NEWTON-le-Willows will be thanking its lucky stars in the next Millennium, according to the town's very own Nostradamus, Raymond Castrogiovanni. Astrologer Raymond, of Laurel Avenue, Newton, has predicted a golden era of wealth and success over the next 10 years, as the town's fortunes take a turn for the better.

"The last 10 or 15 years have been pretty traumatic for Newton, with the pit closing and the decline of Earlestown. But as we approach the Millennium it seems Newton is in the ascendancy," said Raymond, who appears on Billy Butler's radio show, as well as advising a secret circle of celebrities.

He added: "I predict a growth in commerce and business over the next decade, greater than has ever been seen before. The new developments in the shopping centre will achieve success beyond expectations within three years. And in the middle of the year 2000 there will be an injection of money into both private and council housing."

The astrologer, fortune-teller and psychic believes this could be the first time an astrologer has predicted the future of an entire town. "Newton le Willows can be traced back to the time of the Druids," said Raymond. "Looking into the darkest mists of time to the town's origins, I believe I've established that Newton falls under the star sign of Aries. This is interesting because the emblem of the town is a ram's head."

He added: "Over the next three or four years. The town's poor health record will result in radical new healthcare measures and a Newton doctor will receive royal recognition. I also predict that, if people continue to feel that Newton is a poor relation to St Helens, the town may join a neighbouring borough."

The town's stellar prospects are so strong that Raymond believes they will even help revive Newton star Rick Astley's pop career! Said Raymond: "I predict that Rick will find success in acting as well as singing."

But not all of Raymond's predictions are so rosy.

He warned: "Although most future events seem positive, there are signs of danger and turmoil. A new road will be built after a bitterly fought protest and there is a danger of a major transport disaster within the boundaries of the town."

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.