Letters February 25th: PCT cash wastage; Castle Chippy praise; Clitheroe praised; dog fouling; Barclays Bank helps Haiti; Whalley branch of Royal British Legion; Apricot Meringue; Poppy Appeal; Supporting Arms; Ribble Valley recycling; Euro referendum
We can have no confidence in PCT
I WAS interested to read in the Clitheroe Advertiser &Times that Steve Spoerry, Chief Executive of East Lancs PCT, wanted to emphasize the PCT had no plans to close or downgrade Clitheroe Community Hospital.
Yet Dr McKinlay's letter informed readers Clitheroe Hospital had effectively been downgraded to overflow accommodation for use when the Blackburn Hospital is full.
So it would appear we can have no confidence in Steve Spoerry's assertion he is committed to ensuring health services are delivered to patients in responsive ways at accessible locations.
He could, of course, demonstrate a commitment to Clitheroe Community Hospital by reinstating GPs admitting rights with the resultant savings in ambulance costs.
However, Steve Spoerry is right in stating the PCT has a duty to spend taxpayers' funds prudently. Unfortunately I have not witnessed this happening in recent years.
An example of ineffective commissioning is the 10m. a year, which just funds staff sickness absence for one of the local NHS providers, Lancashire Care. Their last published 12-month average sickness absence rate was 6.72%, 1.72% above the NHS average. The cost of this excess 1.72% of sickness absence is 2.5m. a year, yet East Lancs PCT has continually failed to address this wastage. Lancashire Care's chief executive was on sick leave for six days during the first seven months of 2009, the cost of which was around 650 a day.
Many of us are only be entitled to statutory sick pay when we are absent from work due to illness, which amounts to 79.15 a week and only commences on the fourth consecutive day of sickness absence.
Lancashire Care's Non Executive Board Members also virtually doubled their own remuneration after the organisation became a Foundation Trust in 2007. The chair's remuneration increased from 22,524 to 40,000.
These examples from just one of our local NHS providers highlight what scope there is for the PCT to make cuts in areas, which don't impact on patient care. I look forward to seeing a prudent plan for making savings by tackling waste and inefficiency, which doesn't include closing down or suspending work on easy targets like Clitheroe Hospital.
ROSEMARY ANDREWS, The Sands, Whalley
What a tremendous place to stop and eat
AFTER a recent disappointment at another caf, my partner and I visited Clitheroe to find a place to eat.
We came across the Castle Chippy, run by a very pleasant man and lady.
We were made very welcome, were offered a seat at the only table in the shop to eat our food (despite intending to go outside), and I've got to say the service was amazing considering we were only spending a fiver or so.
What a tremendous plaice (pardon the pun) and next time we are in the fine town of Clitheroe – we will head for the Castle Chippy.
NEIL FARNSWORTH Preston
The best comes to those who wait
AS a newcomer to Clitheroe, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the people of Clitheroe I have met so far.
They have made my daughter, Julia, and I feel very welcome.
I would also like to thank Ribble Valley Homes and its contracted staff for installing my new bathroom and shower.
Having never had the luxury of a shower before, I can say I'm truly delighted with the end result.
The workers were superb and left my home tidy and clean when they finished. Well done chaps for making me a happy woman.
I truly believe the best comes to those who wait, even if it comes later in life, it has the desired effect. Thank you again.
I'm just sorry my lovely husband is not with me to share the luxury.
I am going to enjoy living here, wish I had moved sooner.
MARIA HUGHES Holden Street, Clitheroe
Our streets are not a doggie loo
I WRITE regarding the irresponsible dog owners, who appear to be under the impression Kemple View and Kenilworth Drive, Clitheroe, are designated "doggie toilets".
As a mother of three young children, I am extemely concerned at the infections they and myself are exposed to when we find our shoes and pram wheels coated in "doggie poo".
Some residents have yet again spent another weekend clearing the dog poo off the pavements and in some cases private driveways.
I am perhaps misguided in my assumption there are local bye-laws in place that make fouling of public places, by dogs, a criminal offence, and it is the responsibility of the council to enforce this.
I also assumed it is the duty of these irresponsible dog owners to clear up after their pets – the poor dogs cannot do it themselves! Again, I appear to be misguided in this assumption.
As a dog lover, I know the majority of dog owners are decent, conscientious, law-abiding citizens, who care for their pets as well as the environment and abhor the behaviour of this small minority as much as I do.
However after I contacted the council's environmental health department to advise them of the state of the pavements, they replied by saying they would inform the dog warden and cleaning services.
I was very pleased to see a road sweeper doing an excellent job the following day and am very thankful the dog poo has been cleaned away.
Unfortunately the dog poo will probably return resulting in another phone call to the council.
So could I make a heartfelt plea, that we all – council, dog owners and the community – unite to eradicate this problem, once and for all.
You never know, it could just be your children, grandchildren or even yourself who is next to "step" in the "stuff", and maybe contract something even more nasty because of it.
NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED
Big thanks to our generous customers
I WOULD like to say a big thank you to all our customers who donated their cash in aid of the Haiti Disaster Appeal.
We held a dress down day and all the Clitheroe and Whalley team paid for coming into work that day. Thanks to all staff that gave up their time to ensure the day was a great success. In just one day we raised over 180 with all the support from our customers. Barclays Bank PLC matched this 1 for 1 so we sent off a cheque for 360. All of our branches in the area did the same and I know the outcome was a fantastic amount of money raised for this terrible disaster.
Thanks again to our customers and my team – much appreciated.
ASHLEY WILLIAMS, Barclays Branch Manager, Clitheroe and Whalley
Whalley Legion not a 'special case'
MAY the Whalley and district branch of the Royal British Legion respond to the criticism of the branch for not fulfilling the criteria from Whalley Parish Council regarding "grant" donations.
First of all, may we say the next meeting of the Whalley and district branch will be held in the Dog Inn, Whalley, on Wednesday (March 10th) at 2-30 pm. The meeting is open to all comers with membership available to non ex-service, as well as ex-service people willing to support the local branch and Royal British Legion.
Secondly, the decision not to fulfill the criteria from Whalley Parish Council was taken by a democratic vote endowed upon us "yes" by servicemen and women who served in two World Wars but also by those who have served in many conflicts since 1945 many paying the ultimate sacrifice or being severely injured.
Remembering also the young men and women serving their country today so democratic votes can be taken in "foreign countries" and indeed in our own country.
The Whalley branch does not wish to be deemed a "special case" for this is felt it would be an insult to other deserving people or organisations.
In closing, may the Whalley branch thank the people within our area who supported us over Remembrance time with their donations to the Poppy Appeal 2009 which raised in excess of 4,300 and was forwarded in full to Poppy HQ.
N. WHITHAM Whalley and District Branch, Royal British Legion
It must be one of best cafs around
JUST a few lines to say that, as residents of Lancaster, my wife and I often take a run through the Trough to sample the delights of Clitheroe.
The reason we do this is, of course, because we like the run. We like the town and the people we come into contact with; usually shop keepers or their assistants. But most of all we like The Apricot Meringue.
The Apricot Meringue (in King Street) must be one of the best cafs in the North West. Certainly better than a couple we have tried recently in the region. The menu offers a wide choice of good wholesome food at a reasonable price, served by competent friendly staff and the waiting time is reasonable, even when the cafe busy, which it usually is. Over the years we have grown fond of the garden furniture seating and the long out of date wallpaper and wouldn't want it to change. It is part of its character.
If you are looking for a cafe that serves a meal drizzled in Ju on a plate the size of a dustbin lid then the Apricot Meringue is not for you. But if you just want a square meal or a nice scone and a drink it is the place to go.
We cannot recall having visited any other cafs in Clitheroe, but if they are as good as the Apricot Meringue we can only say how lucky the people of Clitheroe are!
Finally, I would like to state that usually people are quick to complain when things aren't up to standard. But a good word when something is done well is equally important, because it encourages others.
PETER RICHARDSON, Thirsk Road, Lancaster
Poppy collection was a new record
MEMBERS of the Clitheroe Royal British Legion would like to thank all the people, businesses and associations of Clitheroe, who supported the 2009 Poppy Appeal.
Also a big thank you to the Poppy Appeal organiser and his team of loyal helpers. This year the total beat the previous year's record by just 100, making the collection 11,800.
Once again we would like to thank everyone for their generosity.
ROYAL BRITISH LEGION, Clitheroe.
Do not be taken in by Arms collection
THIS week we had a plastic bag delivered from an organisation called "Supporting Arms", which asked for donations of clothes etc., but gave no indication of who or what "Supporting Arms" was or did.
They did not claim to be a charity, but gave every indication they were one. On checking on the internet I found any goods collected being sold for profit!
I also found that, last May, police in the Torbay area issued a warning about the activities of these people. I am writing in the hope you can save some people in the Ribble Valley from being taken in.
A. HEYWOOD, Waddington
Recycling centre is better than a 'top'
SPRING is just around the corner. Green shoots and green issues are on the agenda.
Our thoughts turn to spring cleaning, in house and garden. This inevitably leads us in the direction of our local Household Recycling Centre, near the Petre Arms, Langho.
Two weeks ago, the Clitheroe Advertiser & Times drew attention to these invaluable local resources in two items.
We read, on page three, Lancashire County Council's Household Waste Recycling Centre in Henthorn Road, Clitheroe, will be closed for three weeks, for resurfacing work to be carried out. Regular users are recommended to use the Recycling Centre at Langho.
Turn over to page five, and you find "Future of tip still in balance".
Our Household Waste Recycling Centre deserves a better label than "tip"! It's currently recycling at 63%, and achieving as much as 87% as the year develops. Only one skip is designated for non-recyclable materials. A fantastic result.
A visit to our local Recycling Centre at Langho makes us think, as we see the different categories of household waste that can be recycled, thanks to the guidance of the friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and busy staff there.
It's therefore a concern to discover there is a question mark over this particular Recycling Centre, together with the one at Longridge. We hear these sites may well be earmarked for closure in 2011.
What will we do then? Where will we take the household waste which exceeds the dimensions and capacity of our "wheelie bins"? Does it make sense to travel to Clitheroe or Great Harwood, increasing our carbon footprints at a time when we know oil-based products are in danger of running out. Full marks here to Clitheroe for becoming a TransitionTown, and working towards local sustainability.
Perhaps it's time for the Powers That Be to engage in some joined-up thinking around these issues. We are doing our best to be responsible recyclers. Please help us.
SHEILA AND BILL GOODMAN, Somerset Avenue, Wilpshire
There is no need for referendum
THE UK Independence Party is having a drive with leaflets through our letterboxes urging we demand that the next government of Great Britain give the British people a chance to vote in a referendum concerning our membership of the European Union.
Why should this be necessary? Those of us who have had experience of living in the continent enjoy the diversity and vitality of cultures.
Take the recent Shrove Tuesday. The continent is heaving with carnival – and festivity. And what do we do on our damp, gloomy little island? Eat soggy pancakes.
ROBIN PARKER St Chads Avenue, Chatburn
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Weather for Clitheroe
Wednesday 30 May 2012
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 12 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 11 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: West
