Clitheroe Castle

THE completion of Phase 1 of a £3.2million scheme to refurbish Clitheroe Castle and Museum was celebrated with a "grand switch-on" of the new state-of-the-art castle keep lights.

The former High Sheriff of Lancashire, Peter Robinson, who is the scheme's "champion," hit the switch during a ceremony attended by civic leaders, sponsors, supporters and well-wishers.

Phase 1 of the scheme has seen the installation of environmentally friendly lighting, a web cam, sound system, signage and interpretation boards at the famous Norman keep.

Refurbishment work around the keep has included new railings, the redesign of the garden, the resurfacing of the old footpath and construction of a new stretch of footpath. Weeds have been removed along with saplings and trees which could have been undermining the fabric of the ancient remain for many years.

The £80,000 refurbishment has been funded by the Lancashire Economic Partnership and the following service groups: Rotary Club of Ribblesdale, Rotary Club of Clitheroe, Clitheroe Round Table, Rotary Club of Pendle View, Lions Club of Clitheroe.

The lighting system, which features state-of-the-art high-efficiency bulbs, was installed by Leeds company Powerlite, which was behind the lighting system at Edinburgh Castle, while the floor of the keep has been laid with reclaimed York stone flags.

The result is quite phenomenal and should instill pride in residents throughout Ribble Valley.

All the work has been overseen by English Heritage and archaeologists. 

• During the reception, hosted by the borough council, Clitheroe businessmen and trusteess of Friends of Clitheroe Castle group John Houldsworth and Ian Lloyd presented a cheque for £9,300 to the Clitheroe Castle Heritage Fund. This money was raised from the Castle Ball in March of this year organised by these trustees. The remaining money was donated to the Pendlebury Children's Hospital, whose expertise saved the life of John Houldsworth's granddaughter.