An Apology

It has been brought to our attention that Cllr Jim Hothersall didn’t say Kingsfold was like Beirut in his ill fated radio interview with Jeremy Vine on Radio 2. What he actually said was that one of the Councillors for Beirut, oops sorry Kingsfold, had made that comparison. We hope that it wasn’t the always sensible Cllr Best, so presumably it was Cllr Renee Blow. The very same councillor who admitted causing a breach of the peace following an altercation with some children in possession of a dangerous football! Our sincere apologies to Cllr Hothersall!

Councillor fluffs interview on national radio

Tory spokesman on Streetscene issues, Cllr Jim Hothersall, dropped a huge gaffe when he appeared on BBC Radio 2's Jeremy Vine show. When asked to explain the controversial 'No Carol Singing' scheme, he offered an opinion that living in Kingsfold was like living in Beirut!!! He also claimed that pensioners had been threatened on their doorsteps by Carol singing teenagers. According to Cllr Hothersall, these alleged youngsters, (no doubt wearing hoodies!), have been singing a couple of lines from a Christmas Carol and then demanding money with menaces. That may or may not be true, as yet there is no evidence to say, but that hardly reflects what life has been like in the Lebanese capital for the last 25 years. Nor does it do much to reassure the residents of Kingsfold that, whilst it may have its problems, it is a relatively safe place to live. Nice one Cllr Hothersall.....

Christmas Carols? Humbug!!

Top Tories at South Ribble have been struggling to justify a scheme in Penwortham to discourage the tradition of Carol singing. Residents have been issued with notices which they can stick in their windows advising doorstep carolers that they are not welcome. This despite being able to produce any evidence that any crimes where committed last year that were 'Christmas Carol related'. What next, an anti Valentines campaign!

Tory Councillor admits 'breach of the peace'

Tory Councillor admits 'breach of the peace'. Penwortham Tory Renee Blow certainly hit the headlines this month. Despite having a reputation as being an advocate for law and order and being known as someone who regularly challenges local police on the need to do more in her patch, it was Cllr Blow who found herself on the wrong side of the long arm of the law. Cllr Blow admitted a breach of the peace and was bound over for six months at the Magistrates Court following an incident involving children playing in the street. Cllr Matthew Tomlinson, Leader of the Labour Group at South Ribble said 'I am sure that residents expect better behaviour from their elected representatives. However, it seems the Tory Group on the Council are still happy to retain her as a member.'