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Snow strands driver overnight in Hodder Valley
A MOUNTAIN rescue team leader has praised the actions of a man who became stranded in the Hodder Valley during heavy snowfall on Friday evening.
Philip O’Brien, team leader of Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue Team, said the man who became stranded down a lane off Easington Road between Newton and Slaidburn, was right to remain in his car.
It is believed the man became stranded at around 7 p.m. on Friday when he was travelling to a wedding reception from Lancaster. He eventually made his way to safety with the help of local residents at around 8-30 a.m. on Saturday.
Mr O’Brien told the Clitheroe Advertiser that it is “incredibly rare” that people become stranded in this way.
He added that the man had done the most sensible thing by staying in his car rather than trying to find help in treacherous conditions in the middle of nowhere.
“People need to heed the advice of the Highways Agency, the AA and RAC to carry things like a blanket, hot drink and food and a mobile phone. This advice is life saving. Luckily no one has been injured in the last few days,” said Mr O’Brien, whose team were called out to deal with stranded motorists on the M6 motorway on Friday evening following the heavy snowfall.
Ribble Valley Borough Councillor for Bowland, Newton and Slaidburn, Coun. Rosemary Elms said there had been a couple of other incidents that evening where people had visited the Hodder Valley and become stranded.
She echoed the advice from the Bowland Pennine MRT and said people should avoid travelling in such conditions.
Snow started to fall heavily at around 7 p.m. on Friday leaving many roads in the Ribble Valley difficult to negotiate.
The A59 was deserted with only a handful of commuters gingerly negotiating it in order to return back to their homes.
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Weather for Clitheroe
Wednesday 19 June 2013
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 8 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Heavy rain
Temperature: 12 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: East
