Archive
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Nature Watch with Ron freethy
An alien threat to lakes ONCE the crowds have gone as summer gives way to autumn, I always spend time in the Lake District. One of my favourite birdwatching areas is at Rydal Water, which is situated on the main road between Ambleside and Grasmere. As
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Costly MPs ought to feel ashamed
I WAS pleased to note that our local MP Jack Straw was not in the list of the most costly MPs published in the newspapers. Those reported as being on the 'gravy train' and 'milking the taxpayer' should be ashamed of themselves and be made to justify their
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Opportunity for loyal teachers
I THINK that perhaps all the talk of teachers having to re-apply for their jobs may not be accurate. Perhaps some overly loyal teachers have not had the heart to leave before due to their loyalty, and finally see this as the get-out they have been looking
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Court told of osteopath's admission
AN osteopath accused of sexually assaulting male patients confided to a colleague that if they interviewed one particular patient he would be going to prison, a court was told. Steven Paine, who was an assistant to Stephen Milward at the practice in Atherton
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Man punched his girlfriend
A MAN who punched his girlfriend because she had deleted messages from her mobile phone was ordered to carry out community service by Bury magistrates. Lee McHugh, aged 33, of Athlone Avenue, Bury, had admitted assaulting Leanne Ford and causing damage
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'Gunman' outside children's centre
ARMED police cordoned off a Blackburn children's centre after staff reported seeing a man with a gun. The alarm was raised at Shadsworth Children's Centre - which provides a variety of activities for young families - yesterday lunchtime. Police blocked
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Man's knife charge shock
A BOLTON man could not understand why he was arrested for having a lock knife attached to his key ring, a court heard. Andrew Brown, aged 39, of Newby Drive, Bolton, was arrested in the Millgate area of Bury, for an unrelated matter when an officer in
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Burnley schools: The new mix
EDUCATION bosses are pushing ahead with plans to revamp secondary education in Burnley and Pendle after moving to ease fears over how places are allocated. Lancashire County Council has unveiled the plans it hopes will win approval from its cabinet next
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Red alert
BLACKBURN Rovers are banking on an upturn in form to bring the crowds flocking back to Ewood Park. A national survey has revealed Rovers as the Premiership club with the biggest drop in crowds so far this season, compared to the same fixtures last year
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Squad has to show will to survive
The Glenn Keeley column IF I could give one piece of advice to the Rovers players going into the Liverpool game, it would be this - don't go anywhere near a league table. Confidence is rock bottom, and being in a similar state in the Premiership does
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End of the road for taxi base
A BURNLEY taxi firm has been given three months to tear down its town centre base - as it is ruining the look of the area. Councillors confirmed the enforcement notice on AA Taxis. The firm had been fighting with Burnley Council over the eyesore building
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Worsthorne Bulletin
SEVEN new Neighbourhood Watch signs have been purchased for Lindsay Park but Burnley Borough Council has been unable to erect them, parish councillors have been told. Upon further investigation by the parish cerk it has been found that the borough council
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Arsonists spark fire at old cinema
ARSONISTS are thought to be responsible for starting a fire which swept though an empty cinema. Fire crews were called to the building on Dale Street, Radcliffe, at 8.30pm after a passer by spotted smoke billowing from one of the windows. A small room
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Drugs case jail terms reduced
A MAN who was jailed for 14 years for his part in a multi million pound drugs scam has had his sentence reduced by the Court of Appeal. Christian Wolfendale, aged 36, of Cross Lane, Radcliffe, had admitted two counts of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs
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50 years ago:
AN elderly woman was scooped to safety by a crane after falling 20ft into thick mud. The woman was rescued by the mechanical grab, which was luckily parked nearby, after falling into the River Medway at Chatham. The woman was given medical attention and
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25 years ago:
SHOCK plans to make more than half the workforce at a Blackburn textile machinery factory, redundant were revealed. Engineering union leader Walter Worswick said up to 83 workers at British Northrop could be hit by the cutbacks. Bosses said they were
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TRAFFORD MV13
ROSSENDALE RUFC22 RUGBY ROUND-UP Lowe puts Rossendale on a high RAGGED Rossendale overcame an indifferent first half display to enjoy a victory on their travels. Despite getting off to a flying start, scoring a try within five minutes, Dale dithered in
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Couple donate baby's gifts to hospital
THE grateful parents of a premature baby have handed donations for their daughter's christening to the hospital unit where she was born. Tracy and Andrew Wild asked family and friends to forget buying gifts for baby Georgia, telling them: "She's here
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Lads who won glory
THE Queen's Lancashire Regiment earned 112 battle honours and 12 Victoria Crosses in what was said to be the war to end all wars. CAROLINE INNES looks back at the men who marched away BETWEEN 1914-1918 a total of 2.5 million British soldiers were killed
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Girl, 18, loses fight for life after accident
AN 18-YEAR-OLD GIRL has died after being hit by a police van answering a 999 call. Laura Melvin was hit by the van on Saturday night as it travelled along Bury New Road, Prestwich. Laura, of Marston Close, Whitefield, was taken to the North Manchester
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Palace date as Will is awarded the MBE
THE dad of East Lancashire World Cup hero, Will Greenwood, has told of the proud moment when he watched his son being awarded the MBE by the Queen. Richard Greenwood, who accompanied Will to Buckingham Palace, together with wife Susan and Will's wife
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Blake casts spell on magic night
COULD this be the magical breakthrough Steve Cotterill has been seeking? The Burnley manager has been busy performing a Houdini act this season, joking that some team selections have been made while wearing a hypothetical straitjacket. So in keeping with
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Blow for brave Nelson
A BRAVE but under-strength Nelson side lost despite outplaying Flixton for much of the game. After a goalless first half, Nelson should have taken the lead within a minute of the restart when Neil Chapman was brought down in the area, but the Flixton
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New look Dale denied
ROSSENDALE manager Mark Molyneaux used last night's game as an opportunity to have a look at some of his fringe players, making eight changes from Saturday's starting line up. But with Kendal fielding virtually a full strength side, they enjoyed the largest
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Red alert
BLACKBURN Rovers are banking on an upturn in form to bring the crowds flocking back to Ewood Park. A national survey has revealed Rovers as the Premiership club with the biggest drop in crowds so far this season, compared to the same fixtures last year
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Preston ready for anything
The Preston camp has one man who knows all about Cup upsets and has helped orchestrate many over the years, with another on his agenda tonight. Assistant manager David Kelly was an important part of the Tranmere Rovers side who made it to the final of
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Moyes ready for North End return
David Moyes faces an emotional match, as his Everton side look to avoid a potential banana skin at Goodison Park. Things have been going surprisingly well for the former Preston Boss and his new side, who currently sit third in the FA Barclaycard Premiership
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Tenants get the chance to discuss council
RESIDENTS in Ramsbottom are invited to the first ever Annual Tenants' Conference that is set to be staged staged next month. Bury Council is to hold the conference on Tuesday, November 2, at the Village Hotel, Bury in a bid to give some of its 9,000 tenants
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Star crowned at TV awards
BACUP'S Sam Aston stole the show at last night's glittering National TV Awards to scoop most popular newcomer for his part in Coronation Street. Eleven-year-old Sam, who says he was dreading the big night, said: "I'd like to thank the people who have
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Neighbours' fury over waste plan
ANGRY residents have vowed to fight controversial plans to build a multi-million pound waste transfer station in their neighbourhood. And they have blasted Lancashire County Council bosses over the proposals. Lancashire County Council has identified Waterbarn
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Hat's off to star Danny
A DANNY Douglas-Pringle hat-trick fired Chorley into the UniBond League Challenge Cup second round. Manager John Hughes has felt his side was ready to hand out a thrashing for some time, and Matt Woods got the ball rolling on 17 minutes. Douglas-Pringle
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Three more Rovers fans given bans
THREE more Blackburn Rovers supporters have been handed football banning orders, originally sought to keep them away from Euro 2004. The police applied for orders against 17 Rovers fans, with 11 accepting the orders in September, although they claimed
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Young mother sent to prison
A YOUNG mum who had already had one child taken into care was pressured into shoplifting by people who threatened to report her to social services, a court was told. Blackburn magistrates heard that Sarah Robinson feared having her baby taken from her
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'Troubled' girl, 18, attacked project workers
A RESIDENT at a supported housing project went berserk at staff who feared she was going to kill herself, a court was told. Blackburn magistrates heard two workers and a police officer were assaulted in the fracas. And the bench heard Jenny Claire Kirby
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Parking mad over patrols
A DECISION to send police on patrol with council traffic wardens was today blasted as making a mockery of parking enforcement. Council bosses and Lancashire Constabulary have confirmed that officers will routinely be sent out with Blackburn with Darwen
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Courses help lay the foundations
STUDENTS have gone construction crazy after free taster courses to build a workforce to regenerate East Lancashire. The 10-week scheme, funded by Elevate - the £100million Government scheme set to revamp the area's housing - has proved a smash hit. The
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New arrest in murder probe
A SECOND man has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of father-of-four Rob Johnston. The 25-year-old from Bury was detained at his home and was questioned on Tuesday by murder squad detectives. He was released on police bail last night and will now
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Short and Sharp
Let's focus on facts, not Big Brother fiction I LIKE George Orwell, I really do. But the forward-thinking novelist has a lot to answer for with 1984. For the past 50 or so years, people have lived in fear of a Big Brother culture, where the state observes
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How will Bush thank the PM?
IT is so generous of Mr Blair to provide the British troops for the election of President Bush Junior. I am just curious what does Mr Blair get in return? Today it seems there is no limit to the actions of politicians. I am not sure I would like to be
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Game of Russian roulette on tour
The Martin Dobson column A PREMIERSHIP fixture between Wigan Athletic and Manchester United could be a distinct possibility next season. And a former Blackburn Rovers and Burnley player, closely associated with the Championship leaders, is relishing the
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Cabbies learn to give right change
NEW taxi drivers in Hyndburn are to take a course teaching them how to write a receipt and give the correct change. The drivers, both Hackney carriage and private hire, will take the classes, being run by Accrington and Rossendale College, from the new
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Leader in call for mosque bid to end if plan fails
THE leader of Ribble Valley Council has called for a 'line to be drawn' under plans for a mosque in Clitheroe if the latest plans fail. Coun John Hill told last night's full council meeting that the council should stop looking for a mosque site if the
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Vision for the future
A BLUEPRINT for the future of Whalley has been revealed following an 18-month project. And today the author for whom the 60-page report became a labour of love revealed he was stepping down from his post. Alan Holgate, chairman of Whalley Action Group
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Colne keep on climbing
COLNE moved into the top six in the North West Counties Division One table thanks to their second consecutive away win. After missing a couple of good chances, Colne made the breakthrough on nine minutes when a move involving James Webster and Carl Haworth
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Sharp Saunders sets up Vase tie with Skem
RAMSBOTTOM marched into the next round of the FA Vase with a comfortable victory over north east side Consett. Consett almost took a shock lead on seven minutes but Michael Ford dragged his shot tamely across goal. On 32 minutes, Ramsbottom's Matt Edgington
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Stabbing: Photo plea
POLICE have released a picture of a man they are trying to trace in connection with a serious stabbing in a Darwen pub. A 40-year-old man was stabbed in the groin at The Ellenshaw Arms, Kay Street. The family man, who the police are not naming, is 'stable
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First birthday treat at the art gallery
WATERBRIDGE Gallery is marking its first anniversary with an exclusive exhibition by nationally acclaimed artists. The venue, in Burnley Road, Waterfoot, is the only northern gallery to be chosen for a prestigious art collection by the Brotherhood of
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Fixture clash for footie and opera buffs
A FIXTURE clash, which pitched Tosca against Tugay, has forced the Thwaites Empire Theatre in Blackburn to re-arrange its Saturday schedule. It has delayed the start of its evening of opera, after the kick-off between Blackburn Rovers and Liverpool, at
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SWINDON WILDCATS 12 BLACKBURN HAWKS 1
BLACKBURN HAWKS 2 SOLIHULL KINGS 7 Haig's men savaged by the Wildcats BLACKBURN Hawks found the challenge of back-to-back cup ties against Premier League opposition just too much and suffered successive defeats, away to Swindon Wildcats and home to Solihull
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Moyes ready for North End return
David Moyes faces an emotional match, as his Everton side look to avoid a potential banana skin at Goodison Park. Things have been going surprisingly well for the former Preston Boss and his new side, who currently sit third in the FA Barclaycard Premiership
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Five-star hotel for criminals
OVER the last few weeks, I have heard two different stories about people who have just served a prison sentence. Both these ex-prisoners have said that they enjoyed their time in jail. There were fitted carpets, good food, Playstations etc, etc. Is it
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Children give two fingers to authority
I AGREE with R Harvey Moran (LET, October 21) that National Service should be brought back for all the reasons mentioned. This country has a total lack of discipline among the younger generation. For example a couple of days ago I was driving down a street
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Better to be in uniform than prison
REGARDING Harvey Moran's letter (LET, October 21) re national service, this man voices an opinion which we all endorse wholeheartedly. I myself was conscripted in 1946 at the age of 18 into the RAF, under the DOPE and I served two-and-a-half years --
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Pike calls for more police on streets
BURNLEY MP Peter Pike is pressing Home Office Minister Hazel Blears to increase the number of police and community support officers (CSOs) on East Lancashire's streets to tackle crime and disorder. The Labour backbencher said the use of CSOs and wardens
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Pupils' cahnce to slim
BURNLEY Council is helping children fight the flab and get fit by running after-school activity sessions. Its Healthy Lifestyle team has organised the sessions in response to a recent survey published in the British Medical Journal which revealed that
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Burial charges may have to increase
BURIAL charges could be increased to help fund improvements in safety at cemeteries in Burnley. Council bosses are set to spend almost £300,000 over the next six years tackling the problem of unsafe memorials in their eight cemeteries. But cash shortages
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Police warn Hallowe'en visitors to be prepared for walking
THOUSANDS of people expected to visit Pendle Hill this weekend are being told to come prepared by police. Pendle is open once again from both sides and police are expecting a large number of visitors on Hallowe'en night. In preparation, police officers
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A life of luxury
A WOMAN who had around £18,000 stashed away at her "luxurious" council house told police she was good at saving, a court was told. Jobless Janis Gabriel, 49, was a self-confessed fruit machine addict who insisted: "I lose a lot and I win a lot," a jury
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Burnley schools: The new mix
EDUCATION bosses are pushing ahead with plans to revamp secondary education in Burnley and Pendle after moving to ease fears over how places are allocated. Lancashire County Council has unveiled the plans it hopes will win approval from its cabinet next
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LANCASHIRE county council has revealed its latest proposals to re-shape secondary education in Burnl
Who would go where in schools shake-up A CHILD'S education is a top priority for its parents. So proposals which amount to a root and branch overhaul of the local schools system and which affect the education of thousands of children are obviously going
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Village fights flats plan
VILLAGERS in Kelbrook are fighting plans to build three-storey blocks of flats opposite their homes. Dalesmoor Homes Ltd has applied for permission to build 11 houses and nine flats on the former Dotcliffe Mill site on Dotcliffe Road. But people living
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10 years ago:
AN Accrington mum-of-four faced a return to prison after refusing to pay her poll tax. The woman had been given a 44-day jail term over the debt to Hyndburn Council and had served eight days in prison the previous year, but was released on bail pending
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Teens to have their own spot for skate play
YOUNGSTERS in Rishton could soon have a skate park, thanks to a local group. The Friends of Rishton Youth, have put together £12,050 which they are hoping to use to build the small facility, of two ramps and a bar, on the playground off Harwood Road.
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Missing teenager now safely home
A FAMILY launched a frantic search for a 14-year-old girl after she went missing from home following an argument with her mother. But Rebecca Dixon turned up safe and well earlier today after going missing from her Great Harwood home for more than 60
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Homes handover 'biggest decision'
THE future of Ribble Valley's 1,250 council houses was last night described as the biggest issue in the borough's history. Ribble Valley Council is one of only three authorities in East Lancashire -- alongside Pendle and Rossendale -- yet to make moves
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Cup heroes
BURNLEY boss Steve Cotterill hailed captain fantastic Robbie Blake as the catalyst for last night's stunning Carling Cup victory over Aston Villa. The Clarets dumped David O'Leary's Premiership side out of the competition 3-1 thanks to an early Graham
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Christmas markets et to return
RAMSBOTTOM'S Christmas Street Markets are back with a bang - and are set to be bigger and better than ever. By popular demand, Bridge Street will be closed to traffic to ensure shoppers can browse around the stalls in safety. Markets will be held on the
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'Gunman' outside children's centre
ARMED police cordoned off a Blackburn children's centre after staff reported seeing a man with a gun. The alarm was raised at Shadsworth Children's Centre - which provides a variety of activities for young families - yesterday lunchtime. Police blocked
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Coleman ready to shuffle pack
ACCRINGTON Stanley manager John Coleman is ready to shuffle his pack for Saturday's FA Cup showdown with Leigh RMI. With Lee McEvilly sidelined through suspension after accumulating five bookings, and loan goalkeeper Carl Ikeme not permitted to play by
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Preston ready for anything
The Preston camp has one man who knows all about Cup upsets and has helped orchestrate many over the years, with another on his agenda tonight. Assistant manager David Kelly was an important part of the Tranmere Rovers side who made it to the final of
