Benwick receives two free local newspapers a week. The Cambs Times on a Friday and The Fenland Citizen on a Wednesday. It is from these sites which the news articles here are taken from.

This page contains news stories from 2004. The year the shop battled to be able to close. To see news stories from other years, click on the year below to go to the relevant page.

2008-2007-2006-2005-2004-2003-2002-2001-2000-1990-2000-1990>

September 24th - Courtesy of The Evening Telegraph

Court: Fly-Tipper left in a Fine Mess

FATHER-of-two who agreed to take rubbish to a tip but then dumped it on land in Whittlesey has been fined. John Hutchenson (29), of River Close, Benwick, March, admitted dumping carpets, underlay and cardboard which he had taken from a home in Longthorpe, Peterborough, on the land at Blackbush Grove, on March 25.

He was fined £150 and ordered to pay £100 in costs for the offence, which cost the Environment Agency £998 to investigate, yesterday.

Miriam Tordoff, prosecuting, told Peterborough Magistrates' Court that Hutchenson had been with another man who has not yet been traced. Mrs Tordoff said: "Mr Hutchenson agreed to dispose of the old carpets, underlay and cardboard boxes."

She said the two had attempted to take the rubbish to a domestic waste site, but had been refused access because they were in a hire vehicle, which meant the items they wanted to dispose of were deemed trade waste.

She said: "Mr Hutchenson explained that the vehicle which he'd hired had to be returned early the next day. "As it was late in the evening, it occurred to him that he had nowhere else to go. "He agreed to deposit the waste at a site where people are known to dump waste regularly."

Hutchenson claimed there was already waste dumped at the site in Blackbush Grove. When Environment Agency workers checked the site days later they found an invoice which led them to identify Hutchenson.

In mitigation, Hutchenson, defending himself, said: "I apologise deeply. I promise it won't happen again." He had also originally offered to pay for the rubbish to be cleared up at the time, but it had already been done.

Speaking after the case, Sarah Brown, environment officer, said: "Fly-tipped rubbish is a visual blight on the environment and has a honey pot effect attracting further illegal deposits. "If there is rubbish already by the roadside it is not an excuse to add more to it."

September 15th - Courtesy of The Fenland Citizen

Transport: Moves to slow down traffic

SPEED reduction measures are in hand for Benwick and Manea villages.

Benwick is set to receive a new 40 mph limit on Ramsey Road and measures to reinforce the existing 30mph stretches.

Manea is to have the current 30mph limit extended and a new 40mph limit.

It is hoped the installation of interactive flashing speed warning signs, coloured road surfacing and better signs will slow down speeding traffic in both villages.

Providing no objections are received to both schemes, officers say they should be implemented in January.

lThree local schemes are up for consideration for 2005/6. A proposal has been submitted to the Fenland Environment and Transport Area joint Committee to re-align the bend on the A141 at Clewes Corner, Chatteris.

Over a three-year period, there have been two fatal accident at the bend – which a report says has a "long-standing record of loss of control accidents".

Current warning signs and road markings seem to be failing to alert drivers to the danger of the bend and the suggestion is to re-align it.

Representation has come from Murrow for footpaths in the village and from Christchurch for measures to slow down traffic.

July 28th - Courtesy of The Fenland Citizen

Property: Couple win battle over post office

A COUPLE who run a village shop and post office have won their battle to be allowed to sell the property as a home if they wish.

William and Anne Giltrap have had no luck in trying to sell 38 High Street, Benwick, as a post office, shop and home and they wanted the option of changing the use to residential.

Their application was recommended for refusal by planning officers but on Wednesday, Fenland's planning committee agreed to the change of use.

This now means the couple can sell the premises as residential if they wish.

Mr Giltrap told the committee they are endeavouring to sell it as a business in the first instance but the change of use gives them an alternative if this fails.

Mr Giltrap told the Citizen he was "delighted" with the decision. He said he hopes the business can be retained for the community, even though he feels villagers aren't supporting the shop.

He said a lot of people commute to and from Benwick and don't use the shop.

Mr Giltrap said he and his wife need to retire because of health reasons.

July 22nd - Courtesy of The Cambs Times

Postmaster wins his right to shut up shop and sell up

BENWICK postmaster Liam Giltrap won his battle to close his village shop following a four month campaign by the Cambs Times.

Mr Giltrap has twice been refused consent by Fenland planners to close the shop and convert it back into part of his home to enable him to sell up and retire. But on Wednesday night Fenland District Council Planning Committee rejected their officers' advice and voted to allow the change of use to go through.

Councillors felt that it was quite clear that Mr Giltrap's business is not viable, partly due to details of his finances as published in the Cambs Times.

"I just can't understand this," said Cllr Les Sims. "Here we have a man who has few customers and a net profit of just £5,000 a year? How will he ever sell this building as a business? The whole situation is ridiculous."

Many councillors were also struck by the lack of public objections against the proposal to close the post office.

"It would appear that the people of Benwick don't want the amenity anyway," said Cllr Trevor Quince. The committee approved the application on the grounds that the business was no longer viable, and there was obviously no need for such an amenity in the village.

July 21st - Courtesy of The Fenland Citizen

Community: Shop fight goes on

A COUPLE who run a village shop and post office are making a second attempt to close the business.

William and Anne Giltrap were refused permission to change the use of the premises at 38 High Street, Benwick, from a post office, shop and home to a home only in March this year.

And a renewed application, set to come before Fenland Council's planning committee tonight (Wednesday), looks like failing.

Planning officers are recommending that councillors turn down the couple's new application, fearing approval would mean the loss of a vital amenity for the village.

A report to the committee states that the village store and post office is the only facility of its kind in a relatively isolated village with a population of around 860.

Mr and Mrs Giltrap say they have owned the business for over two years but, in that time, their health has declined to such an extent that they are now running it against medical advice.

The current income is not sufficient for them to be able to afford to employ staff, but they have to keep the business open to service their debts and avoid bankruptcy until the premises are sold.

They have been on the market since late 2002 and there have been 33 viewings – but the couple say the only interest has come from people interested in buying the property as a home only.

Planning officers say nearby Doddington, with a population of just over 2,000, can support three stores which open longer hours and offer a wider range of goods.

They say accounts show Mr and Mrs Giltrap turned a loss into a profit within the short time they have owned the business and feel a business open longer hours and with a wider range of goods in Benwick would increase profits and income.

July 15th - Courtesy of The Cambs Times

Shop owner protests over private details a council made public

BATTLING shop owner Liam Giltrap is angry his personal financial affairs have become public knowledge following a council meeting. He is refusing to give planners latest accounts from his village shop and post office, claiming a violation of human rights.

Unable to sell the Benwick business as a going concern, Mr Giltrap wants to sell it purely as a residence. But Fenland District Council says the business is making a modest profit and closing it is against structure plan policies.

The planning committee heard the post office had turned a loss two years ago into a profit last year. A planning officer went on to give details from accounts.

Mr Giltrap was horrified when he realised his financial details had been divulged in public and has protested to the council.

He claims the committee was not told about the adverse conditions affecting the business. "The documentation submitted shows that no more than 30 per cent of the village support the shop. A parish councillor distributed house by house a leaflet saying 'Use it or lose it,' and that made little or no impact on the well-being of the businesses," said Mr Giltrap.

He says personal details should have been submitted to the council in a separate document and officers were not entitled to make that information public.

"By allowing my personal information to be exploited in the media, Fenland District Council has shown a total disregard for my basic human rights," added Mr Giltrap.

A council spokesman said: "Mr Giltrap submitted his business accounts information in support of a planning application. That information forms part of a public document available for the public to inspect and to enable effective decision making. It is therefore our understanding that the council is not in breach of data protection regulations."

Planning officers are once again recommending the application to change the premises to solely residential use should be refused.

July 8th- Courtesy of The Cambs Times

Boy,4, save mum's life in dramatic call to Ambulancemen

A YOUNGSTER has been hailed as a lifesaver after calling an ambulance for his seriously ill mother.

Four-year-old Ryan Pedley, from Benwick, made sure his mum Wendy, who was suffering from pneumonia, got to hospital. Mrs Pedley, 38, had phoned for an ambulance on Friday after suffering breathing problems and severe pain in her arm and neck.

She said: "I was in so much discomfort that I couldn't speak, Ryan took the phone from me and gave our address and number to the operator and kept her updated on my condition. "He was so brave and calm and told me 'we will make mummy better' and 'the ambulance is coming'. He even took our dog into another room before the paramedics arrived. I just don't know what would have happened if he hadn't been around."

Ryan was on the phone for several minutes until his grandmother came round on a routine visit.

"Mum was overwhelmed and amazed at how well Ryan had coped with such a stressful situation and the person on the phone said he had been absolutely fantastic," added Mrs Pedley. Mrs Pedley was treated at Hinchingbrooke Hospital, in Huntingdon, and has returned home to complete her recovery. "It wasn't easy for Ryan while I was away. He went to stay with his gran and came to visit me in hospital but was so brave, Mrs Pedley added.

"We had been planning a party for him at the end of the month, which will be an extra special celebration. He loves Thomas the Tank Engine so we will take him for a trip on a train as an added reward,".

July 2nd - Courtesy of the Cambs Times

Planning officer challenges cash crisis village shop

A FENLAND planning officer has claimed that a village post office, far from teetering on the edge of bankruptcy, is turning in a healthy, if modest, profit.

Wendy Holland, of Fenland District Council, told the council's planning committee that Benwick Post Office had turned a loss two years ago into a profit last year.

Liam Giltrap, who is battling to be allowed to convert the shop and post office back into residential use, claims the shop is unviable and wants the change of use to allow him to sell it.

"The applicant has stated that the shop is open some 62 hours a week and the post office 41 1/2 hours a week and has submitted accounts for 2002 and 2003," reported Ms Holland.

"These accounts show that a net loss of just over £3,000 in 2002, the year which the applicant bought the premises, was turned into a net profit of over £5,000 in 2003.

"The gross profit of the business rose over that period from 14 per cent to 16 per cent. In addition the accounts show that the applicant paid off over £5,000 of his debts over the period."

Ms Holland added: "He has confirmed that a plot of land to the rear of the premises, which was granted outline consent in 2002 for the erection of a dwelling, has recently been sold."

She told the committee that closing the shop - in a community of nearly 900 people - was contrary to structure plan policies.

While personal circumstances can be a material consideration " they are not considered to provide sufficient justification to support the proposal".

Mr Giltrap said 33 people had viewed the premises, but no one wanted it as a business.

Officers urged the committee to reject the change of use but councillors deferred a decision for a site visit.

May 13th- Courtesy of The Cambs Times

Postmaster may seek help from EU to let him shut up shop

BENWICK Postmaster Liam Giltrap may go to the European Court of Human Rights to win permission to change the village shop into a house.

Mr Giltrap and his wife Anne have unsuccessfully tried to sell the shop as a business for almost two years.

Out of 32 interested parties they found just one buyer but he wanted to change the store into a home.

This change-of-use application was thrown out by a planning officer under delegated powers.

The council is adamant it wants to stop rural shops disappearing.

But the couple, who are not in good health, have stressed the shop is not supported by villagers and is losing money.

Finally, after pushing for months, the couple are actually going to get the planning application re-heard in June.

Mr Giltrap said: "We are both so frustrated, we are still working a 70 hour week, and my wife who has suffered lung cancer, really shouldn't be working at all.

"Now I have been told my degenerative joints are inoperable and incurable-we just have to retire-and all I am asking for is the right to sell the shop as a business or a residence."

He said: "If this isn't successful, we will appeal to the Planning Inspectorate and if necessary to the Court of Human Rights-all we want to do is retire and rest."

Fenland District Council has asked the Giltraps to provide evidence of the business' viability, their record of trying to sell it and their accounts.

Ward Councillor Ralph Butcher is requesting the matter be re-heard and this is expected to happen at the planning committee on June 23.

April 22nd- Courtesy of The Cambs Times

Benwick post office owners could get go-ahead for sale

THERE could be a light at the end of the tunnel for Benwick couple Liam and Anne Giltrap, who have suffered ill health and falling profits since taking on the village post office/shop.

Their plight meant they had to try and sell the business, but out of 31 potential buyers, only one made an offer -- and wanted to turn the post office into a house.

This move was blocked by both the Parish Council and Fenland District Council. After articles in the Cambs Times the Giltraps have now been contacted by the district council and have met with parish councillors to try to find a solution.

Mrs Giltrap, 62, has suffered lung cancer and her husband has constant pain from degenerative joints. They work a 70-hour week, starting at 5am each day, but say only 25 per-cent of villagers use the shop.

Mr Giltrap, 67, said: "I am relieved that we are now being told how to re-submit the planning application and get it heard by the committee, rather than a decision being made by a planning officer, like last time.I think things are moving, but I am apprehensive.I don't believe the parish council can force people to use the shop and unless we improve usage then viability is hindered."

Ward Councillor Ralph Butcher agreed the Giltraps had been "very unfortunate". He will meet the couple soon and said he hoped the building of 50 new homes in Benwick would increase trade.

"Everyone in villages wants something but are not prepared to use it until it is going to go," he said. "The majority of people want to get all their shopping under one roof-as they don't have time."

Parish Councillor Lyn Keppel-Spoor said: "Bearing in mind the Giltraps' situation, we could find out if it is possible for a postmaster from a nearby town to visit Benwick once a week.

April 2nd- Courtesy of The Cambs Times

On the brink of bankruptcy

A COUPLE who ploughed their savings into a village store say they are on the verge of bankruptcy because planners refuse to allow them to convert it into a house.

Retirement dreams have turned into a nightmare for Liam and Anne Giltrap who have battled ill health to keep Benwick's post office and village shop open.

Now, after trying to sell the business for 19 months, they have lost their only buyer because Fenland District Council will not allow the shop and adjoining home to become one big house.

Mr Giltrap, 67, said: “When we came here two-and-a-half years' ago profits were low, but we thought we could improve it, employ staff and then work part time ourselves.

“But soon after Anne was diagnosed with lung cancer and 80 per-cent of her lung was removed. I had to employ help and that notched up the overdraft while we struggled to pay the mortgage.

“My wife should not be working long hours and now I also have degenerative joints.“We can't sell it as a business. We've had 30 people look at it and just one offer.” Mrs Giltrap, 62, said: “Without shoppers, we are forced to throw away dustbin bags full of tinned and packet food that is past its sell-by date.

“How can we sell a business that doesn't have a future?” But the district council, backed by the Parish Council, suggests they do just that. Planning officers took the decision, under delegated powers to refuse permission since “the loss of a village shopping facility would be to the detriment of the vitality of a rural community”

Mr Giltrap added: “If they want this shop so badly why don't they do something positive to promote it?”

A Fenland Council spokesman said: “The council is very aware of the applicants' circumstances and has advised them that we would be very willing to talk to them about the way forward.”

March 24th- Courtesy of The Cambs Times

Opening of old tin chest brings back memories for March woman

OPENING an old tin chest containing copies of the Cambridgeshire Times from the 1930s brought back vivid memories for a Benwick woman whose young brother's death was described in one paper as being a "Chance in a Million".

Eighty-nine-year-old Hilda Green remembered how the whole village was stunned when her youngest brother, who was just 15, died after contacting tetanus following a fall from his cycle back in 1935.

Mrs Green has recently moved into Jubilee Court, March and family members were clearing her home of over 55 years at Ramsey Road, Benwick, when the discovery was made. The old paper reports an inquest into the death of Albert Berry Shaw at which a jury heard how the youngster was riding one cycle and pushing another. The cycles collided and in the fall Albert cut his arm.

A farm labourer, Albert fell from his cycle travelling home from work. He was taken to a doctor at Doddington and was treated for a cut on his arm. It wasn't until one week later that he became ill.

After being taken to Doddington Hospital, Albert was diagnosed as having tetanus. Despite injections of anti-tetanus serum he died the next day. The coroner explained Albert could have caught the germ from his clothing, his cycle or from the road. A verdict of accidental death was returned. Albert was described as a very bright, intelligent and active lad, who had the misfortune by a "chance in a million" to catch the germ.

Ironically Albert had been doing a favour for a friend whose cycle had a puncture when the accident happened.

"If it had happened today they would have been able to save him," said Mrs Green. "I have been a Cambs Times reader all my life and I have kept papers that have things in that are special to me.

January 20th - Courtesy of The Cambridge Evening News

Family help light up Nathan's life

CHRISTMAS lights on a house in Benwick, near Ramsey, have given pleasure to hundreds of people over the past six years - and raised thousands of pounds for charity.

Last month the Green family's efforts brought in almost £1,000 after former boxer Dave "Boy" Green, a member of the charity club but no relation to the family, turned on the lights.

Now the money has been handed over to the Potter family in Somersham to help two-year-old Nathan,who is severely disabled.

For the last two years Kathleen Green and her family have raised money for the Pidley Mountain Rescue Team charity club, which helps to improve the quality of life for people with special needs across the district.

She and her sons, Stuart - the main lighting co-ordinator - and Adam were at the presentation at Pidley Social Club.

Gil Boyd, who chairs the group, said: "We thought this was a great opportunity to bring together some of the Green family with Nathan and his mum, Sarah.

"The money will buy a sleep system for Nathan, which will help to improve his posture as he sleeps. He is blind and has multiple disabilities."

Eleven people in the area have been helped during the past year, with such things as computers, lap-tops, four and three-wheeled buggies and sleep systems.

Each month the group puts on a special fundraising event, and the January effort is a race night on Saturday, January 31 at Pidley village hall.

Being a small village, Benwick doesn't make major news very often. But on these pages you can read about all the times that Benwick has managed to make it into the papers. There is an archive of the past I years, and a little bit from before then too! If you have any newspaper clippings then please let me know, and anything you send will be duly accredited.