news and.views from the Centre of the Kingdom


www.clitheroetoday.co.uk


Major survey to combat Valley housing crisis


by Duncan Smith


MORE than 7,000 households in Clitheroe are being targeted in the town’s biggest-ever housing survey. Ribble Valley Borough Council is


undertaking the survey in conjunction with Clitheroe Town Council. Every home in the town will receive the


five-page survey over the coming weeks requesting views on housing need and provision.


The survey, the first of its kind, is being


spearheaded by the council's forward planning manager, Mr Mike Kirby, who said the results would be used to plan long-term housing provision in the rural borough. He said: “We want to assess local hous­


ing needs in terms of property size, type, tenure and price. “This is the first detailed survey of its


kind in the Ribble Valley and the results will enable us to make effective planning decisions.


Head’s bike ride challenge


A LOCAL headteacher is hoping to keep the the wheels of fund-raising turning with his latest activity. Mr Robert Pye, of Clitheroe’s Edis-


ford Primary School, will get on his bike and head to the French Alps next month to take part in the annual La Marmotte sponsored bike challenge. In order to gear himself for the race,


which will consist of riding the popular steep mountains in France, Mr Pye is cycling from his house in Preston to Clitheroe every day. “I am really enjoying cycling every


day and am looking forward to the race,” said Mr Pye, who is taking part in the event for the first time in a bid to raise cash for the school.


“I have been told however, that I will


have to drink 14 litres of water on the big day, so I don’t feel dehydrated.” As part of the event, the 43-year-old


will join 7,000 other entrants and undertake major climbs in a day. He will tackle the long descent before


the final climb to the ski resort of the Alpe d ’Huez - adding up to 5,000 metres of climbing day in the saddle. Mr Pye is looking for sponsors and


will be delighted if he raises around £600. Anyone interested in sponsoring him is asked to contact the school on 01200 422239 Our picture shows young supporters


at the school with tireless cyclist Mr Pye. (B250604/3)


“Even if people do not have a housing


need, it will help us if they take part in the survey. “We are hoping for a high participation


rate and the results should be available within two months.” The anonymous survey will question


residents on the type of properties they live in, what they earn and what they could afford to pay for a house. There has been a 60% increase in prop­


erty prices in the Ribble Valley since 2001 and the price of a modest two-bedroomed


house in the picturesque rural borough is now around £94,000. Concerned Ribble Valley housing boss­


es told a community forum earlier this year that more than 500 prospective council tenants were chasing just 26 prop­ erties. But last month the Government turned


down a borough council funding bid for 200 affordable homes because of uncer­ tainty over the future of local government in the North West. ® See "As I See It," page 8.


Castle closes for


cameras A CLITHEROE land­ mark will be partially closed for a further four days for the filming of a hit children’s TV series. Granada Television


shot the next series of “The Worst Witch” at Clitheroe Castle last month. The film crew will


return to shoot extra scenes at the Norman cas­ tle from Monday, July 5th, to Thursday the 8th. During filming, the


Castle Museum will be closed and there will be restricted access to the Castle grounds. Ribble Valley Borough


Council leisure and tourism manager Chris Hughes said: “We apolo­ gise for any inconvenience caused to the general pub­ lic by the filming, although I believe there will be spectator areas for people to watch.” Granada Television


location manager Rebecca Rawcliffe described Clitheroe Castle as the best castle in the North West. She said she scouted for


castles throughout the region for about four weeks and Clitheroe came out tops!


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29