Archive
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Duo guide Gloucestershire home
CRAIG Spearman and Ian Harvey were the stars as Gloucestershire kept their National League title hopes very much alive with a seven-wicket triumph over Essex in their day-night clash at Chelmsford. The visitors, replying to what looked a testing 252-8
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Renewed hope for Swindon
FOLLOWING their fine victory against table toppers Winget last weekend, Swindon will be looking to continue their improved run of form when they travel to local rivals Goatacre. With seven games remaining Swindon would appear to need at least three more
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Away from home
Ref. 25731-58SIR SETON WILLS feels Swindon Town's long-term prosperity is linked to making a new home in a modern stadium. The club's major shareholder has fond memories of the County Ground but is committed to looking to the future rather than dwelling
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Thieves leave with nothing
THIEVES left a butchers shop empty handed after they were foiled by its security system. The break-in at Artingsalls in Corsham High Street, occurred some time between Saturday evening and Monday morning while the shop was closed. The thieves got into
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Still making sweet music
RON Guyon may have just celebrated his 90th birthday, but he has the body and mind of a man far younger. And his fingers are still quite nimble too. Ron, of Lechlade Road, Highworth, has been a church organist for more than 50 years. Ron started his organ-playing
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Life-size model at exhibition
A LIFE-SIZE model of world famous engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel can be seen at a new exhibition in Corsham Heritage Cen-tre. Made by local sculptor Andrea Garrihy, the model is part of a display which shows Brunel's links with the north Wiltshire community
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'Living hell' of pub neighbour
Late-night drinkers in Westbury are turning life into a living hell, according to nearby residents. Emma Wills says she and her seven-month-old daughter are woken up every weekend by fighting, noise and vandalism on her doorstep. She has lived opposite
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Bid for eastern bypass funding
THE eastern route is the right one for a bypass around Westbury, say Wiltshire county councillors, who have agreed to bid for Government funds for the road. Wiltshire County Council's cabinet agreed plans for the bypass and the cash bid on Friday. Proposals
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Meeting to discuss RLF
WESTBURY residents have the chance to speak out at a public meeting about the use of Recycled Liquid Fuels (RLF) at the Lafarge cement works. The cement giant has applied to the Environment Agency to trial recycled liquid fuels to heat the kilns at the
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Pupils act shady for charity cash
SHADY characters helped raise cash for charity at the Bratton County primary school on Tuesday. Pupils from the school council decided to hold a shades day in aid of Guide Dogs for the Blind. Children and teachers took part and raised over £50. Andy Bridewell
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Purton enjoy Lincoln glory
PURTON men are enjoying considerable success in the Lincoln Trophy, the National Double Fours competition. They beat Spencer Moulton 54-31 in the area final to book a place against Clevedon in the next round. Purton took the honours on both rinks against
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Service is a credit
Ref. 13785/2A SAVINGS co-operative that provides a social and financial dividend was launched on Tuesday. West Wiltshire Credit Union has received a licence from the Financial Services Authority and will begin business at the end of the month. Melksham
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Banker faces theft charges
AN investment banker from Melksham has been charged with 23 cases of theft totalling £77,000 from a credit balance. John Christopher Wilkes, alias Chris Wilkes or Hamilton Wilkes, 55, from Brecon Close, entered no plea at Chippenham magistrates' court
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Cool cut for kids
FUNDRAISERS proved they were a cut above the rest in a hair-raising idea to raise cash for cancer charities. Kate Lochiel from Trowbridge, Liz Galley and her two daughters Roxanne, 14, and Lucia, 10, from Melksham, each had 12 inches of hair chopped off
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Paddington route is more expensive
I USE the service from Warminster to Waterloo and return twice a week. It would be seriously inconvenient to me for this service to be scrapped. First, the connecting service via Salisbury is very unreliable, due to persistent late running of the connecting
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Please retain this vital lifeline
LEETERS SPECIAL :I wonder if it is realised just how many people use this service and what a lifeline it is for those of us living in more rural areas. It is our only direct link to Eurostar and the only convenient link to Gatwick as well as central London
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Service invaluable for many
We use this service whenever we travel up to London about four or five times a year. It is absolutely invaluable as otherwise we have to drive to Chippenham, pay an inflated car parking charge and a higher ticket cost. As pensioners we have to pay our
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Keep up good work
LETTERS SPECIAL: Residents of Bradford were so thrilled when this service opened and we were enabled to get to London and back without driving on the already over-crowded roads. It would be a tragedy for many people of this town, for people who work in
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Motorola family fun day is a real knockout
Motorola splashed out and spared no expense to stage its recent Family Fun Day, held to celebrate the company's 75th anniversary. More than 2,000 staff and their families took part in a host of activities ranging from a touring version of the TV show
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Top composter
WEST Wiltshire's first compost ambassador has been appointed to encourage residents to help the environment and not just bin kitchen and garden waste. Priscilla Daniell will be covering Chippenham, Westbury, Warminster and Trowbridge. For composting advice
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Help to rescue vital rail service
TRAIN passengers travelling to London Waterloo will be forced to add an hour to their journey time and fork out an extra £10 if the current direct route is cut. A campaign by the Wiltshire Times to save the Bradford on Avon train service, which also stops
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Violent crime 100% higher than average
VIOLENT crime in Wiltshire has shot up dramatically according to latest crime figures but police chiefs are assuring the public the increases are down to new recording methods. Figures released this week show the number of violent crimes in the county
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FAILING HEALTH:Kennet & North Wilts PCT
THE legacy of a multi-million pound debt left yet another Wiltshire-based trust with a zero-star rating. When it was set up last year, the Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust inherited a £10m deficit, which affected the quality of service provision
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FAILING HEALTH FEATURE: The important facts and figures
Wiltshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust failed to answer 75 per cent of Category A emergency calls within eight minutes. The ambulance service met only one of the four key targets set by the Government. West Wiltshire Primary Care Trust failed to meet three
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County change winning team
Ref. 13804THE Wiltshire selectors have decided to change a winning team for their quarter-final tie in the Middleton Cup. Following three good wins in the qualifying stages, the selectors have made changes aimed at strengthening the side still further
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FAILING HEALTH FEATURE: Ambulance Service
WILTSHIRE Ambulance Service has been forced to draw up an action plan to improve poor emergency response times. Earlier this year, a damming report from government health inspectors revealed serious flaws, and the service has failed to meet the target
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Vandals start fire
Vandals caused £750 damage by setting fire to a skip in Beech Avenue, Warminster, between 5.30pm on July 4 and 4pm on July 5. The fire spread to a storage container holding 30 mattresses.
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Army fun day
A CHALLENGER tank will be the star attraction when soldiers from Warminster host a family fun day to raise funds for charity. The event on July 31 at Battlesbury Barracks, Warminster, will include bouncy castles, a mini assault course, a dog show and
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Mother's upset at credit card refusal
Ref. 22093/1A PREGNANT mum and her young son were refused entry to a stately home after she was told she could not pay by credit card. Giulia Baker, 37, of French Horn Cottages, Codford, had hoped to give her 14-month-old son Max a special treat by visiting
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Third fatality on A36 death roadTRAGEDY: The scene after the lorry collided with a car and ended in
A MEALS on wheels driver was killed in a three-vehicle smash on the A36 near Codford on Monday. Retired army captain Derek Reilly, 73, from Boscombe Down, near Amesbury, is the third person to die this year on the stretch of the A36 known as Death Valley
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Darren faces life without football
DESPITE being forced into retirement from his football career at the age 28, Darren Eadie shows no bitterness and insists he would do it all again tomorrow. The Chippenham-born striker says he has enjoyed every moment of his career, from playing as a
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Assault close to busy pub
A HOSPITAL worker sexually assaulted by a flasher on a riverside walk just 50 yards from a bustling pub has spoken of her terrifying experience. The 30-year-old woman from Bradford on Avon revealed how she fought past the teenage flasher, who pounced
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Airbase closure is bad news in cost and community terms
THE recently announced rundown and closure of RAF Lyneham over the next nine years is indeed a sad and great blow to the area for many reasons. I would be interested to see what costs will be incurred in the transfer of operations to RAF Brize Norton.
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Artwork enhances our pavements?
HAVING visited the The Shires car park on 15 July I can see some of the work carried as part of the £500,000 refurbishment which is due for completion this week. Parking bays come in a variety of colours orange, red and black with white boundaries pedestrian
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Teeing off for our appeal
SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: Ref. 25640-2Playing non-stop golf for 16 hours would pose a challenge for even the most ardent sports fan. But this trio of golfers did just that to raise money for the Swin-don Cancer Appeal. Phil Ward, Mark Thomas and David Holmes
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Moving into new quarters!
Swindon is changing its image for the better. But the company tasked with improving that image needs more input from people in the town. GILES SHELDRICK reports. THE New Swindon Company is on a drive to arrest what is sees as a "poverty of aspiration"
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Lively sounds out of Africa
A lively show from a 15-piece African band has kept the Swindon Summer Festival sizzling - despite the rain. Siyaya, an a capella group from Zimbabwe, delighted shoppers in The Parade by singing and dancing to a mixture of traditional and contemporary
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Public enemy?
Ref. 25741-44That's what Swindon Council says Liam Walsh, 13, is to the people of Penhill. They have slapped a court order on him but his parents insisted today: 'Our son is not such a bad lad' JACKI Walsh still remembers the day when she was at the shop
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Suspect is freed
BENEFIT fraud suspect Patricia Rippa has walked free from court after the charges against her were dropped. But the 41-year-old Trowbridge woman will still have to pay £52,000 back to the Department of Work and Pensions, a court heard. Rippa, of Ramsbury
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Lottery cash joy for estate nursery
CHILDCARE facilities on one of Trowbridge's largest housing estates have been given a major boost with a £280,000 injection of Lottery cash. Studley Green Primary School is celebrating a cash windfall which will part-fund a £500,000 on-site nursery, due
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School band's success
MUSIC teachers at a Trowbridge school are singing the praises of pupils who took second prize in a national music festival in London. The John of Gaunt brass band may have to squash into a small classroom for practice sessions, but their efforts paid
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Trowbridge war tales
A FORMER Wiltshire Times journalist has written a book about how the county coped during the Second World War. Bob Randall was a reporter with our paper during the key years of the war and his book A Patchwork of Memories looks at how Trowbridge and surrounding
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Council buys up charity's chairs
ELECTRIC wheelchairs belonging to doomed Trowbridge charity Shopmobility have been snapped up by Trowbridge Town Council for nearly £8,000. Seven electric chairs and 15 manual chairs will be bought by the town council for £7,900 in case another operator
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Feud led to attack on road
Motorist Kevin Munday has been jailed for 28 days after he ran over a neighbour, then stamped on him. The 35-year-old's attack on Paul Jeffery was part of a feud in the village of Holt, near Trowbridge, a court heard. Paul Cook, prosecuting, said Munday
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Plane noise is explained
LOW-FLYING aircraft led to sleepless nights in Trowbridge and Hilperton early on Tuesday morning. Crews from RAF Brize Norton flew more than 15 flights in a C-17 Globemaster over the town on the way to Keevil airfield. But many residents complained the
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Women help homeless children in Romania
TWO former Trowbridge residents are helping to give homeless children and poverty-stricken gypsies in Romania a new lease of life. Lorraine Bees and Carol Schrecker have lived in Slobozia for the last three years where they have been trying to meet the
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Girls try out an army life
Two students were given an inside view of life in green when they spent five days with the army in Winchester. Christina Borg, of Trowbridge, and Lindsey Walker, of Melksham, joined 40 students from the south selected to take part in the event designed
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Work to keep meadow tidy
Ref. 27082SCHOOLCHILDREN joined council staff to clean up a meadow in the heart of Trowbridge and make it more attractive to wildlife. Three children from Salter class at Paxcroft School wrote to West Wiltshire District Council asking for help to clean
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Shocking comedy
UNTIL JULY 26, BATH: Cuckoos - Ustinov Studio. HILARIOUS, shocking and not for the faint-hearted, the irresistibly rude comedy Cuckoos arrives at the Ustinov as the Peter Hall Company continue to present a packed programme in Bath. Outrageously rude and
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Betrayal
UNTIL AUGUST 8, BATH: Betrayal - Theatre Royal Bath. BETRAYAL in a relationship usually leads to a messy and bitter ending. But when shown in such a dignified and civilised manner as in Peter Lee's version of Harold Pinter's play, we might all be doing
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Pointless statistics?
Crime figures are pretty pointless unless you can make sense of them. Official figures suggest crime in Wiltshire has increased dramatically while police chiefs are telling us the rise is down to a change in recording systems. Therefore instead of violent
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Room for all on any voyage
LET'S all go on a summer holiday and the latest Grand Voyager might just be the car for the job. For a start you can comfortably carry all the family and still have masses of room for all of your holiday baggage and yet be in one of the sleekest multi
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Cutting a dash with Audi A4
Sport versions of the acclaimed Audi A4 now cut more of a dash, thanks to a new styling package developed by quattro GmbH, the Audi division responsible for the potent RS 4 and RS 6 models. The upgraded styling treatment becomes an integral part of the
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Simply breathtaking
Debuting alongside the X3 at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show, the new BMW 645Ci Coup promises power and performance within a breathtaking design. This is the first BMW Coup to wear the legendary 6 Series badge since 1989. Though it carries the heritage
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Rover's bold statement set for August launch
MG Rover Group has announced a bold new extension to its small car range the Streetwise. Due to go on sale in the UK towards the end of August, the new sleek, sporty Streetwise is a specialised range based on the popular Rover 25 platform, but offering
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Small and tall in the city
CityRover is an attractive modern 'city sector' small car that provides the most competitive value-for-money blend of space, performance and specification available in the £6,500-£8,500 price band. Although compact and easy to drive and park, it has a
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Are you seeing red?
The RAC Foundation has called on the Government and police to target more financial resources on traffic light cameras and physical enforcement rather than concentrating solely on speed cameras. The RAC's demand was prompted by new evidence suggesting
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Now global warming on agenda for officials
COUNCIL chiefs have been told they must start preparing to deal with the effects of global warming. Swindon Council was warned it would have to deal with increasing weather related problems and should take steps to "protect major assets". Environment
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Councillor hits at Home Zones
THERE can be no argument that taxpayers' money is better spent on more pressing priorities than pioneering Home Zones, a councillor says. Dr Owen Lister (Con, Abbey Meads) says there is a catalogue of outstanding work that needs to be done to schools,
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'U-turn' on education under fire
THE Government has promised more money to all schools when next year's budget is revealed. But it has been accused of acting like Alice in Wonderland by Council leader Mike Bawden, who says the Government wants to hike up council tax and then tell councils
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Drug lights are removed
TESCO has removed anti-drug ultra violet lights from its public toilets at its Ocotal Way store amid fears they could trigger epileptic fits. The store installed the lighting after addicts were using the conveniences as a haven in which to inject heroin
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Celebrity Melinda takes orphan Annies to heart
Ref. 25736-7MELINDA Messenger has urged Swindon couples who want a child to consider adoption. Launching a recruitment drive for adoptive families, Melinda, who was recently voted celebrity mum-of-the-year, says she is planning to adopt two or three children
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Police chief challenges Home Office
MORE crimes are being solved in Swindon than almost anywhere else of the country. That is the view of Superintendent Richard Rowland, who is in charge of police operations in the town. He was speaking after yesterday's crime figures showed offences were
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Pupils allowed to act up at school!
Ref. 25691-7SCHOOLCHILDREN from Swindon have been getting up to mischief on a Channel 4 comedy drama about the life of teachers. The youngsters have been travelling to Bristol as extras in the hit show Teachers, which is set to start its third series
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Thanks for care
HAVING recently received a major repair operation on my starboard undercarriage, may I join with previous correspondents in expressing my sincere gratitude to the excellent care and attention which I enjoyed from the dedicated doctors and staff in Falcon
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Plenty to answer for
I REFER to the report 'Bulldog Bates had enough' (EA, July 9) which informed us that Sue Bates is throwing in the towel as a councillor after 14 years' service to Swindon. Under her leadership council tax escalated to extortionate levels and public service
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Man throws hamsters into river
THE throwing of six pet hamsters into the River Avon at Chippenham has been condemned as inexusable by the RSPCA. Two youngsters raised the alarm at 4.45pm on July 9 after a man was seen hurling the pets into the water at Borough Parade. An RSPCA inspector
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Plunge helps drive beat £10,000 target
SWINDON CARES: SWINDON Cares week hasn't even finished yet but the fundraising drive has already exceeded its target of raising £10,000 for three local charities. So far companies, schools and individuals across the town have raised nearly £11,000, and
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Bassett rely on batsmen to beat the drop
WOOTTON Bassett, currently propping up Glos & Wilts 1, will be hoping that their batsman can show some much-needed consistency to turn their season around against in-form Devizes away. Skipper Steve Twine is unavailable and Clive Chattell takes over
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Let us hope anti-social order works
DOUBTLESS many people in Penhill will be breathing a sigh of relief at the news that teenager Liam Walsh has been banned by the courts from certain parts of the area. He was made the subject of an Anti-Social Behaviour Order after being accused of terrorising
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Five-year run ends
Staff from The Linnick Group ran out winners in Warminster Chamber of Commerce's annual skittles evening. Their single pin victory, in the contest at Warminster Cricket Club, saw the 'Linnick Greats' end Pearson May's five-year stranglehold on the trophy
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Gardener's triumph
A LANDSCAPE gardener from Westbury who has claimed a prestigious award at this year's Hampton Court Palace Flower Show still feels he could have done better. Steve Gower, who has been awarded the bronze medal for his exotic seclusion garden at the show
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Plans hit snag
A BID to knock down a 100-year-old bakery and build flats in Westbury hit a setback on Monday night. Town councillors opposed a plan to replace the Raines Bakery on Edward Street with flats for 15 people. They object to the lack of parking places and
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Miserable time for town centre
WESTBURY town centre is in decline and faces a bleak future, according to shoppers and businesses. A survey of shops and shoppers by Anna Crosbie, Westbury's town centre development advisor, found 79 per cent of shop owners predict a miserable future
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School draws to a cool close
CHILDREN in Westbury left their mark on their school with a new set of gates decorated with pencils. Year six students from Westbury Junior School spent four days designing and making the main gates and fence. The pupils were helped by artist Andrew McGregor
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Man bailed in assault case
A 21-year-old Westbury man has been arrested on suspicion of committing serious sexual assault on Friday night. The alleged victim, a Westbury woman, was last seen walking home alone from the Ludlow Arms shortly after 1am on Saturday morning. Staff at
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Man, 90, beaten in attack at his home
A 90-year-old man needed 80 stitches to his head after an attack at his Westbury home. The pensioner was rushed to the Royal United Hospital, Bath, on Tuesday evening with serious head injuries. Hospital staff said the man was in a stable condition yesterday
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Cricklade put up a brave fight against the leaders
CRICKLADE failed to halt the Rodbourne Cheney bandwagon as they cruised to their 11th victory on the trot in the latest matches from the Stroud & Swindon-sponsored Swindon & District 4 rink bowls league. Cricklade did well to win on two rinks,
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Donors thanked
DONORS who have given over 450 pints of blood between them were thanked at Melksham House last Monday. County organiser Julia Ford was on hand to reward Winston Stonham and Garth Topp, who have both given 75 donations of blood each. Six other donors also
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Feed firm guilty of sex bias
THREE women who claimed their boss treated male employees better than female ones have won £26,000 compensation for sex discrimination. Elizabeth Marsden, Jayne Lancashire and Kim Cox were all area sales managers working around the country for Gro-Well
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Driver sought in theft hunt
A CAR driver who may have vital clues to a burglary in Melksham is being asked to contact police. The driver was seen staring at two men who were acting suspiciously near Sandridge Road between 1.30-2.15pm last Wednesday, when jewellery was taken from
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Glowing report gained
STAFF and pupils at a west Wiltshire school are celebrating after receiving a glowing Ofsted report. An inspection team found standards at Shaw Primary School had improved over the last year. Key strengths included good teaching methods, hard working
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Bus service switch sparks protest row
Ref. 27065BUS passengers from Melksham will take their protest against a change to the town's service to county hall next week. A 300-strong petition was handed to Wiltshire County Council after the town's bus operator changed from Frome Minibuses to
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Thanks for the boost to our trade!
Wootton Bassett-based exporter Dolphin Express Worldwide, claims that it has recently experienced a welcome boost to its business, thanks to information supplied to it by M4 Business Resource. M4BR is a partnership between the University of Bath in Swindon
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Cuts ignites memory of the Beeching axe
LETTERS SPECIAL: IT is with the deepest concern that I write regarding the possible closure of the above service which stops at my local station Bradford on Avon. I often use the Waterloo link to visit an infirm relative in London and can't tell you how
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Plan your way to £2,000 prize
Wootton Bassett Chamber of Commerce is to launch a competition for new businesses in an attempt to attract investment into the town. The aim of the competition, which boasts a £2,000 first prize, is primarily to publicise existing business opportunities
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Service is a credit
Ref. 13785/2A SAVINGS co-operative that provides a social and financial dividend was launched on Tuesday. West Wiltshire Credit Union has received a licence from the Financial Services Authority and will begin business at the end of the month. Melksham
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Planning changes underway
CHANGES to the way planning applications are dealt with in west Wiltshire have led to the creation of one specialist committee to decide if developments can go ahead. A single planning and licensing committee will now oversee applications instead of the
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FAILING HEALTH FEATURE: West Wilts PCT
WEST Wiltshire Primary Care Trust admits it is not making the grade and is striving to improve its performance. Plans have already been put in place to ring in the changes and lift the trust from its zero- star rating. Chief executive Donna Stiles said
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FAILING HEALTH FEATURE: Royal United Hospital
MASSIVE debts and 12-hour trolley waits have left one of the region's biggest hospitals without any stars in the Government's performance league. For the second year running, Bath's Royal United Hospital has been left squandering with a zero rating. Despite
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Wiltshire in line for league title
WILTSHIRE remain unbeaten in the South Western Counties League after a 129-108 victory at Supermarine, gaining 18 points to Cornwall's four. Wiltshire have two more matches to play, against Somerset at Frome on Sunday and the final one against Devon at
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FAILING HEALTH FEATURE: Community Health Council
A PATIENT watchdog is calling for healthcare providers to work more closely together to turn performance around and meet government targets. Bath and District Community Health Council, which covers north and west Wiltshire, says prompt action is needed
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FAILING HEALTH FEATURE: Care is among the worst
HOSPITALS and primary health care trusts in the west are among the worst in the country according to new NHS figures. Bath's Royal United Hospital (RUH) and the three trusts serving north and west Wiltshire received zero stars in the latest round of performance
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Five-year run ends
Staff from The Linnick Group ran out winners in Warminster Chamber of Commerce's annual skittles evening. Their single pin victory, in the contest at Warminster Cricket Club, saw the 'Linnick Greats' end Pearson May's five-year stranglehold on the trophy
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Petition handed over in House of Commons
JULY 18: JUSTICE for the family of Zoe Evans is a step closer as the Wiltshire Times campaign reached the House of Commons. Home Secretary David Blunkett was in parliament when west Wiltshire MP Dr Andrew Murrison handed the petition with almost 1,000
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Inquest help for widower
THE husband of a Warminster woman who was gunned down while on holiday in South Africa will not rest until her belongings are returned home. John Conway admitted the inquest into his wife Diane's death on Tuesday was a "step towards closure", but said
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Annual air show is up, up and away
Ref. 25744-91The Royal International Air Tattoo has been officially launched, despite the wet and windy weather. Opening the show at RAF Fair-ford was BBC Treasure Hunt star and superbike celebrity Suzi Perry. She arrived aboard a No 33 Squadron Puma,
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Women bikers get cheaper deals than men
Female motorcyclists donning leathers and hitting the road on two wheels are getting better insurance deals than their male counterparts. Premiums for female bikers can be between five and 15 per cent lower than that for a male rider. This is not only
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The worst motorists in Europe
ITALIANS may be famed for their hot and fiery temperament. But it's cool-mannered Brits who need to exercise more caution behind the wheel. In a poll involving 1,000 motorists from each of the five European countries of the UK, Germany, Spain, France
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Weekes work
A handmade body, a throaty growl and the performance of a track racer are a few of the reasons Bob Weekes brought his classic Porsche 911. The diamond-blue, 1988-vintage Porsche 911 Turbo is one of just seven special 911 Turbos built to celebrate the
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Help to rescue vital rail service
TRAIN passengers travelling to London Waterloo will be forced to add an hour to their journey time and fork out an extra £10 if the current direct route is cut. A campaign by the Wiltshire Times to save the Bradford on Avon train service, which also stops
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Coach makes a splash
Ref. 27094AN UNSUNG hero has received a special award for making a big splash in Bradford on Avon. Swimming coach Andrew Harper was awarded the Golden Gudgeon by Bradford Chamber of Commerce last Friday. The award has been presented to a member of the
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Value for money
LETTERS SPECIAL: I always use this service when I go to London and have found it very reliable, clean and efficient, as well as (most importantly) very good value for money. I cannot imagine why it was ever thought that this service should not continue
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Services gives a direct route to Europe
LETTERS SPECIAL: WE most definitely need to keep the Waterloo line as it is the only direct service from Trowbridge, otherwise people have to go to Bath or Westbury. The Underground from Waterloo is just as good as other London terminals also one is on
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Anger at sudden loss of local input on planning
I am deeply puzzled as to just who is in charge of the current West Wilts District Council administration. When members of the administration seek to make changes in their own recommendations on the agenda in the full council meeting, such confusion is
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Don't cut the popular service to Waterloo
I WOULD like to add my voice to those who are protesting against the possible removal of the only direct rail link from Bradford on Avon to London Waterloo, which I use regularly to visit my daughter who lives in Hertfordshire. As I do not drive, the
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Brambles spoil river's beauty
COULD I, through your letters' page, say how fortunate we are to have a river running through our town and on through to the park and the Biss meadows. We often walk from The Shires to the library then through the park to Polebarn Road. It's so relaxing
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Thanks for support
MAY I through your newspaper thank the host families (they are unpaid) and their children of our charity who on two weeks notice hosted, 11 children from the village of Lazduny in the Grodno region of Belarus. They gave their love and care and the host
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Missing link will wreck any bypass
THANK goodness the county council is taking action to relieve Westbury of traffic. But why on earth have they shelved the plan for the Yarnbrook-West Ashton link to the Westbury scheme? That's where traffic flows and accident rates are highest. It doesn't
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Forced out of the farm
Ref. 25727-33A WELL-known couple who run a farm near Barbury Castle have been ordered to leave by the end of the month. Lynne and Brian Simpson of Ridgeway Farm say the move, which has been ordered by landlords Swindon Council, will leave them without
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RIAT tickets up for grabs
SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: The Evening Advertiser is offering two reduced price tickets for this year's Air Tattoo to raise money for the Swindon Cancer Appeal. The tickets, which are usually £27.95 in advance, are being sold at the discounted priced of £20
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Annual air show is up, up and away
Ref. 25744-91The Royal International Air Tattoo has been officially launched, despite the wet and windy weather. Opening the show at RAF Fair-ford was BBC Treasure Hunt star and superbike celebrity Suzi Perry. She arrived aboard a No 33 Squadron Puma,
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Spreading the news with leaflet campaign
Ref. 25741-10THE leaflet bearing Liam's name and photograph, which was distributed to families throughout Penhill, was headed: "Keeping Crime off the Streets of Swindon." It gave Liam's age and home street, as well as detailing the terms of the order
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Ringleader banned from troublespots
Ref. 25745-38AN ANTI-Social Behaviour Order has been granted against a teenager alleged to have led a gang accused of turning parts of Penhill into a no-go area. But the family of Liam Walsh, 13, have raised a petition with several hundred signatures,
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Old Boys are back
PRE-SEASON training for Swindon College Old Boys will be held every Tuesday at 6.30pm at the Croft sports centre. Meanwhile, Pewsey Vale have appointed a new management team to take them to their new ground at Wilcot Road. Dave Williamson will captain
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Campaign shows signs of cracks
CRACKS have appeared in the £50,000 campaign to fight the Lord Chancellor's decision to close Trowbridge Magistrates Court for good. Supporters want to raise £50,000 through a fighting fund to force a judicial review of the controversial decision and
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Survey shows ideal is unreal
WHAT makes us attractive to the opposite sex? Sixth form students at St Augustine's Catholic College in Trowbridge have been trying to find out with their latest A-level psychology project, and have had some surprising results. The students, pictured
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VIP visit to hear views of parents
A COMMUNITY centre for children is preparing for a special visit on Tuesday. Barnardo's centre in Trowbridge which helps families on low incomes cope with children under 11 years old, is having a visit from west Wiltshire MP Andrew Murrison. He will meet
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Huge crowds expected at fun-packed free show
THOUSANDS of people are expected to descend on Trowbridge Park for the biggest free show in the west. The West Wilts Show 2003 runs from July 24 to 26 and will bring together people from all over west Wiltshire for three fun-packed days of entertainment
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Cool cut for kids
FUNDRAISERS proved they were a cut above the rest in a hair-raising idea to raise cash for cancer charities. Kate Lochiel from Trowbridge, Liz Galley and her two daughters Roxanne, 14, and Lucia, 10, from Melksham, each had 12 inches of hair chopped off
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Vision plans displayed at the show
RESIDENTS are being given their say on plans to regenerate the heart of Trowbridge. Ideas put forward as part of the Vision for Trowbridge project will be on display at the West Wilts Show next week. Results of the public consultation will be published
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Dancers ready to Honk on stage
BUDDING performers put on their dancing shoes on Tuesday to audition for Trowbridge Operatic's next hit. Youngsters from drama groups and dance classes were auditioning for the parts of ducklings and froglets in the group's next production, Honk. The
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Leg break claim settled
EX-council leader Angie Barker has settled her litigation claim against the authority she once headed-up. Liberal Democrat councillor Mrs Barker, 43, broke her leg during a dance floor tumble at Trowbridge's Civic Hall in 1999. The Melksham Town and Wiltshire
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Pre-season View
SUNDAY side Coleview Sports FC begin their pre-season with a players get-together on Sunday at 11.00am at the Coleview Centre, Nythe Rd, Stratton. All players past and present players welcome, along with any looking for a club for the coming season. Further
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Hoping for a healthier future
The west's hospitals and primary care trusts are officially among the worst in the country. Latest star ratings figures show them squandering near the bottom of the table with examples of long waiting lists and crippling debts. Health care is something
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Top lesson in dressing down for charity
Ref. 25734-5SWINDON CARES: EVENING Advertiser staff went back to school for a day in support of Swindon Cares week. People across all departments at the Newsquest offices in Victoria Road took part in a range of activities. These included a fancy- dress
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John's royal appointment
Ref. 25732-31A Swindon man who has spent 45 years doing charity work has been rewarded with a trip to Buckingham Palace. John Holmes, of Windsor Road, Lawn, was shocked to receive a phone call inviting him and his wife Jean to a garden party at the palace
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Park's nature reserve is set to be launched
The Cotswold Water Park's first designated Local Nature Reserve is to be officially launched on Wedenesday. Cokes pit will be a place for wildlife and people and will be only the second such reserve in Gloucestershire. It forms part of Keynes Country
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Bad guys from space drop in
Ref. 25747-01STAR Trek villains Casey Biggs, Jeffrey Combs and Marc Alaimo visited Swindon's Infinitely Better Shop to meet fans. The terrible trio who have worked on various series of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine for the past seven years visited the shop
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Man throws hamsters into river
THE throwing of six pet hamsters into the River Avon at Chippenham has been condemned as inexusable by the RSPCA. Two youngsters raised the alarm at 4.45pm on July 9 after a man was seen hurling the pets into the water at Borough Parade. An RSPCA inspector
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Childminding in own homes
CHILDREN could soon be looked after in their own homes while their parents are out at work. Traditionally registered childcare has only been available away from the child's home, in the home or premises of a registered childcarer. A new scheme being promoted
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Don't let a good day go to seed
Ref. 25746-22A COUPLE who met through their mutual love of gardening are urging people to attend the Swindon Fuchsia and Pelargonium Society's 18th annual show later this month. The society was set up in 1985 by a group of gardening enthusiasts keen on
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Food is fresh from the farm
FOOD lovers can pick up high quality meat, vegetables, herbs and other produce at Wanborough Farmers' Market tomorrow. The event, held at the village hall in Wanborough High Street, will feature a range of local produce and handicrafts. There is no entrance
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It took its toll
FOR those who doubt the existence of passive smoking, may I point to the case of the great American jazz and swing saxophonist who died this week. He learned the saxophone at an early age and by the time he was 15 was playing in the smoky clubs of Harlem
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Teach them young
I'VE been thinking ... doesn't it make sense for the following to be part of the school curriculum: teaching children manners, courtesy, consideration for others, compassion and to be a decent human being. Some children are not taught this at home because
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There is a reason for stance
HAVING read the Ros Hollands' reviews of my singers over two consecutive years I am sorry to see that she finds the stance of my singers off putting, but I feel I should attempt to answer this criticism professionally. I train my singers to let their
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Defence of caring staff
Having read yet another article criticising the Great Western Hospital (EA, July 11) I felt I should write in its defence. I recently had to spend time there due to a collapsed lung and I received a service second to none. I did spend some time on a trolley
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Seek out the real culprits
FOURTEEN extra parking wardens are taking to the streets of Swindon. Hooray, we all thought, thinking the obvious targets would be places like Commercial Road and Gorse Hill, where free parking is provided for shoppers. Not a chance. Who will they target
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Dunford is the new boss at Allington
CHIPPENHAM have appointed club stalwart Tim Dunford to succeed Jerry Field as their manager. Field stepped down because of work commitments. Dunford began his rugby playing career in his native Gloucester at the age of six, for a local rugby club. He
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Speed camera ruined in blaze
Ref. 13797/2A SPEED camera on the A350 at Lacock has been torched by vandals in a late-night attack. The camera has been rendered out of action by the fire vandals who put a tyre around the base and set it alight in an attack on Tuesday night. Two fire