Clitheroe 422324 (Editorial), 422323 (Advertising), Burnley 422331 (Classified) +2 Clitherae Advertiser &Times, Thursday, July 27th, 2006


INSIDE YOUR CLITHEROE ADVERTISER AND NMES


B Valley Matters ................................... 6,7 I Village N ew s ................................... 10,1] I Letters .................


1-?


I Weekendplus.............................19,20,21 I Family N o t ic e s ...............................16,17 IReadersplus......................................... 18 I Motors Today .............................32 -4< I Sport................................... 23 and 45-48


AT A GLANCE... Ex-head’s golden day - page 7


Drug charge man cleared - page 14 School’s new era - page 15 Sports extra - page 23


INFORIVIATION


Duly chemist; Buckleys Chemist, 4 Railway View Road Clitheroe: Sunday noon to 1 p.m. Police; 01200 443344. Fire: In emergency 999 and ask for fire service. Electricily; 0800 1954141. Gas; 0800 111999. Water: 0845 462200. Councils: Ribble Valley Borough Council, Clitheroe 425111. Clitheroe Town Council, 424722. Hospitals: Blackburn Royal Infirmary: 01254 263555. Queen's Park Hospital, Blackburn: 01254 263555. Airedale General Hospital, Steeton: 01535 652511. Clitheroe Community Hospital: 427311. Alcohol Information Centre: 01282 416655. Aidsline: 01282 831101 (7 p.m. to 9 p.m.). Domestic Violence Helpline: 01282 422024. Cruse Bereavement Care; Ribble Valley 01200 429346. Environmental Agency: Emergencies - 0800 807060. Drugs: Local confidential advice and information line: 01200 444484. National: 0800 776600. Ribble Valley Talking Newspaper: 01200 428604. Samaritans: 01254 662424. Monthly Volunteer Helpline: 01200 422721. Lancashire Rural Stress Network: 01200 427771. QUEST (.specialist smoking cessation service): 01254 358095. Ribble Valley Citizens’ Advice Bureau; 01200 428966.


CONTACT US! News: 01200 422324


Advertising; 01200 422323 Classified: 01282 422331


Family Notices and Photo Orders: 01282 126161, ext. 410 Fax: 01200 443467 editor e-mail: vivien.meath@eastlancsnews.co.uk news editor e-mail: Duncan.smith@eastlancsnews.co.uk sports editor e-mail: edward.Iee@castlancsnews.co.uk


DUNSOP BRIDGE ■


CHIPPING I


WEATHER ■ SLAIDBURN


7‘C7rf ■ GISBURN ■ CHATBURN


CLITHEROE ■ ■ w h a l l e y ; BREAD


LANGHOa . BLACKBURN B


WEEKEND WEATHER: The weather will be cooler with temperatures reaching a maximum of 20°C on Saturday and rain threatening on Sunday. ■


SUNRISE: 5-18 a.m. SUNSET: 9-11 p.m. LIGHTING UP TIME: 8-41 p.m.


B BURNLEY 7X^1^^ B ACCRINGTON ‘TVs'’ www.clitheroetoday.co.uk Clitheroe 422324 (Editorial), 422323 (Advertising), Burnley 422331 (Classified)


Inquest hears of tragic Heather’s final hours


DETAILS of the tragic last moments of a 26-year-old Clitheroe schoolteacher who died while diving in Ireland more than two years ago have been revealed a t an inquest. The hearing was told th a t Heather


ley Road, Accrington, said he had not been made aware of the inquest which was held in Ireland in May, but said he was glad he had at last learned something of his daughter's last moments. Speaking after the Blackburn hearing, he


together and I can only assume Heather did­ n’t see his signal,” said Mr Schofield. “She was an experienced diver and wouldn’t have done anything stupid.” He said there had been some suggestion


never know the full truth of what happened,” said Mr Schofield. “I have found some conso­ lation in the fact that Heather had a good life while she was here. She had a good job teach­ ing at a school in Clitheroe and had just


that Heather's equipment had been faulty, but there was nothing coming from the inquiry in Ireland to support this. “I think we just have to accept that we will


said no one would ever know what had hap­ pened to Heather after her dive buddy sur­ faced. “I know that dive buddies are meant to stay


that he had signalled to Heather that he was unable to continue the dive. But in his state­ ment, which was read to the Blackburn inquest, he said he was disorientated and admitted he could not be sure if she had seen his signal. Heather's father, Brian Schofield, of Whal­


Schofield, pictured, became separated from her “dive buddy” when he became distressed during what should have been a routine dive off the coast off the Dingle Peninsula, in County Kerry. John Beresford told an inquest in Ireland


for about 15 minutes before the boat stopped and they were paired for the dive.


Mr Beresford was paired with Heather and


the other three divers were grouped together. They all entered the water together and Heather and Mr Beresford were following the other group. During the dive he signalled “OK” to Heather on six or seven occasions and she responded “OK”. They also checked each other’s pressure gauges on the air tanks. About 15 'minutes into the dive Mr Beres­


ford felt dizzy and became disorientated. “I signalled to Heather that I had a prob­


lem,” he wrote in his statement. “When I sig­ nalled I know Heather was there, but I can’t say for sure she saw my signal. I was dis­ tressed and I wanted to get to the surface.” Once Mr Beresford returned to the boat he


bought a house in Whalley Road, Hurst Green.


“She was a very active person and was good


at a number of sports, but diving was her pas­ sion,” he said. “I just wish she had taken up something else.” Deputy coroner Carolyn Singleton said


that despite contact with the Irish authorities the inquest had been heard in Ireland without the knowledge of the coroner for Blackburn, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley. After hear­ ing evidence from witnesses it had reached a verdict of misadventure. The medical cause of death was given as acute cardio-respiratory failure due to drowning. Mrs Singleton said that in his statement to


the Irish inquest, Mr Beresford had told how he booked to go on a dive organised by the Marina Dive Centre. Mr Beresford, two other males and two females had left the Dingle marina at 10 a.m. on April 12th, 2004, under the leadership of Neil Clayton. They travelled


dent as “sickening”, Mr Pearson commented: “Since it happened, we’ve been told we’re not the only ones it has happened to and that two more cats have been shot in the space of the last six to eight months and wounded. I t seems to be a real problem.” “I know cats are free roamers and


can annoy people when they go into their gardens, but if people have taken exception, I wish they had informed us,” said Mr Pearson. “She was not actually shot in some­ one’s garden anyway. She was shot out on the main road.” “Surely the way to get rid of cats is to throw water over them and not


shoot them with a high powered gun. “We just want to warn other peo­


ple around us to watch out for their pets. We’re fearful for other people’s animals,” he added. The family has informed


old Kenneth Michael Townley Duckworth, of Gisbum Road, Bar- rowford. I t is understood that Mr


when a man walking his dog came across the cyclist in Wytha Lane. He has been identified as 61-year-


A CYCLIST found dead a t the roadside in Rimington on Tuesday afternoon is thought to have suf­ fered a heart attack. Emergency services were alerted


Police say: ‘ Tell us straight away’ I continued from page 1 '


Clitheroe police about the incident and have posted signs warning other residents about the incident around Highmoor Park. Heather Holmes, a spokeswoman


for the RSPCA, said: “Air gun attacks are a real problem for the RSPCA. We have about 200 reports a year, but most probably that fig­ ure is the tip of the iceberg, as it will only include those pets which have


managed to make their way back home.” She said the best way to help stop


such attacks was for local residents to phone the police as soon as an incidents occurs with as much infor­ mation as possible. Insp. Jenny Coulston, of


Clitheroe Police said any events of this nature must be reported as a matter of urgency.


Cyclist (61) may have had a heart attack


Duckworth was a keen cyclist and left his home at 7-30 a.m. on Tues­ day to go for a ride.


ing when he failed to return at the expected time.


dead at the scene and police have said there are no suspicious circum­ stances connected to his death. The coroner has been informed.


Mr Duckworth was pronounced His wife later reported him miss­


said it was some 15 minutes before he came to his senses and the three other divers surfaced. “I realised Heather was missing,” he added. Mrs Singleton said Mr Beresford's state­


ment did not explain what had happened to Heather after he had surfaced.


“Unfortunately, I am not aware of anyone


who can say what happened,” said Mrs Sin­ gleton.


The alarm was raised and Heather’s body


was recovered from the sea bed two hours later.


venture. O NEWS of Miss Schofield’s death, just


Mrs Singleton recorded a verdict of misad­


two days after her 26th birthday, left col­ leagues and pupils at Clitheroe’s Moorland School reeling. She taught geography at the school and, despite having been there for just two terms, had made many friends and was popular with everyone. A committed charity fund-raiser. Miss


Schofield was also president of the Ribble Val­ ley Rotaract Club and a former member of Blackburn Rotaract.


BETTER HEARING HEARING AID EXHIBITION at


CONVENTIONAL HEARING AIDS MAY NOT BE NEEDED Visit the


The facts about Modern Hearing Aids and Correctors EXHIBITION FEATURES:


CLITHEROE


FROM TH E USA: The Starkey custom- made all in the ear air, with 10,000


variations of fitting, to suit from the miidest


perceptive toss, to the user of the powerful body aid. FOR NERVE DEAFNESS AND


DEAFNESS IN LATER LIFE: Specially lealures.The New Viennatone - Helps you


hear conversations, cinema, TV., church services, theatre etc. at a normal level.


IM NOT REALLY DEAF: many visitors to the Exhibition tell us this and we understand exactly what they mean, being confused when several people are talking together, words sounding muffled and indistinct, the need to have television and radio loo loud for others, if this is a problem, ask about the NEW ARIES or


SIEMENS DIGITAL RANGES when you visit the exhibition.


THE PRICE OF HEARING AIDS: Usts available showing prices of 300 aids everv type.


IS TH ER E A SUITABLE AID FOR ME? Not everyone can be helped with an aid but whatever hearing correction is shown to be beneficial, you will learn which type of aid or corrector would suit your individual case. FREE AUDIOMETRIC HEARING EVALUATION: Dispensers on duty will gladly and freely test your hearing and will advise whether or not a Hearing Aid is required. INTEREST FR EE CREDIT AVAILABLE - Written details on request. The technicians on duty wll be pleased to advise you. SPECIAL CONCESSIONS FOR OVER 50's. Yes there are. If you qualify don't fail to ask for Information on this. If you would prefer a home consultation, use our


F R E E P H O N E number to make an appointment.


St Mary's Parish Church Hall, Church street, Clitheroe Tuesday 1st August 10.30am - 3pm


X


ST. JOHN'S HEARING AID CENTRE Main Street, Grange over Sands, LA11 6DY 30 YEARS OF SERVICE IN YOUR AREA


_ _ „ Not Closed for Lunch


FREEPHONE: 0800 085 1054 Registered under the Hearing Aid Council Act T 968


(A copy of the Code of Practice is available on request) I C U T O UT ANn KFPP


www.clitheroetoday.co.uk


‘Last chance’ to see Castle re-vamp up and running


by Vivien Meath


ONE of the major concerns regarding the ambitious plans to develop Clitheroe Cas­ tle is being addressed. During a public meeting on Monday, officers


announced that the popular “crow’s nest” view­ point, between the museum and the North "West Sound Archives, is to remain exposed. Early responses to the £3.2m. scheme from


local residents have led council officials to reconsider the plans linking the two buildings and the architects have been asked to ensure that the viewpoint, which many in the Ribble ■Valley treasure, is freely accessible at all times. The meeting, which had been widely adver­


tised in the media, attracted some 40 people and was the second presentation given by the borough council’s Community Development Manager, Chris Hughes - the first several weeks ago was given to the business community. Mr Hughes told the audience that numerous


previous schemes had failed to materialise, adding “this is our last chance and if we do get it right it will be something amazing.”


Officers answered questions from the public


following the presentation, with a recurring theme being the current neglected condition of the Keep and the area around it. Mr Edwin Gretton stressed that the Keep


was the first point of call for most visitors. “The steps look awful, there are weeds every­ where and it needs a massive amount of work. “The ramparts look neglected and there are


trees growing into the foundation.” Mr Gretton said he was disappointed that


the current project did not relate to the Keep. Repljdng, Mr Hughes said that the Keep was


part of the broader project. There were issues with English Heritage who wanted to see clear management plans around it. A programme of work was currently under


way including the issues raised of weeds, steps and saplings. And by the end of the meeting, there was an


' undertaking given that the holly tree growing out of the structure would be removed as soon as possible. Several residents queried whether extra car


parking was being allocated to cater for the projected increase in visitor numbers, from


12,000 to 17,000 a year. There were no plans at present, said Mr Hughes. “I t ’s a castle and it was meant to be difficult


to get too, but we do need better car park sig­ nage.”


Options, such as park and ride schemes, had


been considered if car parking proved problem­ atic.


Mr Robert Jones pointed out that, according


to the current brochure, the museum was open just 57 days out of five months for something like four hours a time. Responding to questions regarding estimat­


ed revenue from the museum, cafe and shop, council chief executive David Morris said: “The scheme stacks up. 'We have had a lot of false dawns. 'We are virtually there. There is an element of risk. 'We think it is worthwhile.” Asked when the first visitor was envisaged,


Mr Hughes replied that spring, 2009 seemed feasible.


The site by the Keep, currently occupied by


the gardeners, is part of the development scheme and, asked where the gardeners would be based, Mr Hughes said some of the equip­ ment would be moved to the council’s main


Ensure your children are safe and sound at play


A CONCERNED council officer is urging parents to play their part in making the Ribble 'Valley a responsible and safe place to live and play. Mr John Barber, quality of life


officer for Ribble Valley Borough Council, has issued a plea to local parents to protect, educate and prepare their children for life’s hazards. The move follows the beginning.


of the summer holiday period and the large number of youngsters that are out and about playing on the roads. He said: “Recently I spotted


two boys, aged about 10, riding their bikes on a busy urban road in the Ribble Valley. “■Without a care in the world.


they decide to ride the wrong way around a roundabout, just for fun. “Two young men driving small


hatchbacks are coming the other way. Are they pushing each other? It seems so. They decide to do a Red Arrows manoeuvre each going around the roundabout on different sides, just for fun. More by luck than judgement these two incidents do not happen at the same time and no one is hurt. “A little later the two boys are


seen riding their bikes on a busy main road zigzagging across this road, cars are parked at the side of the road, reducing vision, nar­ rowing and obstructing the road. Traffic whizzes along narrowly avoiding the youngsters.


“They get away with it this


time. Did the parents of these boys know where they were and what they were doing? Were they happy to let them ride the bikes in this manner, if not what should they do about it? “Is it their responsibility to


ensure their children are safe on the road, do they care or can they shift the blame?” In addition, Mr Barber is


appealing to motorists to drive carefully.


He added: “Motorists, you


have a deadly weapon under your control, use it wisely. As someone who has dealt with fatal road accidents involving children, it will affect you for the rest of your life.”


‘We’ll take your cars’ - police


“BOY-RACERS” speeding through narrow country lanes in the Ribble Valley in souped-up cars are being warned to “slow down” - or they could end up losing their vehicles. The warning has been issued


by Sgt Mark Porter, of Clitheroe Police, following reports from concerned residents about the increased number of young motorists racing through the vil­ lages with their sound systems booming. Now police have increased


patrols and are working in con­ junction with a number of crime-fighting organisations, including requesting assistance from the motorway team, to clampdown on the problem.


Earlier this week, Sgt Porter


said: “We currently have an issue with what has been described as ‘boy-racers’, where young drivers have been spotted speeding through narrow coun­ try lanes. “Their modified or high per­


formance noisy vehicles are not only disturbing residents, but are worrying them with their dangerous driving. “We recently had a problem in


Longridge, where young motorists speeded through the town to get on to the motorway. However, the problem seems to have spread to West Bradford and other Ribble Valley vil­ lages.” He added: “On a couple of


occasions, officers have stopped drivers and spoken to them about the manner of their driv­ ing. They have been issued with a warning that if they continue to drive in a dangerous manner, they will be fined, prosecuted and their cars will be taken away from them. “If the seized cars are not


claimed back, they will be scrapped.” “Most of the drivers are


young and inexperienced. I am asking the drivers to first of all bear in mind the consequences and to also remember that driv­ ing in this manner is a very dan­ gerous form of anti-social behav­ iour.”


Clitheroe Advertiser &T1mes, 'Thursday, July 27th, 2006 3 OF


CASTLE


depot, but there was the possibility of a perma­ nent base within the Castle grounds. There were harsh words from one resident


who admitted she did not go to the Castle a lot, but said the authority should look after the facility it already had and added: “Are you not just money grabbing?”


“Chasing a crock of gold has meant that


some of the places have deteriorated more than we would have wanted them too,” replied Mr Hughes. “There are serious issues about the buildings


up there if we don’t get it. There will have to be a serious rethink about the future of the sound archives and the museum. “You could spend £lm. and people would not


even know that it had been spent. If we do not get this, there are some difficult questions ahead.” Asked whether the scheme could be energy


efficient where possible, a “green Castle”, offi­ cers said they would consider carefully the request. Further meetings will be held and plans dis­


played prior to the full submission to the Her­ itage Lottery Fund in November.


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