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Neighbourhood rocked by fire tragedy

31/ 1/2003

THE SHOCKED Hope community are this week coming to terms with the death of 88-year-old grandmother Kathleen Robinson, who died after a chip pan blaze ravaged her Park Road home.

Mrs Robinson was rushed to Hope Hospital on Satuday evening suffering from the effects of smoke inhalation, and despite being treated at the scene, died later that night. Her son David and daughter Judith rushed from their homes in the south of England after hearing the news - but were unable to arrive in time to say goodbye to their mother.

David, who lives in Hampshire, told us: "She was everything you would expect a parent to be. She was kind, caring and a wonderful person.

"For her age she did remarkably well. I sometimes find the walk to the bottom of the road a bit daunting, but she would regularly walk into Eccles or catch the bus into Manchester. Thankyou to all her neighbours for all the help and messages of regret and sympathy we have received."

Friends said Mrs Robinson, whose husband George passed away 12 years ago, was an independent and smart woman, who regularly attended her local church.

Tributes to the long-time Salford resident poured in from the community, led by local priest Father Peter Kitchen, of nearby St Peter and Paul's.

He told us: "It was a tragic incident and people in our congregation are shocked. She used to come here every Sunday."

A special service was held at the church in honour of Mrs Robinson on Sunday, attended by many of her friends in the area.

The incident has also prompted local firefighters to warn the public of the dangers of using a chip pan.