Archive
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BLUES LOSE RESERVES
WINSFORD UNITED have folded their reserve team following the departure of Neil Gill to Witton Albion. Blues boss Chris Willcock admits some fringe players will leave, but believes the competition for places in the first team squad will work to his advantage
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All the fun of the fair ... then carnival chaos
INCENSED villagers blasted Cheshire Police and Halton Council for trying to scupper their carnival after more than 50 years. They had to cancel their procession because police were unable to attend and residents couldn't afford £2,000 to close a road.
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VIKINGS' VAUGHAN HITS OUT
VIKINGS chairman Stephen Vaughan has accused outgoing directors Tony Chambers and Tom Fleet of pulling the wool over his eyes about the club's dire finances. The Widnes supremo said outstanding debts - five times what he had been originally told - 'accelerated
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Oil rig worker's kidnap escape ordeal
AN oil rig worker from Widnes has told of his dramatic escape from armed kidnappers in Trinidad. Paul Bolton, aged 34, was seized by a gang on the sunshine island and he says the men threatened to shoot him. The father-of-three says he was bundled into
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BURR READY FOR SEASON
NORTHWICH Victoria manager Steve Burr is satisfied he has the squad he wants for the club's return to the Conference National. His team have been handed a daunting opening to the campaign, with a trip to Cambridge United for their first match on August
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Anger grows at long wait for a single bus shelter
Middlewich's Community Pride group was promised three new bus shelters to replace vandalised and dilapidated ones in Booth Lane and Warmingham Lane at a rate of one per financial year - but this was more than 18 months ago and the first is yet to appear
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Behaviour problems still rile residents
LIVELY debate surrounded a number of topics at Middlewich's second Community Action Meeting (CAM) but residents once again voted anti-social behaviour as their top policing priority. Heated discussions about the Middlewich custody suite and controversial
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Only sheer luck stops someone getting hurt
PURE luck is the only thing preventing a serious accident on a Middlewich bridge, according to a resident furious with drivers ignoring a one-way system. Motorists can only travel over the hump-backed Brooks Lane bridge from Lewin Street into Brooks Lane
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Council pleased to make savings
CONGLETON Borough Council has achieved its challenging budget and improved its financial standing, according to a draft statement of accounts for 2005/06. Both revenue and capital reserves have been increased, which will be of vital importance as the
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Littering and urinating anglers anger resident
ANTI-social anglers who litter and urinate along Middlewich's canals are giving others a bad name, a resident says Chris Overton, whose Brooks Lane home backs on to the Trent and Mersey Canal, says a group of men in their 20s fish by Wardle Lock on a
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New scheme aims to slow traffic
SPEEDING in Middlewich will be targeted fully if enough volunteers come forward to help get a new initiative on the road. Middlewich CAT team is determined to start a community speedwatch, which will give residents a chance to go out on the streets with
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Shop vandal walks right into the arms of the law
A VANDAL was arrested minutes after kicking in a window thanks to the keen eyes of a CCTV operator and a quick response from police. The youth smashed a window at 24 Self Video, in Hightown, and caused £750 damage at 1.50am on Thursday but was arrested
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ROAD BECOMES A BURNING ISSUE
INCINERATION could be the price of a long-awaited bypass for Middlewich, according to outraged councillors. Town and borough councillors believe the development of a thermal or mechanical biological treatment plant on land south of Cledford Lane is playing
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World Cup Fever
CHILDREN at Tarporley Community Primary School got right behind England's World Cup campaign by creating a huge St George's flag. Pupils dressed in red and white and made a human flag in the playground in a bid to spur their football heroes on to victory
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BEASTLY WONDERS
All the children at Cransley Junior School aged three to 11 were involved in a colourful, musical production of Minibeast Madness. The musical was a fun look into the lives of animals on Midsummer's Night, gathering for their annual fiesta. As each minibeast
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WELL PREPARED
Pupils at Leftwich Primary School were busy making and painting bunting for their joint float with the Salt Museum at the Northwich Carnival. The float was called Victorians R Us and Tom Hughes from the salt museum went into the school to help with the
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Man's biker gripe is met with a brick
POLICE are urging residents not to take the law into their own hands after a man confronted a group of youths and was assaulted with a brick The incident happened at around 7pm on Friday when the 41-year-old victim went out to deal with the teenagers
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Teenager attacked wrong boy
A TEENAGER has appeared in court after he admitted assaulting a fellow pupil of a school in Winsford. The 15-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, assaulted the boy outside the school on May 9 because he believed he had been attacked by his
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Young thugs smash up pub and threaten the landlord
A LANDLORD has slammed the yobs responsible for running riot in his pub while his young children slept in an upstairs room. Darren Johnson, licensee of the Knights Grange, has spoken of his fear when the gang of drunken teenagers went on the rampage at
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Motorcyclistwho died in crash was a 'gentleman'
TRIBUTES have been paid to a 'true gentleman' from Winsford who died in a motorcycle crash on Sunday afternoon. Thomas Kneale, 40, from Ennerdale Close, died when his red Honda motorbike collided with a silver Ford Focus on the A534 Salters Lane at Bickerton
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MURDER SUSPECT QUIZZED BY FORCE
POLICE are questioning a Winsford man on suspicion of murder after a father-to-be died of multiple stab wounds following an incident in the early hours of Sunday. Jamie Lee Vernon, 18, of Dee Way, was attacked at around 1am and died from his injuries
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Contract boost for company workers who defied the odds
NMC Design, based at the Neuromuscular Centre in Winsford, has been a huge success gaining clients which include the Conservative Party's Eddisbury constituency branch. Head of design Dan Cundall said: "It was great for us to be asked to design the website
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Council to act as gambling watchdog
RESIDENTS of Northwich who fancy a flutter will be reliant on Vale Royal Borough Council from next year. From January, following the September 2005 launch of the Gambling Act, the authority will carry out licensing functions for gambling activities in
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Relief of victim who suffered horrific injuries
AN assault victim who suffered horrific facial injuries following an attack in Northwich has spoken of his determination to get on with his life. On Wednesday Kevin Gandy, 51, of Bluebell Close, Winnington, and David Norman Clapton, 21, of Granville Road
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Ambulance service shake up
THE newly formed North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust officially launched on Saturday. Services from Greater Manchester, Cumbria, Mersey and Lancashire have merged to form the trust, following the announcement from health minister Lord Warner that the
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Disbelief as road is hit by yet another accident
NEIGHBOURS have reacted with shock and disbelief after a car crashed into a garden in Davenham - at exactly the same spot where a Winsford PC died last month. PC Tony Heaton died in June when his motorcycle left the road and hit a tree on the Davenham
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OVER recent months and years I have read a lot in the Guardian about the reasons for and against de
I always thought I was in entirely in support of the urban village plan and that the protesters who ranted on about traffic problems were just a load of moaners. I have to say I have now changed my mind. Because of road works, I was forced to change my
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Real targets
REFERRING to the letter from 'ASBO' Guardian, June 28, are you saying why bother to keep to the rules when many others are enjoying the advantages of breaking them? The short answer is that if you care, and it sounds as though you are wondering where
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Closing wards would be crazy and disgraceful
THE plan to close the inpatients wards at the Victoria Infirmary is becoming even more of a cruel farce. I attended an NHS consultation meeting at Crewe, and was astonished to hear that at the same time as inflicting this closure on the sick and elderly
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Weapons taken off the streets
A NAZI dagger and Samurai swords were just some of the bladed weapons handed in during the month-long knife amnesty. Police top brass have hailed it a success but admit there is a lot still to be done to rid Halton's streets of knives and other dangerous
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Rain wrecks Cheshire bid
RAIN ruined Cheshire's chances for the second successive match. After a washout at Berkshire in their opening Minor Counties Championship fixture, the weather made sure they had to settle for a draw with Cornwall. Oulton Park batsman Danny Leech struck
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Screen strikes unbeaten ton
DAVENHAM 1sts suffered a heavy defeat at second-placed Stockport Georgians on Saturday. After winning the toss and asking their hosts to bat, David Ashley ensured his team made the best possible start by taking an early wicket. But a second-wicket stand
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Eaton's brilliance takes Park close
IAN Eaton's maiden century made sure winless Winnington Park 1sts gave Poynton a fright on Saturday. Another spirited performance from the basement side saw them fall just six runs short after a thrilling run chase. Earlier, Poynton declared on 223-4
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Hartford victorious again
HARTFORD 1sts ran out worthy winners at rivals Radbroke Hall on Saturday. Matt Shinkfield carried on from where he left off against Sandbach, firing 44 as the mid Cheshire team successfully chased 189 for victory. Earlier his side's bowlers had laid the
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Kingsley lose
KINGSLEY 1sts continued their poor form with another defeat at Cheshire Allicance leaders Chester County Officers. Asked to bowl first, the visitors felt the absence of regular opener Adrian Burden. In his absence Andrew Ainsworth (4-24) was the pick
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Nelson knows how but Oakmere fall short against Marple
OAKMERE 1sts rued not making enough runs at home to Marple. Teenager Phil Nelson (65) kept his head while others around him lost theirs as the hosts stumbled to 135 all out - a total they were destined to struggle to defend. But they started brightly,
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Events round up
POET Pam Ayres gives a flavour of her verse-writing talent at The Lowry in Salford on Friday. More than 30 years after she was given her musical break on TV show Opportunity Knocks, the star of Radio 4's Ayres On The Air is still performing. For tickets
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Vikings to face off with Chester in final league game
Winnington Park 39 Runcorn Vikings 32 RUNCORN Vikings showed enough character and determination against Winnington Park to keep their Rugby League Conference Cheshire Division play-off hopes burning. The Vikings face off with Chester Wolves in the final
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Halfway open up gap in top section
Runcorn Apec Taxis Darts League A 9-0 WHITEWASH over bottom team Likely Lads has enabled RAOB Buffs to move to the top of Section Two. Leaders Dockside have slipped to second place after losing out 5-4 to Navvy lads. The best in this match came from the
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Bowlers up for big prize
SIXTEEN elite crown green bowlers battled it out in the latest round of the Guardian Cup at the Farmers Arms, Rudheath, on Monday night. Defending champion Glynn Cookson was one of those in action. Pick up next week's Northwich Guardian for a full report
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Chris says wins will come soon
IT was yet another mixed week for Winsford Tennis Club, with the A and B team enjoying differing fortunes. The A team, comprising Damian Cookson, David Littler, David Jones and Mark Abbiss, saw off Congleton 6 - 1. Meanwhile the B team lost 4 - 3, with
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Getting back to nature
CROWDS who descended on Risley Moss last week got a lesson in nature. This year's Green Safari Day featured almost 30 different displays and activities including traditional crafts, activities, animals, birds of prey, pond dips for the youngsters and
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Firefighters go coast-to-coast
THEY may be more used to climbing ladders, but firefighters from Warrington Fire Station have shown they are just as good mounting a hill. The seven members of blue watch have completed a 147-mile coast-to-coast bike ride across north east England in
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Banks a lot ... for £14,000
WARRINGTON residents who bank with the Cheshire Building Society have helped raise £19,447.50 for children across the region. Every year thousands of children face problems because of poverty, disability and abuse. NCH, the children's charity, make a
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Eggs-travagant egg donation!
CHILDREN at Alder Hey Hospital are to benefit from a cash boost thanks to a Warrington business. Polar Ford Warrington gave £1,450 to the Liverpool hospital's Imagine Appeal after donating 90 chocolate eggs, each with a hidden discount voucher inside
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TOWN GLAD TO BE BACK
MIDDLEWICH Town manager Terry Murphy has paid tribute to the loyalty of his players. He says last week's get together was proof his charges are ready to grant his wish to take the Mid Cheshire League champions to the next level. "I'm delighted that almost
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Supporters will keep pressure on for villlage
SUPPORTERS of the Wincham Urban Village are hopeful a special meeting will keep the proposal in the public eye. In April the village was dealt a blow when land south of Chapel Street - earmarked for retail and industrial use with space for around 600
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Appliance of science wins cash
SCIENCE sacks are proving the winning formula in Little Leigh after the village school entered a national competition. Little Leigh Primary School has reached the second group of finalists in the Rolls Royce Science Prize contest - which invites teachers
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Village is all set for the fete
VILLAGERS in Weaverham do not have long to wait until the ever-popular annual rose fete arrives. The show, which is in its 80th year, will be held on Saturday and fete secretary Caroline Walton said there really will be something for everyone on the day
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Spearritt is new leader
WITTON boss Jim Vince has named Tom Spearritt as first team captain. Vince believes the 23-year-old defender can handle the responsibility after an outstanding debut season last year, rewarding him with a new contract this week. Spearritt is delighted
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Traffic work
HALTON'S most complicated junction, with a staggering 19 sets of traffic lights, will soon be much easier for motorists, says Halton Council. Construction is under way to create a gyratory between Focus DIY and B&Q, improving traffic flow into Widnes
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Body in house
THE POLICE underwater search team and firefighters helped police retrieve a decomposed body from a Widnes bungalow on Monday evening. An elderly man, who lived alone, is understood to have died during the heatwave at his dilapidated home in Stapleton
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Knife amnesty hailed success
A NAZI dagger and Samurai swords were among the bladed weapons handed in during the month-long knife amnesty. Police have hailed it a success but admit there is a lot still to be done to rid Halton's streets of knives. "This was not just an exercise in
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Burr starts season with trip to Cambridge United
AUGUST Saturday 12 Cambridge United Away Tuesday 15 Morecambe Home Saturday 19 Kidderminster Harriers Home Saturday 26 Oxford United Away Monday 28 Grays Athletic Home SEPTEMBER Saturday 02 Crawley Town Away Saturday 09 St Albans City Home Tuesday 12
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Pubs will give drivers free drinks
A REFRESHING idea will give drivers free soft drinks all summer at a Middlewich pub. Congleton's community safety partnership is launching a designated non-drinking driver scheme (DES) with the help of four borough pubs, including The Vaults pub in Wheelock
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Accidents are part of Richard's life
MORE safety measures are needed on a dangerously narrow Middlewich road after a pedestrian was clipped by a car wing mirror. Warning signs have been put up on Lewin Street to caution drivers that the road narrows by the White Horse but these did not stop
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Crash shows we must do something about road
A CRASH on a busy Middlewich road has prompted safety fears from a concerned family man. A silver Ford Escort and blue Citroen C3 were in collision on Croxton Lane shortly after 9am on June 27, prompting father-of-two Graham Johnson to renew his plea
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READ ALL ABOUT IT
Pupils at Darnhall Primary School are settling in to their new look library after it was given a make over and extra equipment. Staff and pupils at the school are delighted with the library and have spent the week catching up on their reading. Lewis Clayton
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SKIP TO IT
Pupils at Middlewich High School have been skipping for joy as part of a scheme to promote healthier lifestyles. The school has taken part in a health week by holding a series of activities to encourage pupils to get active. Children were also given advice
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Competition has high school pupils thinking globally
THE County High School Leftwich has organised a competition for children and staff during the World Cup. Each form was entered into a draw to decide the team it would represent. If their team played, the children were allowed to buy a ticket and come
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Youth worker wins royal seal of approval
A WINSFORD youth worker who has dedicated 30 years of his life to helping young people in the town is to have his efforts recognised by the Queen. Bob Barton, of Carisbrook Drive, will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in two weeks in recognition
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Love was dairy strong for couple
IT wasn't exactly love at first sight for Winsford couple Betty and Clifford Hassall but 50 years after tying the knot they both agree they picked the cream of the crop. The couple, who celebrate their golden wedding anniversary on Friday, met when milkman
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Anger as firm takes weeks to mend a pipe
WINSFORDIANS are fuming after United Utilities wasted huge amounts of water by taking more than five weeks to repair a pipe. The pipe in Dene Drive, has been gushing water for almost two months after a 'breakdown in communication' at the water company
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Mast proposal divides councillors
THERE has been a mixed reaction from Barnton parish councillors to an application for a 65ft mast, to be situated at the bottom of Townfield Lane. Barnton parish chairman Clr Maurice Ferguson said: "It will be right in the middle of green fields. It is
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Action group aims to stop bad parking and speeding
RESIDENTS are forming an action group to deal with parking and speeding problems on Lydyett Lane, Barnton. The group is to organise a questionnaire to deliver to houses affected after long standing complaints about the issue. Barnton DIY owner Paul Brotherton
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Phyl hopes cooking up a storm is recipe for success
A HARTFORD chef is hoping to tempt the taste buds of businessmen in mid Cheshire by offering mouthwatering catering. Phyl Lomas, owner of Stables Cuisine, based in Heyes Park, has been serving up homemade food at private functions for six years and is
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SONIC booms out its infirmary message
A GROUP opposing the closure of Northwich Victoria Infirmary's two inpatient wards now has 12,000 signatures of support on its petition. The Save our Northwich Inpatients Campaign (SONIC) is hoping the NHS authorities will take note and respect residents
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Triangle money puts station on right lines
PLANS to completely overhaul the dilapidated Lostock Gralam train station are on track to benefit from a significant cash boost. As a result of plans for the Lostock triangle development, rubber-stamped in January, Vale Royal Borough Council has £185,000
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It's the sound of music at Victoria Stadium
THE Victoria Stadium could be used to host music concerts if a planning application is successful. Bosses at Northwich Victoria say the shows, which they hope will attract thousands of people, would be restricted to one or two a year. But neighbours of
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Teacher suspended
A TEACHER at the Russett School in Weaverham has been suspended after allegations of improper conduct were made against her. The woman was escorted out of the special school by a Cheshire County Council child protection unit and Cheshire Police on Tuesday
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Fat's not the way to do it
THERE are two phrases I've never really understood: Fashion victim and muffin tops. With the advent of warm weather, a quick walk round Northwich town centre has now cleared up any misunderstanding, I may have had. Come on girls, crop tops and low rise
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Being in the zone puts world at my fingertips
HOW far could you travel from Northwich Railway Station? Manchester, Chester or throughout the UK? You may be surprised - I was - that you could travel worldwide. This is not magic but a reality. Eight weeks ago, I viewed computers with suspicion and
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Please give us a sign
AS both a cyclist and a motorist, I sympathise with JH Carroll after her interesting ride on the pillion of a motorcycle, Guardian, June 28. I cycle because I enjoy the exercise and fairly fresh air and the exercise helps to keep me fit, trim and mentally
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Sex assault
A YOUNG girl was sexually assaulted on a busy road in broad daylight on June 19. The nine-year-old was walking along Bridge Street, Runcorn, when she was approached by a man who groped her under her clothes. Police are hunting a white skinny man in his
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Boy stabbed after match
A TEENAGE boy was stabbed in the arm during a disturbance in the Old Town on Saturday night after the England game. The 17-year-old collapsed on the footpath in Bridge Street opposite the swimming baths with blood gushing from wounds in his hands and
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'RENT BOY' MURDERED WIDOWER
A REMORSELESS killer who murdered an innocent widower to fund his extravagant lifestyle is from Runcorn, the World can reveal. Grinning Graham Clarke Smith (pictured) was jailed for life at Manchester Crown Court after being found guilty of stabbing to
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Winsford fail to smash the Potts
WINSFORD 1sts promotion push stalled on Saturday at Pott Shrigley. But they have Mark Skellon (55no) to thank for helping them avoid defeat after a fine rearguard action. Earlier the visitors had toiled in the field as Pott Shrigley took control on their
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theatre round up
YOUNG thespians go in search of the final frontier as they take their audience to a far off galaxy. The Mid Cheshire Amateur Operatic Society Juniors head into space in their new production Dazzle. Audience members will be invited aboard the Starship
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Martyn can't make up for missing men
A HEAVILY depleted Northwich 1sts lost for the first time in two months at Chelford. Missing seven regulars through injury and work commitments, captain John O'Sullivan and his men faced a tough task before a ball was bowled. And they were disappointed
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A Cuban Mantle piece
S TARS of three of the best-known series in British television history head the cast in a production of 'the play the CIA don't want you to see' Killing Castro. Casualty star Clive Mantle, the actor who brought Sherlock Holmes' sidekick Dr Watson to life
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Oulton close gap on high-flying Hyde
A CHESHIRE subplot spiced up the story of Oulton Park's win at Bramhall on Saturday. Park's seventh win of the campaign moves them to within 13 points of high-flying Hyde at the halfway stage in the season as they look to mount a successful defence of
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Middlewich win away once again
MIDDLEWICH CC 1sts racked up their fifth away win of the season at Grappenhall. They now lie third in the CD Bramall Cheshire County Cricket League Division Two as the season reaches the halfway point. Choosing to bat first after winning the toss, Middlewich
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Craig's World Cup comment
ENGLAND schoolboys under 18s football team captain Craig Heenighan from Widnes reflects on England's penalty heartache at yet another major finals. AS the World Cup reaches its final stages we are left to ponder another extremely disappointing competition
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St Maries
WIDNES St Maries amateur rugby league team have commenced training in preparation for the Carlsberg Tetley Champions Challenge at Leigh Miners and the opening league fixture against Leeds outfit Milford Marlins on September 9. Training will continue throughout
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Cookson and Cornes hope to claim crown
A NEW champion will emerge from the Roberts Bakery Cup final at Owley Wood on Friday. Last year's winner Rob Winnington (Frodsham RL) has already fallen this time around, leaving eight elite mid Cheshire crown green bowlers to battle for his handicap
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New signings
WIDNES RUFC have shown their intentions to achieve promotion back into North West Two at the first attempt with the announcement of two further signings to boost their squad. Stand off Andy McIntosh and experienced prop forward Derek Dyer have made the
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Burning issues
WARRINGTON residents are being urged to sign up and have their say on Cheshire Fire Service. A residents' consultation panel has been launched for people to air their views on what they would like to see from the fire service. It is hoped 600 people will
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DAD: We need volunteers
FANCY being part of one of Warrington's biggest events? Well, this weekend you can. Volunteers are need to help at Disability Awareness Day, on Sunday, which attracts thousands of people from across the north west. If you have a few free hours or haven't
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Sign up for police alerts
THE countdown to Creamfields is on but it need not be a nightmare for residents as police launch a help hotline. While 45,000 revellers look forward to music from the Zutons and Prodigy, residents are being encouraged to sign up to Police Direct for message
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Town boss keen to go
MIDDLEWICH Town manager Terry Murphy has paid tribute to the loyalty of his players. He says last week's get together was proof his charges are ready to grant his wish to take the Mid Cheshire League champions to the next level. "I'm delighted that almost
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GRAHAM Robinson robbed Runcorn Vikings to help Winnington win a game they looked likely to lose.
The second half sub ran the length of the pitch to score a wonder try, helping inspire his teammates to recover a match they had seemed determined to throw away. Park had held a 20-0 lead early in the opening period. But Robinson rounded off a commanding
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We aim to help the young
A NEW community group which aims to improve life for young people in Wincham has been formed and has taken its first steps forward. Wincham parish councillor Christine Patterson has spent months trying to set up a residents' group to transform Linnards
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Second death after taxi crash
A HORROR smash between a taxi and a car full of teenagers has claimed a second life. Stephen Roberts, 18, was behind the wheel of the Peugeot 306 wrecked in a head-on collision with 41-year-old Brian Crummey's Citroen cab on the Daresbury Expressway last
