My nightmare is finally over says former mayor
Peter Britcliffe speaks exclusively to the Observer after police say they have closed an investigation into sex offence allegations and that no further action is to be taken
A HYNDBURN mayor who stepped down to fight sex offence allegations has said he has been ‘living in a nightmare’ after being told he has no case to answer.
Speaking exclusively to the Observer, Peter Britcliffe said it had been an ‘extremely anxious time’ for his family and branded the allegation against him ‘wicked’.
Police have confirmed that the matter has now been closed and no further action would be taken following a nine-month investigation.
The former Hyndburn council leader strongly denied the allegations after Lancashire Police questioned him in January 2018 in relation to incidents involving three men between January and July 2017.
He was never arrested or charged, but stepped aside from the mayoral office in February to ‘clear his name’.
AHYNDBURN mayor who stepped down to fight sex offences allegations has said he has been ‘living in a nightmare’ after being told he has no case to answer.
Speaking exclusively to the Observer, Peter Britcliffe said it had been an ‘extremely anxious time’ for his family and branded the allegation against him as ‘wicked’.
Police have confirmed that the matter has now been closed and no further action would be taken following a ninemonth investigation.
The former Hyndburn council leader strongly denied the allegations after Lancashire Police questioned him in January 2018 in relation to incidents involving three men between January and July 2017.
He was never arrested or charged but stepped aside from the mayoral office in February to ‘clear his name’.
Coun Britcliffe said it was a ‘ huge relief’ and praised the ‘ overwhelm- ing’ support of family, friends and colleagues.
He told the Observer: “While I always knew I was innocent and those who know me knew the allegations were untrue, it has been an extremely worrying and anxious time for both my family and myself.
“It was a huge shock when the police arrived at my house to ask if I would be prepared to go for an interview with them.
“Obviously it doesn’t leave you because you are constantly thinking about it and it makes it very difficult for you to concentrate on doing things like reading a book or watching a TV programme because your mind will start to drift.
“You just think this is a nightmare and you are going to wake up at any minute but of course it wasn’t.
“We have been very fortunate in having some tremendous support along the way and we’ve had hundreds of messages on Facebook which has made us feel very emotional and very appreciative.
“I was very sorry to have stepped aside from being Mayor. I never resigned. It was a job that both myself, (children) Sara and Dominic loved doing.
“There were some special moments along the way and it wasn’t all doom and gloom but I am delighted, as are the family, that this cloud has now lifted. We are at the other side of it now.
“I’m looking forward to getting back into working for the Oswaldtwistle people as their county councillor and in my role as chair of the health scrutiny committee at Lancashire County Council, attending all the different associations and groups and getting involved again in Oswaldtwistle.”
Coun Britcliffe said he also hopes to become a local councillor in Hyndburn.
He said: “Hyndburn council is something which is in my blood. I would certainly be hoping to stand again when an opportunity arose.”
Oswaldtwistle councillor Sara Britcliffe replaced her father Peter in St Oswald’s ward at this year’s local elections, ending a 34-year run on Hyndburn council.
She said: “Our family are so glad to say that this ordeal is over.
“I want to thank everyone who believed in us, everyone my family depended on and who supported us.
“The ones who came to us when we were scared to leave the house because of these awful allegations. Now as a family we move forward.
“This showed that we are always stronger together and we will now all be able to focus on what is best for the town we love. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
A Lancashire Police spokesman said: “In January this year Lancashire Constabulary launched an investigation following complaints of sexual touching involving a 67-year-old man from Hyndburn.
“A 67-year-old man from Hyndburn voluntarily attended a police station in January and was spoken to. He was not arrested.
“Following a thorough investigation the matter was referred to the Crown Prosecution Service for advice and it was decided that no further action would be taken. The matter is now closed.
“The complainants and the 67-year-old man have been informed of the decision.
“Lancashire Constabulary takes all allegations of a sexual nature extremely seriously and understands how difficult it can be for victims to have the confidence to come forward.
“As a Constabulary, we are committed to investigating sexual offences sensitively and recognising the impact that these types of crimes have on victims.
“We would encourage anyone who has experienced sexual abuse, or who has information about it, to have the confidence to report it to us knowing that we will take it seriously, deal with it sensitively and investigate it thoroughly.”