Daily Post

Riddle of the Cut ; Philip Key Discovers a Theatrical Knight a Long Way From Middle Earth

SIR IAN McKELLEN may have delighted the kids playing the wizard Gandalf, in the Lord of the Rings film trilogy, but it may be wiser to keep them away from the Liverpool Playhouse this month where he is appearing in person. Sir Ian is performing in a new play, The Cut, as a husband with a nasty secret and it comes with a warning: "Please be aware this production contains strong language" the Playhouse brochure advises.

Traffic Wardens to Get Police Powers ; Exclusive Extra 22 Recruits As Drivers Face New City Clampdown

DOZENS of parking attendants are to be given new police powers to prosecute motorists for illegal driving manoeuvres in Liverpool, the Daily Post can reveal. The city is to be one of the first to take advantage of new traffic laws that allow civilian wardens to issue fixed penalty fines for offences like running a red light.

Bird Flu Fears Grow

MORE than 1,000 poultry producers across Merseyside, Cheshire and Lancashire were holding their breath last night as fears grew over bird flu hitting the region. The chairman of the local branch of the National Farmers' Union warned bird flu would devastate farmers in the region after Britain was struck with its first confirmed case.

Union Fears Bae Sell-Off of Airbus Shares

UNION leaders were last night seeking urgent talks with engineering giant BAE Systems following reports that the company was planning to sell its stake in Airbus. Around 13,000 workers are employed, mainly at Broughton in North Wales, and Filton, Bristol, building wings for the commercial aircraft.

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Jmu Scientists Reveal the Secrets of Exploding Star ; Sky Watch On Nova 5,000 Light Years From Earth

AN EXPLODING star astronomers hope will reveal secrets behind how the universe grows has been recorded by scientists in Liverpool. The recurrent nova RS Ophiuchi (RS Oph) is 5,000 light years from earth and the phenomenon has never before been studied in so much detail.

Man Accused Over Cocaine Haul

A LIVERPOOL man was remanded in custody yesterday charged with conspiracy to supply class A drugs after police allegedly discovered cocaine worth pounds 166m hidden in asparagus tins. James Kelly, 33, along with Salim Omer, 34, of Preston, appeared before Liverpool Magistrates' Court.

Tunnel May Open in Strike

ONE Mersey tunnel is expected to remain open during the next public sector pensions strike. Unions have confirmed Thursday, April 27, as the next date for a national walkout in the row over pension rights for public sector workers.

Simpsons Fan Ella Does Her Bit for Nspcc Safe Place Appeal

NINE-YEAR-OLD Ella Kenyon was so moved by an NSPCC advert she decided to do something about it herself. Inspired by her favourite TV show The Simpsons, Ella set to work organising her own fundraising event to raise money for the charity's Safe Place Appeal, which is backed by the Daily Post.

Claims of Nhs 'Rationing' Denied

THE Government has insisted that patient care remains of paramount importance in the NHS amid reports today of secret plans to ration GP referrals and save money. According to newspaper reports, patients are being denied appointments with consultants in a systematic bid to ration care and balance the books.

In Brief: No Charge for 'Binned Teen' Policeman

A METROPOLITAN Police officer who dumped a teenager in a rubbish bin will not face criminal charges, it was announced yesterday. The schoolboy claimed he was hoisted into the bin by an officer after police were called to reports of youths throwing conkers at people in Clissold Park, Stoke Newington, north London.

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