Tedd Talks
Live Magazines’ Tedd Walmsley looks at the state of Clitheroe’s high street, considers some shocking statistics from local food banks and on a lighter note, pays tribute to our loyal readers and advertisers
In putting together this month’s column, I’m left with a rollercoaster of emotions. Pride, elation and positivity mixed with frustration, sadness and downright anger. So, let’s make a positive start.
We are celebrating in this issue – this is Live Ribble Valley’s 150th edition spanning 16 years, two recessions and a global pandemic – and yet we are still here. I’m so proud of our achievements and it’s hard to believe in that time, we have originated and printed more than 26,000 pages of editorial and advertising and even more incredibly, we have hand-delivered more than two million copies in the Ribble Valley.
I must pay tribute and thank all my team past and present for their contributions and support. Some have been with me since the get go and we have all aged well together! I can’t promise another 150 issues, but we are not done yet. We couldn’t have done this without the trust and loyalty of our advertisers and you, our readers, who seem to enjoy the fruits of our labour and at the same time support the local businesses and get behind many of our charity and community projects.
I recently met with a group of disgruntled and concerned business owners in Clitheroe who have been seriously affected by the work to improve the pavements in the centre of town. With little communication from RVBC and some negative and misleading social media, this has resulted in a huge downturn of turnover and footfall in the town. When you combine this with atrocious weather, the results look catastrophic. The new energetic president of the Chamber of Trade has both lobbied and met with councillors and officers of RVBC but as we go to print, there’s been no tangible help – simply platitudes. The chamber members suggestions of compensation were batted away both by RVBC and LCC with a ‘grin and bear it’ message. We have also tried, unsuccessfully, to include RVBC in our Clitheroe feature, but with emails unanswered and offers of free space not taken advantage of, it’s a case of ‘gift horse in the mouth’. I’m praying for a speedy resolution and good weather to avoid a disastrous summer for this beleaguered group of traders and pray there’ll be no additions to the alarming number of empty shops that stand out like sore thumbs in the town.
Just this week I received an email asking for my thoughts and advice on a new initiative to help support the Ribble Valley Food Banks in both Clitheroe and Longridge. The stats for this year make grim reading – with some disturbing headlines including:
– Food parcels given out +54 per cent
– Food parcels to older people +117 per cent
– Food parcels to households with children +73 per cent
This really makes my blood boil as the Ribble Valley is perceived to be a wealthy area, yet its food banks have never been busier. Debt is cited as the biggest cause of people having to visit a food bank. I’m told there has been some support from the town council and kind private individuals, but nothing tangible from RVBC – this can’t be right!
If you can spare time, money or goods please get in touch with Ruth Thompson at the Clitheroe Food Bank and look out for their initiatives in the coming week as they attempt to plug the black holes of their budgets and find new ways to generate income to help and support our community.
I’m hearing lots of worrying things about the night-time economy of Whalley – there seems to be increasing anger from residents about late night revellers turning into toxic, aggressive groups, before returning to their homes far away. They seem to leave a trail of devastation behind them. Surely some balance and controls are required to ensure this wonderful little village isn’t overrun by louts with no respect or affinity to the area, beyond it being a stop on a trainline. Let’s hope those responsible for licensing and policing are listening – what are your thoughts on this?
With a general election before my next column, things will no doubt change politically in the Ribble Valley. Whatever happens, the valley will have two MPs which in itself will be interesting – only time will tell how this might affect us all.
I hope you have a wonderful summer and be kind to each other.
The views above are my own and I’d be delighted to get some replies to my questions and will report back on any progress and positive outcomes.
tedd.walmsley@live-magazines.co.uk
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