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Birstall Post May 2004 (250)

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Pic: At the newly opened Aroma Spice restaurant are (l-r) Adrian Walker from LOROS, restaurant owner Fazlul Karim and darts professional Nick Langton.

Restaurant opens

BIRSTALL’S NEW Indian restaurant opened in April and helped raise funds for LOROS at its opening night.
Guest and organiser of the opening event of the Aroma Spice Restaurant was Birstall Dart professional Nick Langton.
He said: “I have known the owner Karim for some time and think it is really good that we have a restaurant opening in Birstall”.
Nick has raised more than £30,000 for LOROS with darts exhibitions over the years, at venues throughout the midlands.
Ten per cent of the proceeds from the opening night of the Aroma Spice were donated to LOROS.
The Aroma Spice Tandoori Restaurant and takeaway at 15-17 Sibson Road, is open 6-11.30pm Mon-Thur and 6pm - 12am on Friday and Saturday. Tel: 2677458.

Post Office to close?

THE POST Office have announced that they propose to close Birstall’s Went Road branch.
They are inviting residents to comment on their plans by May 24, before deciding on closure.
The Post Office say that the reasons for the closure of post offices within their “urban network” are “falling customer numbers and increasing running costs.
If the decision is made to permanently close the Went Road branch, this will take place in July 2004, and existing customers will have to use the Post Offices on Kingsgate Avenue or Stonehill Avenue.
Mr Sudhir Shah has been subpostmaster at Went Road Post Office since 1996. He said: “There are quite a number of customers who depend on this office but there are two other Birstall branches that are reasonably close”.
Mr Shah is concerned about the future viability of his newsagents shop without the Post Office business.
Chairman of Birstall Age Concern Jex Woods says closure will be a great inconvenience for those who use it regularly, particularly the elderly. He said: “A post office in a local residential area should be seen as a basic community resource and should be kept open. Post Office bosses have urged people to put up a strong fight if they want to save a local branch from closing. Therefore I urge all those who live in the area surrounding Went Road and who use the post office, to write to the post office explaining how its closure would inconvenience them.”
The closing date for letters is May 24 and they should be sent to Paul Maisey, Head of Area, Post Office Ltd, c/o National Consultation Team, P O Box 2060, Watford WD16 8ZW

Badgers win prizes

Pic: Standing (l-r) Rhys Allen, Rian Payne, Charlotte Wright, John Ives, Olivia Montague, Tom Simms Sitting (l-r) Chloe Wright, Phillipa Purnell & Heidi Purnell

BIRSTALL BADGERS won every available prize when they entered the St John Ambulance’s annual competition for its children’s groups.
Badgers groups are the junior section of St John Ambulance, and in March ‘setts’ from across the county took part in the competition which tests first aid skills and knowledge of the organisation’s history.
First time entrants Birstall Badgers won every available prize, to the delight of their parents and leaders; Best Badger Team, Runner up Badger Team, Best First Aid Round, and Best St John (History) Badge Round.
The best Reserve prize was won jointly with Church Gresley Badgers.
The Best Badger Team comprising Phillipa Purnell (10) Heidi Purnell (8) and John Ives (6) will go on to represent Leicestershire in the regional final involving five midlands counties to be held in Nottingham on April 24.

Councillor’s complaints rejected again

TWO COMPLAINTS made about the conduct of Birstall Parish Council Chairman Peter West have been rejected by the Standards Board for England.
The Standards Board exists to investigate allegations that councillors have failed to comply with the Code of Conduct, Local Government Act 2000.
The complaints were made by Parish Councillor Chris Clarke. The first alleged that two standing orders adopted by the Parish Council discriminated against him, that he had been prevented seeing a fax and that a letter published in the Birstall Post from Cllr West had contained offensive and misleading remarks about him.
This was the second time Cllr Clarke had complained to the Standards Board about these matters - on the first occasion it was rejected by the Board for lack of evidence. Cllr Clarke brought the complaint again, this time with evidence, and the complaint was rejected again by the Board.
The Board said: “It was noted that there is nothing objectionable about the Standing Orders that Cllr Clarke feels are discriminatory. Furthermore, while it was considered that the allegation discloses a possibility that Cllr West’s alleged conduct over the fax and his remarks in a letter to the paper could be open to criticism, it was not considered that these matters would be sufficiently serious to warrant referral for investigation.”
Cllr Clarke’s second complaint was also rejected by the Board. This was a complaint that Cllr West had declined to include an item on the agenda for the next Parish Council meeting, that had been requested by Cllr Clarke. Cllr Clarke also complained about remarks made about him by Cllr West in a news article in the Birstall Post.
The Standards Board said: “It was noted that the complainant is concerned that the matters complained of are an example of Cllr West overstepping his authority as Chairman. This criticism of Cllr West’s leadership style, regardless of whether it is merited or not, was not considered to disclose a potential failure to comply with the Code.
“It was further considered that Cllr West’s comments about the complainant were not sufficiently serious to warrant referral for an investigation to be carried out, and at any rate may not amount to a breach of the Code even if proven.”
Following the decision of the Standards Board, Cllr Peter West said: “The Standards Board for England was set up to monitor the behaviour of people in public life. It was meant to focus on MPs and county councillors, who have a great deal of influence and also control large amounts of public money
It was really inappropriate to extend it to parish councillors, who are just ordinary people making decisions about mundane things like playgrounds and village halls. They have very little power and do not have a great deal of influence.
Unfortunately it has had the effect of allowing people like Mr Clarke to cause trouble for these volunteers.
In the last few weeks, the Parish Council has received an official complaint from the Office Staff that Mr Clarke behaved in an objectionable and threatening manner towards them. Then, last month, he sent a letter to every councillor, threatening that he would report the new chairman (who has not even been elected) to the Standards Board if he did not do what Mr Clarke wants.
Yet it is Mr Clarke who is reporting other councillors to the Standards Board. It is rather like the school bully rushing to tell tales to the teacher.”

Charnwood’s charge for bulky waste

CHARNWOOD BOROUGH Council are introducing a charge for bulky waste collection.
From May 1, the charge will be £11 for up to three items collected at the same time, as reported to the Council’s Cleansing lines (01509) 634715 or 634698.
Cllr Max Hunt said: “We were reluctant to bring this charge in, but several factors make it necessary. Firstly, it’s a service we’ve been unable to advertise and promote because we have not had the resources to expand it. By attaching a small charge to the service we can now promote it knowing that extra demand will be funded. Secondly, it has a cost and that has been an unjust charge on all council tax payers, many of whom dispose of their unwanted bulky waste on the county council tips. Under the new scheme the charge will only apply to those who use the service. We’ve talked to all the other councils in Leicestershire and they all make a charge for the same reason.”
Charnwood says the charge will not apply to the collection of old dustbins, following the introduction of wheelie bins.
Peter Rook, Head of Technical Services, said “When other councils introduced the charge, there was a slight increase in fly-tipping at first, but it was only temporary. We intend to exercise ‘no tolerance’ on fly tipping. We will be redoubling our efforts to stamp out this irresponsible behaviour and exercise the full weight of the law on those identified. We appeal to anyone spotting fly-tipping to take registration numbers and report details to ourselves on the above numbers or to the Environment Agency on 0800 807060.”

Club’s open day

IF YOU are interested in playing tennis in friendly surroundings, then mark down Sunday June 6 in your diary when Birstall Watermead Tennis Club will be hosting an open day, starting at 10am.
Come along and try your hand at the ball machine, provided by Withers Sports, or have a knock-up with club members, both young and adult.
If you like what you see decide to join, a year’s membership is half price on the day.
A club spokesman said: “There is plenty of incentive to join this forward-looking club. Two of the three all-weather courts are being resurfaced in time for the summer league season, and planning permission is being sought for floodlights.
“With all the developments going on, including an enlarged tennis club room as part of a major revamp at the Co-op Sports and Social Club, now is as good a time as any to dust down your racket and get active! So, whether you’re a single person, a couple, or a family, give us a try and you too can enjoy social or competitive league tennis.”
For those not yet in the know, the club is situated on Birstall Road on the left as you go out of the village towards Red Hill Circle.
For more information about the open day or about the cub itself, ring chairman and treasurer Roger Bartlett on 0116 2675273, or secretary Laura Morley on 2674844.

WI news

AT THE April meeting of the Birstall & Wanlip WI the speaker for the evening was Mr Dennis Minkley. He talked of his ‘Working Life Abroad’ getting contracts in many countries for railway engines and other similar heavy machines.
His adventures and anecdotes about the many places and people he met were fascinating. He made many lasting friendships through these contacts with foreign agencies, as well as meeting and being entertained by rulers and prominent people in various countries. Freda Jones proposed a vote of thanks to Dennis for his round the world trip which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
Next month’s meeting will be later in the month than usual due to the May Bank Holiday. It will be on May 10 to discuss Resolutions for the National AGM in June. This meeting will be led by Mrs Carolyn Figgitt.

Tourism boost

THE TOURISM industry in Charnwood is set for a boost as additional money to support the promotion of the area has been earmarked by the new local body established to promote the whole of Leicestershire.
The new organisation will now be specifically dedicated to bring more visitors to the area and boost the local economy. Currently over 3.5 million visitors, spending over £80 million a year, come to Charnwood and they support over 2,500 jobs locally. Those numbers are set to increase under ambitious plans that will see the Charnwood Borough Council’s investment in tourism doubled.
Councillor Bob Feeney, Lead Member for Tourism said: “We are taking an innovative approach to help the local tourism industry that will see a 100% increase in the money spent on promoting Charnwood”. Councillors are set to agree the proposals for the new framework this week, and it is hoped the new organisation to promote tourism in Charnwood will be up and running within weeks.

Pic: Charles & Jane Corcoran in their garden on Greengate Lane, one of those opened in June

Fifteen local gardens open

PLANS FOR Birstall’s 2004 Garden Trail are well advanced.
This year there will be 15 gardens open, on Greengate Lane, Walnut Avenue and Castlegate Avenue, on June 26 and 27.
Chairman of the Garden Trail committee John Kilby said: “Do please make sure you reserve these dates in June when the weather, hopefully, will be kind and we can enjoy a leisurely walk around this part of the village.”
Birstall Garden Trail raises funds for the Methodist Church but over the years £14,800 has been donated to other charities - this year the organisers are hoping to make a substantial donation to the Leicestershire Air Ambulance.
Birstall Garden Centre are sponsoring the event, which will feature plant stalls, a generous raffle, a children’s treasure hunt, a garden tombola, teas and ices.

Sibson Road resurfaced

SIBSON ROAD will be resurfaced by the County Council, with half being completed this financial year and the remaining half in 2005/06.
The exact details of the scheme have not yet been decided, but will start at the A6 junction. As well as resurfacing the road, highway drainage will be checked, damaged kerbs replaced and the footway on the south side, adjacent to the houses, will be resurfaced.

School’s green energy

Pic: Pupils Charlotte Merry & Alex Ward planting trees with Richard Harvey from Rural Energy Trust

PUPILS FROM Highcliffe Community Primary School in Birstall have planted 500 fast growing poplar trees to provide energy for heating their school.
The school is replacing a coal-fired boiler system this summer with an efficient, modern bio-energy system which will burn chipped wood. The energy plantation will be created in the school grounds. Headmaster Iain Munro said: “The area of trees planted will supply fuel for our new boiler and provide a fantastic resource for the children to learn about crops and renewable energy - right here on our doorstep!”
Andrew Sheridan from Rural Energy explained: “The poplars will be grown on a short rotation of between three and five years and will re-sprout or ‘coppice’ from their base each time they are cut. This makes the fuel supply renewable and sustainable.”
The tree planting is being funded by Leicestershire County Council and has been organised by the Rural Energy Trust with funding from the lottery-funded SEED Programme. The East Midlands Community Renewables Initiative is assisting in plans for the new boiler and grant-aid is being sought from the DTI ‘Clear-skies’ scheme and the Leicester & Shire Economic Partnership.

Five week playscheme

A FIVE week long summer playscheme is being planned in Mountsorrel, organised by Kiwi Sports.
Young people aged 5-14 in Mountsorrel and surrounding villages will be welcome to participate in the playscheme, which will be based at the Memorial Playing Field in Mountsorrel.
There will be two sessions each day from 9.30am until 12noon and 1-4.30pm, commencing on Monday July 12 and finishing on Friday August 20.
Activities will all be sport based and include rounders, short tennis, football, SAQ, dance, tag rugby, athletics and more. The emphasis will be on learning and enjoyment, not competition.
The tutors leading the scheme all have National Governing Body certificates and also have full CRB checks, copies of which will be available on site.
The site scheme depends on interest being shown now, so to book your place or for more details contact Bill Masefield at Kiwi Sports on 07838137538 or kiwisports@aol.com.

NHW news

ONCE AGAIN the village watch warns its members and Birstall Post readers to be on their guard for the rogue builders who are again in the village.
We have had one very serious incident which I am glad to say was resolved by the police. It does seem that these so called tradesmen who knock at the door, seem to detect vulnerable and elderly people and intimidate them to have work done. Please be on the look out for these ‘White Van’ people who don’t do a good job and charge extortionate prices for the shoddy job they say they have done. if you know that you have an elderly person perhaps living alone near you just keep an eye on them and try and see that these unwanted callers to not take advantage of the situation.
Please be aware that there are at the moment travellers parked up in the industrial area at the top of Greengate Lane.
The open door to your house, things left by workmen in the form of scrap metal, copper in particular, please make sure the bona fida tradesmen either take it away or keep it secure until such time they take it away to the scrap merchant,. If you want to get the garden tidy or the drive relaid then consult with one of the many tradesmen that advertise in this paper from the village who will only be to pleased to give you a quote for the job and a guarantee for the work that they do.
A good rule is to look for a local telephone number, not just a mobile number, and a local address on the van or the advert/flyer that you have had through the door. Get a price for the work and get more than one quote for the work that you want doing and see if they have a local example of the work that they have done within the village that you can look at.
Next advice shop will be held on Saturday May 15 at the old council offices Sibson Road, 10am until 12noon.
From Peter Allen, Chairman Birstall & Wanlip NHW
Crime Report Feb 15 to March 15, 2004
Burglary dwelling 2, burglary other 3, theft of motor vehicle 2, theft from motor vehicle 11, damage to motor vehicle 3, theft cycle 2, theft/theft person 9, damage 5.