16 Clitfreroe Advertiser & Times, December 23rd, 2004


www.ciitheroetoday.co.uk


c l i i f e o e « M 2 4 (E d ^


Burnley 422331'(Ctassitied)l


Clitheroe 422324 (Editorial), 422323 (Advertising), Burnley 422331 (Classified)


www.clitheroetoday.co.uk


Clithei;oe Advertiser & Times, December g3rd, 2q04 I 7 t -r -i'-j.


Write to: The Editor, Clitheroe Advertiser and Times, 3 King Street, Clithcroe BB72EW Editorial e-mail: Yivien.mcath@castlancsncws.co.uk


Dental practice should be for local patients


REGAEDING the proposed NHS dentist prac­


tice in Whalley In the press release by Mr Wilkinson, chief


executive of the Hyndburn and Ribble Valley POT, as reported in the Clitheroe Advertiser and Times on December 16th, he states that there have only been a few objections and the advan­ tages far outweigh the disadvantages for the local population, and, basically, that we should shut up and accept what is being offered. In the planning process was there any mention


in any of these statutory notices that it was 5,000 existing patients from Accrington who would be given the first opportunity rather than Whalley and Ribble Valley residents? I think not! I would like it noting that I am also writing on


behalf of many concerned residents, of Whalley. Everyone I have spoken to thought the prac­


tice was for Whalley and Ribble Valley residents, which would make more sense. Why was no other site, such as the Sidings in


Whalley or the industrial units of Barrow, con­ sidered? Why was permission given to turn a much-needed house into a working facility? I understand that the PCT is helping with tax­


payers’ money to equip and furnish this practice and therefore could further assistance not have been given to purchase a dental practice in Accrington for that town’s residents, which would make more sense? Why did the Primary Care Trust which has


responsibility for Hyndbum and Ribble Valley not insist that Whalley and Ribble Valley resi­ dents be given first opportunity? The PCT is responsible for the public purse


and the best interests of the population it serves, and yet it is in agreement to have thousands of people travelling from their own area to another when it must surely be more practical and sensi­ ble to open this practice in Accrin^on. Whalley and Ribble Valley residents should be


assisted with their own NHS dentist with pur­ pose-built facilities and ample car parking near to a bus/train service for ease of access, and if enough places are left then open it to other tax­ payers from outside the area. Whalley Action Committee for the past few


years has often highlighted the traffic and park­ ing problems and yet here we have an official (so far unnamed) from Lancashire County Council stating that they had no objections to this pro­ cess, as it was felt there would be no further tr^fic or parking problems because of this application! What statistics were these based on and can we


the local residents be informed of these figures?. Has this official from the Lancashire County


Council or those from the Primary Care Trust actually studied or experienced the traffic and parking problems in Whalley? I think not! How could the Ribble Valley Borough Council


planning committee along with the senior officers from the Ribble Valley and the Whalley Parish Council make such decisions and pass these plans through without full consultation of the local population? I appreciate we elect councillors and officers


are duly paid to do the best that they can, but at the end of the day the local residents should have been informed of the full facts and these have cer­ tainly not been open to scrutiny. Two dentists from Accrington have decided to


break away from their other partners, as I under­ stand the remaining partners wish to move into the private sector. The two remaining want to continue in the NHS, which is highly commend­ able, yet why cannot the PCT help them set up in Accrington? The press release indicates that should any


Accrington residents not wish to travel to Whal­ ley, then local residents can take their places. Do we start queuing, telephoning and writing now? How out of all the thousands who require an


NHS dentist in the Ribble Valley will anyone decide who obtains these few places? What a


mess! This, of course, is not just a unique shambles


^Get your facts right’ pica froni leader of the borough council


A COUNCIL leader has appealed for Ribble Valley residents to “get their facts' right” before taking part in public debates on hot topics. Ribble Valley Borough Council


^ matters published >


leader Coun. John Hill (pictured) said that several letters on council


recently: in local;; i


newspapers were riddled with inac-;: curacies and scaremongering. He is concerned about debates


surrounding the proposed building of a mosque in Clitheroe and trans­ fer of the council’s housing stock, and is calling on residents to con­ tact their councillors for accurate • information before putting pen to


paper. He said: “The council is obliged


to consider the full impact of its decisions on the community. “It has therefore quite properly


deferred a decision on whether to transfer its housing stock to the pri­


vate sector pending more informa­ tion on what is an extremely com­


plex matter, “This decision cannot be taken


lightly. The council’s housing forms an important aspect of its assets and;if we get it wrong the ramifica^ i tions could be serious, not least for the well being of our tenants. “Likewise, the decision not to sell


parts of ou r former Kirkmoor. Road Depot to two local businesses or the trustees of the Islamic Education Centre was also in the best interests of the whole of the community. “It is quite frankly nonsense to


suggest that there was any other reason for that decision and neither did religion play any part. Both of these decisions were transparent


Mayors and Mayoress say thanks for coverage


MAY I take this opportunity to thank you for the comprehensive way that the Clitheroe Advertiser has covered the activities and engagements undertaken by the Mayoress and myself over the past seven months. We have thoroughly enjoyed meeting people of all ages and positions in life throughout the


Ribble Valley. It is true to say that the level of voluntary


work is extremely high and makes a huge con­ tribution to the quality of life for everyone. We have derived particular pleasure from


meeting young people and sharing in their many undertakings both serious and light­ hearted. Their uninhibited comments have


for this area, but nationally. How has the NHS come to this situation? Then again, if an NHS dentist, for example,


leaves a practice in Preston and wants to set up in Whalley, bringing his clients from that list with any few places that were left going to local people we should again be grateful for any crumbs we can get! This proposal would, of course, more than like­


ly be approved by those in responsible positions of authority, as they do not probably have to call upon the services of an NHS dentist or park in Whalley on a regular basis. Just what are the Whalley parish councillors


going to do to address this situation and we won­ der what arrangements they have in hand for their dental and parking needs?


D. and M. BARNES, George Street, Whalley


Concern at cadmium


levels found in soil IS cadmium naturally occurring in and around Clitheroe in the soil? If so, how widespread is it? Why has this contamination only just come to light, announced publicly for the first time at the planning committee meeting at County Hall on December 14th? All five samples taken from near houses in


Chatburn showed high levels of cadmium. Gareth Price, Castle Cement’s manager, assured councillors that this was nothing to do with emis­ sions from its works. My understanding, having since obtained a


copy of the results, is that two of the five sites are already above the cadmium levels for classifica­ tion as “contaminated land”. Further, one or more of the sites are within the


"contaminated land" classification due to excess nickel, copper and tin. It is essential, therefore,-that these results are


sometimes caused us to chuckle when, for exam­ ple, they address me as “Lord Mayor” or ask if I live in a mansion. Having attended many carol services and


enjoyed Christmas parties in clubs, churches and homes for older people, we feel well and truly imbued with the Christmas spirit. We would like through the medium of your paper to convey our very best wishes for a happy Christ­ mas and healthy and prosperous New Year to all in the Ribble Valley.


CHARLES and RUTH WARKMAN Ribble Valley Mayor and Mayoress, Hob Green, Mcllor


thoroughly assessed by the Health Protection Agency and Ribble Valley Borough Council Environmental Health Department before the Environment Agency also approves this site. The deadline for comments to the Environment Agen­ cy, however, closes this week. Will county councillors Holtom, Atkinson and


Sutcliffe ensure that the deadline for debate and comment to the Environment Agency is extend­ ed to allow time for full consultation to take place?


M.V. HORNER, BoIton-by-BowIand


Yellow lines would put our children in danger


I DID not believe that Mr Johnson’s original comments on Sabden traffic would warrant con­ tinued dialogue, but I felt that his letter in last week’s paper needed a reply. I would have used response, but his comments were not worthy of that word. • Just to reiterate my original comment regard­


ing the yellow lines, we, and I speak for many vil­ lagers, don’t want more yellow lines. The gateway signs to the village state “ Sabden


welcomes careful drivers” and there would be less need to be careful if you have a clear run “over the tops”. We do care for our children and more yellow lines would put them in increased danger. With regard to my other “stupid” comment,


Mr Johnson is obviously aware of influence I do not have. Only County Hall can answer his com­ ments regarding the completion date and cost for Devils Elbow - 1 cannot. So Mr Johnson, the problems you suggest I


tackle are in your hands either take notice of the gateway signs or avoid the Sabden “ rat run “ and write direct to County Hall.


JOHN SHORTER, Whins Avenue, Sabden


and in full compliance with the, democratic process. That is the' hallmark of good government.” Coun. Hill said that local govem-


imentwas under increasing pressure^ ■


from a proliferation of Government-^ red tape. “Ribble Valley is fortunate to be


«served by officers who remain dedi- j s eated and committed, providing! efficient and effective delivery of services, despite being under con­ stant pressure. “They are there to help and


answer questions, and I am appeal- ■ ing for residents to use them or- their ward councillors to establish the facts before putting pen to paper. “Nothing will be achieved by


taking matters out of context. Let us all stay calm and focused.”


Upset and saddened by Christmas greed


I WOULD note that "goodwill to all men" is no' a fixture of many a modern Christmas, ai demonstrated and observed by the obvious gree< that goes on and the "we must get that presen come what may” attitude. Christmas was once a joyous and wondroui


time, full of promise and mystery for what woulc come, and ever so simple. People cared about oth ers genuinely, did not barge them, out of the waj either metaphorically or physically, and actuallj took the time to notice those who may not hayi had anything. I see so many people in crowds and I see mis


ery - a misery of the culture that has sprung ui around this time of year. I have a place in my heart for people regard


less of background rich or poor - when the beg gar receives a hand from the gutter maybe thing will take a turn for the better and a change ii attitude. So far, it saddens and deeply upsets mi to see the "true meaning" of Christmas. Christmas should hold and send out a power


ful message to all: one of hope and peace. I was struck recently by the Blue Peter renact


ment of what happened on Christmas Day dur ing the First World War - it struck me becaua what exactly was happening? I t seemed some thing was at work, as those involved suddenlj changed and became peaceful towards one anoth er just for that one day - yet, why could they no' afterwards? Was some mysterious force at work that day'


I do not know and we will never know, but what ever it was has never happened again. Perhap; the day it does for any kind of conflict currentlj ongoing that will also be the sign times are chang ing.


ALUN JAMES DAY, Queen Slrccl, Low Moor, Clitheroc •


Your letters. . .


® The Editor welcomes letters on any subject, but correspondents arc reminded that contributions may be edited or condensed, must not exceed 3.50 words and should reach us by noon on Tuesday. Letters with noms dc plume are now only


accepted for publication if the editor agrees that there is a valid reason for the writer's identity to be withheld. Letters can be sent by post to the Clitheroc


Advertiser and Times, 3 King Street, Clithcroe BB7 2EW, via e-mail to vivien.meath@castlanc-


sncws.co.uk, via fax to 01200 4434G7 or texted to 07799G9G447. Letters submitted by any of these methods must, however, include the writer’s name and full postal address.


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• Pupils in good voice for carol concert


PUPILS from Barrow School did not let the weather dampen their Christmas spirit during their annual carol performance. The pupils, who usually sing around a Christmas tree in the Trafford Gardens,


were instead forced to perform in their school hall because of the bad weather. The evening, which was supported by


teachers and parents, featured pupils singing a selection of carols and was


enjoyed by all who attended, despite the sudden change of scenery. Our picture shows pupils singing in the


school hall. (A161204/6) Your ‘gift’ can save lives!


GIVE blood this Christmas and help save lives. The National Blood Service is calling on


Ribble Valley residents to help boost blood stocks. In the pas t stocks have fallen by as


much as 10% in December as donors struggle to find time to attend sessions. Rachel Roberts, of the National Blood


Service, said: “Christmas is a time for cel­ ebration and spending time with the peo­ ple we love. However, even at Christmas patients in local hospitals still need blood


for .life saving treatments. Finding the time to give blood at Christmas is like sending a patient you’ll never meet a priceless gift - the gift of life.” She added that it was ■vital for people to


continue donating blood over the holidays. She said: “The blood we collect is split into its component parts of red cells, platelets and plasma. Red cells have a shelf life of 35 days, but platelets, which can help the blood to clot, only have a shelf life of five days, so any dip in donations can have a significant impact.”


Winners in hospice lottery


THE winners of the top prizes in the weekly East Lancashire Hospice Lot­ tery draw were as follows:


Miss R. Brindle, Darwen £100. If you would like to £1,000; Mr P. Dillon, join the lottery, please con-


Accrington £250 and Mrs ta c t Ann or Judith on R. Ward, Great Harwood 01254 342847.


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