The Birstall Post, January 2001 (210)

900 new homes

NINE HUNDRED new homes, a business park and a park and ride area feature in a planning application for land north of Harrowgate Drive.
The outline planning application has been made by Jelson Ltd and the Palmer-Tomkinson Trustees. It covers 71.5 hectares with the bulk of the development on land west of the A6 and north of Harrowgate Drive. The park and ride area for 1000 cars is located on the eastern side of the A6, adjoining Longslade Community College.
The plan for the Hallam Fields development proposes:
mixed use development of 900 dwellings

a business park
fire station
local centre - shopping, health and general community facilities
primary school on western edge
formation of public open space
two highway accesses from A6, traffic light controlled pedestrian footbridge over A6 linking to park and ride site
1000 space park and ride facility
pedestrian and cycleway links to Wanlip Lane/Rectory Road
demolition of 57 Harrowgate Drive (opposite Ambergate Drive) to create pedestrian/cycle link

The plan proposes several highway alterations. These include:

a southbound bus land from the development to Red Hill island, on congested areas
a priority bus route through Red Hill island
a northbound bus lane from Greengate Lane to the development
improvements to Greengate Lane junction to reduce delays and enhance bus movement through the junction
upgrading pelican crossings, a new crossing at School Lane, a toucan crossing at the secondary site access

The application states: “This is not a development that will be ‘bolted on’ the edge of Birstall. It is a proposal that has been designed and will be implemented in such a way as to integrate with the existing development as a natural expansion of the built up area, forming a strong boundary line with the A6 western bypass
“The developer and landowner propose to make provision for a range of sports and community facilities that will be available to all of the residents of Birstall not just the future residents of Hallam Fields”.
Proposals for development of the site were a feature of the Charnwood Local Plan, which went to a Public Inquiry. The Borough Council have yet to publish their response to the Inquiry Inspector’s report which recommended development of the site. This planning application increases the development outlined in the Local Plan. The number of dwellings increases from 600 to 900 and the employment land from 4 to 6 hectares.
Birstall Parish Councillors are divided as to how to respond to the plan. The Parish Council discussed the application out a meeting held on December 11. Those members who declared a pecuniary interest left the meeting, including Chairman Nigel Coleman. Vice Chairman Richard Hopwood took the chair. Councillors debated a proposal to send the application to the Council’s consultants for them to scrutinise and produce a report, to meet with Borough Council officers and the developers, and to obtain approval to seek the advice of legal counsel if appropriate.
Cllr Chris Clarke said there was nothing to be gained by going to the consultants now. “Professional advice has cost us £100,000 and has got us nowhere. This would be a total waste of money”.
Cllr Peter West said that the Parish Council and BAD had done an excellent job objecting to the Local Plan and the Inspector had rubbished their arguments and recommended development. He questioned the value of committing further funds at this stage.
Cllr Tony Stott said that if development comes we have to make sure it is the best development possible. Comments on the plan must be made by January 31, he said, and the application needs to be scrutinised now. “We need professional help to carry out this scrutiny and to ensure the interests of the village are protected” he said.
Cllr Dennis Marshall proposed an amendment, that the Parish Council do not seek the advice of their consultants at this stage.
Upon being put to the vote, four councillors voted in favour of the amendment and four voted against. As Chairman, Richard Hopwood gave the casting vote against the amendment.
The council then voted on the original proposal. There were four votes in favour and two against. Other councillors present abstained.
A copy of the plan is available for public inspection as Birstall Parish Council office, the Village Hall, Birstall Road.

Christmas parcels

Santa preparing to make deliveries on behalf of the Land & Lewis Charity

OUR PICTURE shows Santa preparing to deliver 60 food parcels to elderly and needy people living in Birstall, courtesy of the local Land & Lewis charity.
The parcels contain nine items including a Christmas pudding, mince pies, soup, sherry, tea, peaches and cream. They were delivered shortly before Christmas by Parish Councillors.
Trustee Mrs Edith Murphy said: “We especially try to find elderly people living alone at Christmas, and we know the parcels are well received”.
If you know of someone who would benefit from a parcel next Christmas, write to the Land & Lewis Trustees, c/o Birstall Parish Council, Village Hall, Birstall Road, Birstall.

Parish Council Notes

A FULL meeting of Birstall Parish Council was held on December 11.
The Council wish to fell some willow trees on Meadow Lane after taking advice on their safety. The Borough Council’s Charnwood Wildlife Project are urging that the trees not be felled as they are an important habitat for bats. The Parish Council are to write stating the Borough Council will be responsible in the event of an accident.
Several residents were present and gave their views about bus services on Blenheim Road. They did not wish to see the service withdrawn and said that they had organised a petition with 400-500 signatures.
Cllr Peter West reported that residents complaining about the service did not want the buses withdrawn, they just wanted the smaller, Fox Cub size, buses. Cllr Sheila Alcock and Cllr Maureen Ackroyd said it would be a disaster if the service was withdrawn. Cllr Roger Wilson said the bus companies should not forget they are providing a service and should consider reintroducing smaller buses. Two councillors are to liaise with the bus company First Leicester abut the issue.
The Council agreed to donate £50 to the Birstall St John Ambulance Cadets.
Councillors discussed Jelson’s planning application for Hallam fields (see front page story for details). Cllr Tony Stott reported that the Borough Council’s response to the Local Plan Inspector’s Report will go to full council at Charnwood around the end of February 2001.
Councillors agreed that Parish Council staff receive a £20 Christmas bonus.
The Council agreed a precept, or budget, for the year 2001-2002 of £260,000. The precept will include funding for a Bath Nurse at the Age Concern, St James Day Care Centre, to ensure that the bathing service is retained. Allocations to funds include: play equipment and safety surfacing £20,000, new machinery £9,500, Crossways car park £10,000, Sibson Road enhancement £10,000.
Expenses to be met in the current financial year include: Crossways car park fence and gates £5700, Sibson Road enhancement (County Council project), £15,300, Birstall Festival £2000, computer £2000, fees associated with appointment of new clerk £2500.
It was agreed not to resurface the frontage of the Village Hall at this time. Six dog waste bins (£1788) and four litterbins (£608) will be purchased.
£1000 was allocated towards the setting up of a Young People’s Council, which would have properly convened meetings and which could take on some responsibility.
The date of the next meeting is January 8 in the Village Hall. Residents are invited to attend.

Wildlife walks

WHAT DO bats, hedgerows, crayfish and grassland have in common?
They’re all featured in Charnwood Wildlife’s latest programme of ‘Wild Walks 2001’. The programme has something for everyone, with a variety of walks, talks and open days, all themed on the species and habitats of the Charnwood Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP).
As with previous years, all events are free and offer a great introduction to our native wildlife. To obtain a copy of the Wild Walks 2001 programme or to find out more about the Charnwood BAP, please contact Charnwood Wildlife on 01509 264714 or email wildlife@charnwoodbc.gov.uk

St John’s cadets

St John’s cadets (l-r, top) Anneka McGowan, Nicola Davies, (middle) Natalie Charlton, Fiona Banner, James Hassell, (bottom) Adam Parker, Lucy Moon, Jamie Press

BIRSTALL’S YOUNG first aiders of the St John Ambulance Brigade gathered at the Village Hall, School Lane for their annual awards ceremony in November.
Birstall Badgers group is for 5-10 year olds and since opening in August 1999 has grown to a membership of 15. They meet at the old council offices Sibson Road from 6-7pm on Thursdays and work towards gaining ‘Proficiencies’ in a variety of subjects. Certificates were presented at the ceremony by County and local officers.
This year’s winners are: Best Badgers - Kirsty Palmer and Rebecca Payne; Best Newcomers - Adam Parker and Jamie Press; Best attendance - Lucy Moon; Outstanding Achievement - Adam Charlton

30 years of keep fit

AN EXERCISE teacher is retiring from her class at Longslade after teaching for 30 years at the college.
Mrs Frances Treasure teachers older people - when her class started it was the first in the county aimed at Senior Citizens. She said: “The big difference I’ve noticed over the years is that older people are a great deal more active these days.”
She added: “I’d like to thank my class at Longslade who have kept me going through some difficult times”.
College Vice Principal Mr Peter Sapsford thanked Frances for her hard work and presented her with a cut glass vase. She also received some gifts from the members of her Longslade class.

Truancy problem

LONGSLADE COMMUNITY College is determined to improve students’ attendance as part of its drive to raise achievement. According to Mrs Liz Logie, Vice Principal “When attendance is good everyone benefits. Students benefit because they can keep up with the work more easily and therefore have a greater chance of success. The College benefits because monitoring students is easier and examination results improve overall. The community certainly benefits because there are fewer opportunities for students to be drawn into patterns of anti-social, even criminal behaviour. Society benefits because better educated young people means a better skilled workforce and lower unemployment.”
Last year, at Longslade, of the students who achieved five or more A*-C grades at GCSE the vast majority had excellent attendance records of 90%, with many achieving an outstanding 95%. Principal Mrs Gwendolin Newton believes all students should aspire to this level of attendance. She said: “We have identified poor or erratic attendance as a key factor in underachievement. I have specifically asked parents not to take their children on holiday during term time as this is a major disruption to examination work. If term time holidays cannot be avoided I require a written request that the absence be authorised. Parents need to realise that only the College can authorise the absence, otherwise it is seen as an unauthorised absence or clear evidence of truancy.
“The College, acting on behalf of the Governors, makes it very clear to parents and students that truancy will never be condoned at Longslade, that we are constantly reviewing our systems and that action will always be taken when truancy comes to light.”
The College has its own Educational Welfare Officer and work closely with him in an attempt to support students and their families in improving attendance. He will visit a student’s home if there is a pattern of unauthroised absence or clear evidence of truancy. Usually this has a positive impact, but if attendance fails to improve a written caution is sent from the Educational Welfare Service reminding parents of their legal responsibility. If there is still no improvement legal proceedings may well be instigated against parents.
In September the College introduced a First Day Calling system where parents are telephoned by the Year Administrative Assistant on the first day of absence, unless prior notification of absence has been provided. The College hopes that this will support parents who may not know that their child is absent and act as a disincentive to casual non-attendance. Longslade says the response from parents so far has been very supportive.
The College recognises that for some students the heavy academic diet of nine GCSEs is simply too much and can result in non-attendance. “Staff have always tried to be flexible and supportive if it means the difference between a student attending regularly or not at all. In exceptional circumstances the College will organise additional work experience for a student who will continue to attend regularly but on a reduced timetable which allows them to concentrate on core subjects.” She added: “Occasionally a student refuses to attend because of harassment from other students. The College has a strong anti-bullying policy and always treats bullying and harassment seriously, if it is reported. Sometimes a student finds it difficult to attend College because of personal problems. The College employs a trained Counsellor one day a week, who regularly sees students who require support.”
The Government has set a clear target, and all schools are expected to achieve 90% attendance, irrespective of whether they are 11-16, 11-18 or 14-18. Mrs Logie said: “This presents a particular challenge to upper schools like Longslade who only have Year 10 and 11 students, as these are the years when pressure from exams, and general disaffection with education, can be major factors in non-attendance, factors which have less of an impact in the early secondary years.”
This term Longslade’s attendance has been 90.16%. The College reduced its unauthorised absence from 3% in 1999 to 2.7% in 2000: the LEA average figure for 2000 was 2.3%, up from 2.1% in 1999, and the average figure for all schools in England was 1%.

Graffiti

POLICE ARE looking for graffiti vandals who have been spraying their names throughout the village.
‘Trak’, ’Sub’ and ‘Boo’ are painted in the Park Road, Tempest Road area, on School Lane playing fields, on Meadow Lane archery hut and on NTL boxes in the Fielding Road area.
Anyone with information that could help identify these people are invited to contact PC Kevin Palmer on 2485675 (voicemail box number 1639).

School cash

£4000 has been raised in the last 12 months by the Friends of Stonehill, the school’s PTA.
The money has been promised for computer software for the Modern Foreign Languages Department, four computer printers, software for the Speech and Language Centre, 30 athletic vests, one set of rugby shirts, £500 towards an all weather cricket square, £700 towards the environment area and a digital camera.

Archaeology & art

THE WORKERS Education Association in Birstall and Rothley give you the opportunity to find out more about local archaeology and art.
On Monday evenings at Longslade Community College, Leslie Cram and other local archaeologists will give you the rare opportunity to handle flints, bones, pottery, brick and tile in order to discover the stories they have to tell. Whether it is the history of farming, ritual burial practices, the day when a child walked across the drying tiles in a Roman workshop or the reconstruction of an Anglo-Saxon landscape, there is something for anybody who is fascinated by ‘Time Team’ or ‘Meet the Ancestors. This eight week course entitled ‘Hand on Archaeology’ starts on January 15 at 7.30pm, the full fee is £24, retired £18, claimants £5.
On Wednesday evenings at the Rothley Centre, Janis Baker will explore the interplay between the new Parish of the late 1800s, with its boulevards, cafes, parks, Great Exhibitions and suburban resorts and the new painting of the time. Focus on the works of painters from Manet, Pissaro and Degas through to Seurat and Van Gogh. Discuss their techniques, colour palette and the social context of their paintings. ‘Paris and the Impressionists’, a nine week course starts on January 17 at 7.30pm. The cost is £27 full fee, £20.25 for retired students and £5 for claimants.
To enrol for these courses telephone the branch secretary on 0116 2675212, for further information pick up a brochure from the local library or look us up on our webpage on www.birstallpost.co.uk, find the WEA under Clubs and Societies.

Flower club

BIRSTALL FLOWER Club are moving to Birstall Village Hall.
The first meeting - the AGM, will be held on January 24, 2001 at 7.15pm. Following meetings will be held on every 4th Wednesday of the month (except July & December) also at 7.15pm
The Flower Club was set up for anyone who has a love of flowers. A professional flower arranger visits the Club and brings all the flowers, containers, accessories etc that they will need for their arrangements. At the end of any enjoyable evening, these arrangements are raffled off. Come along and join us for a fun packed evening. For further details, contact Mary Linnett 2672247
A display with examples of flower arrangements and relevant books will be held at Birstall Library from January 15 to 29.

Sibson Road plans

ARCHITECT’S PLANS for enhancements to Sibson Road are on display in the village, following the Planing for Real consultation exercise in November.
Residents are being invited to comment on the proposals, which are on display in the window of 113 Sibson Road (formerly Graham’s Greengrocer), Visitors on Saturday January 6 between 9.30am-4.30pm will be able to ask questions when architects and officers from Charnwood Borough Council will be manning the exhibition.
The opinions gathered from members of the public, shopkeepers and business owners during the consultation process have been analysed to determine the key issues that need to be addressed.
Landscape architect Fenella Bellinger, of Paul Harris Associates, said: “The outline landscape proposals aim to provide a contemporary and co-ordinated proposal linking the A6 through to the triangle, by visually enhancing the existing street scene, whilst also tackling the practical problems currently experienced”.
The quality of the existing footpath surfacing was identified by those who took part in the consultation process to be the major issue to be tackled. The outline landscape scheme includes for the resurfacing of the entire width of the footway between the road kerb and the front of the shops/businesses, using the ‘keyblock’ paviors that were voted to be the most popular surface material for the footpath, or a combination of the paviors, tarmac and sealed gravel. Fenella said: “These materials will be laid to give an even finished surface to remove the potential trips that were identified as a current cause for concern. In addition, drainage will be improved as part of the resurfacing, in an attempt to remove the puddles that regularly appear on the footpath following rainfall”.
Focal points have been designed to form nodes along the length of the road to encourage people to walk down the street. These include two pieces of sculpture in the triangle, a sculptural frieze at the A6 end of Sibson Road, and a fibre optic display in the pavement on the corner of Stonehill Avenue.
The conflict between vehicles and pedestrians on several sections of the road were identified as a particular area of concern. Sections of 0.75 metre high serpentine wall have been included in the scheme to visually enhance the design, whilst also acting as a deterrent to vehicles either driving or parking on the pavement. These sections of wall will also help to visually soften the linear nature of the route, say the architects.
The inclusion of seats, litterbins and signage were also highlighted to be key elements for consideration as part of the proposed enhancement scheme. A stainless steel seat and bench were selected during the consultation process, and a co-ordinated range based on these designs has been included as part of the outline proposals. The proposed seats and benches have arms to ensure that they are suitable for use by people of all abilities, whilst also discouraging ‘grinding’ by skate-boarders and cyclists. Litter bins will match the seats, and will be secured into the ground to stop them being stolen - something that is currently experienced with the post-mounted bins in Birstall. Information signs/community notice boards have been introduced along Sibson Road, to ensure that users of the area can be aware of all of the facilities available in the village.
Fenella Bellinger added: “Lighting is currently located on the opposite side of Sibson Road, which leads to the shop-side being fairly dark at night. Improvements to the existing level of lighting have been requested, and are included in the outline proposals. The scheme aims to improve the level of lighting on this side of the road, while also reinforcing the serpentine nature of the design used in the paving. Lighting units will be flush with the footpath surface to prevent features from cluttering the area in front of the shops”.
Any comments that people may have on the scheme should be sent to Martin Tincknell at Charnwood Borough Council by 15 January 2001. Following the receipt of these comments, the final extent of the scheme to be implemented during the 2001/2002 financial year will be determined. The current budget that is available is £185,000 which the architects say will go a long way in addressing the key issues raised during the consultation in November.
The plans for the enhancement of Sibson Road have been co-ordinated by Birstall Parish Council and Charnwood Borough Council.
Parish Council Chairman Nigel Coleman said: “I’m impressed with the combination of paving and seating, the extra parking and the street features that have been incorporated into this design. There are not too many things that give me cause for concern, but this is the opportunity for every resident and shopkeeper to criticise or support these proposals. It’s important that everyone who has a view lets that view be known”.

Lunch club

AGE CONCERN Leicestershire and Rutland are setting up a new Travelling Lunch Club.
A coach will pick up people in the Anstey and Birstall area and take them on a trip into the surrounding countryside with a stop at a pub for lunch. The cost, including transport and a meal, will be £6 a trip with a £2 annual membership fee.
The trips will take place on the 4th Tuesday in every month starting in January.
If you are over 55 and interested in becoming a member please contact Amanda Miller on 0116 2992233

NHW news

BURGLARY IS one of the crimes that is high on the list at this time of the year. Have you got all the necessary precautions in place to keep the thief out?
Have you got dead locks on the outer doors, windows that are locked, a chain on the door that you put on before you open the door to anybody. Do you check the identity card of callers that have called to read the meter? Have you got a light that comes on at night so that you can see who is at the door? These are just a few of the things that you should have to help keep out the unwanted callers and thieves.
The Birstall and Wanlip Neighbourhood Watch in conjunction with Help the Aged and the Handy Van Scheme can help to provide some of these items for the elderly and vulnerable members in the village. If you are a pensioner and wish to take advantage of this offer why not ring the Watch Helpline 2676397. Answer just a few simple questions and we will get the handy van to call after making an appointment with you, check and fit free of charge some of these items for you. Whilst the scheme is free to pensioners if you would like to make a donation to the scheme this will be gratefully accepted.
Have you got a lock on the shed or garage where you keep your gardening equipment? Sheds and garages are still being targeted; this is a ready source of items that the thief can sell easily. Tools can also be used to break into your house or even a neighbour’s property so please keep them safe and secure.
Remember that on the third Saturday of every month in the Old Council Offices on Sibson Road from 10am until 12noon, you can get your cycles coded. You can also buy car stickers ‘Vehicle Watch’ or ‘Over 25’ price £1. In a new initiative we have a few ‘Personal Alarm kits’ which you can buy at a cost of £4. Call in and see us, the coffee or tea is free and we will try to help you with any questions or queries that you have about security in the home.
Have a happy and crime free New Year.
Peter Allen, Chairman
Birstall & Wanlip Neighbourhood Watch
Crime Report for Birstall, November & December 2000. Burglary dwelling 8, Burglary not dwelling 2, Criminal damage 9, Drugs related incident 1, Fraud & forgery 1, Other crimes 2, Other thefts 13, Suspicious incident/circumstance/ person 27, Theft of/from motor vehicle 11.

Working on the web

Joe Buchanan-Wollaston of Green Wave Technology Limited.

BEING YOUR own boss. Working when you like. No commuting. These are just some of the advantages of working from home that one Birstall man is enjoying after packing in his accountancy job and starting his own business as a web site designer.
Together with business partner Tim Rodgers of Quorn, Joe Buchanan-Wollaston of Windmill Avenue started their company Green Wave Technology Limited in 1998 and have developed sites for clients all over the country.
Joe (31) said: “I trained as an accountant but I wasn’t enjoying the work and it wasn’t going anywhere”. Five years ago Joe was working for a wine company and had recently connected to the internet at home. Knowing of his interest in computers, his boss asked him to look into building a website for the company and Joe decided to take on the challenge himself.
Green Wave Technology was the next step, and to help develop his skills Joe decided to build a village website for Quorn, www.quorndon.com. “It was a way of creating something new, giving something to the community and learning at the same time” says Joe.
Joe got a lot of support from Quorn Parish Council and local residents, and over the last two years has created an extensive and popular website that isn’t just used by the community but receives visits from all over the world. “It’s been a very rewarding experience doing the Quorn site - I’ve met loads of new people and it’s a great buzz to see what you’ve produced on the screen” says Joe.
Green Wave Technology’s clients now include an opticians, a campsite in Cornwall, a marketing company, a glass manufacturer, a holiday company and a pottery.
Individuals, organisations or businesses interested in having a website can contact Joe on 2671701, or visit www.greenwave.co.uk

Noticeboard

Hannah Clarke Almshouses
Park Road, Birstall
Regd Charity 245212
Have a sheltered accommodation ground floor flat available
Ladies who are 60+ and requiring this type of flat, are invited to apply
Flats are well maintained and in an excellent position
Details and application form - tel: 01509 843579
* * *
Birstall Fellowship Church
Coffee Evening
on Wednesday February 7
at 7.30pm
Highcliffe School Community Room, Greengate Lane
A Postman speaks about his faith
All are welcome to join us
* * *
Women’s World Day of Prayer
Preparation Day
on Saturday February 3
in The Coffee Shop, Wanlip Lane
from 2-4pm
followed by refreshments
This year’s theme is ‘Informed Prayer, Prayerful Action’ written by the Christian Women of Samoa.
Everyone is welcome and there will be a creche available for young children if required.
* * *
Birstall Social Club
Members’ Notice
January 6 Dancing to Harmony
January 13 Dancing to Kevin Thompson
January 20 Dancing to Ready Mix Sound
January 27 Dancing to Alf’s Music
February 3 Dancing to Soar Valley Sound
CCTV Cameras in Operation. Bingo Sat, Sun nights, Thurs plus Crack the Safe, Sun Lunch plus Cash Raffle, Giant TV Screen for all Sky Sporting Events
Function Room available for bookings with or without disco
Yearly subs are now due £4 male £1 female
New members can now apply
You know it’s the place to be
* * *
Birstall Royal British Legion Club
Members’ Notice
Sat January 6 Malc ‘K’ (solo)
Sat January 13 Rick Martin (solo)
Sat January 20 Martyn Russell (solo)
Sat January 27 Ben Fischer (solo)
Sat February 3 John Stacey (solo)
Wed January 10 Whist Drive at 7.30pm
Wed January 17 Wolverhampton and Dudley Brewery
present their
Showtime Evening
starring Damion, a first class singer for all tastes.
There will be a beer promotion run on this evening.
Bingo every Tues evening at 9.30pm. Every Sat evening Dancing to Live Entertainment, Bingo, Free Meat Raffle and not forgetting ‘Open the Box’
* * *
St Theresa’s Social Group
January 20 & 27
Return visits to the Potteries
for the January sales
£7 per seat. 2675721
* * *
St Theresa’s Social Group
February 17
Visit Hodsock Priory and see the famous Hodsock Snowdrops and Winter Borders
£7.50 per seat Further details 2675721
* * *
St Theresa’s Social Group
Weekend Break
June 29/30 and July 1
Book now for the
‘Life of Christ’
Surrey’s answer to Oberammegau
The largest Passion Play in Europe was written by Peter Huntley
The open air production is staged on his 1030 acres Surrey estate amidst the beautiful unspoilt countryside
Cost of weekend £95 per person
Plus £10 entrance ticket
Further details: Daphne 2675721
Following the Churches Together initiative to open the churches for quiet and prayer during the year 2000, the churches will continue to be open whenever possible as follows: St James Wednesday 10-12noon; St Theresa’s Wednesday 10-12noon; Birstall Methodist Friday 10.30-11.30am
* * *
Following the Churches Together initiative to open the churches for quiet and prayer during the
year 2000, the churches will continue to be open whenever possible as follows:
St James, Wednesday 10am-12noon
St Theresa’s, 10am-12noon
Birstall Methodist, Friday 10.30-11.30am
* * *
Abbeyfield, Grove House,
Church Hill, Birstall
Sleeper-in required at the above home, two nights per week on a rota basis, 9pm-9am and also to include cover for holidays and sickness. Duties will consist of sleeping on the premises and to be ‘on call’ in the event of any of the residents requiring assistance during 9pm-9am for which extra payment will be made. Immediate start - references will be required. This position would suit an active retired person. Rate of pay and further details from the Housekeeper, Mrs Glenys Jones tel: 2671523 or Mrs Gillian Ward tel: 2677445

Your Say

Bus

Some nine years ago I moved to Birstall and although I had never lived in the village I had felt very happy with a good community spirit that was felt. Three children later things have changed and now I feel completely hopeless and nowhere to turn and that our road is being held ransom by First Leicester.
When I moved to Blenheim Road there was a regular Fox Cub bus service which ran to town and this was one of the selling points.
Over the last 12-18 months things have changed. The buses have not only increased in their regularity but also in size. If I wanted this then I would live on the main road. This is causing great problems as they use large single buses and even double decker buses at times, which mount the pavements, stop at corners/junctions causing cars not being able to pass and so horns are being raised. Would you like someone on the top deck looking in your bedroom?
As the noses on the front of the bus juts out 7ft they don’t break the law if this comes over the pavement. So how would you feel if you were pushing a pram and the bus came towards you with the front 7ft on the path? I could explain how I felt but I’m sure it wouldn’t be published but it’s not happened just once but several times. Who is going to pay for the pavements to be repaired?
Some of the older generation have complained thinking that I want to lose the bus service but all I want to do is to reduce the size.
There has been a petition and about 100 names gained but who are they? Most of the people I’ve spoken to on Blenheim Road haven’t been asked so where do they live? Is it a case of not in our back yard. How was it worded and did you know all the facts? Suddenly Mr Roger Wilson’s opinion has changed. Is this to do with 100 lost votes?
The bus route around Orchard & Allington was cut as the road wasn’t wide enough to cope with the larger buses but guess what, all the roads measure 4.9 metres. If we manage to reduce the size of the buses then the full route may be returned. Did you know that a bus service can be set up with no consultation from the residents on which roads they travel. It goes to a place in Cambridge and they can even send double deckers where they want and when they want. So is it your street next?
I’m interested what the residents along Windmill & Stonehill Ave think as this service affects them also. Think, did you sign the petition? Everyone else in Birstall, do you find travelling in these areas harder and disruptive when out and about ? Will it take an accident for anything to happen?
Anyone interested may contact me.
Mrs Harrison, 5 Blenheim Road

Gratitude

Please permit me to express my gratitude to Councillor Chris Clarke for his prompt action in removing the newly erected signs from the entrance to Birstall cemetery (as reported in the Birstall Post, December).
If these signs are replaced, this clean and pleasant burial ground will turn into the Greengate area regular dog run. Where you allow dogs you have mess and no threat of penalty will change that.
Many of us at some time must participate in an event for which this place is designated. Clean and peaceful surroundings are a solace to those who visit and mourn. Our loved and respected dead cannot speak.
Council workers who tend the cemetery to such a commendable standard might feel insecure in their employment if they themselves were to voice a protest.
Councillor Clarke has done legitimate users of the cemetery a service. It will be shameful if he is made to pay, in any way, for his courageous and properly motivated behaviour.
J M Wilkinson

Shambles

It seems to have become quite clear that the "Planning for Real" exercise is developing into something of a shambles. It seems shrouded in mystery and general lack of information, and is so untypical of the very high level of professionalism one always associates with the Charnwood Borough Council's Planning Department, that one has to ask, "What on earth is going on.", who has initiated it all, and who is at the helm. One is used to planning operations being managed by planners, but this one seems effectively to be overseen by landscape architects; which perhaps says it all.
The fears expressed in my last letter to the Birstall Post seem to have turned into reality. The essential needs of the village, to reverse the trend of the declining economic viability of the Sibson Road/Triangle area, the restoration of a decent bus service for the village, the provisions of proper pedestrian crossings, and the provision of security cameras, identified as the major priorities by a Parish Council, village wide consultation, are, it seems, to be totally ignored in favour of the provision of the maximum area of new modern paving for forecourts and pathways with the odd seat here and there, if the owners and occupiers of the premises eventually agree to it.
We are told it all has to be done very quickly, always a highly suspicious condition, and it would not be surprising if the residents who think they are going to get resident parking, find themselves disappointed. This really does not seem the best way to spend £185,000 to rejuvenate the area or, as the Council Chairman puts it, to change the heart of the village.
C D Clarke

Apology

To celebrate the inauguration of Birstall Golf Club on 2nd December 1900, a centenary firework display was held at the club, subject to the prior approval of both the Police and Fire Authorities.
The fireworks were a great success and although a prior warning and invitation had been circulated to local residents in the immediate vicinity, it has been brought to the attention of the club, that distress was caused to residents of the village, over a much wider area than had been anticipated. The Council and members of the club wish to apologise unreservedly for any distress and inconvenience caused.
From Birstall Golf Club

Thanks

May I thank, through the Birstall Post, the generous people who bought poppies from me in November outside Forbouys. The weather was cold and wet but you did not let me down and my two tins combined a total of £159.42 this was a £50 increase on last year.
It was most heartwarming the number of children who came up to me and bought one, in fact one little girl gave me her last penny.
Thank you all once again, see you next year.
Val Joyce, Birstall Royal British Legion Women’s Section

Thanks

We would very much like to thank Jan Webster and Paul of Park House Close, Birstall for holding and organising a charity wine and cheese party to raise funds for our son Oliver. The evening was a great success and so many people donated generously. Our little boy Oliver has a degenerative brain disorder and complex epilepsy and we were raising money for a special bath for him which costs approximately £6000. We would like to thank everyone very much indeed for their generosity and kindness. I would like to say that we managed to raise £650 from this night which was an amazing amount. We wish everyone a Happy Healthy New Year.
Donna and Duncan Cross and Danielle, Jordan and Oliver

Thanks

We would like to thank all those who helped and supported our coffee morning in aid of the Charnwood Christmas Shelter Appeal.
We raised the magnificent sum of £420.
Thank you.
Daphne & Sabina

Thanks

The ladies of Birstall Royal British Legion Women’s Section would like to thank all the local business people who donated prizes for our Christmas raffle night, and all the people who supported us on the night. The event raised over £360.
Thank you all once again.

Sign

According to the ‘Parish Council Notes’ in December’s issue, Charnwood Borough Council is proposing to erect a village sign on the junction of Whiles Lane and Front Street. To me that seems a very inappropriate, in fact a ridiculous, site for a village sign. Surely a more prominent and more suitable site is the small grassed area with the rose bushes, at the junction of Greengate Lane and Loughborough Road or the unused, wasted area of grass adjacent to the end house in Birstall Road and to the bowling green. Why not put a village sign in both of those areas, with the one next to the bowling green being surrounded by a flower bed?
As for the Parish Council suggesting what the sign should incorporate, that seems rather authoritarian and undemocratic. Instead of a cedar tree (however magnificent it is) a depiction of ‘Five Ounces of Gold’ as part of the sign, would be a more apt reference to a significant part of Birstall’s history and heritage. Why don’t the Parish Council run a competition with three cash prizes, for a village sign? I am sure there must be several design students at Longslade College who would be delighted to enter a competition to show the village their ideas and their skills and to have the chance of winning a cash prize. The entries could be displayed at Birstall Library and all the residents of Birstall could have the chance to choose the winner by majority vote by entering three choices, in order of preference, on a form at the library. It would be nice to think that a Longslade student or perhaps an older resident had the honour of designing our village sign. How about it Parish Council?
Mr J Woods

Christmas

Although I work as a volunteer in one of the local charity shops, I have to agree with the comments in the letter from J A Cooper in the December issue of the Birstall Post. I have voiced my opinion to the management, but while they value our services they don’t feel the same about anything we have to say. I will send J A Cooper’s letter to our office but I am not optimistic about any reply.
Name & address supplied

Congrats

Congratulations to the Parish Council for supplying the lovely small Christmas trees above the shop fronts along Sibson Road. They make a bright splash of colour to brighten up the gloom of a dark (and usually rainy) evening at this time of year. They really lift the spirits and get you in the mood for Christmas. Well done!
E Green

Christmas lights

Tomorrows World Travel manager Debi Johnson with Gemma Walker, Joe French, Hannah French, David Norris, TWT Parrot (Peter Norris) and Rainbows Bear (Martin Kinton)

BIRSTALL’S CHRISTMAS lights have been recognised by visitors and residents alike as the best ever.
The lights and Christmas trees were erected by Birstall Parish Council with the support of local traders.
Cllr Dave Cherry was the main organiser. He said: “I visited businesses throughout Birstall and the enthusiasm from shopkeepers has been terrific. I’d like to thank all the businesses who have supported us and also Parish Council Chairman Nigel Coleman for all his help.”
He added: “I think our lights look fantastic and looking at other villages, I think they really stand out”.
The lights were switched on on Saturday December 2, when Birstall Brass gave a concert of Christmas music outside Tomorrow’s World Travel on Sibson Road. The travel agency had organised a Santa’s grotto which attracted more than 300 children who came to see Santa aka Dave Cherry.
For a first time Santa the day was a real delight. Dave said: “I’m serious when I say it was one of the most fantastic days of my life - the expression on the kids’ faces was terrific”.
Tomorrow’s World Travel manager Debi Johnson was delighted that the day raised £1126 for Rainbows and the Downs Syndrome Association.
She said: “ It was a fabulous day for everybody and thanks go to all our staff for all their hard work - they put in a lot of time and effort”.
Debi also thanked Jackerobi of Wanlip Avenue for making the staff costumes.

Carer

A CARER is someone who regularly helps a disabled, ill or frail relative friend or neighbour, child or adult.
The help given can range from tasks like bathing, dressing, shopping or household chores, to taking full responsibility for practical, personal and emotional support.
There are many services to which a carer is entitled but to be able to share worries, problems and trials with someone outside the situation, to ‘let off steam’ is the reason for which the Carers Support Group in Birstall was formed.
The group meets every Friday in the Day Centre from 2-3.30pm except that on the last Friday in the month an outing for a pub meal and in the Summer short trips to places of interest are made.
There is a small band of helpers who support by visiting, arranging outings, making teas, listening to troubles and offering a sympathetic ear. Most of the helpers are ex-carers. Birthdays are celebrated and there is much fun and laughter amidst the tears.
From time to time there are fund-raising events. Money is used to subsidise outings, give grants for respite care or pay for transport for hospital visits. Since the group began there have been increases in government grants but little if any is left for a treat or short holiday break.
I have been leading the group since its inception in 1992. However, I feel the time has come for someone else to take over. The group needs leadership to give it cohesion and so I am asking for a volunteer to take over. It is occasionally demanding but very satisfying.
Please, please if you think you could offer yourself for this service do get in touch with me either by visiting the Day centre on a Friday afternoon or by telephoning 2674507.
From Margaret Phillips