Archive
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Crunch day for Ruth Kelly
TODAY education secretary Ruth Kelly faces her biggest test since she entered the cut-throat world of politics. The Bolton West MP is under extreme pressure to explain how registered sex offenders have been found to be working in schools. She has been
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Six hurt after ambulance and car collide
SIX people were injured when a car was involved in a crash with an ambulance. The accident happened in the early hours of this morning in Higher Bridge Street, Bolton. The ambulance crashed into railings after it was in a collision with a Toyota Avensis
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Is China helping in crime fight?
THE Prime Minister tells us we have more money in our pockets and that crime is down especially burglary thanks to new labour. In my view it is thanks to China. Fridges and washing machines should cost at least 50 per cent more. A large store was advertising
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Drink ban didn't work in USA
WHEN children are surrounded almost everywhere by pubs and adverts for beer, and they see adults spend most of their leisure time drinking, can you really blame them for wanting to drink? The very livelihood of every corner shop is threatened by the big
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Unanswered recycling questions
HAVE we 'bin' hoodwinked over recycling. I will try again, through your letters column, to provoke a response from our councillors, to establish if the people of Bolton are being given all the facts regarding financial penalties likely to fall on the
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Man accused of slashing tyres
A MAN accused of slashing more than 80 tyres in Radcliffe is to reappear before Bury magistrates. Robert Banks (31), of no fixed address, was charged with 31 counts of criminal damage alleged to have been carried out on vehicles along several roads in
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Mother-of-one murder: man denies charge
A MAN from Bury has pleaded not guilty to murdering a teenage mum. Ashfaq Khan (26), of New Cateaton Street, appeared last week at a plea and case management hearing at Manchester Crown Court. His trial is due to be held in March. Khan has denied murdering
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Collections defended
Council chiefs have defended their festive recycling schedules. In response to criticism about better collections encouraging recycling, Bury Council say residents must also take some responsibility for their rubbish. Borough Operational Services Officer
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Drivers heed 'no drink' push
GREATER Manchester Police chiefs say the majority of drivers heeded their festive 'don't drink and drive' campaign. Figures show that during the month-long initiative 7,132 breath tests were administered, of which 365 were positive, refused or failed.
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ME support and relaxation talk
PEOPLE living with ME can attend a meeting of Bury/Bolton ME/CFS Support Group next Thursday. The monthly meeting will be held at Longsight Methodist Church Hall in Harwood, Bolton, from 7.30pm to 9pm. Guest speaker will be Kerrie Knowles, a healer and
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Pair stuck in lift for afternoon
FIREFIGHTERS freed a man and a woman who were trapped in a lift for more three and a half hours. The duo were stuck on the first floor of the flats complex in Ryecroft Avenue, Tottington, on Monday. Despite banging and sounding the lift alarm, the couple's
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Bury trails in NW pay league
BURY has the third lowest average gross hourly pay in the North West, according to figures published by the GMB union. The rate of £10.55 is just 84 per cent of the UK average of £12.50 an hour. Manchester has the highest average gross hourly pay in the
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Music festival sponsor pulls out
ORGANISERS of a Ramsbottom music spectacular have got the blues after its sponsor pulled out. They urgently need a new financial backer if the Ramsbottom Rhythm and Blues Festival from June 16-18 is to be successful. Now in its third year, the festival
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Sue Ryder wants your waste gifts
A RAMSBOTTOM charity shop is providing the perfect solution to unwanted Christmas presents by urging people to donate them to raise money. Novelty socks, ill-fitting jumpers and 'chintz' ornaments are just some of the 15 million presents that go unwanted
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Council lists cuts options
HIGHER school meals and parking charges - but lower standards of street cleaning - are on the way as the council tries to balance its budget. Town Hall bosses are considering two lists of cuts to find £9.8 million. A third list of more controversial items
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Council and learners join the library
RAMSBOTTOM library is on course to become a 'one stop shop' for council services and adult education. The refurbishment is scheduled to finish in March and, as the building is in a conservation area, natural slate and local stone is being used. Sandstone
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Rose and Crown raise thousandsto help hospital
A FUNDRAISING quest by staff and regulars of a Ramsbottom pub to support the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital has hit its target of topping more than £3,000. The Rose and Crown in Carr Street, run by Chris and Christine McClung, has spent the last
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Car parking rates to rise early to help protect jobs
CAR parking rates in Bury are going up for the second inflation-busting time in less than a year. From January 30, drivers will pay between 10 and 20 per cent more to park in the town centre. The increases will apply to both public car parks and on-street
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Pool player scoops £90,000 in New Year Lotto
AMANDA Freeman had a really happy New Year . . . when she found out she had won £90,720. Keen pool player Amanda (34) was getting ready for a night out in Bury when she matched five numbers and the bonus ball in the National Lottery's Lotto draw on New
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Jail stint for road rage motorist
A BUSINESSMAN has been jailed for ten weeks after stopping his car and punching another motorist in a road rage incident. Kieron Johnson (51) of Eight Acre, Whitefield, punched Craig Marshall in the face after the pair confronted each other in Manchester
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Council lists cuts options
HIGHER school meals and parking charges - but lower standards of street cleaning - are on the way as the council tries to balance its budget. Town Hall bosses are considering two lists of cuts to find £9.8 million. A third list of more controversial items
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Pupils were wild about animal creation
PUPILS were heartbroken to learn that willow wildlife they had made to brighten up their school grounds had been stolen. Children from Christ Church Primary School in Ainsworth worked with artists last September to produce two boars and two deer from
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Whaley deal right for all parties
IN the end it ended up much to everybody's satisfaction - Simon Whaley got his move and Bury FC picked up satisfactory recompense writes Phil Thorp It seemed inevitable that the talented Shakers' midfielder would leave during the January transfer window
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Angry Casper in new ultimatum
CHRIS Casper isn't retracting his angry words that followed last Saturday's 4-0 hammering at Carlisle. The Bury boss was left seething and emotional after the game, admitting he felt badly let down at the quality of performance up in Cumbria. It was the
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Machete killing: Two men charged
TWO men have been charged with murder following the death of a dad from Radcliffe. Martin Rankin, aged 37, of Glenvale Close, was found with multiple head injuries shortly after 1.20am on Christmas Eve. It is believed he had been attacked with a machete
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500 jobs on way as IKEA opens up
ABOUT 500 jobs are to be created after planning permission was granted for a new multi-million pound superstore in Greater Manchester. Swedish furniture giant IKEA plans to open a new store in Tameside in October. The four-storey building will be built
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Civi Hall date for bookworms
LOWTON Civic Hall will be turned into a bookworms bazaar on Saturday (January 14). The event will kick off the 2006 programme of second hand book fairs in the north west. Collectors will be able to choose from the thousands of books - and postcards -
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Cancer patients are missing out on benefits
Cancer patients are missing out on benefits worth more than £200 million a year because of a "scandalous' failure to inform them of their entitlements, an influential House of Commons committee revealed on Wednesday. And the Health Select Committee"s
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Drink-driver's 18-month ban
A DRINK driver, who was more than two times over the legal limit, hit speeds of 110mph on a motorway, a court heard. David Swatman, aged 26, of Polefield Circle, Prestwich, appeared before magistrates in Bury and was banned from the road for 18 months
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'Arsonists putting lives at risk'
ARSONISTS are putting the lives of firefighters in danger, it was claimed, following a blaze at a derelict warehouse. Firefighters were called to the empty Metal Box building in Chewmoor Lane, Westhoughton, at 7.30pm on Wednesday. As many as 40 firefighters
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Mukund's number one at maths
TEACHERS can count on nine-year-old Mukund Bhatt to do well in maths. The clever youngster beat every other pupil in his school in an arithmetic competition - including some older than him. Makund, who attends Bolton Parish Church School, was originally
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Sport tops list of hobbies
Britons still make time for their favourite hobby, despite modern-day pressures of work and family life. A poll of 1,000 adults found that the most popular pastime among British adults was sport (22 per cent) followed by walking (15 per cent) and gardening
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Church's survival bid gets a boost
A CHURCH in Great Lever has been saved from closure thanks to a number of grants. The Grade II listed St Michaels Churchbuilding, which opened in 1851, has started to show signs of age, suffering from both dry and wet rot. The west end bell cote is leaning
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Pub to get £150,000 makeover
AN HISTORIC pub in Bolton town centre has closed for refurbishment. And part of The Old Three Crowns will be preserved for posterity at the town's museum. The well-known pub in Deansgate is currently undergoing a £150,000 refurbishment, including the
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Council seeks residents' views
RESIDENTS are to be given the chance to decide how £60,000 is spent to transform their estate. People living in Mosley Common will be consulted after Wigan Council received the lottery cash to pay for an environmental project in the area. Ideas which
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Church closes after 138 years
AFTER over 138 years service to the community the Methodist Church at Edge Green in Golborne has closed. It was a sad occasion which attracted a packed congretion at Sunday's last service which was attended by former members and friends, many who had
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Shoplifter hid in cupboard
POLICE who went to arrest a woman when she failed to turn up for a court case, found her hiding in a bedroom cupboard under a pile of bin bags. Charlaine Ann Hall, aged 25, of Battenberg Road, Heaton, had been due to appear in court on December 8 to answer
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Packing case site up for sale
NORTH West property adviser Matthews & Goodman has been instructed to advise on the sale of the former Roach Packing Case and Timber Company site on Bury Road, Tottington. The 1.45 acre site comprises factory and production facilities, including a
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Seminar fro managers
THE role of leadership in managing performance is the theme of the latest PACE Network event to be hosted by Bury College's Business Solutions on Wednesday, at Link House, Bury. Guest speaker will be Wyn Llewellyn of ValueFlows Ltd. The event will offer
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Deborah's a treble winner
CAMPAIGNING Deborah Murphy has been recognised for her inspiring voluntary work in the community - three times over. The hard working 39-years-old mum-of-four ended a brilliant 2005 by collecting a trio of top awards - and is hoping to make 2006 even
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Wanderers keen on Jansen?
WANDERERS have confirmed an interest in striker Matt Jansen, who was released by Blackburn Rovers on Wednesday, although he is just one of a number of possible targets being checked out during the transfer window. Jansen, who has has already been linked
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80 fight estate blaze
FIREFIGHTERS from all over Greater Manchester fought a massive blaze at an industrial estate on Wednesday. Flames engulfed a textile and toy importers unit on the Mountheath industrial estate, off George Street in Prestwich, causing a brick wall and much
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Wigan fans see the light
QUOTE of the week goes to the guy at the JJB Stadium on Tuesday night who, when the floodlights failed during Wigan's Carling Cup semi-final against Arsenal, shouted: "This would never have happened at Springfield Park." But one thing that certainly would
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O'Leary is the Aston villain
DAVID O'Leary got away with a disgraceful piece of unsportsmanship when he admitted his joy at benefiting from an injustice. Everton felt bad enough when Milan Baros' handball was not seen before he scored the first of Aston Villa's four goals over Christmas
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Flying the Games flag for Bolton
BOLTON School gave a rousing send-off yesterday to the town's sportsmen who will be competing for England in the forthcoming Commonwealth Games. Water polo players, Andrew Crawford, Edward Scott and Sarah Pimblett, cyclist Amy Hunt, swimmer Anthony Howard
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Trash and treasure
AN indoor trash and treasure sale opens at Tyldesley Methodist Church on Saturday, January 28, at 10am. There will also be a "Fair Trade" stall offering craft and food goods from third world countries. To pre-book a stall at £7 contact 0161 790 3493.
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Glenys is play time champion
BREAKTIME equals playtime for the pupils at Edenfield Primary School as the finishing touches to their transformed playground finally fall into place. The school, in Market Street, has spent thousands creating the new play area at the bottom of the school
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Pupils were wild about animal creation
PUPILS were heartbroken to learn that willow wildlife they had made to brighten up their school grounds had been stolen. Children from Christ Church Primary School in Ainsworth worked with artists last September to produce two boars and two deer from
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Fury at plans to charge for street parking
PLANS to charge people to park their cars in a town centre street have been slammed by residents. Bury Council hopes to introduce a short-stay pay and display parking scheme along one side of Market Street, outside Bury College, where parking is currently
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Public say 'no' to school plans
PUPILS, teachers, parents and residents have overwhelmingly rejected plans to close or merge high schools in the borough. Education bosses are considering closing up to three high schools because they say falling pupil numbers would leave 2,463 empty
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Trash and treasure
AN indoor trash and treasure sale opens at Tyldesley Methodist Church on Saturday, January 28, at 10am. There will also be a "Fair Trade" stall offering craft and food goods from third world countries. To pre-book a stall at £7 contact 0161 790 3493.
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Former Leigh RL star pedals for charity
FORMER Leigh Centurions prop forward Dave Whittle and three rugby mates decided they'd take a few days break away from their daily toil. But not the easy route of a lazy weekend away for them! They decided to get on their bikes at John O' Groats and the
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Spruce-up for eyesore site
AN unkempt patch of land has been given a makeover with Brighter Borough funding. Atherleigh Councillors, Anne Turnock, Mark Aldred and Susan Loudon dug into the community pot to spruce-up a site on Byron Street in Leigh. The overgrown, rubbish-strewn
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Leigh will feel the pain in Spain
TONY Benson's squad jetted out to Spain on Tuesday for a week's warm-weather training in preparation for the new National League One season. Only Damian Munro and Neil Turley from the senior squad will miss the trip to Lloret which will include a non-contact
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Stars in tribute to rugby club stalwart Gordon
STARS from Wigan Warriors rugby club are paying tribute to one of their biggest fans. Winger Brett Dallas will be among the big names from the Rugby League giants who will attend a charity evening on Friday to honour Gordon Harrison, of Astley Bridge,
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Whaley deal right for all parties
IN the end it ended up much to everybody's satisfaction - Simon Whaley got his move and Bury FC picked up satisfactory recompense writes Phil Thorp It seemed inevitable that the talented Shakers' midfielder would leave during the January transfer window
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Mass alert for town
HEALTH bosses in Bolton are planning a mock mass vaccination exercise in a bid to be prepared for any flu pandemic or terrorist attack. Bolton's health chiefs will be running the exercise in March to determine whether they can meet government guidelines
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Four game ban for Moore
PROP Richard Moore will miss the start of Leighs season. He was banned for four games and fined £100 for head-butting in the friendly game against Widnes on January 2. One of Leigh's remaining pre-season games, either Wigan next Wednesday or Halifax on
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Jimmy Bell column: A great week
I DON'T think my week could have gone much better. Well, perhaps if I had been the punter who won £25,000 on Xavi Alonso scoring from inside his own half I might have had an even bigger smile on my face. But, apart from that, I've got no complaints. It
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'Road will be made safer'
AN ACCIDENT blackspot where two people have died in just three years will be made safer, Bolton Council's chief executive has pledged. But it could be a year before the work takes place, he said. The plans have not yet been drawn up - and it is not known
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Lib Dem chief fears Kennedy factor
THE public ousting of former Liberal democrat leader, Charles Kennedy, could affect the party's chances of winning seats at this year's local elections in Bolton, council leader, Barbara Ronson fears. The Liberal Democrat party took over power from Labour
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Life story of funnygirl's mum
THE mother of Britain's favourite comedienne looks set to make a name for herself - more than four years after her death. Nellie Mape, mother of Bury comic Victoria Wood, spent much of her life writing diaries. Her husband Stanley, an author, always promised
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More drivers steer clear of drink
FEWER motorists are drinking and driving in Greater Manchester according to figures recorded over the festive period. Greater Manchester Police breathalysed 7,132 people during its Christmas drink-drive campaign. The month-long initiative saw 365 positive
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Casey heads back to the Street
THE Bolton actress who won a legion of Coronation Street fans as Fred Elliott's Thai bride returns this month as a rather battered and bruised conwoman. And Casey Lee Jolleys is enjoying a great time on the nation's favourite Northern soap once more.
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Is it safe to use Sat Nav while driving?
JUST a thought about the increasing use of 'Sat Nav' sets in cars. Is looking at the display to find your way or for advance warning of speed cameras, any safer than using a mobile phone while driving? KERRY DAVIES Bell Lane Bury
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There are honest people in Bury
SINCERE thanks to the lady who kindly handed my handbag to an assistant in the Marks and Spencer store at the end of December. This was greatly appreciated and reminds me that there are still a lot of honest, caring people living in our town. A GRATEFUL
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Poppy appeal was best ever fro district
I WOULD like to express my most sincere thanks to everyone in the districts of Bury, Tottington and Walshaw who donated towards the 2005 Poppy Appeal. I include the business and commerce outlets where 600 collecting boxes were placed, static points in
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Why can't we park in front of our homes?
HAVING read Albert Ross's letter ('People should think more about parking', Bury Times, December 29, 2005) I have to completely disagree with him. Why should people, like myself, who live in a terraced house not park their cars in front of their house
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School closures: has the decision been made?
WHAT a dismal start to 2006. The deadline for public opinion on the proposed closure/amalgamation of secondary schools in Bury came and went on January 6. Call me a cynic, but I believe the choices will already have been made despite any flood of protest
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Tower block won't look good in reality
I AM in full agreement with your correspondents Fred Gibbon and Mark English (Letters, Januray 5) both of whom object to the proposed new tower block and car park in Bury town centre. As a local resident, I managed to see the proposals during their brief
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St Andrew's recreate life as evacuees
PUPILS took a step back in time to 1940s wartime Britain with the help of artist Lizzie Lockhart. Youngsters at St Andrew's Primary School in Nuttall Lane, Ramsbottom, packed away their modern classroom equipment to recreate their own handmade suitcases
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Heading for the hi-tech bin
I'VE not binned a mailed chain letter for yonks, and I was surprised to find one of the annoying things circulating by e-mail. I opened up an Irish friendship communique which advised I should pass it on within an hour of opening it - after making a wish
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Road rage in Atherton
A SECTION of Bag Lane, Atherton, has been closed for two weeks causing travel to work delays for commuters. On Tuesday morning traffic which usually heads for Atherton along Platt Lane from Chequerbent was diverted through Daisy Hill causing tailbacks
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Sound of silence
A MOSLEY Common pensioner has accused police in the area of having no intention of catching the area's yobbos. He claims they head for the scenes of complaints with sirens blaring, as a result scattering the nuisance gangs before they arrive at the scene
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Hospital's smoking ban may take time to bed in
AS a Stop Smoking Specialist working for Bury Health Promotion Team up at Fairfield Hospital, I felt I must comment on the article in last Thursday's Bury Times concerning the new policy ('Smokers ignore the hospital ban', January 5). First of all, we
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Ex-soldier dies in Baghdad crash
A FORMER soldier who was protecting workers helping to rebuild Iraq has been killed in a road accident near Baghdad. Darren Birch, from Bury, suffered severe head injuries and died in Baghdad Central Hospital after the armoured vehicle he was travelling
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Amir to figure on British bill
AMIR Khan faces a second fight in a month after being named on the undercard of the Danny Williams and Matt Skelton Commonwealth heavyweight title showdown. It means a return to the Excel Arena in London's Docklands for Khan, who won his last fight against
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Harm is done
RE 'Couple's cruel con on errand boy' (Bolton Evening News, January 10). These people are sick in the head conning a 10-year-old like that. How would they feel if someone did it to their child? They want locking up and the key throwing away. My heart
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All aboard the EU gravy train
LIKE everyone else, I have been to Christmas parties and felt good to be among old friends. What spoilt the night was a column in a newspaper which I saw when I sat down for my supper. The column was headed 'Britain will soon be paying tax to Brussels
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Stabbed man: Woman on murder charge
A WOMAN has been charged with murder after a man was stabbed to death. Police were called to a house in Priory Avenue, in the Westleigh area of Leigh, on Saturday afternoon after paramedics found the man slumped in a pool of blood. Mark Kenyon, aged 27
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Kelly defiant in sex offender row
DEFIANT Education Secretary Ruth Kelly, the MP for Bolton West, insisted on Thursday that Britain had "some of the toughest child protection laws in Europe". But she was forced to admit to MPs that she did not know the "precise number" of cases where
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Men arrested after Christmas Eve murder
DETECTIVES are questioning two men from Bury in connection with the murder of a man in Radcliffe. A 20-year-old man and a 27-year-old man were arrested by police on Tuesday afternoon following the killing of Martin Rankin. Mr Rankin (37), of Glenvale
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Woman's body found near Metrolink line
THE body of a 33-year-old woman was found near the tramline at Radcliffe station on Friday morning. Ellen Perkin, of Glenvale Close, Radcliffe, was found collapsed on the embankment of the Manchester-bound line at the Spring Lane station. Metrolink services
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Taxi driver who faked accident in licence appeal
A TAXI driver who faked a road accident to try to claim £20,000 in compensation has appealed against his licence being withdrawn. Sajid Iqbal (25), of Heywood Street, Bury, appeared before Bury Magistrates Court yesterday to appeal against a decision
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Waste cowboys dump 500 tyres on streets
FLY-TIPPERS have dumped 500 tyres on the streets, leaving taxpayers to foot the bill. Residents are being urged to report dumpers to the council which can then prosecute and drive the 'cowboys' out of town. Councillor John Byrne, executive for environment
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St Andrew's recreate life as evacuees
PUPILS took a step back in time to 1940s wartime Britain with the help of artist Lizzie Lockhart. Youngsters at St Andrew's Primary School in Nuttall Lane, Ramsbottom, packed away their modern classroom equipment to recreate their own handmade suitcases
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Staff sickness cuts walk-in centre hours
BURY'S NHS Walk In Centre is being forced to reduce its opening hours due to high levels of staff sickness. The centre, in Parsons Lane, Bury, will now be open between 9am to 6pm daily, including weekends. The early closure means the blood testing service
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Mukund's number one at maths
TEACHERS can count on nine-year-old Mukund Bhatt to do well in maths. The clever youngster beat every other pupil in his school in an arithmetic competition - including some older than him. Makund, who attends Bolton Parish Church School, was originally
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Hunt for the best bangers
A BUTCHERS' support group is trying to the find the North-west's best young sausage maker. The British Pig Executive is appealing to butchers across Bolton to enter their products at BPEX's roadshow competition next week. There are 10 categories for entry
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Pensioners warned to watch out for conmen
A GANG of conmen posing as council officials are targeting pensioners in Radcliffe. The convincing thieves are smartly dressed and carry fake identification which suggests they are Bury Council officers. Police say the gang have struck four times in Radcliffe
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Baker Kath calls it a day
HEAD baker Kath Mitchell has retired after 13 years at the Fresh Approach Restaurant at Bents Garden Centre in Glazebury. But she's passed on a host of secret recipes including one for the giant scone which has gone down a treat with thousands of happy
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£60,000 boost for community schemes
SIXTY grand is going begging in Mosley Common. Wigan Council has £60,000 of lottery and coalfield regeneration cash to pay for an environmental project that will transform the area - and it wants local people to decide how the money should be spent. Already
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Bury FC's new 'signing'
BURY-based Pennine Telecom is supporting its local football team. The company, which celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2006, has reached agreement with Bury Football Club to put up a 30ft sign at the pitch side at Gigg Lane. This follows Pennine's successful
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The road to success
THE Bury company spearheading a multi-million pound development to create Britain's most technologically-advanced offices is well and truly in the driver's seat. Global Telecoms and Technology Ltd has taken delivery of a new fleet of 47 Renault vehicles
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Okocha 'Arab deal' mystery
JAY JAY Okocha was at the centre of a transfer riddle on Thursday after the Saudi Arabian club, Al-Ittihad, was reported to have signed the Wanderers midfield ace in a £3.5 million deal. Okocha's Reebok bosses said the claim that he had signed an 18-month
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Choir date at church
THE famous Haydock Male Voice Choir will be in concert at Bedford Methodist Church. They will appear at 7.30pm on Saturday, February 11, and tickets at £5, including refreshments, can be booked by calling 01942 678045 or 01942 676538.
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Watchdog urges health experts tojoin forces
BURY'S health watchdog is urging experts involved in determining the future of Fairfield Hospital to attend a meeting highlighting concerns surrounding the Making it Better proposals. The Patient and Public Involvement in Health (PPI) forum is one of
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Conmen pose as council valuers
THIEVES are posing as council tax valuation officers to trick their way into people's homes. A pensioner from Radcliffe was robbed by the smartly-dressed pair, and others have made complaints. Police are warning residents to double check every caller's
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Public say 'no' to school plans
PUPILS, teachers, parents and residents have overwhelmingly rejected plans to close or merge high schools in the borough. Education bosses are considering closing up to three high schools because they say falling pupil numbers would leave 2,463 empty
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Burns Night celebration
LEIGH Lions' Club is to celebrate Burns Night . The club has organised a five course supper and dance at Lowton Civic Hall on Saturday, January 28, from 7pm. Tickets at £17.50 a head are available by ringing 01942 744512.
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Four game ban for Moore
PROP Richard Moore will miss the start of Leighs season. He was banned for four games and fined £100 for head-butting in the friendly game against Widnes on January 2. One of Leigh's remaining pre-season games, either Wigan next Wednesday or Halifax on
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A Very Merry Gerry
WEB betting guru Gerry McDonnell offers his tips for the Manchester derby, Graeme Souness and Thierry Henry's decision to stay at Arsenal, and Wanderers' TV showdown game at Ewood Park . . . AS long as man walks the earth, the battle between the old wrinkly
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Smoking ban moves closer
THE Government has paved the way for a blanket ban on smoking in pubs in England by allowing all its MPs and ministers a free vote on the issue. Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt said she would support the move to make all bars tobacco-free. And Prime
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Guard is killed in Iraq crash
A SECURITY guard who was protecting workers helping to rebuild Iraq has been killed in a road accident near Baghdad. Darren Birch, from Bury, suffered severe head injuries and died in Baghdad Central Hospital after the armoured vehicle in which he was
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Casey heads back to the Street
THE Bolton actress who won a legion of Coronation Street fans as Fred Elliott's Thai bride returns this month as a rather battered and bruised conwoman. And Casey Lee Jolleys is enjoying a great time on the nation's favourite Northern soap once more.
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Thanks for helping Lions o raise £1,705
GRATEFUL thanks to everyone for contributing a grand total of £1,705 in our Christmas collections at Argos/Au Naturale Interiors and Tesco. All will, of course, go to worthy causes. Many thanks also, of course, to management and staff at these establishments
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Ross is a brave little star
A BRAVE schoolboy who continued to sparkle despite being diagnosed with a brain tumour has been named a 'Little Star' by Cancer Research UK. Seven-year-old Ross Walsh, of Strathmore Close, Ramsbottom, was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a fast-growing brain
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Public say 'no' to school plans
PUPILS, teachers, parents and residents have overwhelmingly rejected plans to close or merge high schools in the borough. Education bosses are considering closing up to three high schools because they say falling pupil numbers would leave 2,463 empty
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Lying ditched in wardrobe
WOMEN leave hundreds of pounds worth of clothes gathering dust and unworn in their wardrobes. It is said on average they stash away 14 items that will never see the light of day. Is that all? Over the years that can add up to a waste of thousands of pounds
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New coaching line-up confirmed
LEIGH Centurions boss Tony Benson has added Australian stand-off Julian O'Neill and ex-Wigan and Great Britain legend Andy Gregory to his coaching staff. O'Neill, who has also been made club captain, will take charge of the Under 18s while Gregory is
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Deborah's a treble winner
CAMPAIGNING Deborah Murphy has been recognised for her inspiring voluntary work in the community - three times over. The hard working 39-years-old mum-of-four ended a brilliant 2005 by collecting a trio of top awards - and is hoping to make 2006 even
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Council and learners join the library
RAMSBOTTOM library is on course to become a 'one stop shop' for council services and adult education. The refurbishment is scheduled to finish in March and, as the building is in a conservation area, natural slate and local stone is being used. Sandstone
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Glenys is play time champion
BREAKTIME equals playtime for the pupils at Edenfield Primary School as the finishing touches to their transformed playground finally fall into place. The school, in Market Street, has spent thousands creating the new play area at the bottom of the school
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Music festival sponsor pulls out
ORGANISERS of a Ramsbottom music spectacular have got the blues after its sponsor pulled out. They urgently need a new financial backer if the Ramsbottom Rhythm and Blues Festival from June 16-18 is to be successful. Now in its third year, the festival
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Pensioner, 79 robbed in park
A 79-YEAR-OLD woman was left with serious injuries after she was robbed on a street in Salford. The woman was walking along Park Street in Broughton Park, after returning from shopping at the Lidl supermarket in Sedgley Park between 5.30pm and 6pm on
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Class for budding artists
A NEW art course is starting in Adlington which will teach an array of creative techniques. It will be taught by a qualified art teacher and artist and is for everyone, including beginners. The classes will teach still life, seascapes, landscapes, portrait
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Industrial estate fire rages
FIREFIGHTERS spent hours battling a blaze at an industrial estate in Prestwich. Fire broke out at Mount Heath Industrial Estate 7.10am on Wednesday with up to 80 firefighters tackling the blaze. Ian Bailey, of Greater Manchester Fire Brigade, said: "There
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Talks under way with new store tenants
DISCUSSIONS are taking place with potential new tenants of the former Littlewood's Index store in Bolton's Market Place. Rod Neasham, centre manager for the Market Place, said that although talks were at an early stage, there were interested parties for
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Wendy power drives appeal
WENDY Close is a one woman fund raising machine. Miss Close has raised an amazing £1,000 for the Fred Dibnah Appeal, set up to pay for a lasting memorial to the famous steeplejack who died aged 66 in November 2004. Care worker Miss Close, aged 53, of
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Building collapse forces club to shut
A BUILDING collapse has forced a Bolton nightclub to close is doors. Building inspectors have told bosses at Club IndieGo in Spa Road they cannot open because the collapsed gable end on a neighbouring building would pose a safety risk. The club, which
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Council promise on unfinished fence
RESIDENTS claim contractors replacing fencing in front of their homes left it in a dangerous condition over the weekend. They say the barrier which guards six private homes in Greendale, Atherton, from a 10ft drop, is a joke and safety hazard for children
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Church could close in cash crisis
A PARISH church could have to close after 146 years because of money problems. Holy Trinity Church in Prestolee has been recommended for closure by the Parochial Church Council. However, some parishioners will oppose the move at a public meeting called
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Bury trails in NW pay league
BURY has the third lowest average gross hourly pay in the North West, according to figures published by the GMB union. The rate of £10.55 is just 84 per cent of the UK average of £12.50 an hour. Manchester has the highest average gross hourly pay in the
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Donald's wedding day dream
DONALD Bradbury would love to walk his daughter down the aisle. And he's hoping by the time his 22 year-old daughter Toni ties the knot he'll have a mobile oxygen machine which will enable him to do just that. The 50-year-old who was brought up in the
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Law centre gets the thumbs up from the judges
THE successful transformation of Bury Law Centre, which saw it turn around its financial fortunes, has been rewarded. For the Bank Street centre has won a Guardian Public Services Award for innovation and progress in the finance category. The centre was
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A Very Merry Gerry
WEB betting guru Gerry McDonnell offers his tips for the Manchester derby, Graeme Souness and Thierry Henry's decision to stay at Arsenal, and Wanderers' TV showdown game at Ewood Park . . . AS long as man walks the earth, the battle between the old wrinkly
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Home rule for Red Scousers
WHAT'S the betting that Steven Gerrard will one day run for Lord Mayor of Liverpool? He'd certainly get it, because the Anfield and England midfielder certainly holds in high esteem everything Scouse. Why did Championship side Luton do so well against
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Burns Night celebration
LEIGH Lions' Club is to celebrate Burns Night . The club has organised a five course supper and dance at Lowton Civic Hall on Saturday, January 28, from 7pm. Tickets at £17.50 a head are available by ringing 01942 744512.
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New date for school reunion
ANYONE planning to attend the Xll Apostles old school re-union next month should note a change of date. The get-together will now be held on Saturday, February 25 at Leigh Liberal Club, Church Street, Leigh, at 7.30pm and not on February 11 as originally
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Ross is a brave little star
A BRAVE schoolboy who continued to sparkle despite being diagnosed with a brain tumour has been named a 'Little Star' by Cancer Research UK. Seven-year-old Ross Walsh, of Strathmore Close, Ramsbottom, was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a fast-growing brain
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Two deny murder in body in boot trial
FIRE officers called to the scene of a burning car on a lovers' lane in Unsworth discovered a dead body dumped in the boot, a murder trial was told. They were alerted after a motorist spotted the blazing vehicle was parked in Griffe Lane and found the
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Life story of funnygirl's mum
THE mother of Britain's favourite comedienne looks set to make a name for herself - more than four years after her death. Nellie Mape, mother of Bury comic Victoria Wood, spent much of her life writing diaries. Her husband Stanley, an author, always promised
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Class for budding artists
A NEW art course is starting in Adlington which will teach an array of creative techniques. It will be taught by a qualified art teacher and artist and is for everyone, including beginners. The classes will teach still life, seascapes, landscapes, portrait
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Choir date at church
THE famous Haydock Male Voice Choir will be in concert at Bedford Methodist Church. They will appear at 7.30pm on Saturday, February 11, and tickets at £5, including refreshments, can be booked by calling 01942 678045 or 01942 676538.
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New date for school reunion
ANYONE planning to attend the Xll Apostles old school re-union next month should note a change of date. The get-together will now be held on Saturday, February 25 at Leigh Liberal Club, Church Street, Leigh, at 7.30pm and not on February 11 as originally
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Fylde trip treat for club members
TYLDESLEY Probus Club member Jack Pendlebury took members on a trip along the Fylde coast from Fleetwood to Blackpool. He presented some of the history of the area including the fact that Fleetwood had a rail link from Preston in the 1830s and hoteliers
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Civi Hall date for bookworms
LOWTON Civic Hall will be turned into a bookworms bazaar on Saturday (January 14). The event will kick off the 2006 programme of second hand book fairs in the north west. Collectors will be able to choose from the thousands of books - and postcards -
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Angry Casper in new ultimatum
CHRIS Casper isn't retracting his angry words that followed last Saturday's 4-0 hammering at Carlisle. The Bury boss was left seething and emotional after the game, admitting he felt badly let down at the quality of performance up in Cumbria. It was the
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Let's work together for better buses
Thank you to the GMPTE, for its advertisement in the Bolton Evening News, requesting people to attend a Town Hall meeting to discuss public transport. One point must be mentioned, if GMPTE wants to know the views of the frequent public transport user,
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Stars in tribute to rugby club stalwart Gordon
STARS from Wigan Warriors rugby club are paying tribute to one of their biggest fans. Winger Brett Dallas will be among the big names from the Rugby League giants who will attend a charity evening on Friday to honour Gordon Harrison, of Astley Bridge,
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'Right to Buy leads to housing shortage'
AN MP from Bolton has launched a scathing attack on the policies which allow council tenants to buy their homes for knock-down prices. Labour's Dr Brian Iddon, who represents Bolton South-east, told Parliament how the numbers of people waiting for houses
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Life story of funnygirl's mum
THE mother of Britain's favourite comedienne looks set to make a name for herself - more than four years after her death. Nellie Mape, mother of Bury comic Victoria Wood, spent much of her life writing diaries. Her husband Stanley, an author, always promised
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Bleak future if Fairfield loses A&E department
I READ with concern the possibility that the accident and emergency department at Fairfield General Hospital might close, with the services currently available being provided elsewhere ('Plan to strip Fairfield of acute surgery', Bury Times, December
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New date for school reunion
ANYONE planning to attend the Xll Apostles old school re-union next month should note a change of date. The get-together will now be held on Saturday, February 25 at Leigh Liberal Club, Church Street, Leigh, at 7.30pm and not on February 11 as originally
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My new mate called Robin
I'VE made friends with a cheeky little robin. It has been keeping a beady eye on me clearing last year's faded plants from the garden borders. On the first day of my gardening year I threw it a little worm I turned over - and for a few days now it has
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Down in the mouth after trip to the dentist
READER Dave Boardman knew he needed a tooth extracted and had to build up courage to go to a dentist. He discovered they are not easy to come by or cheap. He says he was appalled that every dentist he visited insisted on a £40 consultation fee on top
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Leigh will feel the pain in Spain
TONY Benson's squad jetted out to Spain on Tuesday for a week's warm-weather training in preparation for the new National League One season. Only Damian Munro and Neil Turley from the senior squad will miss the trip to Lloret which will include a non-contact
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A Very Merry Gerry
WEB betting guru Gerry McDonnell offers his tips for the Manchester derby, Graeme Souness and Thierry Henry's decision to stay at Arsenal . . . AS long as man walks the earth, the battle between the old wrinkly master and the young brash pretender
