16 Clitheroe Advertisers Times, Thursday, March 22nd,2007


iv.clitheroetoday.co.uk


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


Clitheroe 422324 (Editorial), 422323 (Advertising), Burnley 422331 (Classified) Letters to the Editor rite lo: The Kdilor. Clillieroe Advertiser and Times, .‘J Kint* Street. Clitheroe IUI72KW Kdilnriid e-mail: vivieii.meatli@e:islliinc.snews.co.uIi


our own over plan LAST Monday evening I was privi­ leged to attend a meeting of residents at Read Primary School to listen to a presentation by the Marquis of Zet­ land about the proposed East Lan­ cashire Racecourse to he located in Simonstone. As a regular race-goer, I was eager


to listen to the e.vciting plans being put forward to build on the green belt. The endless building of tin-shed


Calder Valley . T ----- i.i-_ —^....ourco as being


something of a buffer to protect us from further encroachment. The proposals themselves, however,


came as something of a shock. Budgets e.xcecding £100m., festival


weekends, parking for 0,000 cars, attendance targets of 30,000, motels, theme parks... they were all there.- Rather than a rural sporting activity, this is serious development generating business 365 days a year to the leisure facilities and huge crowds on 60 days (that is more than one a week). Of course, the potential economic


benefits to the area, especially Burn- lej', Accrington and Padiham, are like­ ly to bo huge.


Tourism and leisure are the future


economy and I do not doubt for a moment that it will bo a huge catalyst


for future economic prosperity in the wider area. Whatever they might say, Lan­


cashire County Council and the local borough councils will be falling over themselves to promote this scheme and if the investors are serious, I feel sure it will go ahead.


Unfortunately, however, there will


be losei's. Si.x thousand e.xtra cars represents a


great deal of congestion and much of it, say 20%, will have to come via the A59 and then through the villages of Read and Simonstone along the already busy Whalley Road. That is an e.xtra 1,200 car journeys


coming in and an c.xtra 1,200 going out. So why not build a relief road to act as a by-p;iss?


At least th a t way residents will


have the noise from the racecourse masked by the sound of the greatly increased mimbei-s of vehicles thun­ dering along the by-j)ass. For the unfortunate residents of


lower Simonstone Lane, that will moan a stadium holding up to 30,000 peo))le, half a mile away and a noisy highway perhaps 50 mcti'es away on the old railway line. If this proposal goes ahead, the


character of Read and Simonstone will be changed forever.


And residents of Read and Simon­


stone be warned. You will be let down, indeed pretty much abandoned by our elected representat ives. ■As they weigh things up, feed us


reassurances, engage in consultations and look to the benefits to the wider community, I regret our concerns will he brushed aside and forgotten. Residents of Road and Simonstone! We are on our own.


PHIL CALVERT, Tunslead Avenue, Siniunslone


Villagers - we’re on Admissions based on bus firms’ profit


IT is not true to say that Chatburn children traditionally went to Bow- land school.


Before local government reorganisa­


tion in 1974 almost all Chatburn sec­ ondary children went to Ribblesdale (e.xcept Catholics). After 1974, Rowland became part


of Lancashire and Chatburn parents naturally chose it as their first nxelqy- ercndiTgomg'fo Ribblesdale. It was always a bone of contention


that Chatburn children could not get free bus passes because Ribblesdale was just short of the three-mile mini­ mum. To my knowledge there isn't a direct bus service from Chatburn to the front door of Ribblesdale any. more, leaving a long walk from the town centre. The bus service to Bow-


, land takes you from the centre of (3hatburn straight to the front door, little chance to get into trouble walk­ ing the streets. It strikes me that the school admis­


sion policy in the Ribble Valley is being driven by the interest of the profits of the bus companies, not in the interest of the children. It’s not a new trend. Several years ago 1 sug­ gested to Lancashire County Council that it might be a good idea to run a through bus between Chatburn and Accrington. The ne.xt thing I knew it was on the cards to send all new Chat­ burn secondary pupils to school at Accrington. It would appear to be in the interest of the bus companies to send children as far as possible to maximise their virtual "private tax" on education. This situatipn is hardly surprising


when local government always man­ ages to find the most expensive, least sensible, way to do anything. Both local and national government is all about generating false economic growth for the benefit of the few. Per­ haps the current situation could have benefited from the recent failed Gov­ ernment plan to open up 25% of all places at denominational schools. Pupils from the west of the Rihble


Valley could have been accommodat­ ed at St Augustine’s RC High School,


in Billington, thus saving a fortune on bus faros for the county.


G. I>VE, Chalburn (via e-mail)


Your treatment of


disabled is awful BELOW is a copy of my letter sent to Parkwise.


‘‘I refer you to the enclosed stealth


tax invoice that was attached to one of my vehicles earlier today. Naturally I have no intension of succumbing to your extoi’tion.


The charge marked on the ticket


claims that 1 was not displaying a valid disabled parking badge whilst parked in a disabled-only parking space. 'Phis is a bare-faced lie. Having accosted staff at the council offices, I am informed that “Parkwise” have instructed their minions to deliberate­ ly target vulnerable disabled people


and that the grievous fault in my case was that the expiry date of my badge had faded. I was informed initially that the


badge should always be displayed in the windscreen when parking. Natu­ rally, the sun has faded the lettering. A simple database check would have linked the number on my badge with my registration number and would have revealed it as legitimate and in­ date. A polite letter could then have been issued to me a.skimr • — Why was suitable ink not used in


the first place? The advice now is not to display the badge so it will not fade. This will give your operativ'es much more ammunition to issue further penalties. I make a point of looking at cars parked in disabled-only spaces and I see a great many not displaying disabled parking badges. I have never seen such a vehicle sporting a penalty charge notice. Perhaps they are all protecting their badges? I had an important meeting this


afternoon and as a result of your cal­ lous, underhand, indifferent and shod­ dy behaviour I arrived almost late, tired, agitated, in pain and entirely unprepared, having had to traipse round getting a new badge organised


and photocopies made to send off to you. I have been treated extremely badly


by Parkwise in the past and I no longer intend parking in Clithcroe if at all avoidable. It is a shame that local businesses, that I have always tried to support, will suffer because of you.


'Phe staff a t Clitheroe Council


Offices and at their Pimlico Road sup­ port office have been extremely help­ ful, supportive and polite. Perhaps Parkwise staff could receive the same training?”


J. P. BETTESS, Wlialley Road, Barrow, Clilheroc


Do not fall into this


caravan home trap NOW that the static caravan season has started again, local parks are advertising their wonderful sites and facilities.


If you are thinking of buying a stat­


ic caravan, please think very careful­ ly-


Do not fall into the “trap” that left


us “homeless” and unable to get back into the property market and faced


with a financial dilemma, worry and anxiety. We looked at several brand new car­


avans and finally chose a local park in this area. On the advice and recom­ mendation from park owners, we agreed to sell our home in the Burnley area to reside on the local caravan park. 'Phe only stipulation was that we had to provide an “address” where any corre.spondeiice and billings could be forwarded, and vacate the park during the “close soa.son”. We were told the park had a residential licence and we could use t he caravan as our main residence and have post deliv­ ered to the site office park address. All was fine and rosy, living out in the countryside with our beautiful


views, decking, lovely garden and pri­ vate parking, away from all the “has­ sle” of town living. We were subsequently informed


that the park was in fact only licensed for eight months and this was for holi­ day and recreational use only. After many attempts to convince the local planning authority, the park finally (after three years) was granted a 10- month and six-day licence for holiday use only.


_____ nu longer use


our caravan as our permanent home, we had to satisfy the park we were in possession of a council tax bill in our “name” at the correspondence address kept by management at the caravan park. ’They said it could be checked and scrutinised by local council offi­ cials. We were told we were not allowed to travel to, and from our daily workplace, according to their new rules published after the extended licence was granted, which we had to sign, otherwise they would not review our pitch licence for the forthcoming season, thereby rendering us effective­ ly as “homeless”. After several heated discussions and


arguments with the park owners, we decided we had no alternative but to leave the park, as we were effectively- informed, we could be liable to prose­ cution for council tax evasion. The park made it extremely diffi­


cult for us to advertise and sell our caravan to stay on the park. We were banned from advertising the caravan, they would not purchase the caravan back, unless we agreed to less than “half” what we paid for it. Nor could we sell it to anyone already on the park who wished to “upgrade”, or even canvas anyone looking around the park to buy a caravan. We were not even allowed to put an advertis- ment in our caravan window. The park owners stated if we placed an advert in our window they would “block” any subsequent “private sale” and enter our caravan and remove the advertisement. They might also evict


us from the park for “breach of con­ tract”. We eventually sold the caravan pri­


vately and for the privilege of doing absolutely nothing, the park owners charged us over £5,000 + VAT to escape from the park. They would not even give us an invoice for the so called “commission”, they simply deducted the amount before giving us the balance from the “private sale”, which took another six weeks before


receiving a cheque from the park own­ ers. So lot this story be a warning. Do


not sell your home to live on a caravan park, unless the park has full residen­ tial status, usually only granted for park homes and not static caravans. Ask for a comprehensive copy of the site rules and regulations and take them away to read before making any


decision to part with a considerable amount of money. If they won’t give you a copy of the park rules” and a copy of the “Site


Licence Agreement” walk away, do not get financially involved and never leave a deposit, if you decide not .to go ahead at a later date, you will not get


a refund, no matter how much the deposit was. Ask if the park is affiliated to the


views OM local issues! Text them now!


We welcome your


Text CACOMMENT Ispijcej your name and your commenis


to 81800


Texts cost 25p plus standard network rate.s By supplying your lelepfiooe numbgr you're happy to recei'/e SMS


lessages (fom or i» association witti Ttie East Lancashire Nawspap* The East Lancashire Nev/spaper (or via its agents) may phone you about new promotiofis products and seu-ices. Please add the word Wo‘ at the end of your message if you do not wish to receive these. Texts cost 25p plus standard netwoik charge. Service provided by gSwave Ltd. London, U7 9AH______


British Holiday & Home Parks Asso­ ciation, and registered with the National Caravan Council (NCC) most reputable parks are members of these organisations, so ask to see their affiliation - certificates should be dis­ played on their premises. Ask to see a copy of the “site licence


with all conditions” granted by the local council. These must be promi­ nently displayed on the_oq);k.pte-sy.t. before committing to signing an agreement with the park owners. Bearing in mind, usually if the cara­ van is more than 10 years old it can­ not be sold privately to remain on the park. You will also have to pay to have it removed from the park or pay to have it “disposed off” (this can’run into hundreds and hundreds of pounds + VAT). Some parks are now advertising


lodges in excess of £100,000 which, by definition is a lot of money just to use as a “holiday home”. Buyer beware. You have been warned, don’t be


afraid to ask the questions. NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED


Tony Blair - it’s


over to you! I READ the letter from J. Laffey (Waddington) in the Clitheroe Adver­ tiser and Times February 22nd issue, “Fined for paying a bill”. I too was very concerned about


BT’s proposals that as from May 1st 2007 people who do not pay by direct debit or monthly payment plan will be charged an extra £4.50 per quarter on their telephone bill. I have contacted BT, Trading Stan­


dards and Ofcom without any satis­ factory results, so I wrote to Tony Blair (including the letter from J. Laf­ fey) and also stating my case. I received a reply from Number 10,


telling me that all my comments and enclosures have been forwarded to the Department of 'Prade and Industry at Tony Blair’s request. I await its reply and will let you


know the outcome, if I get one. CONCERNED


Birthday telegram from one special


lady to another A CONGRATULATORY telegram from the Queen was among the many surpris­ es at a Clitheroe’s woman’s 100th birth­ day party. Mrs Elizabeth Howarth, pictured, who


is a resident at Abbeyfield Extra Care, in Union Street, celebrated reaching three figures with her family. She was delighted to be visited by Rib­


ble Valley Mayor Coun. Peter Ainsworth and his wife, Thirza. As well as receiving lots of cards and


flowers, her milestone celebrations con­ sisted of a party and entertainment organised by the staff members. Our picture shows Mrs Howarth read­


ing her special celebratory telegram from HM the Queen.


(B090307/7a) Vandals target car


VANDALS caused £150 damage when they slashed the tyres of a Renault Scenic. The car was parked in Victoria Street,


Clitheroe, and the damage was committed some time between 11-45 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. the following day. Police are making inquiries


For news online go to... www.clitheroetoday.co.uk


.JO i m Hearts were m this show! by Marcia MorITIS


A FASHION show heralded the “Cele­ bration of Spring” at Clitheroe Golf Club, helped to raise the magnificent sum of £1,000. A collection of smart casual to


evening wear and clothes suitable for cruising and weddings, from the fasliion house of Maureen Cookson, in Whalley, were delightfully modelled by three lady members of Clitheroe Golf Club - Chris Stokes, Jane Chandler and Kath Tattersall, together witli Whalley Golf Club member Lorna Slinger. Each volunteer modelled six outfits,


expertly described by Hilary Cookson, which were enthusiastically applauded


by the large gathering who attended the event, which began with a complimen­ tary glass of wine being served. Proceeds were boosted, by a tombola,


raffle, cake and plant stalls. This will go to Clitheroe Coif Club’s


lady captain, Mrs Irene Hincks’, cho­ sen charity for the year, the British Heart Foundation. After expenses and a donation of


£100 given to Hilary Cookson’s charity “Sports Equipment for Disabled Chil­ dren”, £800 was left for the BHR Our picture shows Lady captain Mrs


Hinks (third from the right), with Hilary Cookson, committee members and models in their finery. (T110307/16)


Applications in the pipeline 0 ^


. . . I '


\ ' \ r • ■ C-Y' J i * ,»» i'- r ._ /


A PLANNING application has been submitted to Ribble Valley Borough Council for the change of use from offices 10 awine bar and cafe, with extensions and lift shaft. Comments on the proposal


a t National Westminster Bank, York Street, Clitheroe (number 0227) must be made to the council by March 30th. Other proposals submitted


include: Clilheroc: Dormer exten­


sion on roof to accommodate new lift shaft at Clitheroe Health Centre, Railway View Road (0057). A retractable fabric awning complete with a steel post


and rafter frame to the rear yard area of the White Lion, Market Place, to provide a smoking area. The steel structure could be coloured to blend with the fabric of the building and the colour of the fabric would be in accordance with the local a u th o r i ty ’s wishes ((0198). Housing to external fire


escape for previously approved new classroom and dormitory extension a t Moorland School, Ribbles­ dale Avenue (0213). Refurbishment and alter­


ations to existing cafe (resub­ mission) at Riverside Cafe, Edisford Park (0224).


Your school days remembered - see page 27


B u y t h i s h u g e p a p e r f c > a c /^ | - P o r j u s t


£ . 9 » 9 9


I at your /ocal newspaper o-pfices or ring:


0 I 6 0 H H 6 '7 0 S ’7 and we”/l send you a copy.


D a ^ S 0 l l6 C IK jO O E !C 3 H lg 3 S S


Lv East Lancashire Hospice 'MIDNIGHT WALK'


ATTENT ION ALL LADIES Join us for a fun-filled LADIES ONLY


SPONSORED HALF-MARATHON MIDNIGHT WALK


Sot 23rd / Sun 24th JUNE 2007 Starting & Finishing at Ewood Pork


Following a circular route around Blackburn Places are strictly limited


so REGISTER NOW For a Registration Pack


Contact The Fundraising Office East Lancashire Hospice on


01254 660900 or by email to ann.hindle@eastlancspct.nhs.uk


SSf m Tke pJace +» )&ak -for +o 30 Hospice lottery winners


THE winners of the East Lan­ cashire Hospice lottery weekly draw are: £1,000 Mr Stonham, Blackburn; £250 Mrs Smith, Blackburn and £100, Mr


Blakey, Ba.xenden. If you would like to support your local hos­ pice by joining the lottery, please call Gill on 01254 342847.


' L


vvwv/.clitheroetoday.co.uk


Clitheroe Advertiser & Times, Thursday, March 22nd, 2007 17


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