There was the usual sprinkling of celebrities, such as internationally famed actress Gong Li, attending the concurrent Chinese People's Consultative Conference (CPPCC), and the controversial sports coach Ma Junren.

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Beijing Times says the annual "two sessions" of the NPC and Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), a national advisory body, next week will cut back on conference expenses and require senior delegates to take coaches rather than private cars.

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The consultative conference was called by the board of directors at New Road and the full extent of the problems was spelt out to fans, but the board reiterated their determination to pursue the building of a new ground at Nunnery Way.

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