New Champion For Clitheroe Castle Scheme

And father-of-two Peter Robinson, 63, of Shays Drive, Clitheroe, today called on Ribble Valley residents to throw their weight behind the most ambitious heritage scheme in the area's history.

Peter Robinson is no stranger to high-profile projects, for he is the former chief executive of the Blackburn with Darwen Partnership that was the driving force behind the regeneration of Blackburn.

He successfully completed the tough task and, when he retired two years ago, received a personal letter of thanks from Prince Charles for his tremendous efforts in uniting the public and private sectors.

Now he is to be the official "champion" of the Clitheroe Castle Heritage Scheme, which aims to position Clitheroe Castle and Museum as a central part of the town's identity and leisure experience.

He said: "I am delighted to lend my support to such an exciting scheme during my year in office as High Sheriff of Lancashire."

The Heritage Lottery Fund approved a £2million bid to revamp Clitheroe Castle in December and now the race is on to find the £700,000 shortfall.

A community group called Keepers of the Castle was formed to increase the scheme's public profile and undertake fundraising activities in the lead up to the Lottery announcement.

Now the scheme is going into top gear with several high-profile fundraising events planned over the coming year.

Peter Robinson's newly created coat of arms, which features Clitheroe Castle and was last week hung at Lancaster Castle alongside those of other holders of the ancient office, will be featured on Clitheroe Castle Heritage Scheme publicity.

Peter Robinson has lived in Clitheroe since 1984, when he took up a post as manager at Barclays Bank in Castle Street. In 1990, he was offered a secondment to take the fledgling Blackburn Partnership forward.

Ribble Valley Borough Council Mayor Peter Ainsworth said: "The appointment of Peter Robinson in his capacity as High Sheriff of Lancashire as champion of the Clitheroe Castle Heritage Scheme is a real step forward."

"Not only is he well-respected in Ribble Valley, but he is well-known outside the borough and as such will raise the scheme's profile immeasurably."

"We are really excited to have him on board and his involvement will add significant value to the scheme."