PENDLE Council is to name a road in Barnoldswick in memory of prominent East Lancashire businessman and cricketer Ian Scothern.

The 48-year-old father-of-two died in January after a brave nine-year battle against bone marrow cancer.

Now, a street in a new housing estate off Valley Road in Barnoldswick, is to be named Scothern Close to commemorate his contribution to his home town.

An accomplished cricketer, he was a director at the family-owned electrical retailer Harry Garlick, which has branches in the town, Skipton, Clitheroe, Burley and Nelson.

He was diagnosed with multiple myeloma – a type of bone marrow cancer – and had undergone three stem cell transplants in an attempt to beat the disease. But soon after the third treatment, Ian’s health began to deteriorate and he passed away at St James’ Hospital in Leeds early in the New Year.

A Pendle council spokeswoman said: “We consulted with local councillors and Barnoldswick Town Council on a proposed naming scheme.

“The developer would normally suggest a shortlist of three names, but on this occasion wanted to leave it entirely at the discretion of the councillors.

“Barnoldswick Town Council suggested naming it in honour of the late Ian Scothern.

“Officials contacted his brother, David, who discussed the matter with the rest of the family and consented to the proposal.”

Ian had lived in Barnoldswick all his life and was educated at Gisburn Road Primary School and Park High School in Colne before going on to Nelson and Colne College.

He gained a business degree at Preston Polytechnic before going to work for the family business aged 19, alongside his two older brothers, Mike and Dave.

He left behind his wife, Kathy, 19-year-old musician son, Tom, and daughter, Hannah, 16.

lWhat do you think? We welcome letters on this or any other subject. E-mail richard.parker@nqyne.co.uk or write to the Content Editor, Craven Herald, 38 High Street, Skipton BD23 1JU. Please include your full name, address and daytime telephone number.