Lancashire nostalgia in 1990: Gale havoc; bypass hold-up; and Bruno's ring skill

Here's a look at some of the stories that were making the headlines back in 1990:
Wet and windy weather caused chaos in the region over the festive periodWet and windy weather caused chaos in the region over the festive period
Wet and windy weather caused chaos in the region over the festive period

Alert over gale havoc

Soggy Lancashire was bracing itself for more gales after storms brought one of the wettest Christmas holidays on record.

Driving rain and gale force winds gusting up to 60mph caused havoc in many parts of the county - and weathermen warn more storm weather is on the way.

Broughton bypass plans put on holdBroughton bypass plans put on hold
Broughton bypass plans put on hold
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Sleet and snow showers are expected to hit Lancashire and the strong winds could cause drifts, making driving treacherous for motorists.

The stormy weather - which produced the wettest Christmas Day in Lancashire since 1902 blew down chimney pots as well as causing flooding in many parts of the county.

But Lancashire police, fire and ambulance services said the county had escaped with few accidents.

Around half an inch of rain fell throughout the county over Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Frank Bruno was a surprise addition to the wedding of a Preston coupleFrank Bruno was a surprise addition to the wedding of a Preston couple
Frank Bruno was a surprise addition to the wedding of a Preston couple
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Firemen in Lancaster were called to a collapsed chimney at a house in Regent Street.

In Southport parts of the Coastal Road were closed off to traffic on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Manchester Weather Centre said the strong gale force winds and heavy rain was set to continue over the weekend.

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Look back at a selection of pictures from 1990 here

Broughton village is split on news of £6m bypass hold-up

Broughton businesses breathed a sigh of relief at news that a £6m bypass to ease traffic chaos may have to be put on ice by Lancashire County Council.

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The county’s transport chiefs say a massive shortfall of Government cash for the next financial year could seriously delay the proposed Broughton bypass, near Preston.

The news has delighted most of the business community in the village, but has infuriated residents who say they want the planned new road immediately.

The bypass, meant to solve problems at the crossroads, has been planned for 1992 but could now be put back to 1994 or beyond.

Mr Leo Gornall, owner of Broughton Hire Shop which is next to the crossroads, said: “I’m glad they have not got any money.

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“The bypass would certainly reduce trade. I am one of the few able to watch the traffic and there are no real hold-ups apart from the morning and evening rush hours which happens everywhere.”

Mr Allan Parker, who lives near the crossroads, said: “It would be good for me to have the bypass. Sometimes it takes 10 minutes to pull out of my drive.”

The first phase of the proposals involve improvements to the A6, making it a dual carriageway from the M55 junction.

Lovebirds KO’d by Bruno’s ring skill

A Preston couple’s Caribbean wedding was an absolute knock-out - thanks to boxing superstar Frank Bruno.

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The ex-British heavyweight champ agreed to stand in as best man to help lovebirds Steve and Kim Burns tie the knot on the paradise island of St Lucia.

The couple asked boxing’s Mr Nice Guy and his wife Laura to be witnesses at their beach wedding.

Big Frank was staying in the same hotel and 26-year-old Kim, plucked up the courage to ask the favour.

Steve, 27, of Ribble Bank, Penwortham, said: “He was incredibly nice about the whole thing and even sent a bottle of champagne over to our table the night before our wedding.

“Honestly, they couldn’t do enough for us. He is every bit as friendly as he comes across on TV.”

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