Archive
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Curtis chops down Forest
A WAYNE Curtis hat trick propelled Morecambe to their third win on the spin on Saturday - and gave them the perfect preparation for Tues-day's FA Marsden Trophy final second leg. The born again striker, making his third start since returning from a three
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Chadwick double is not enough for Clarets
BURNLEY reserves suffered a topsy-turvy game worthy of the first team in the 4-2 home defeat to Huddersfield. The Clarets found themselves 2-0 down early on, before fighting back to level things up by half-time. However, the Terriers bit back with two
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Legend dies
THE FORMER Blackpool schoolboy who went on to host the world's longest running speech radio programme has died at the age of 95. Prime Minister, Tony Blair, led the tributes to Alistair Cooke, who passed away at his New York home just four weeks after
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Journalist wants to be MP
A LONDON based journalist is bidding to be the next MP for Wyre. Anne Sacks, 49, has been selected as Labour candidate for the ultra-marginal Lancaster and Wyre seat, replacing current MP Hilton Dawson, who is standing down at the next election. Mrs Sacks
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Hands off!
THIEVES thinking of going back to school for some extra-curricular crime activities can think again, says Blackpool Borough Council. The council and Lancashire Police are supplying the town's schools with 'Smartwater' kits to improve security, in time
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Pervert jailed
A PAEDOPHILE has started a nine year jail sentence this week after pleading guilty to "systematically" abusing two Fylde schoolboys over an 18-month period. Robert Smith, 48, formerly of Redcar Road, Blackpool, was sentenced to nine years in prison following
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Supporting cancer patients by phone
BREAST cancer patients are being invited to attend a 'telephone clinic' for their after-care as part of a research study. Instead of attending an outpatients' clinic at Blackpool Victoria Hospital for routine check-ups after completing treatment, study
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Nuts about new look
A GIANT coconut will soon be drenching swimmers with 600 gallons of water as the first part of Blackpool's new look Sandcastle Waterworld takes shape. The Caribbean pirate style tree is the first of its kind in the country, and a team of experts from
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Wilkinson secures point
BACUP BOROUGH ...1 WOODLEY SPORTS ...1 BACUP Borough got a well-earned point against league leaders Woodley Sports. The high flying visitors had the better of the early exchanges but Bacup goalkeeper David Felgate was more than a match for them. It was
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City backs smoke free project
THE curtain may be about to come down on smokers who light up in public in Lancaster. Lancaster City Council is throwing its weight behind a national no-smoking initiative by backing the 'Smoke Free North West' project. It aims to increase the number
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More to enjoy at literature festival
EXTRA events have been added to the annual Leigh Literature Festival. The Words '04 festival, which runs from April 14 to 17, will hear a radio play called Centenary Street, written and performed by pupils from Sacred Heart Primary School, Leigh. The
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Hannah helps England to team gold
SCHOOLS' athletics star Hannah Warburton has crowned a sparkling cross-country season winning an England team gold medal. For the 13-years-old Bedford High School pupil and Leigh Harrier Saturday was a day to remember when she pulled on her first international
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'I was robbed' claims Amarpal
OLYMPIC hopeful and Taekwondo star Amarpal Singh collected a silver medal in the Scottish Cup at the weekend -- and claimed he was robbed of gold. Representing England the heavyweight Tyldesley champion was stunned when his final was stopped in the first
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Rangers' French connection
A PARTY of French rugby players have been enjoying Leigh's generous hospitality on their Easter tour. Leigh Miners Rangers junior section, hosting the fourth bi-annual tour from their French counterparts Ville Francye de Rouergue, have organised trips
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Pledge to help firm expand
COUNCIL chiefs have pledged to help an expanding Radcliffe company ease its "growing pains." They are working with flooring manufacturers James Halstead plc in a bid to identify a suitable site to allow the company to extend and to create up to 60 new
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Life for murder trio
A RADCLIFFE man started a life sentence on Wednesday after being part of a gang who murdered a young father with a Samurai sword. Stephen Goodwin (22), of Bright Street, together with friends Nathaniel Clarke-Collins (19), of Moyse Avenue, Bury, and John
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Pledge to help firm expand
COUNCIL chiefs have pledged to help an expanding Radcliffe company ease its "growing pains". They are working with flooring manufacturers James Halstead plc in a bid to find a suitable site to allow the company to extend and create up to 60 jobs. Last
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More play, please, inspectors asked
PUPILS at a Darwen primary school told Ofsted inspectors there was only one thing that their school could do better -- have longer playtimes. St Edward's RC Primary School, Darwen, was inspected by the education watchdog in December and told that the
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Hospice's new boss looks for recruits
A REVIEW of Rossendale Hospice is set to take place following the retirement of its founder Dorothy Mitchell. The new chairman of the Rawtenstall-based hospice, Christine Durkin, is undertaking a review of the structure and members of the board of trustees
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Sex horror ordeal of schoolgirl, 9
A NINE-YEAR-OLD girl was subjected to a sexual ordeal at the hands of two boys as she walked home from school, a court was told. Magistrates were told that the girl's brother was punched and told he would be stabbed if he interfered as the boys, aged
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Burglar 'could be turning over a new leaf'
A PUB raider - part of a gang who sneaked cash from behind the bar - kept his freedom after a judge said he could be turning over a new leaf. Burnley Crown Court heard how Scott Fallon, 31, had more than 60 previous convictions, but had recently been
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Bin system review vow
CAMPAIGNERS for cleaner streets in Rossendale have been assured council action is under way. Residents have been calling for a more frequent refuse collection service after changes to the system. Now campaigners Jackie and Graham Oakes, who have had discussions
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Cards on the table
PRO-GAMBLING MP Janet Anderson hopes to see casinos in East Lancashire as a result of the relaxation of gambling laws. At the moment, punters who wish to go to the gaming tables have to travel to Manchester or Blackpool to indulge their passion for roulette
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Shed blaze
FIREFIGHTERS fought a shed blaze on allotments at Shakerley Road, Tyldesley for 20 minutes on Tuesday night.
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School's flodlit pitch plan
ST Mary's RC High School, Astley, will have a new multi-use all weather pitch, with fencing and floodlights if plans before Wigan Council are given the go-ahead.
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Email protest case dropped
MAGISTRATES allowed an animal rights protester to walk free following allegations she launched an email harassment campaign against chemical company bosses. Linda Furness, 54, of Margate, Kent, appeared at Fleetwood Magistrates Court charged with harassing
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A fine mess!
A ST ANNES man was fined £1,650 after pleading guilty to a string of offences relating to asbestos disposal. David Moxon Helm, of Bowland Place, St Annes, was also ordered by Blackpool Magistrates' Court to pay costs of £994.13 to the Environment Agency
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Step off the gas!
WYRE Council could be set to join the fight against controversial gas storage proposals after a damning report from its head of planning. Members of the council's planning committee meet next Monday to discuss its response to an application from American
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Banned driver at wheel
A MAN was caught driving while disqualified, a court heard. Omar Amin, a 19-year-old Kurdish-speaking Iraqi asylum seeker, of Wolsey Street, Radcliffe, admitted driving in Bury Road, Radcliffe, while disqualified and without insurance. Bury magistrates
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Family's net bid to help charity
A Fylde family are desperately auctioning their prized possessions on ebay after failing to find a sponsor for a transatlantic charity get-together. Judy, and Bill Green, of Sandhills Avenue, South Shore, are advertising dozens of items in a bid to fund
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Reinventing Radcliffe: still time
RESIDENTS in Radcliffe still have time to give their opinions on the future of the town. Comments need to be with Bury Council about the Reinventing Radcliffe scheme by April 16. These will then be passed onto independent consultants Urbed. Views or ideas
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Anger over post office closures
MORE than a quarter of urban post offices across Blackpool, Fleetwood and the Fylde are set to close in the latest round of cuts. A six-week consultation period has been launched to examine the future of 13 post offices in the area, with Post Office bosses
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Round one for gas opponents
CAMPAIGNERS against gas caverns under the River Wyre say they're 'absolutely delighted' Wyre Borough Council has backed their fight with a 'vote for common sense'. Wyre's planning committee voted unanimously, in front of a large public turnout at Fleetwood's
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Tat ban is a 'gimmick'
IT'S been all over the national media, and caused a storm locally, but a reported 'ban' on tat on Blackpool Prom doesn't exist, says a baffled trader. "Tasteless and offensive items for sale on Blackpool's famous sea front are to be outlawed under a new
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Easter bonanza at fair
THE biggest Easter Fair in the North West returns to Blackburn today. Mayor of Blackburn Michael Barrett will welcome hundreds of disabled and disadvantaged children to the event held in Witton Country Park. Visitors can enjoy themes rides and other entertainments
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Drugs man caught in the act
A YOUNG Blackburn man who agreed to act as a drugs courier, only to be caught in the act, has paid the penalty with two and-a half-years detention. Mubarak Patel had a haul of cocaine and heroin which would have brought at least £9,000 on the streets.
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Capital gains for Thwaites come at a Mayfair price
THE glamorous and exclusive district of London may seem a world away from the modest towns of East Lancashire. But Blackburn brewery Daniel Thwaites is gaining a foothold in some of the most expensive real estate in the world. Thwaites Plc has splashed
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Backlash over Beacon status
THE backlash against a borough's education's chief continued today despite the announcement his council had received national recognition for standards in schools. Tory councillors have demanded the resignation of executive member for education and lifelong
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DON'T let our season die!
That's the rousing message from defiant Accrington Stanley manager John Coleman as the Reds prepare for the third of a run of five matches in 10 days. Coleman was disappointed to see his side lose out to Morecambe in the Lancashire FA Marsden Trophy final
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Listen or be booted out!
AS THOUSANDS of copies of "Wyre Voice" drop through letterboxes in Wyre, Cllr Geoff Horrocks, Leader of the Wyre Labour Group reacted with horror. What a sham. The Leader of Wyre Council Alan Vincent has the cheek to say that they have listened to what
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Teachers get their sums right - in Oz
A GROUP of teachers are off Down Under to check out the Australian approach to mathematics. Ten of them and three numeracy consultants are off to Melbourne where they will visit 12 primary schools, looking at the city's approach to children's 'thinking
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Pensioner conned on her doorstep
A GOLBORNE pensioner is kicking herself after being conned by a doorstep salesman. A pity someone isn't booting the cowboys who robbed her of her savings. She was impressed by the Irish brogue of the smart salesman and by the number of new, flashy, signwritten
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'Pensioners punished'
NOTHING comes cheap these days. Though pensions and poor salaries continue to rise at the rate of low inflation, businesses -- and councils -- think nothing of slapping huge increases on the cost of their services. Leigh pensioner Albert Barker has written
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Reports that raised a smile
THEY say everyone has a book inside them. Well mine must still be there. However, I have been honoured to be credited in the acknowledgements in two, one for being the fool who typed it up, and the latest by Atherton sportswriter John Bullen, who has
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Turley cuts down Woods
Chorley Lynx 10 Leigh Centurions 78 by Mike Hulme: NEIL Turley has wiped the name of John Woods from Leigh's record books. The Centurions' current scoring sensation replaced his childhood idol as the holder of the most points in a match record with an
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Gone for a Burton...
Leigh RMI 0, Burton 1: LEIGH RMI's fifth defeat in six games consigned them to almost certain relegation, but manager Phil Starbuck is already looking ahead to a bright new future. The RMI boss has had to contend with the legacy of the squad he was given
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EVENTS in East Lancashire and surrounding areas on Friday, April 9, 2004.
A LOOK at events, from amateur theatre to rambles through our beautiful countryside. DJ Semple, The Work's, Burnley. After School Club (ages four-11 year-olds), Burnley Boys's Club, 3pm-6pm. Victorian Industrial Landscape, The Weavers Triangle, Burnley
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Camera cash has to stay in county
SUGGESTIONS that money raised by speed cameras is not in fact spent on roads or road safety have been around for quite a while. It has long been suspected that the cash went straight into the coffers of the Treasury. And as the amount coming in has risen
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Leigh RUFC ixtures for Saturday
1st XV: Pool at home, meet at 1.00 pm. 2nd XV: Pool at home, meet at 1.30 pm. 3rd XV: Pool away, meet at 1.30 pm. Tofts: Moore at home, meet at 1.45pm. Vets: Pool away, meet at 1.30 pm. Leigh 1st XV 20 Vagabonds 13
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Epic has a 'wide' appeal
ACCORDING to the hype it was a film that would turn nation against nation because of its graphic depictions of horrific violence towards Jesus. Mel Gibson's The Passion Of The Christ arrived in the UK from a US baptism of fire, trailing accusations of
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When jukeboxes outraged town's morals
IT was great to see the report (February 27) regarding the revival of the former Express Milk Bar, Market Street, Darwen along with the 1950s image and the rock 'n' roll music of that era. There will be happy nostalgic memories for the many folk who frequented
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Worried over homes revamp
I READ about the£103million being spent in Blackburn, but would like to know when the council/Twin Valley remodel, demolish and renovate homes in the Ashworth Street estate. Where the people moved out of the homes going to move to? Last year I got to
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Council should not put cash first
I WOULD like to applaud MP Nigel Evans who has called for the suspension of the 'What Now' Youth Advice line, until the council commits to implementing all the recommendations put forward by an independent team. Martin Tibbet, now 21, was jailed last
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Lease delay caused by council
I WRITE about the article (LET, April 2) concerning Tockholes Village Hall which seems to suggest that the expected failure of the application for a grant to renovate the kitchen at the hall is the fault of the United Reformed Church ('The Chapel'). This
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Amo set for Rovers comeback
LORENZO Amoruso could make a return to first team action for Blackburn's critical Easter programme. Rovers boss Graeme Souness has revealed that he intends to include the Italian defender in the squad for Saturday's home game with Leeds United, who lie
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Fighting against closures
A CAMPAIGN has been launched to fight a proposal to close five post offices in Preston. The planned closures unclude all three post offices in the Riversway ward at Wellington Road, Water Lane and Fishergate Hill. Post Office Limited say the closures
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Fly the flag for charity
A CHARITY flag dancing troupe is appealing for sponsors to help its 25th birthday celebrations go with a bang. The Avengers group and cadets, based at St David's Church Hall, Eldon Street, Penwortham, plan to mark the special occasion with a reunion of
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Full monty Phil's no little weed
A GREEN-FINGERED gardener can help cover up those bare patches in your garden providing you let him strip off first. As The Naked Gardener, Phil Davies, of Shelley Road, Ashton, Preston, says business is bloomin' great since he started gardening in the
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WW2 veterans prepare for sentimental visits
SECOND World War veterans will return for a nostalgic visit to the action zones of 60 years ago. And Leigh Royal British Legion branch President Jan Thomas is reminded the heroes that the branch is hoping to arrange for group visits to commemorate the
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Schools plan 'heartache' fear
A BURNLEY councillor has claimed that plans to demolish high schools in Burnley and build five new super schools could cause "heartache" for parents. The proposed closure of all the borough's secondary schools, plus three in south Pendle, to make way
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Beware of card scam
CASH point users are being warned about a card-cloning scam as thieves fit hi-tech devices to supermarket machines. Police have raised the alarm after automatic teller machines (ATMs) were targeted at two Morecambe supermarkets. A sophisticated device
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What's in a name?
EFFORTS to breathe new life into an historic Morecambe theatre pro-mise to take a leap forward with the change of a name. The Friends of the Winter Gardens in Morecambe have voted to change their status to a trust in a bid to secure cash to help preserve
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Labour selects journalist Anne
A JOURNALIST who has worked on various national newspapers is vying to become the local Labour MP at the next General Election. Lancaster and Wyre Constituency Labour Party selected Anne Sacks, pictured, to be its prospective parliamentary candidate at
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College in cash crisis
DEBTS of £2.7 million face Lancaster and Morecambe College, which has announced plans to axe 42 jobs and sell off buildings as part of a 'recovery' bid. College principal David Wood dealt the blow to staff last Friday - now unions are in talks about redundancy
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Speedway hotbeds
DID you know that Burnley and Whalley were once hotbeds of speedway? After hitting our shores in the end of the 1920s, these 'no-ordinary' motorcycle races flourished in East Lancashire and, seemingly, in some unexpected places. The history of the shale
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50 years ago
BLACKBURN West MP Ralph Assheton called for an urgent review of Government spending. The MP criticised the spending machine in a Commons budget debate and warned the out-of-control Government would lead the the country to collapse. And Blackburn bishop
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25 years ago
SCHOOLS in Blackburn faced closure over a severe cutback in heating fuel supplies, which meant it was too cold for the kids to study. And film fans in Rossendale campaigned against a council proposal to ban films featuring sex and violence in local cinema
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Simon starts spooky strolls
EASTER Sunday will see the launch of Accrington's very first town centre ghost walk. Tour guide Simon Entwistle will be dressed in Victorian costume as he describes Accrington's supernatural side in a one-hour stroll. The walk will recall the town's heroes
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EastEnders 'intruder' was boxer
AN Accrington man who allegedly broke into the set of TV soap EastEnders and confronted actor Shane Richie is a former professional boxer, it has been revealed. Raymond Taylor, whose age was given in court as 33, and of Cedar Street, Accrington, was due
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Stanley shirt sponsor deal nearly settled
ACCRINGTON Stanley could announce a new shirt-sponsorship deal early next week. Negotiations are under way between the club and at least two interested businesses, since Stanley and Hyndburn Council ended a £45,000 three-year sponsorship deal last week
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Job losses and junket spark off angry row
JOB losses at Hyndburn Council, as borough chiefs plan a 30th anniversary party, has sparked a row between Tory and Labour councillors. The Conservative cabinet is reducing costs by 15 per cent across all services this year, to address its £1.8 million
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Police launch arson probes
FIREFIGHTERS fought two suspected arson fires in Leigh and Astley earlier this week. The bedroom of a flat at Bright Street, Leigh was left badly damaged by smoke in the early hours of Saturday morning after a suspected arsonist set fire to a bedside
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£2.6m 'creamed off' speed fines
A LABOUR MP today slammed the Government after discovering Chancellor Gordon Brown creamed off more than £2.6million from speeding Lancashire motorists last year. Hyndburn MP Greg Pope said he was shocked that the Treasury was making so much money from
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Teachers get their sums right - in Oz
A GROUP of teachers are off Down Under to check out the Australian approach to mathematics. Ten of them and three numeracy consultants are off to Melbourne where they will visit 12 primary schools, looking at the city's approach to children's 'thinking
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WW2 veterans prepare for sentimental visits
SECOND World War veterans will return for a nostalgic visit to the action zones of 60 years ago. And Leigh Royal British Legion branch President Jan Thomas is reminded the heroes that the branch is hoping to arrange for group visits to commemorate the
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Downgrade fears after council appeal
HYNDBURN Council has appealed against its annual inspection results - prompting fears it has been downgraded in the wake of its £1.8million cash crisis. Today council leader Peter Britcliffe said he was unable to reveal the decision he is appealing against
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Prayer vigil comes to an end
A LEIGH church's second successful 24-7 prayer vigil draws to an end on Good Friday. Since April 1 hundreds of parishioners from throughout the town have headed for Christ Church, Pennington, to take part in the nine day marathon to pray for the town
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Rangers' French connection
A PARTY of French rugby players have been enjoying Leigh's generous hospitality on their Easter tour. Leigh Miners Rangers junior section, hosting the fourth bi-annual tour from their French counterparts Ville Francye de Rouergue, have organised trips
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Pledge to help firm expand
COUNCIL chiefs have pledged to help an expanding Radcliffe company ease its "growing pains". They are working with flooring manufacturers James Halstead plc in a bid to find a suitable site to allow the company to extend and create up to 60 jobs. Last
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Screwdriver gang in car threat attack
POLICE are hunting a gang who threatened a 68-year-old man with screwdrivers before stealing a high-powered sports car. Three men, all wearing balaclavas, dragged the man out of his car on Hilton Lane, Prestwich, at 10.25pm on Wednesday before driving
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Cops and cabs in harmony
I WISH to publicly thank the police who were on duty outside Liquid and Toast night clubs in Lancaster last Saturday night for the professionalism with which they marshalled revellers. With them in attendance there was not the usual human barrier on the
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Support is good news for Europe
IT IS good news that all 25 governments of Europe now seem united in supporting the draft EU constitution. It is not a perfect document but it's a great deal better than the existing treaties. The constitution will end the secrecy behind which key decisions
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CND should stay at home
HAS anyone ever wondered what CND is really up to? For reasons known only to themselves, 'peace protest-ors' from Lancaster and District CND are once again planning to march on Menwith Hill to protest about the US presence. Since the anti-war brigade
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New season coming up fast...
TRAINING for the new rugby league summer season began at Lancaster City's Giant Axe ground last night (Wednesday). Head coach Kevin McGuffog began running the rule over his squad which will kicks off against local rivals Blackpool over the May Day bank
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No joy for Phil and Andy
THERE were mixed fortunes for local crews at the SMC Stages Rally in association with Alsecure Group at Weeton Camp. Andy Helm should have been sitting alongside Keith Taylor in the Subaru but gearbox problems meant they were unable to compete - and so
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EVENTS in East Lancashire and surrounding areas on Thursday, April 8, 2004.
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 each month. Senior Citizens Group, Burnley Boys Club, 1pm. Beginners
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Who is best of the modern era?
ARSENAL have lost the Treble, but are they still the finest English team ever? And which of their players would make a Best Ever team from the last 25 years? Columnist Neil Bonnar has selected his best ever team compilation. It will annoy you, or intrigue
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BAE jobs axed
ONE thousand aerospace jobs are to be axed in Lancashire, it was announced today. BAE Systems announced the huge blow to workers at its two sites in Warton and Samlesbury sites at 9.30am. BAE currently employs more than 8,000 people in Lancashire with
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Hospitals' £80,000 missing laundry
THIEVING and absent-minded patients are costing health bosses £80,000 a year -- by taking home blankets, bedsheets and nighties when they leave hospital. East Lancashire Hospitals Trust, which is £6.1million in the red, revealed the annual bill was the
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Confident Centurions target two wins in four days
TWO games in four days will fully test the depth of Leigh Centurions' senior squad. The Easter double of Halifax in the Arriva Trains on Good Friday and then the start of the National League One programme at Whitehaven on Monday could hardly be any tougher
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No pain no gain for hairless bookie
THE odds a bookie would not turn up to have his legs waxed for charity were not in his favour after his nerves almost got the better of him. Bookmaker Danny Hacking, manager of Ladbrokes, Blackpool Road, Ashton, pledged to have the hairs on his legs stripped
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Adults warned over buying booze for kids
LEYLAND police are getting tough on people who buy alcohol for children. As part of Operation Carrier Bag, officers are calling on traders to support the crackdown. Miles Watson, manager of Bannister Drive Stores, Leyland, has his own reasons for supporting
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Register now for Euro poll
TIME is running out for people to register to vote in European elections in June. Moves to modernise voting mean that an all-postal ballot will be used for the June 10 poll. Lancaster's deputy returning officer Roger Muckle says: "This is a wonderful
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Bay beach raises its standard
A FLAG will be flying high to celebrate Morecambe scooping a prestigious award for having top-notch facilities, clean sands and water. The resort's South Beach has won its first Seaside Award - recognising that it has stepped up water safety, cleaned
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New kit gives bobbies a 'dab' at trapping offenders
FINGERPRINT checks will be carried out on the streets of Lancaster and Morecambe from later this month. Police officers will be armed with mini inkpads and consent forms to use when dealing with incidents such as disorder and motoring offences. The aim
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Petition to halt 'rat run' goes to council
AN APPEAL for Pendle Council to clamp down on a rat run before "some young child is killed" has come from a group of residents. At a meeting of the Nelson Committee. David Foster, chairman of the Cloverhill Residents' Action Group, presented a petition
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Late funding saves town charity
PARENTS of disabled children in Brierfield are celebrating after a charity was saved from closure by last minute funding. Caring Today, based in the town's community centre, supports 36 families from Nelson and Brierfield who have children aged between
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Man who preyed on pensioners locked up
A CONMAN who preyed on East Lancashire pensioners in their own homes in a three-month post-Christmas crime spree has been jailed for five years. Drug addict and ex-convict Lee Howarth, 35, duped his way into 11 houses to steal cash and belongings and
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What's On - and where - this Easter
STUCK for ideas of where to go this Easter weekend? We have assembled a number of easy to find links, many from our popular leisure pages, to give you some help. Simply click on the links - and away you go! Click on these links to find What's On around
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Union fights for better deal as 105 jobs go
A RADCLIFFE textile factory is set to shut in June with the loss of 105 jobs. And the closure of Unifi Dyed Yarns will be another nail in the coffin for the town's dwindling manufacturing industry. The company, whose headquarters are in the USA, blame
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Postal voting for first time
VOTERS will elect councillors and Euro MPs by post this summer. The decision was finally made after a game of political ping-pong between the House of Commons and the House of Lords over the scale of postal voting trials. It means that polling stations
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Closure plan a shock
AS LOCAL residents, we are both shocked and disappointed at the plan to close Torrisholme Post Office. It is hard to understand such a decision when the 'shop' is situated in the centre of the village, adjacent to other shops and easily accessible on
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We did nothing wrong
I FEEL I must object to the headline used on the front page of last week's Citizen. A dead whale being washed up is an extremely rare occurrence. Our City Contract Services team were asked, by the coastguard, to remove the whale. We did so in good faith
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Who makes these decisions?
I LIVE in the West End of Morecambe and I have to say there are certain things that annoy me and make me wonder who makes decisions at the Town Hall. For instance - The steps that take you to Sandylands pool on the beach have had a new hand rail attached
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Jones goal prolongs Clues winning streak
A SINGLE Steve Jones strike was enough to keep Lancaster City's impressive end-of-season run going at the Giant Axe on Saturday. The 1-0 victory made it four in a row for the Dolly Blues - and eight wins in the last 10 games. But this was a below par
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Wood to step it up for Clarets
NEIL Wood feels he is ready to take his game to a higher level and help Burnley survive. The on-loan Manchester United midfielder admits he has struggled at times with the frantic pace of the First Division relegation scrap. But Wood is looking forward
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Solar so good
A GROUNDBREAKING environmental project in Blackpool has been boosted with a £132,000 Government grant. Work is nearing completion on the new Solaris environment centre at the former Harrowside Solarium, and the Energy Saving Trust's grant will pay for
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Disaster cops jet to China
POLICE from Lancaster are jetting off to China in a bid to identity more victims of the Morecambe Bay cockling disaster. Det Chf Insp Steve Brunskill is leading a team of eight officers and an interpreter to the Far East to meet relatives of people believed
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Six of the best for Reds
COLNE ...6 OLDHAM TOWN ...2 COLNE took another step towards the North West Counties Division Two championship by demolishing a sharp Oldham outfit at Holt House. On a heavy playing surface the home side looked the more likely scorers in the first 10 minutes
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A&T nets
OUTDOOR training starts for junior players of Astley and Tyldesley CC on Wednesday, April 14 at 6pm. After the nets, players and parents are invited to meet the club's new professional, Andrew Richardson. There will also be an opportunity to sign on,
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Daniel leaps to final level
TALENTED trampolinist Daniel Greaves is bouncing his way to the top and is now poised to take on the best of British. The 11-year-old, of Pownall Street, Leigh, took part in his first national event in Belfast, Northern Ireland last weekend and qualified
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Union fights for better deal as 105 jobs go
A RADCLIFFE textile factory is set to shut in June with the loss of 105 jobs. And the closure of Unifi Dyed Yarns will be another nail in the coffin for the town's dwindling manufacturing industry. The company, whose headquarters are in the USA, blame
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Rookies aim to be life savers
YOUNG swimmers, eager to learn new lifesaving skills, met their instructors Colin Kerron and Dorothy Lord at the start of a new Rookie Lifeguard course. The course, at Marl Pits, Rawtenstall, offers the youngsters an insight into the lifeguards' world
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MP backs parking charges plan
MP Janet Anderson has backed controversial proposals by Rossendale Council to start charging for town centre parking in Rawtenstall - although she is urging concessions for workers. The plan has caused uproar with many people objecting to having to pay
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Samurai sword killers jailed for life
THREE men who stabbed a young Ramsbottom father to death with a samurai sword have been jailed for life. Sentencing the men yesterday, Judge Clement Goldstone QC said John Watt and Stephen Goodwin, both 22, and Nathaniel Clarke-Collins, 19, had been involved
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Hurled glass scarred pub teenager for life
AN "innocent teenager" was left disfigured after an angry man threw a pint glass in a crowded Rawtenstall pub. Burnley Crown Court heard the 17-year-old had to have 15 stitches and was scarred for life after being hit full in the face by the glass at
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It was lucky timing, says shy hero
A MAN who rescued a girl from a burning house after climbing out of a window on to the roof today played down his actions, saying anyone in the same situation would do the same. Hero Andrew Lynch was returning home from an evening out at around 11.30pm
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Books wanted
A JOURNAL reader is asking for help to trace two books written by author Richard Ridyard. The books are called 'Lowton:A Bygone era' and 'Memories of Lowton.' If anyone can help contact Mrs A Booth on 0161 797 7721.
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Kitchen blaze
A MAN in his 40's refused hospital treatment after a fire at his Tyldesley home. The kitchen and its contents, on Astley Street, were damaged and the whole house damaged by smoke after the fire, which happened at 11.40pm on Wednesday. Fire crews administered
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What's On - and where - this Easter
STUCK for ideas of where to go this Easter weekend? We have assembled a number of easy to find links, many from our popular leisure pages, to give you some help. Simply click on the links - and away you go! Click on these links to find What's On around
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Man found dead with knife wound
A 64-YEAR-OLD man was found dead in his house by police who were alerted by worried neighbours. The man, who has not been named, was found at about 10.30am yesterday with a knife wound police believe to be self inflicted. Police said there were other
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Brigade's tender tribute
A FORMER firefighter was honoured by colleagues and friends at his funeral service. George Thomas' coffin was carried through Blackburn in a ceremony usually reserved for serving officers. The grandfather, who died in March at the age of 88 after battling
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'Ex-drugs den' sold
A PROMINENT town centre pub, labelled in the past as a drugs den, has been sold after being boarded up for eight months. The Swan Hotel, in Astley Gate, Blackburn, has been sold by its owners, Birmingham-based Enterprise Inns. Anxious nearby pub traders
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Hospitals' £80,000 missing laundry
THIEVING and absent-minded patients are costing health bosses £80,000 a year -- by taking home blankets, bedsheets and nighties when they leave hospital. East Lancashire Hospitals Trust, which is £6.1million in the red, revealed the annual bill was the
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It's Easter - so it must be DIY time
EASTER is upon us already. How the year has flown. I can state for a fact that my neighbour will come out of hibernation to plant his annual crop of potatoes on Good Friday. He does so every year whether the day dawns early or late. And weather being
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Town triumph
BOOTHSTOWN U12s continue to travel well in the Timperly League with another victory over Wythenshawe Amateurs. First half goals from Matty Hill and Danny Lyle sealed the win. The Boothstown defence came under some second half pressure but the back three
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Goldline glory again for LR
Atherton LR 4 Blackrod Town 1 by Mike Whalley: ATHERTON LR came back from a goal down to make Goldline Trophy history at the Reebok Stadium on Thursday night. Goals from Wayne Jopson, Ben Obong, Steve Cunningham and Chris Curley ensured that the 1998
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Landlords support street booze ban
LICENCEES from the Tyldesley Pub Watch scheme are celebrating a booze ban! Pub and club landlords and managers are backing the new ruling which makes it an offence to drink alcohol on the town's streets with a Safe Weekend over Easter. The pub watch scheme
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If only we had Zidane
IT'S always disappointing when you feel you have played well against the top teams, scored three and still get beat. We have suffered quite a few blows like that this season though, and you just have to take it and move on. The goals in the 'for' column
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Lancaster is bombed out by Starbuck
MARTYN Lancaster is the first casualty of Leigh RMI's mass end of season shake-up - whether the club are relegated or not. The central defender, who joined the club 15 months ago from Chester City, will be released at the end of the season as manager
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Yorke on stroll as Rovers lose
A PHONE call to his native Trinidad might be the only way Dwight Yorke can seek solace at the moment. The beleaguered Rovers striker should try to make contact with best pal Brian Lara as soon as possible to convince him he's not the only one going through
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Farmer given six weeks to leave
A 78-YEAR-old Preston farmer has been given six weeks to quit the farm he has called home for more than 40 years, after a High Court ruling. Joseph Taylor has lived and worked at Pollards Farm, Howick Cross Lane, Penwortham, since 1962. But Lancashire
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Tragic message behind flowers
A SYMBOLIC wreath -- shaped in the number 91 -- lies in the memorial garden of Preston Cemetery. It's a poignant reminder of people who have died or been seriously injured in accidents on Lancashire's roads last year. This week health chiefs and other
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Old Pals corner
DAVID Rowbottom who lived in Leigh until 1965 would like to hear from anyone who remembers him -- especially neighbour Ian Snape --from the days when he lived on St Helens Road and attended secondary school in Windmere Road. He's at ironical@blueyonder.co.uk
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Second fir attack at chapel
ARSONISTS have targeted Westgate Cemetery Chapel for the second time in two weeks. Two fire crews were called to the scene shortly before 11pm on Sunday after local residents spotted a blaze inside the chapel and tried to tackle it. Morecambe Fire's watch
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Meet the bobby in the lobby...
POP in and see the 'bobby in the lobby' is the message from a Morecambe beat boss. Community police beat manager Neil Pigott (pictured) wants resort people to take their worries to him at regular meetings in the Arndale Centre. He plans to hold a police
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Police hunt sex attacker
A SCHOOLGIRL was dragged into a dark corner of an industrial estate and sexually assaulted. Police are appealing for witnesses to help catch the culprit before he strikes again. The attack happened between 9.30pm and 10.15pm last Thursday. Shortly before
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Man was 'stooge' in cloned credit card fiddle
A 39-YEAR-OLD man who moved to East Lancashire from London to make a fresh start ended up being used as the "stooge" in a credit card fiddle. Blackburn magistrates heard that David Jonathon Johnson succumbed to temptation when he was offered the opportunity
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Hoppers relegated after defeat
ANY hopes Hoppers may have had of pulling off a shock victory to give them a chance of avoiding relegation were soon extinguished. Hoppers had to face a strong wind at the start but it was a dreadful defensive error which allowed the visitors to take
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Lewis faces second op
WING wizard Eddie Lewis is facing a second operation as he battles to overcome the hernia injury which has wrecked his season. Reports that the American international could be about to make a shock return to the first team before the end of this term
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Mill shop moves to new site
A MILL shop was today on the move from its Trawden base to a new site in Colne. Hollin Hall Craft and sewing centre, formerly based at Hollin Hall Mill, Trawden, will become the Empress Centre at its new home in Glen Mill, North Valley Road. The custom-built
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Give us space
A GROUP of campaigning youngsters from a Colne housing estate is to give a presentation to local politicians to get support for its project. The North Valley Sports Group was set up by young people on the estate who were fed up of the lack of facilities
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Rolls order secures plants' future
BOSSES at Rolls-Royce in Barnoldswick today said the future of the town's two plants were secured after the giant firm landed a share of a $100billion jet engine programme. That is the value the company has placed for the engines to power Boeing's new
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10 years ago
SNEAK thieves raided the Railway Hotel, in Hapton, just hours after a fire gutted parts of the building, taking advantage of a smashed bathroom window to get in, and stole cash and cigarettes. Meanwhile, protesting residents organised a "rally for the
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What's On - and where - this Easter
STUCK for ideas of where to go this Easter weekend? We have assembled a number of easy to find links, many from our popular leisure pages, to give you some help. Simply click on the links - and away you go! Click on these links to find What's On around
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Janet really is the business
GREAT Harwood-born Janet Entwistle is celebrating a 'champagne moment' after being named as one of Britain's top business women. The former Clitheroe Royal Grammar School for Girls pupil is on a shortlist of just five for the prestigious Veuve Clicquot
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Extra funding for council homes
MP Andy Burnham has welcomed news that the borough's council homes are to receive a second major cash boost. The Government confirmed that a further £79 million is to be made available to Wigan & Leigh Homes in the next two financial years to bring
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MP adds support to new dads' rights
ANDY Burnham has thrown his weight of support behind new calls for better paternity rights for dads. The Leigh MP, who has two young children, believes that new fathers should be allowed to have up to six months paid paternity leave. At present, dads
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Do something for lab animals
I AM writing to let people in Lancaster and Morecambe know it will be World Lab Animal Week from April 24 to 30 - with world lab animal day falling on Saturday, April 24. So much unnecessary suffering is caused by experiments on animals, with literally
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BAE jobs axed
ONE thousand aerospace jobs are to be axed in Lancashire, it was announced today. BAE Systems announced the huge blow to workers at its two sites in Warton and Samlesbury sites at 9.30am. BAE currently employs more than 8,000 people in Lancashire with
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Voting fear sparks assembly meetings
MEETINGS to discuss regional government proposals are to be held across the Ribble Valley amid fears that people may vote for an end to their local council without realising it. Ribble Valley Council has announced plans for the meetings in the hope that
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Slack Vale well beaten
VALE were never at the races as league high-fliers Cleckheaton visisted Powder House Lane on Grand National day. The Yorkshiremen needed a win to secure home advantage in the end of season promotion play-offs and set about securing them from the word
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Manuel proves our Anglo-Franco links
THE interpreter to President Chirac of France is a Blackburn Rovers supporter. His grandfather, Cyril Tyson, played for Rovers in the 1930s - or so the interpreter told me. And, no, it's not a wind-up, it's true. If you met this man in any pub in Blackburn
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Shrimps supply silver service
MORECAMBE finally raised some silverware in what has been a disappointing season at Christie Park on Tuesday night - but not without a fight. It came in the 88th minute of a tense Lancashire FA Marsden Trophy final second leg against Accrington Stanley
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Mucking in to help air ambulance
LOTS of muck raised plenty of brass for the Blackpool-based North West Air Ambulance during a fund-raising event with a difference. Myerscough College mechanisation instructors Adam Eckersley, Steve Slater and Bret Walton held a 24-hour sponsored 'muckathon
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New coroner is announced
FORMER deputy coroner Anne Hind has been appointed Her Majesty's County Coroner for Blackpool and The Fylde District, Blackpool Borough Council has announced. Mrs Hind takes over the role which was held by the late Samuel George Lee, who died last October
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Fylde support groups to get charity advice (AUTHOR:Lori Hudsonlori.hudson@blackpoolcitizen.co.uk
A NATIONAL charity is targeting support groups and helplines across the Fylde coast in a bid to raise awareness of abuse among older people. Action on Elder Abuse are offering free training on how to identify and advise older people facing bullying, violence
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County champs
YOUNG runners blazed a trail to clinch first place in the Greater Manchester Primary cross-country championships. Tyldesley Garrett Hall pupil Laura Riches led the golden girls from 'Team Wigan' to a sensational victory in the team event. Laura came fourth
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Young Miners show courage
AN excellent display of courage and discipline gave Leigh Miners Rangers U11s a well deserved victory over St Cuthbert's. A determined start gave the Rangers the first try of the match as they powered through a strong Cuthbert's defence to create an overlap
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Miners dig deep
Leigh Miners Rangers 32 Oulton Raiders 22: LEIGH Miners Rangers moved a step closer to the play-offs with a determined win over gutsy Oulton Raiders to climb into fourth place in the Arriva Trains Conference League. After a tense first half the Leigh
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Golborne Bold-out!
GOLBORNE Parkside tasted the bitter side of the game on Saturday in the semi-final of the NWC Bowl when they went down to a narrow 17 -11 defeat to an unbeaten Bold Miners side. The rules of the competition for sides in Division Four and below allow teams
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Giant Vagabonds toppled
LEIGH RU first XV faced a giant Vagabonds pack who were brimming with confidence, having won their last three away fixtures. The big visitors forwards put Leigh under early pressure and took the lead with a penalty goal. Leigh opted for a five metre scrum
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Protests won't stop bin scheme
TOWN Hall bosses have pressed ahead with Phase Two of the controversial waste collection scheme despite protests from residents. They conceded that many householders are upset that their regular weekly collections have become fortnightly, and replaced
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Amo set for Rovers comeback
LORENZO Amoruso could make a return to first team action for Blackburn's critical Easter programme. Rovers boss Graeme Souness has revealed that he intends to include the Italian defender in the squad for Saturday's home game with Leeds United, who lie
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Wood to step it up for Clarets
NEIL Wood feels he is ready to take his game to a higher level and help Burnley survive. The on-loan Manchester United midfielder admits he has struggled at times with the frantic pace of the First Division relegation scrap. But Wood is looking forward
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Council pitches in to upgrade fields
FOOTBALL pitches in Darwen could undergo a half-a-million pound overhaul if a bid to the Football Foundation is successful. Blackburn with Darwen Council has asked the charity foundation, which is funded by the Premier League, FA and government, for cash
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Health plan for Hindley
A NEW medical centre will be built in Hindley if plans are given the green light. Yorkshire-based United Healthcare has applied to Wigan Council to build a two storey centre with parking for 61 cars after demolishing the former Station Tyres Ltd, Ladies
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Gospel 'king' concert
ONE of America's foremost gospel singers, Jessy Dixon, will be singing at the Lowton Churches United Services on Good Friday. Jessy, winner of several Grammy awards, is widely acclaimed as "King of Gospel" and is in the UK over the Easter weekend where
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Andrew's help trek to Nepal
FROM Bispham to Base Camp, a medical worker has told of his charity mission on a trek through Nepal. Andrew Humphreys, dished out plasters, syringes and other supplies bought by colleagues as he trekked from village to village in Nepal's mountainous Annapurna
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Gambling on?
BLACKPOOL Council's casino dream remains alive, despite fears raised by a committee of MPs over problem gambling. The Joint Committee on the Draft Gambling Bill reported yesterday (Wednesday) and gave a cautious welcome to plans for liberalised gaming
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Council didn't break the rules
BLACKPOOL Council has defended national newspaper claims that it traded in some of the world's most endangered species while in charge of the resort's zoo. The council have admitted buying two rare snake-eating Kea birds and a tree shrew from Belgian
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Bankers invest in school work
KIND-hearted bankers pitched in to help Blackburn with Darwen primary schools as part of a volunteer programme. Up to 60 Barclays staff swapped their desks and computers to wield spades, paint brushes and pruning shears to help five local schools improve
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Big council tax rise or cuts fear
COUNCIL tax bill could rise sharply again after this year's relatively low increases, according to a county council report. The report says council tax increases of 7.1 per cent in 2005 and 7.9 per cent in 2006 would be needed to fund Lancashire's spending
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Stanley shirt sponsor deal nearly settled
ACCRINGTON Stanley could announce a new shirt-sponsorship deal early next week. Negotiations are under way between the club and at least two interested businesses, since Stanley and Hyndburn Council ended a £45,000 three-year sponsorship deal last week
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Personal attack time... is there an election looming?
I SEE that Cleveleys Conservative, Mark Hamer is again descending to personal attacks (18th March Citizen). There must be a Government Election approaching! To put the records straight about my position on the Canatxx planning proposal, I have never said
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School's flodlit pitch plan
ST Mary's RC High School, Astley, will have a new multi-use all weather pitch, with fencing and floodlights if plans before Wigan Council are given the go-ahead.
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Shoppers' choice? Go to the Trafford Centre
IT'S no wonder that local shops are losing out to the out of town malls if Sharon Taylor's school trouser tale of woe is anything to go by. She recently wanted a pair of navy-blue school trousers for her daughter and came into Leigh. She found a shop
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Down Your Street...
BLACKPOOL - CELEBRATE this Easter weekend with the RSPCA Blackpool and North Lancs Branch at Churchill's, Topping Street. A fun-packed programme of entertainment starts with a singalong with Frankie and Brendan at 8pm tomorrow (Friday) followed at 10.15pm
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Late goal halts Colls
ATHERTON Colls were at home to Nantwich Town last Saturday hoping to make it three wins on the trot. An hour before the game Alder House was hit by a storm and the game only went ahead after a late inspection. The first half was a dour affair only highlighted
