmere Rovers stopper is only too pleased to be playing first team football, albeit a division below the Hatters' standard. Thirty-year-old
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Soggy Shakers struggling to train
SHAKERS' junior players are currently finding it hard to train at the moment, with the youth team's usual practice facilities at Goshen completely underwater. The spate of wet weather has also caused the cancellation of the coming weekend's Centre of
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Hopes rise for transport 'hub'
PENDLE'S council leader today welcomed the possibility of a new transport interchange to replace Nelson's "poor and unattractive" bus station. Councillor Alan Davies said he welcomed the interest shown by Lancashire County Council in adding Nelson to
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Beauties and the biking beasts
NEW age bikers' gear was worn by drama students for a fashion and beauty show at Accrington. Drama, dance, media, textiles and hairdressing students at Accrington and Rossendale College united for the catwalk event, although the main work was done by
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Nothing positive for ratepayers
THERE is nothing positive for ratepayers in the nine per cent rise in council tax being imposed by Lancaster Town Hall, as stated by Cllr Millar in his spin-doctored contribution in Letters, last week. There has been no evidence in the local media of
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Lytham's Lord Butler to head new weapons inquiry
A TOP civil servant from Lytham is to head the inquiry into the intelligence service and Iraq's weapons of mass destruction Former cabinet secretary, Lord Butler of Brockwell, will lead the six-month investigation -- but has already come under fire for
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Parking hell?
A LOSTOCK Hall man, who fears motorists will use his street as a car park, is planning to start a petition over council plans to introduce charges on local car parks. Stephen Fisher, of Hoghton Terrace, fears new charges earmarked for a car park at the
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Jobs bonanza at new retail park
A MULTI-million pound retail park, which could create more than 350 jobs, looks set to transform a derelict site in Farington. The Citizen has learned that an approach for the major new development has been made to planning chiefs at South Ribble Borough
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Haworth hopes to spring Leek
GRAHAM Haworth is hoping the rain stays away as Padiham look for their first action in three weeks. The Arbories side have seen their last two fixtures against Great Harwood Town and Holker Old Boys beaten by the weather so Haworth is hoping it is not
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Clitheroe go to top
CLITHEROE went from three points behind leaders Mossley to three in front this week -- without playing a game! The unexpected boost to their quest for the NWCL Division One title came about when Mossley were found to have fielded an unregistered player
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Trio ready for debuts
JIM McCluskie is vowing to ring the changes in a bid to propel Rossendale United up the UniBond Division One table. Last weekend's wash-out prevented Dale from bouncing back from the 2-0 defeat at Gateshead in McCluskie's first game since resuming charge
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Clampdown on car tax
TWELVE vehicles were impounded and a further seven clamped for non-payment of road tax in a joint DVLA and police sting in Prestwich and Whitefield. Officers and Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency clampers swooped on unsuspecting motorists on Monday
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Flitcroft lays it on the line
BLACKBURN skipper Garry Flitcroft insists Rovers need battlers not bottlers as they go in search of a vital victory at Middlesbrough tomorrow. Graeme Souness's side are currently hovering precariously above the relegation zone after winning just one of
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Golf: Stand GC's centenary celebrations
IT promises to be a busy twelve months for Stand Golf Club members with a series of events to celebrate 2004, the club's Centenary Year. First on the agenda is a Cocktail Party to be held on Tuesday, March 2 - the actual date of the inaugural meeting,
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Life in jail for caravan site killer
A MAN has been jailed for life for murdering a friend who he knifed to death after a drinking session. The judge, Mr Justice Mackay , told 48-year-old James McGrady that he would have to serve at least 12 years before he could be considered for parole
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Biker mayor revs up for Euro race
A MOTORBIKE-RIDING mayor is joining the race to become a Member of the European Parliament. Alan Neal, an independent Rossendale councillor and Mayor of Whitworth, is using the slogan 'Take the Challenge and Make the Change' in a bid to encourage people
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No heartbreak for hotel as fans flock to resort
ELVIS fanatics from around the world put on their Blue Suede Shoes and headed to a top Blackpool (Heartbreak) Hotel for a musical contest with a difference. The "Walk A Golden Mile In My Shoes" event, dubbed Europe's largest Elvis Convention and Contest
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Flyers face price hike?
BLACKPOOL'S Ryanair passengers could be facing a fares hike because of a European ruling affecting publicly owned airports. The European Commission has decided it is illegal for publicly owned airports to pay subsidies to airlines such as Ryanair which
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Gillian is born to run
A POULTON nurse is running this year's Flora London Marathon to raise money for terminally ill children in Blackpool. Gillian Marshall, a gynaecology theatre nurse at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, will endure the gruelling 26-mile race on April 18 to raise
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If the face fits
A BLACKPOOL theatre student has landed a starring role in new television comedy drama, Shameless. Rebecca Atkinson, a 20-year-old student at Phil Winston's Theatreworks, Blackpool, was just right for the role of cheeky teen Karen Jackson because she '
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Appleby have designs on payment firm
PRESTWICH design and communication specialist Appleby Bowers has masterminded a striking new corporate identity for fast growing cashless payment solutions firm VMC. And it is the first change in that company's livery since it was formed more than ten
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Principal Sheena's set to stand down
BLACKBURN College principal Sheena Ewing last night announced her retirement after 13 years service. But she deflected attention from herself at the annual graduation and insisted: "Celebrating achievement is what education is all about." At the King
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It would be great to know that star was alive and well and living in the area
I THOUGHT I would put pen to paper in regards to articles I have read about Miss Jeanne Crain. She has always been one of my favourite stars, I feel as though I have known her personally, the reason being is due to the fact that I started work way back
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PNE girls aim for World Youth Cup
PRESTON North End Women's FC are aiming to take their Under 16s team to compete in this year's World Youth Cup. The competition takes place in Gothenburg, Sweden in July with more than 1,400 boys and girls teams from around the world taking part. It will
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Fuller 'back to his best'
THE transfer deadline came and went at 5pm on Monday and the news North End fans had been dreading failed to materialise with Ricardo Fuller staying put. And Craig Brown reckons the Jamaican will soon be back to his best. Fuller was one of several players
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Lee's away after 13 years
LEE Cartwright's 13 years at North End has come to an end just months after he revealed to the Citizen he feared he would be forced to quit Deepdale to save his career. Cartwright has joined Stockport County for two years on a free transfer. Rossendale-born
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We didn't moan; we got on with it
WHILE agreeing with much of what Mrs Leonard said about mums and work (Letters, January 23) I feel I must comment on her remark: "People say that I do well to fill my days so industriously. How patronising!" Further on she says: "In the 1950s, and even
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We should fine "absent" MPs
IVAN Lewis seems intent on fining those parents who take their children out of school during term time. Whilst I believe it is the responsibility of parents to see their children attend school at all times, I can understand their dilemma when travel companies
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Little short of vandalism
I READ with increasing incredulity the news that a demolition order has been granted on the splendid Dutch house on Holcombe Road, Greenmount. This unique dwelling has long been regarded with admiration and affection by Greenmount residents. Indeed, its
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Should they really be boasting?
LIKE many other Bury residents I am beginning to tire of the constant barrage of propaganda regarding Bury's CPA (Corporate Performance Assessment) rating being propelled at the public by this Labour council. The points improvement in moving from "Weak
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Degree of help from glam gran
A GLAMOROUS gran has gained a new lease of life by going back to school. Seventy-year-old Leila Singer has just graduated from Salford University with a Diploma in Counselling. And the grandmother of four has taken to studying so easily that she is already
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The beer hunters
The Campaign for Real Ale's 22nd Fleetwood Beer Festival will be held at Fleetwood's Marine Hall, The Esplanade, Fleetwood, February 12-14. Organisers CAMRA's Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre branch will also be celebrating the branch's 30th anniversary at the
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Tax: You decide, say council
COUNCIL finance chiefs have issued a public challenge: Accept cuts in services or tell us you will pay more tax. A "standstill" council tax rise of five per cent is on the cards, and that will mean a spending shortfall of £2.1 million. But for every extra
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God offered a relationship, not a religion
THE following notice should be pinned to every church door in the land: RELIGION CAN SERIOUSLY DAMAGE YOUR HEALTH. You might guess that I'm not one of life's natural spin-doctors. Surely, this is the opposite of what my job is all about. And why proclaim
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Elton miss out on big chance to progress
ELTON VALE...0 MONTON AMS...3: WHILE all of their rivals were left kicking their heels due to waterlogged pitches, Vale fluffed a golden opportunity to climb nearer to safety, as they failed to reach the heights of recent weeks. Having failed to convert
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Degree of help from glam gran
A GLAMOROUS gran has gained a new lease of life by going back to school. Seventy-year-old Leila Singer has just graduated from Salford University with a Diploma in Counselling. And the grandmother of four has taken to studying so easily that she is already
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Horror hijack at company gates
A WHITEFIELD businessman's car was pelted with beer cans and tins of soup by carjackers. On Monday morning (Feb 2), Mr Barrie Lounsbach was forced out of his £14,000 Honda car by one of three men who was armed with a 3-ft long iron bar. The 62-year-old
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Suicide as he feared for future
A ZIMBABWEAN student living in Bury committed suicide over fears he could not afford to return home. Dalubuhle Ncube, known by his family as Dalu, was obsessed with his ambition to return to his homeland after moving to England in August, 2001. An inquest
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Flitcroft lays it on the line
BLACKBURN skipper Garry Flitcroft insists Rovers need battlers not bottlers as they go in search of a vital victory at Middlesbrough tomorrow. Graeme Souness's side are currently hovering precariously above the relegation zone after winning just one of
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Chance of a lifetime for Ken Dodd fans
FUNNYMAN Ken Dodd is to play one of the smallest gigs of his career for just sixty lucky locals. The Liverpudlian, best known for his 'Diddy men' performances in the 1970s, was invited back to Preston after striking up a friendship with curators while
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TV hit for Rebecca
A FORMER Preston student is making a name for herself on the small screen after landing a top role in a popular television drama. Preston College dance and drama student Rebecca Atkinson, 20, was selected from hundreds to play a cheeky trouble-making
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Church's record 18 shows in two years
ST WALBURGE'S has been dubbed the most filmed church on British television after it was announced it is to appear on the small screen for the eighteenth time in two years. It will feature on ITV's My Favourite Hymns after a TV crew film seven special
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Jobs bonanza at new retail park
A MULTI-million pound retail park, which could create more than 350 jobs, looks set to transform a derelict site in Farington. The Citizen has learned that an approach for the major new development has been made to planning chiefs at South Ribble Borough
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Slither hither!
A PARK ranger cried out "I'm a Ranger, Get Me Out of Here" when a young mum stumbled across a 3ft hissing snake yesterday afternoon. And in a real-life version of TV's Celebrity jungle show, Thompson Park ranger Steve Richards endured his own Bush Tucker-style
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Robbers strike as man lies in pool of blood
A FATHER-of-two who suffers from epilepsy was robbed as he lay unconscious in a pool of blood after having a fit. Police have condemned the attack as 'absolutely disgraceful' after the 49-year-old's pockets were emptied while he was out cold. The victim
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Alleged attack: Two in court
A WOMAN and a teenager have appeared in court after a football player was said to have been attacked with a machete on Monday. Kathleen Norwood, 33, of Colne Road, Brierfield, is charged with causing grievous boldily harm with intent and possessing an
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RUGBY UNION: Hoppers keep survival hopes alive
HOPPERS secured two invaluable league points with this hard earned win over Darlington. Torrential rain created areas of standing water and both sides should be congratulated on some excellent rugby which brought each side three tries. Darlington went
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Solution to fumes row?
A ROW over emissions from a factory in Colne could be a step closer to being resolved. Residents around the Colne Anodising factory, in Garden Street, Waterside, have complained about the emissions, saying they hang in the air, vary in colour and obscure
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Phone mast objections
MORE than 70 residents in Prestwich are saying "no" to O2. The mobile phone company wants to erect a 12.5 metre telecommunications column on the pavement outside the Park Hotel. But householders in Lowther Road, Gale Road and Scott Road claim the equipment
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Cynicism is misplaced
YOUR Citizen Smith editorial last week accused Labour of spinning a 'mega-increase' to later reduce the tax to a nine per cent rise and blame the MBI. Your admitted cynicism is misplaced. The budget is done with three-year projections and on February
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Home at last
FIXTURE chaos caused by re-arranged cup games and bad weather has thrown Lancaster City a bonus. The Dolly Blues were in the middle of a run of four straight away games against some of the top sides in the Unibond Premier Division - but now have an unexpected
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McGregor sounds win warning
MARK McGREGOR has warned that victory is vital against Gillingham tomorrow to kick-start a climb away from danger. The Clarets defender refuses to get carried along on the crest of a five game unbeaten run that has lifted spirits at Turf Moor. However
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Macca has plenty to shout about
THEY say it's good to talk. And right now, Mark McGregor is in no mood to stay silent. The quiet man of the Burnley back line has often had to bide his time, waiting in the wings for a chance to show fans why Stan Ternent brought him to Turf Moor. It's
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Mick looks to get off mark
NEW boss Mick Molloy takes his Nelson side to Blackpool Mechanics on Saturday still looking for his first win in charge. Nelson have drawn one and lost three games under Molloy's guidance but he is confident that the elusive victory is not too far away
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Haslingden on verge of comeback
HASLINGDEN are reforming and heading back to Ewood Bridge six years after the club folded. A new committee is in negotiation with the owner of the ground with a view to securing a lease for their return to competitive football next season. Haslingden
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Brent's re-union
BRENT Peters makes an emotional return to Glossop North End tomorrow but says sentiment counts for nothing as he aims to mastermind a Bacup Borough victory. Peters was in charge of the Surrey Street club in the 1990-91 season and guided them to the NWCL
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Magpies hand out detention
CHORLEY boss Mark Patterson wasn't concerned when he saw Leigh RMI running their hearts out at Victory Park on Tuesday night - after all, it was half an hour after the game had finished. Phil Starbuck, who succeeded Patterson as Leigh boss earlier this
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HIgh seas fun inspired John to create holiday CD.
AFTER 35 years of holidaying on the ocean waves, Radcliffe's John Heaton is sharing his cruising experiences. The former headteacher has been on no less than 27 cruises, stopping off to see the sights of many beautiful places, including Barbados, Mexico
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I was not on drugs, court told
A RADCLIFFE man who was arrested outside a Bury town centre nightclub denied he was on drugs when he appeared before the town's magistrates charged with public disorder. Darran Martin Bretherton, aged 24, of Outwood Road, Radcliffe, who admitted the charge
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Rethink or sink
WYRE councillors are under pressure to throw the Fleetwood to Knott End ferry a lifeline over plans to axe the ailing service. Dozens of people turned up to express concern over Cabinet plans to scrap the historic service during a meeting of the council's
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No danger claim gas store chiefs
'THERE'S no danger from explosions' insists Canatxx, the company wanting to store highly pressurised gas in salt caverns under the River Wyre -- but a growing number of residents are expressing their fears about the proposal. The American company has
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Island mystery
FOR a long time now I have been puzzled by what seems to be an island on the horizon looking across from Blackpool or Cleveleys prom. It was even more noticeable last summer with such good weather. But nothing on maps. Most people say it is the Isle of
