Wheelie bin calls
THOUSANDS OF people have been ringing Charnwood
Borough Council with questions and complaints about wheelie bins,
refuse collection and recycling.
The calls peaked at 3000 in one day on November 17 but had dropped
to 500 a day by mid December. The majority of calls are requests
for information, or non delivery of wheelie bins and non collection
of refuse.
The Council have delivered 42,000 boxes and bins across the Borough
- around 22,000 more will be delivered in the first three months
of 2005.
Answers to frequently asked questions can be found at www.charnwood.gov.uk
or by ringing 01509 634563.
Birstall residents paying thousands in 'vandal tax'
BIRSTALL COUNCIL Tax payers are footing
the bill for the growing problem of vandalism on Birstall’s
playing fields.
Birstall Parish Council has set its precept, or budget, for the
year 2005/06 at £293,000 and this includes £28,000
for combating vandalism, what the Council has described as a
‘Vandal Tax’.
The Council has precepted a precautionary budget of £20,000
for School Lane playing field security fencing, and a further
£8000 towards the replacement of the cricket pavilion that
was burned down by vandals in April 2004. Since then, the Council
has been renting a portable unit, which has been an additional
drain on funds.
Chairman of Birstall Parish Council, Stuart Jones, said: “I
would much sooner be spending money on equipment and facilities
for the village, but we have a duty to preserve and maintain
what we’ve got. The problem of vandalism is getting worse
every year but I don’t think it’s just Birstall, it
seems to be happening all over the country.”
Over the past year, damage to Birstall’s playing fields
has included:
• repeated damage to fences at School Lane and Meadow Lane
• swings and safety surfacing destroyed by a burnt out car
• burned out cars on School Lane playing field car park
• cricket pavilion burned to the ground
• damage to skateboard park, Meadow Lane
Other items in the 05/06 precept include:
• £2000 for internal refurbishment and decoration
of the 10 Sibson Road building
• £8000 towards replacement of central heating in
the Village Hall, replacement guttering and roof repairs.
• £37,190 for a new cemetery building
The precept for the previous year, 2004/05 was £283,850.
The 05/06 figure of £293,000 represents an increase of
3.22 per cent.
Memories of second world war
BIRSTALL LIBRARY staged a BBC People’s
War Event on December 8.
Over a cup of coffee, those attending shared their stories and
memories of life during the Second World War.
Pics: Library assistant Sandra Moore, dressed as a 1940’s
cleaner, entertained the audience (top picture) with stories
of the war
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WI news
There was a party atmosphere as members
of Birstall & Wanlip WI met for their Christmas meeting.
Everyone arrived carrying their contributions to the Faith Supper
and beautifully wrapped parcels for exchange later. One enterprising
lady even brought jars of pickled onions and red cabbage for
the sales table and these bargains were eagerly snapped up.
This was the AGM meeting also and members were told in the President’s
Report and Treasurer’s
Report that at the moment the Institute was running at a loss
each month and though there would be enough money when next year’s
subs. were paid, to cover all expenses forecast for 2005 some
serious thought would have to be given to money raising ideas
for that year. After that serious business arrangements were
made for travel to the group meeting Carol Service at Anstey
and county news was perused.
The retiring committee and officers were re-elected, Mrs June
Else acting as chair person for that part of the proceedings.
Mrs D Gregory was re-elected as president though she was unable
to attend the meeting after a recent stay in hospital. A card
to her was signed by everyone and it was agreed to send a chrysanthemum
plant also.
Following all this business which did not take as long as it
sounds, there being no voting to take place, everyone put on
their party faces and enjoyed the food and drink provided. During
this part a Christmas Quiz was passed around which caused some
furrowed brows, whispering and laughter. Jean Fenn played some
carols on the piano and anyone who felt like it sang along. The
evening concluded on a happy note!
Next meeting will be on January 10 when Mr Mike Smith of the
Birstall Historical Society will give a continuation of his talk
about ‘Old Birstall’. This proved so popular last time
that he has been asked back again and anyone who would like to
come as a visitor will be most welcome.
The meeting is at 7.15pm in the Highcliffe School Hall extension
on Greengate Lane.
Boys return dog
THREE BIRSTALL schoolboys have helped return
a lost dog to its worried owner.
Diane Webster’s bearded collie cross Jenny disappeared while
Diane was putting the rubbish outside one morning before work.
She called for her and went looking for her in the car, but eventually
had to stop searching and leave for work.
Two hours later she received a call on her mobile from Birstall
vets Hayes & Borrajo - three young boys and brought in the
lost dog and because Jenny has been microchipped they were able
to contact Diane.
The three boys, Zak Simmons, Jack Langley and Fred Sedaygi, all
pupils at Riverside School, came across Jenny the dog on their
way to school and deciding she was lost, took her to the vets.
Diane said: “I thought they were absolutely fantastic, it’s
amazing for children of that age to be so responsible and grown
up. They are three very together lads.”
Diane presented each of the boys with a £5 reward.
NHW news and Crime Report
I did mention in my Newsletter for December for readers to
be wary of burglary in the run up to Christmas. Unfortunately
the Police have told me that they have had reported two daylight
burglaries which is unusual. One took place in Fielding Road
and the other in Gwendolin Ave. A number of sheds have been broken
into as well. Please be on your guard, if you have not been down
to the shed in your garden please check that everything is OK.
The Police at the moment are very concerned about distraction
burglaries. If you read the local newspaper you will have seen
the report of an ex burglar who used a credit card to ‘flash’
as an ID at the unsuspecting lady, getting into her house and
stealing a large amount of money posing as a Water Board engineer.
Remember if you get a stranger at your door keep the security
chain on, check the ID Card, reading it very carefully, before
you consider what to do next. If you are not sure they are genuine,
then ask them to come back and make arrangements for somebody
from your family or a friend to be present when they call again.
If you haven’t got a security chain fitted keep the door
locked.
If you haven’t got a security chain fitted, contact the
Watch. We may be able to help and get the security of your house
checked and brought up to a good standard, but you must be an
OAP.
Our next Advice Shop will be on Saturday January 15 at the old
Parish Council Offices on Sibson Road. Usual time, 10am until
midday. We can code all those new cycles, drills, or DIY kit.
If you can bring it in we can code it for you.
From Peter Allen
Crime Report Oct 14-Nov 13
Burglary dwelling 4, burglary other 4, theft of motor vehicle
2, theft from motor vehicle 8, damage to motor vehicle 6, theft
cycle 1, theft/robbery 20, fraud 3, damage 6.
• A youth has been arrested in connection with a series
of robberies in the Kingsgate Avenue area
• A Beaumont Leys gang was spotted by a patrol car and arrested
in connection with vehicle related crime in Birstall
• A van that Police had been looking for in connection with
a series of thefts in Birstall was spotted by a plain clothes
officers who followed it and arrested the occupants in Leicester.
To call Birstall’s Police Constable Dave Cole, ring his
mobile 07732 629434. This is switched on only while Dave is on
duty. To leave a message, call 222 2222. You will need his collar
number: 0290.
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Parish Council notes
A FULL meeting of Birstall Parish Council
was held on December 13.
Cllr Chris Clarke asked for an explanation as to why an item
he had asked to be included on the agenda had not been included.
Not satisfied with the reply from Chairman Stuart Jones, he refused
to allow the meeting to continue, saying it was unlawful and
should be adjourned.
After some heated exchanges and repeated requests from the Chairman
that Cllr Clarke allow the meeting to continue, the meeting was
temporarily adjourned, and all councillors except Cllr Clarke
left the chamber. After five minutes, councillors returned and
took their seats.
Cllr Tony Fowler said that Cllr Clarke’s concerns could
only be discussed at the Council’s AGM, and asked why he
continually disrupted meetings and never brought anything to
the council from the people he serves in his ward.
Cllr Peter West proposed that the police be called to remove
Cllr Clarke. At 7.52pm the meeting was again adjourned. Police
Inspector Chris Alcott, Commander of the Syston Policing Unit,
who by chance was attending the meeting to introduce himself
to councillors, asked Cllr Clarke to leave with him as there
was a potential breach of the peace. After some persuasion, Cllr
Clarke left the meeting with Inspector Alcott at 7.57pm
It was reported that Birstall and District Local History Society
had produced a list of 50-60 names that could be used for naming
streets on the Hallam Fields development. Charnwood Borough Council
had asked the Parish Council for suggestions for street names.
During open session, Mr Tony Pritchard said that many local residents
had misgivings about a 2 metre gate and fence along the School
Lane playing fields boundary. He said he along with other residents
had repeatedly asked for meetings with the Parish Council to
discuss the proposals and had been “totally ignored”.
This was disappointing and he again asked for a meeting of residents
and the Council.
During the discussion that followed, comment was made that the
gate was essential to prevent access by travellers, and that
residents had no objection to a 1 metre high gate but thought
2 metres was excessive.
Cllr Iain Bentley proposed that all residents bordering the park
be contacted by letter as soon as possible inviting them to
a meeting where they could express their views and discuss the
proposals. The Council voted to support this proposal.
A resident from Greengate lane reported on rubbish collecting
near the pavements and not being removed for as long as two months.
Inspector Chris Alcott introduced himself to Councillors as Syston
LPU’s new Commander. He said there had been an extra 20
robberies this month. One individual has been robbing schoolchildren
repeatedly over the last five months and this person has now
been dealt with at the Police Station.
Insp Alcott said Syston LPU was not understrength. There would
be no second officer for Birstall as he was putting officers
in the best places for them at the moment. He said the police
were now in a much stronger position to react to events than
they were two years ago.
The Council agreed to spend £1250 on disability access
to the Day Centre and Parish Council Offices.
The Council agreed on a precept for 2005/06 of £293,000.
The figure for the previous year was £283,850.
The date of the next meeting is January 10 at 7.30pm in the Village
Hall. Meetings are open to the public, who can ask questions
during Open Session.
Pic: Sue Bailey presents a cheque to the Kimberley
House group of RDA.
School reunion fundraiser
A SCHOOL reunion party brought together
school friends who had not seen each other for 29 years, and
raised £130 for Riding for the Disabled.
Organised by Sue Bailey of Knollgate Close, the event brought
together former students of Stonehill and Longslade.
Gym's latest sponsor
CARL GUNNS boxing gym on Birstall Road
has received support from another local business in the form
of sponsorship.
John Clayton of John C Barbershop on Hannah Parade has donated
£500 to the gym, which will help pay for an extra boxing
ring which is portable.
Carl Gunns said: “This is a great boost for the gym, I am
very grateful to John, this is the biggest award we have received
and when I tell the lads they will be delighted.”
The gym will be two years old in February. It started with 20
members and now has more than 300 including 18 girls.
Charity cash
STUDENTS AT Longslade College raised £978
for the BBC’s Children in Need charity appeal.
The concert, reported in last month’s Post, raised £528,
with the remainder being raised with a mixture of unusual fundraising
events including a sponsored leg wax.
Planning
Mr & Mrs J Topley - two and single storey extension to
rear of semi-detached house. 67 Wanlip Lane
Mr P Compton - erection of single storey extension to rear of
semi detached house. 8 Curzon Ave
Mr & Mrs P Ingham - site for the erection of one dwelling.
Land to rear of 51 Walker Rd
Mr P Goutam - insertion of larger bathroom window in west elevation.
55 Oakfield Avenue
Jelson Ltd & Palmer - erection of external lighting in association
with residential development. Land to north of Harrowgate Drive
and west of the A6
Jelson Ltd & Palmer - variation of condition 11 of previous
planning permission to propose an alternative play strategy.
Land to north of Harrowgate Drive and west of the A6
C H Walker Transport Ltd - change of use from haulage yard to
land for the storage of roofing materials. Haulage Yard, Meadow
Lane
Mr R Tailor - erection of a 2 storey extension to side and single
storey extension to rear of semi-detached house. 32A Heathgate
Close
Your Say...
Most people will read this letter in January 2005. January
marks the introduction of the Freedom of Information Act (FOI).
How will this act fare against the Data Protection Act? There
are no details of the balancing ponds. In Leicestershire we have
two sites with balancing ponds; one is usually wet and the other
is often dry and both are connected to the local brook. That
is all I know. I am constantly reminded of the Data Protection
Act. Why cannot we know all the details of the balancing ponds?
Why cannot Severn-Trent take responsibility of the drainage problems?
The Law Society recommend Severn-Trent for drainage problems.
The 4 Park & Ride saga has come to a halt. There will not
be any central government cash until July 2005 at the earliest
and after that date the prospect of money is very remote. However
many things want implementing before any building takes place.
The 40mph speed limit needs to be extended to the A6/A46 junction.
The access/exit connection to Hallam Fields must be finished
as soon as possible. Many motorists travel at 70mph plus after
passing a pedestrian crossing. The demolition of number 57 is
planned as an alleyway not as a roadway. A mini Park & Ride
is unacceptable unless it is constructed next to the A6/A46 junction.
A later extension must not take any of the school playing fields.
A bus route with bus stops must be planned, otherwise bus drivers
get abused. If we have bus priority lanes instead of new constructed
lanes then pollution will increase in Birstall.
The environment takes first place not the last place from now
onwards.
Les Briers
May I bring your attention to the ground on the corner of
The Crossways/Sibson Road. It is a disgrace to the village. It
is privately owned yet the owners are allowed to let it run wild,
it is also full of vermin of every type from the fox to rats
and mice. We see in your paper about bad sites in the village,
this has been like this for years.
Please let’s have something done about it for the sake of
the village.
B C Burrows
The Isle of Wight had a lot of extra special visitors during
November.
Two escapees from St Trinians led a band of fancy dress characters
onto the dance floor at the Burlington Hotel, in Sandown, these
included Lala, Tinky Winky, Dipsey and Po, the Tinman, Scarecrow,
Lion and Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, a Christmas pudding,
Snowman, Michael Angelo, Emily Davidson, Little Red Riding Hood
and the Woodcutter, Ben Laden and his wife, Mrs Bassett, a Red
Indian Chief, A Deck of Cards, Noddy, Cleopatra, a Fortune Teller,
Clown, Swag Man, a Couple of Swells, Fred Dibnah, Lotto Lady,
Father Christmas and last but by no means least a Christmas Fairy.
This was St Theresa’s second visit to the hotel for a turkey
and tinsel weekend, the hotel food and company were first class.
Our thanks to all who travelled with us to help make it such
a success. Looking forward already to next year’s anticipated
trips and holidays.
See you all soon
Daphne and Sabina
St Theresa’s Social Group
I call him Sean
I don’t know why
He really is a hunky guy
He’s tall and brown and very strong
And though I have not had him long
He’s changed my life
I am reborn
And now whene’er I cross my lawn
With prunings from my copious shrubs
And long dead blossoms from my tubs
His toothless mouth I open wide
And gently pop the lot inside
I wonder if it could be sin
To really love my wheelie bin?
Sylvia Edwards
I am trying to update the contact details for members of Birstall
Rugby Club past and present. It would be nice to see some ‘old’
faces at social events and catch up with what you are doing now.
If you know of any other ex-players could you please let me know.
Call me on 0116 2947049 or email karen.moon@ntlworld.com
Karen Moon, (Social Secretary, Birstall Rugby Club)
I noted with passing interest that you included a letter of
congratulations from a resident in respect of the recent transition
from dustbins to wheelie bins.
It seems obvious to me that this fortunate resident lives on
level ground!
Unfortunately, we do not and although a wheelie bin was supplied,
although we had been assured by the Council that it was inappropriate
in our particular instance, we cannot use it. However, it disappeared
from the pavement the following day.
We have now been told to leave our rubbish at the rear of the
house, where it would be collected. Yesterday, Thursday, was
the designated day of collection, however the rubbish is still
there. On telephoning the Council this morning we were told that
collections were now Wednesday and that the contractors were
allowed a 48 hour “window” for collections.
The new arrangements are a disgrace, weekly collections are now
fortnightly, the rubbish is unprotected (no bin) and the opportunity
for vermin to break into the bags whilst awaiting collection
is an obvious health hazard. After abandoning the excellent brown
garden bag disposal service and replacing it with a brown wheelie
bin ‘service’ our Council appears to only consider
their contractor’s wishes rather than their ratepayers requirements.
I am sure that we are not alone.
Name and address supplied
May I once again through the Birstall Post thank all the loyal
poppy buyers who helped fill my collection tins on Sibson Road
during poppy week.
It was cold, grey and miserable but this year as ever you did
not fail to ‘Remember Them’.
Thank you all so very much, the grand total was £241.71
the best total to date, well done to you all, see you all next
year along Sibson Road.
Mrs V A Joyce
Vice president of the Birstall Royal British Legion
Women’s Section
My daughter and I wish to thank all those who sent cards and
flowers to my wife Carol when she was in hospital in September
and again in November.
Following Carol’s death at the Leicestershire Hospice on
November 9, we received several letters and a huge number of
cards (143) and we thank people very much for sending those.
For those who sent donations for LOROS in memory of Carol and
who supplied names and addresses, we have been able to send a
personal note of thanks. Some donors wished to remain anonymous
(‘Neighbours and Friends’ and ‘Anon’ etc)
so we thank those people very much by means of this letter. We
appreciate very much all the 56 donations which contributed to
the wonderful, amazing amount of £1,150 for LOROS.
Jex and Rebecca Woods
Age Concern info
Free Passports For Over 75s
Following its announcement that people born on or before September
2, 1929 will be eligible for free passports, the Government has
given details of how people can obtain them. From October 18,
2004, those eligible can apply for their free passport through
the normal passport application procedures. Any eligible person
who purchased a passport between May 19, 2004 and October 18,
2004 can apply for a refund by contacting the Passport Adviceline
on 0870 5210410. (Home Office Press Release 13/10/04)
One Million People Over State Pension Age
in Work
The Office of National Statistics has released new date showing
that the number of people over State Pension Age in work has
reached, 1,011,000. The statistic comes from the April-June Labour
Market Survey and was reported in September’s Labour Market
Trends. This is an increase from 933,000 in 2003 and 770,000
in 1996.
How To Conquer Health Problems Between Ages
50 and 120
This book deals with the conditions and diseases which cause
most concern to people aged over 50, with the aim of helping
people to take control and responsibility for their own medical
care.
For each condition, the authors explain the causes, symptoms
and alternative treatments with comments on their effectiveness.
Where relevant, they advise on when it is appropriate to seek
medical help, the questions which should be asked and what to
expect.
How To Conquer Health Problems Between Ages 50 and 120 : The
Beginner’s Guide To An Active And Joyful Later Life by Vernon
Coleman and Donna Antoinette Coleman. 248pp. Price £15.99
(plus £1 p&p) ISBN : 1898947155. Available from the
European Medical Journal, Publishing House, Trinity House, Barnstaple,
Devon. EX32 9HG. Tel: 01271 328892 Fax: 01271 328768
Osteoporosis : Reducing The Risk
The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy has published tips for
reducing the effects of osteoporosis. Outlining the main risk
factors for men and women, the guide gives advice on the types
of exercise which are beneficial in preventing the osteoporosis
or in warding off its effects. The guide also emphasises the
importance of exercise to reduce the risk of falls and fractures
for people who suffer from osteoporosis and gives advice on the
most suitable types of activity.
It is available on the internet at www.csp.org.uk/membergroups/students.cfm?id=758
(click on the link Osteoporosis - Reducing the Risk at the end
of the press release.
Reinstatement of Deficiency Notices
The Inland Revenue has been contacting people under State Pension
age who have a deficient National Insurance record for the tax
years 1996-97 to 2001-2 and who, during that period, had not
been contacted and invited to pay voluntary contributions. At
the end of September 2004 the Pension Service started a similar
exercise with people who reached State Pension age between April
6, 1998 and October 24, 2004. There are an estimated 470,000
people in this group living in the UK or abroad.
For some people paying backdated national insurance contributions
could make a considerable difference whereas for others it may
not be worthwhile. Letters sent out will include details of a
Pension Service telephone helpline where specially trained staff
will provide information to help people make an informed decision.
(Letter to Age Concern from Malcolm Wicks MP, October 11, 2004.
Available free on receipt of a (9”x6”) sae from Donna
Pearce, Policy Unit, Age Concern England, Astral House, 1268
London Road, London SW16 4ER)
Health Effects of Caring
A report on the health effects of caring has been produced by
the Social Policy Research Unit at the University of York, in
association with Carers UK and Carers Scotland. It is based on
interviews with carers before, during and after a period of caring.
The study finds that emotional and mental health problems are
more likely to be associated with care giving than physical health
problems. Anxiety, depression and loss of confidence and self
esteem may interfere with everyday activities and work; and physical
problems may include diminished immune responses resulting from
stress, and injuries sustained whilst lifting or moving the person
cared for.
Factors that contribute to poor health amongst carers include
unmet support needs, such as absence of support to enable a break
from caring to be taken. Psychological distress is most likely
to occur where there is a particularly close relationship with
the person cared for, for example between husband and wife. The
risk of psychological distress is directly related to the intensity
of care giving. Carers may also experience distress before taking
on, and after the end of, a caring relationship - this effect
is more marked amongst women. Caring is the fifth most important
factory associated with women’s distress rates and the ninth
most important for men.
The report concludes that care giving should be recognised as
public health issue, and that measures to reduce health inequalities
should address the effects of care giving.
Hearts and Minds : The Health Effects of Caring. Report summary
6pp. Available on the Internet at www.york.ac.uk/inst/spru/pubs/pdf/Hearts
& Minds.pdf
Pension Gains for Same Sex Couples
The Government has announced that the Civil Partnership Bill
will be amended so that same sex couples will gain rights in
contracted-out occupational pension schemes. Civil partners will
have the right to pass on survivor benefits in the same way that
married people currently do. (Department for Work and Pensions
Press Release, October 26, 2004)
National Screening Programme for Bowel Cancer
The Secretary of State for Health has announced that a national
screening programme for bowel cancer will be rolled out from
April 2006. Building on a pilot programme which involves screening
by looking for blood in stools, this type of screening will be
introduced in phases for men and women in their sixties. Large
scale pilot programmes of a second method of screening involving
the use of endoscopies will be carried out involving people in
their late fifties. A staff training programme will be introduced
to enable the NHS to meet the commitments of the screening programme.
(Department of Health Press Release, October 27, 2004)
Jex Woods
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