Neighbours’ shock as ‘lovely’ couple killed in car crash

TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular Oldham couple who died while on holiday in North Wales.

Grandparents Norman and Anne Clarke were travelling on Aston Road in Queensferry, Flintshire, when their car is believed to have hit a tree.

It is understood that the much-loved couple had been staying at their caravan holiday home and were on their way home. Neighbours in Oldham have paid tribute to the elderly couple, who had lived on Mildred Avenue in Grotton, Saddleworth, for decades. Mr Clarke, 81, was a retired mechanic, while his 78-year-old wife was a retired book-keeper. One resident said the devoted couple will be sorely missed in the neighbourhood. Neighbour Derek Burns said: “They were quality. A really nice couple. They looked out for everyone here. Neighbour Derek Burns pays tribute to Norman and Anne Clarke

“They have lived here for at least 50 years and are well known on the street.

“We were so shocked to hear the news. They were a lovely couple.

“They had a caravan in North Wales and I think they were coming home from holiday when it happened.”

North Wales Police confirmed that two people died following a collision on the A494 in Queensferry, Flintshire, on the afternoon of Wednesday, September 6. Officers were called shortly before 2.30pm to a report of a twovehicle collision on Aston Hill.

Emergency crews raced to the scene and the eastbound carriageway was closed for several hours.

Inquests into Mr and Mrs Clarke’s deaths were opened and adjourned this week.