If Clitheroe 422324 (Editorial), 422323 (Advertising), Burnley 422331 (Classified) 2 Clitheroe Advertiser & Times, Thursday, March 6th, 2008


INSIDE YOUR CLITHEeOE ADVERTISER AND TlllflES


i Valley Matters...........................6 an 7 3 Village News .................11,12 and 13 3 Letters...................................... 10 and 18 i Weekendplus .....................24 and 25 9 Family Notices........................22 and 23 9 Readersplus.....................................26 3 Property Today .....................27 to 48 9 Motors Today.......................50 to 61 9 Sport..................................... .69 to 72


AT A GLANCE...


Police hunt £14,000 raiders - page 5 This month’s reading hero - page 5 Farming news special - page 8 Leap year proposal - page 13


INFORNIATiON


Dufy chcmisf: Buckleys Pharmacy, 4 Railway View Road, Clitheroe: Sunday, noon to 1 p.m.: Sunday, noon to 1 p.m. Police: 01200 443344. Fire: In emergency 999 and ask for fire service. Electricilv: 0800 1954141. Gas: 0800111999. Wafer: 0845 4G2200. Councils: Ribble Valley Borough Council, Clitheroe 425111. Clitheroe Town Council, 424722. Ilospifals: Royal Blackburn Royal Hospital: 01254 263555. Airedale General Hospital, Steeton: 01535 652511. Clitheroe Community Hospital: 427311. Alcohol Inforniafion 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. Itihhie Valley Talking Newspaper: 01200 428604. Samaritans: 01254 662‘12‘L Monthly Volunteer Helpline: 01200 422721. Lancashire Rural Stress Network: 01200 427771. QUEST (specialist smoking cessation service): 01254 358095. nibble Valley Citizens’ Advice Bureau: 01200 428966.


CONTACT US! News: 01200 422324


Advertising: 01200 422323 Classified: 01282 422331 Family Notices and Photo Orders: 01282 478131 Fax: 01200 443467 editor e-mail: vivien.mcalh@eastlancsnews.co.uk news editor e-mail: duncan.smilh@ciLstlancsnews.co.uk sports editor e-mail: cdward.lcc@casllancsnews.co.uk


News online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at


www.clitheroeadvertiser.co.uk WEATHER


DUNSOP BRIDGE B


CHIPPING H B SLAIDBURN Q> BLACKBURN B


WEEKEND WEATHER: Forecasters predict a wet weekend with heavy rain on Saturday, but light showers on Sunday.


SUNRISE: 6-45 a.m. SUNSET: 5-54 p.m.. LIGHTING UP TIME: 5-24 p.m..


U GISBURN >41CHATBURN


CLITHEROE |B |i bwhalLey.


LANGHOB ' BREAD’ —


H BURNLEY I ACCRINGTON 3.6% council tax rise for households


FINAL figures for coun­ cil tax in the Ribble Val­ ley were set on Tuesday. The figures were


finalised a t a full meeting of Ribble Valley Borough Council, where members approved a report from the council’s director of resources Marshal Scott. The basic figures for each property band (excluding any parish precept) were' set at: BandA-£i937.68: Band B -1,093.95; -- . Band C -£1,250.24;


Band D -£1,406.51; Band E - £1,719.07; Band F - £2,031.63; Band G - £2,344.19; Band H - £2,813.02. These figures represent


a 3.6% increase on last year - well below the lev­ els of many other North West councils and the Government’s 5% cap­ ping level. Keeping the council


tax increase low is no mean achievement in the


, Ribble Valley, since it is a large ru ral borough


inhabited by a relatively small number of taxpay­ ers. Bills will vary slight­ ly in different parts of the borough because parish and town council set their own “parish pre­ cept” - a relatively small amount added to council tax bills in their area to pay for work or projects undertaken by the parish or town council. For example, a Band A home in Clitheroe will pay


.£949.71 once Clitheroe- Town Council’s precept is


added to the bill - work­ ing out at £12.03 for a Band A home. Although the council


tax is collected by Ribble Valley Borough Council, the lion’s share of i t goes to Lancashire County Council to pay for things like education and the major roads network. Other parts pay for polic­ ing, the fire and rescue service and parish pre­ cept, with the rest going


.to the borough.council to pay for its services.


TWO Ribble Valley drivers are getting into gear to compete in a national rallycross competition. . On Sunday friends Richard Hor­


ton and Mark Strange took their Peugeot 205GTIS to the North East for the first race of the sea­ son. The pair competed a t the Croft


circuit in Darlington as part of the British Trials and Rally Drivers’


Association stock hatch competi­ tion. Drivers take part in three heats and a final, notching up points towards the championship. This year is Mark’s first driving


competitively. After finishing sixth, fifth and third in his three heats, he came home in fourth place in his final. But for Richard, who has been driving for three years, the first


outing of 2008 was not one he wants to remember as he was unable to finish due to electrical problems. With increasing fuel costs and entry fees this season, the duo is now seeking sponsorship. Anyone wanting more information can ring Richard on 07912 215063. Our photograph shows Richard


and Mark with their racing cars. (B250208/2)


www.clitheroeadvertiser.co.uk Clitheroe 422324 (Editorial), 422323 (Advertising), Burnley 422331 (Classified)


Valley mourns the death of ex-mayor


by Faiza Afzaal


A STALWART former council­ lor believed to be the oldest Mayor in the country during his year in office has died. The Ribble Valley is this week


mourning the death of Coun. Charles Warkman, pictured, who died on Saturday aged 90 a t the East Lancashire Hospice with his family beside him. The ex-Conservative member for


Mellor was described as a “kind, caring and outstanding man” by all who knew him. The father-of-two lived in Mellor xvith his tvife, Ruth. He was invested as the Mayor of the Ribble Valley for 2004/05. At the time, he was believed to be


the oldest mayor in the borough council's 30-year history, with spec­ ulation rife that he was also the old­ est mayor in the country. Bom in Saltbum in North York­


shire, Coun. Warkman saw service in the RAF, including wartime serv­ ice in India. He worked for 40 years with what is now British Telecom, rising to


reforms. In August last year he was recognised for his commitment and dedication in listening to the needs of the community by being hon­ oured as alderman of the Ribble


Valley. Over the years Mr Warkman has


supported several charities and even used his 90th birthday celebra­ tions in November last year as an excuse to raise funds for a worth­ while local cause. His death has saddened many.


becoming a senior officer for the North East. A man with impressive talents, his varied interests include photography, gardening, astronomy and sailing. Mr Warkman saw age as no barrier to serving the commu­ nity and was renowned for simply going out of his way to help others. He served on Mellor Parish


Council for 25 years and Ribble Val­ ley Borough (Council for 24 years. That service included seeing the borough council through some of its most testing times when, in the 1980s, some 2,400 jobs were to be lost at Brockhall and Calderstones hospitals under sweeping NHS


Paying tribute, David Morris, chief executive of Ribble Valley Borough Council, said: “Charles was a dedi­ cated councillor for over 20 years and his service to the borough was truly outstanding. “He was passionate about the


Ribble Valley and the village of Mellor and he Mil be sadly missed. “Our sympathies are with his


wife, Ruth, and family.” A funeral service will take place


tomorrow a t 11 a.m. a t Mellor Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife Ruth;


children David and Susan, grand­ children Andrew and Charlotte and sister, Nora.


Racers are geared up for rally season I S - . . o t14!


Council defend^jL service


“The £56,000 interim


service was introduced in October last year and will run until June. “The Ribble Valley has


the largest geographical area and by far the spars­ est population in Lan­ cashire, creating prob­ lems on a scale and of a nature not experienced by other Lancashire authorities. “Despite this, trials of


the three-tier waste col­ lection system - involv­ ing weekly household waste pick-ups and fort­ nightly recyclable rounds - have so far proved suc­ cessful. “Out of around 12,000


householders th a t now have the wheelie bins, there are only around 50 to 60 properties in 30 dif­ ferent locations that are experiencing problems.” Mr David Morris,


chief executive of the council, denied any local key services are being cut or ignored to save money. He explained: “The


money for the interim service has come from our reserves budget. The scheme expires on June 30th as there is no money allocated in our budget for such a service after that.” Mr Morris went on to


say tha t residents must not confuse the interim service Mth the Assisted Collection Service (ACS). He added: “There are


around 700 householders on the ACS. This scheme is available to disabled, elderly and infirm resi­ dents who are unable to move their wheelie bins to the kerbside.”


Twins delight


Little Keeley Haworth


arrived in the world at 6- 58 p.m. the next day weighing a healthy 71b. 2oz. She was followed 31 minutes la te r by baby brother Keegan, ing 71b. 3oz. Both H a y S a H M and the twins are doing ~ well and were allowed home on Tuesday. “We are all absolutely


over the moon,” added grandma Pauline. “Hay- ley coped very well dur­ ing labour and she and her fiance, Robert (19), are delighted with the new arrivals.” Our picture on page


one shows the proud par­ ents .with. Keeley and Keegan. (B050308/la)


!■ i


I


New of


pots gold!


VALLEY-BASED volun­ ta ry and community groups can now access two new pots of gold. Cash, which is being


made available through the Ribble Valley Local Strategic P artn ersh ip and E a s t Lancashire PCT, is being adminis­ tered by Hyndburn and Ribble Valley CVS. • Local Strategic Part­


nership Fund - Small Community Projects Fund g ra n ts of up to £250 are available to help local groups carry out new projects and activi­ ties which benefit and involve the local commu­ nity. The aim of these schemes is to carry out activities which might not otherwise be possible. In i tia tiv e s must work towards a t least one of the following aims - safe­ ty and well being; health improvements for all resi­ dents; older people; cul­ ture, a r ts and environ­ ment; children or people. O E a s t Lancashire


PCT - Health and Well Being Fund grants of up to £300 are available for health related schemes, which could include reducing obesity, increas­ ing the number of moth­ ers b re a s t feeding, increasing the number of people eating five or more portions of fruit and veg­ etables a day, as well as improving accessibility and service delivery to address rural isolation and rural mental health issues. O The deadline for


both g ra n ts is Friday March 14th. To request an application pack, or to find out more about the fund, contact the CVS office on 01200 422995.


LATEST LOCAL (NEWS & SPORT [


www.clitheroeadvertiser.co.uk ribble ivolley


s x i ' j l y r c i Clitheroe Advertiser & Times, Thursday, March 6th, 2008 3


Ribblc Valley Explorer 2008 out now and online as an e-mag on...


www.clilherocadvertiser.co.uk your town clay, Txlays a wee


SCHOOLCHILDREN are being urged to make a splash and win 12 months’ free pass to their local swimming pool. A competition has been launched to


name a “water witch” at the bottom of the revamped Ribblesdale Pool. The pool, in Edisford Road,


Clitheroe, closed in December for a 10- week refurbishment and is set to re­ open on Saturday following an overhaul of its heating system, wiring and redec­ oration of the foyer and pool area. The 35-year-old pool has been treat­


ed to an attractive underwater tile mosaic, which was installed earlier this month. The mural, a “water witch” has been designed by youngsters at Edis­ ford Primary School, Clitheroe, and made by celebrated mosaic a r t is t Janette Ireland. The mural is believed to be the first underwater mural at a municipal pool in Lancashire. Now, schoolchildren throughout the Ribble Valley are being given the opportunity


t o ‘Witch’ name for underwater mosaic with Royalty


www,dlt£ieroeaclvertiaer,coaik Duo’s date


to name the witch and win a year’s free swimming pass to the pool. One of the competition organisers


Miss Zoe Fagg, arts development offi­ cer for Ribble Valley Borough Council, said; “Ribblesdale Pool will re-open on March 10th and we are asking young­ sters to come up Mth a name for the ‘water witch’. The winner will be invit­ ed to the grand launch on March 27th and receive his or her prize from Ribble Valley Mayor Coun. Doreen Taylor.” Those entering the competition are


asked to call Zoe on 443071, e-mail platform.gallery@ribblevalley.gov.uk or


send their entries via post to the Plat­ form Gallery, Station Road, Clitheroe, BB7 2JT. Closing date for the compe­ tition is March 18th. Pictured is artist Janette along with


Ribble Valley Borough Council’s senior surveyor and contractor David John­ ston at the official installation of the undenvater tile mosaic. (B150208/3a)


Discovery of wallet traps Internet pervert


A GOOD Samaritan who handed in a lost wallet to police inadvertently led to the arrest of its Clitheroe owner for making and pos­ sessing indecent images of


children. Preston Crown Court was


told th a t when the wallet was handed into Burnley police, they found it contained pictures of naked females. When police later searched


the home of the wallet’s owner, Neil Gawthorpe, indecent images of children were found on his computer. Gawthorpe (24), of Tower


Hill, Clitheroe, admitted three charges of making indecent photographs of a child and two of possessing indecent photo­ graphs of a child. Miss Amanda Johnson (pros­


ecuting) told the court the wal­ let had been handed into the police station a t Burnley on November 17th, 2006. In the wallet they found pic­


tures of naked females and went to v is it Gawthorpe with a search warrant on December 19th. They seized his computer,


which was analysed, and that led to th e charges which


Gawthorpe had admitted. There were five images in total, two described as being a t “level three” in terms of how graphic they were, and the other three at level one - the least serious. Judge Philip Sycamore told Gawthorpe the public interest and his future could be dealt with by adopting the recom­ mendation in the pre-sentence report prepared by the Proba­ tion Service. “That will involve commit­


ment on your behalf,” he told Gawthorpe, who was sentenced to a three-year Community Order with three years’ supervi­


sion. He will also have to partic­ ipate in the Sex Offenders Pro­ gramme and be on the Sex Offenders Register for five years. A Sexual Offences Prevention


Order was made banning him from unsupervised access to children or contacting or com­ municating with under-16s. The order also prohibits him


from using a computer with access to the internet and lie was also ordered to pay £200 towards prosecution costs. A separate order was made


for the forfeiture and destruc­ tion of his computer equipment.


I'-j.


A DATE with royalty was enjoyed by two local charity volunteers. Save the Children sup­


porters Mrs Beryl Tay­ lor and Mrs Mary Kent met HRH The Princess Royal a t Leeds Civic Hall. The pair, who are both


Save the Children fund­ raisers from Clitheroe, had been invited to meet the charity’s president at an event being held to celebrate volunteering in the North of England. Princess Anne


■ " I p f


thanked the 150 volun­ teers from branches and shops across the region for their hard work and dedication. Mrs Taylor said the


princess had asked her about the most recent events held in the Ribble Valley. She explained th a t


£120 had been raised and would be followed by a coffee monring and “make and tak e ” card making session on East­ er Saturday at The Craft Studio in Taylor Street. O For information


about Save the Children or to find ou t about becoming a volunteer, contact Mrs Taylor on 01200 429606.


Hotel plan


A PLANNING applica­ tion has been submitted to Ribble Valley Bor­ ough Council for the pro­ posed in te rn a l a l te r ­ ations and replacement of windows to north ele­ vation (part). Comments on the pro­


posal a t The Spread Eagle Hotel, Sawley, (0138 and 0139) must be made to the council by March 14th.


Model schoolchildren’s fashionable fund-raiser


MODEL pupils at a Valley high school have been dressed for suc­ cess. Youngsters studying for a


I I


GCSE in textiles at Ribblesdale High School Technology College organised a fund-raising fashion show. Titled “Project Catwalk Colours of Fashion”. The pupils had designed and made their own outfits as part of their GCSE coursework. Members of staff and pupils in the Year 10 group also showed off


their own styles on a “creative recycling” theme. Awards were presented to the


students voted “best in class” - they were Katie Timspn, Amber Anderson and Rachel Sutton. The staff award went to Miss Ritchings whose outfit had been designed by Gabbi Ronchetti, Katie Barnes, Brooke Geddes and Ashleigh Wakling. Our photograph shows models


getting ready for the GCSE fash­ ion show. (T270108/2)


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