Crime report
Crime Report Dec 17, 2005 to Jan 17, 2006
Burglary Dwelling 3, Burglary other 2, Thefts from motor vehicle
1, Damage to motor vehicle 1, Theft 5, Damage 4
Riverside a healthy school
RIVERSIDE COMMUNITY Primary school has
achieved 'Healthy School Status' for the work it has done to
educate pupils about safety, drug education, sex and relationship
education and emotional health and well-being.
It is one of 86 schools among the 288 in the county that have
achieved this standard.
The Healthy Schools Programme is a national scheme that aims
to support children and young people in developing healthy behaviours,
to help raise pupil achievement, reduce health inequalities and
promote social inclusion.
The co-ordinator of the scheme at Riverside is Jenny Drayton.
She said: "We started working on this two years ago and
it will be an ongoing process - the next two themes we will be
working on are Healthy Eating and Physical Activity."
One of the measures the school has introduced is a school council.
Pupil Aanchal Khandelwal (11) has been a member and she explained:
"What happens is we ask the children what ideas they would
like us to bring up at the School Council and we make a list.
Or they come to us with their ideas. They've asked for more books,
clubs like badminton, basketball and chess, and markings on the
playground for games like hopscotch and a maze. It was good being
on the council, sometimes it overran and we missed a bit of school!"
One of the measures that was popular with pupils were the R sessions,
designed to improve social and listening skills. Ten year old
Tia Davies said: "Everyone in the class is put in a pair
and we introduce ourselves and do a task together. It's good
because everyone makes friends with everyone else."
Another new measure is the Buddy Stops - posts in the playground
where Year 1 children can stand if they have no-one to play with
at playtime. Tia explains: "Year 4 or 5 children are buddies,
there are four in each class and it circulates. When we see someone
at the Buddy Stop we go and play with them."
Jenny Drayton said: "Working on this programme has helped
the children develop their skills relating to each other. The
R time has been particularly good, improving how they get on
with each other and encouraging good manners."
Children from the school council took representatives from the
County Council's Healthy school team on a tour of the school
as part of the assessment process. A spokesman for the team said:
"Of particular note was the enthusiasm and commitment of
the whole school community including parents and the children
in achieving Healthy School status, the high level of attention
to safety and security throughout the school, the pupils' understanding
of 'what a healthy school is', the excellent work of the 'school
council' and the school's stance to both emotional health and
well being and promoting social inclusion."
Pic: Headteacher Mike Hatfield and Jenny Drayton with pupils
Aanchal Khandelwal (11), Tia Davies (9), Leah Throop (10), Emily-Jane
Gordon (9), Amy Collins (9), John Ives (8) and Lily Weaver(11)
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Parish Council notes
A FULL meeting of Birstall Parish Council
was held on February 13.
Residents attending the meeting voiced their objections to a
planning application for four houses and flats at 15/17 Rosetree
Avenue, the site of the supermarket. The Council voted to object
to the plant on the grounds that it was unsuitable for the site,
being on a school route and a junction, that the development
was not in line with the established building line and not in
keeping with the street scene.
Cllr Mary Houghton commented she was sad at the objections. She
said the flats were for single people and the village needed
social housing.
The Council agreed to object to a planning application for a
Chinese take-away at Robert Boulton's old shop on Went Road.
The clerk reported that the Parish council's planning application
for palisade fencing for the School Lane playing field's boundary
with School Lane had been approved. The application for a Vodafone
monopole at 671 Loughborough Road has also been approved.
The Chairman of Wanlip Parish Meeting, Ian Harrison, suggested
Wanlip and Birstall join forces to object to the plans for an
industrial site north of Birstall. Cllr Patrick Cleere suggested
involving Rothley. Cllr Peter West commented that objecting would
be fruitless as they would be up against the Office of the Deputy
Prime Minister. A 15,000 signature petition objecting to Hallam
Fields had got us nowhere, he said. It was agreed that the Parish
Council and Wanlip seek the co-operation of Rothley Parish Council
and Syston Town Council in objecting to the proposal.
PC Jamie Hughes reported on the incident on February 3 involving
about 60 youths with stick and bats fighting in the village.
He said there was an ongoing rivalry between Birstall and Thurmaston.
Two arrests were made on the night and 40 people were searched.
Seven arrests have now been made. Rumours of 'round two' the
next Friday were unfounded, following the deployment of 15 officers
in the village on that night. Police Inspector Chris Alcott reported
that letters had been sent to those involved and to their parents
in Birstall, Thurmaston, Queniborough and Syston. He said that
prompt reporting of the incident to the police had enabled them
to attend early enough to prevent any damage. He added that over
the last week he and his officers had visited local schools to
inform young people that this sort of behaviour is unacceptable
and he reassured the Council that all steps would be taken to
ensure that it would not recur. Cllr Peter West thanked the Police
for the way they handled the incident.
The Council agreed to object to a planning application for a
golf driving range, a single storey building, driving bays and
floodlighting on a site next to the Birstall Co-op Sports Club
on Birstall Road. Comments referred to road safety and environmental
issues including the speed of traffic on Birstall Road, effects
on the floodplain and to wildlife and the environmental and safety
issues relating to the floodlighting.
Methodist news
St Patrick's Night
A night of music, entertainment and something to eat. On Saturday
March 18, if you have a musical instrument, then do bring it
along. Contact Eileen on 2929670 if you wish to join in this
very Irish event. There will be a collection to cover costs.
Auction
Do look out for items that can be sold at our Grand Auction on
April 1. Most items can be sold except for electrical goods or
older foam filled upholstered furniture. For more information
contact John Kilby 2673239.
From Tony Moore
Hallam Fields artist
ARTIST MARTIN Heron has now been selected
for the Orange Jelley project, which involves a sculptor working
with Jelson Ltd and Birstall residents to make a series of small-scale
sculptures for the Hallam Fields site.
Pic: artist Martin Heron (right)
working on a sand sculpture
Three artists were asked to respond to questions that were submitted
by visitors to the Hallam Fields public art website, and the
Selection Team used the artists' answers as the basis for making
their decision. Several visitors to the site asked about community
involvement, and so this was made a key part of the selection
process.
 
Consultant Lucy Banwell said: "The team selected Martin
Heron as his answers demonstrated his wealth of experience in
working in different ways with communities, and using different
approaches for each site. Martin is also keen to extend his work
beyond the boundaries of the development itself, and into the
rest of Birstall, which fits in with the ethos of the Hallam
Fields development."
Martin will now spend some time getting to know the area and
its people before starting work in producing smaller-scale pieces
of work for Hallam Fields. The intention is that he will later
create a large landmark feature for the site, which will be a
work that reflects the spirit and history of Birstall.
Lucy and colleague Paula Moss have recently introduced three
further artists to the Hallam Fields Design Team. Jo Fairfax,
who works with lighting, Nadya Monfrinoli, who works with planting
and other materials, and Trudi Entwistle, a land artist are now
discussing outline proposals for art interventions for Hallam
Fields and the rest of Birstall. All four artists will be working
with Lucy and Paula to develop their ideas into specific arts
projects, and explore possibilities for funding.
Lucy and Paula have been conducting a series of community consultation
workshops with Birstall residents. They have been working with
schools, community groups and individuals, using image and text
to explore perceptions of home, a sense of place and hopes for
the future. All the material gathered from these workshops will
be used to inform the public art planned for the Hallam Fields
development.
Lucy said: "There continue to be lots of opportunities to
be involved in the public art process, and anyone interested
is encouraged to make contact through www.hallamfieldspublicart.co.uk
Facilities for park
A NEW sports pavilion and a multi sports
play area with an all weather surface are planned for the School
Lane playing field.
Provided by Birstall Parish Council, the pavilion will replace
the metal portacabin on the north west corner of the small children's
play area. The £200,000 single storey building will contain
two sets of changing rooms, showers and a social area. The council
hope to have it completed by October 2006.
Chairman of the Parish Council Stuart Jones said: "The metal
portacabin is an eyesore, it's not a proper facility and we hope
the new, modern and improved pavilion will attract new clubs
and help generate some pride in Birstall."
The Council are investigating grant funding for the pavilion
and have so far secured a sum up to £10,000 from Charnwood
Borough Council.
The multi sports play area is planned for the centre of the park,
and will be larger than the basketball court and surrounded by
fencing. The plan is to ultimately provide floodlights for the
area.
Stuart Jones said: "We hope these projects will come together,
and that the play area will encourage young people off the streets
and onto the park."
School Lane playing fields are maintained by the Parish Council
and are currently fully utilised at weekends with teams playing
football, cricket, rounders and hockey.
Ralph Lane
THE SUDDEN death of Ralph Gavin Lane on
Monday February 6 occurred at his home on Harrowgate Drive.
A long time resident of Birstall, Ralph Lane (77) was a member
of The RAF Association with a dedication to raising funds for
The Wings Appeal. He was a past committee member of The British
Legion and a co-ordinator for the Neighbourhood Watch.
A close family friend has described him as "A quiet man
with no pretensions to public recognition. Ralph was highly regarded
as a friend and neighbour who offered support without question
to all who needed it. His unexpected loss will be mourned by
the many people he helped".
He is survived by his wife Thelma, his son Gavin, daughter Catherine
and his three grandsons, Andrew, Thomas and Robert. Mrs Lane
said she had been overwhelmed by the messages of sympathy she
has received. "Through the Post I wish to thank everyone
for their kind tributes to my husband who will be remembered
by many" she said.
Channel swim
BIRSTALL SWIMMING Club are attempting a
sponsored swim equivalent to crossing the 21 miles of the English
Channel by swimming 1400 lengths of Birstall pool.
They aim to raise money for new equipment that will enhance the
current high quality of teaching and training given by the volunteer
ASA standard trained teaching staff.
A club spokesman said: "The new young team of teachers and
helpers are trying to build on the excellent 25 yr old foundations
set down by their predecessors. Over that time they have provided
swimming teaching and training to thousands of young people and
the majority of the present volunteer teaching staff have come
through the club."
The club meets on two nights a week Tuesdays and Thursdays with
a team of teachers for each night with the overall standards
being overseen by head coach Karen Martin.
The marathon swim will take place on March 14 and 16, 2006 and
the club hopes to raise and provide a fun time for the swimmers
taking part.
If you would like to know more about this event or how to join
the Club, phone Karen Martin at Birstall Pool 0116 2673461 or
visit www.birstall.sc
New life in France
A NEW life running a B&B in France
has been a challenging adventure for a young man from Birstall.
Pic: Aaron Allsop & Amelia
Large
Aaron Allsopp (29) and his partner Amelia Large (27) bought a
170 year old farmhouse in the Auvergne region of central France
in 2003 and after restoring it, opened as a B&B in 2004.
Aaron lived on Went Road for 23 years and went to Highcliffe,
Stonehill and Longslade schools before starting work at McDonalds
on Abbey Lane, where he became manager and met Amelia.
The long hours meant the couple had little time together. Aaron
said: "It caused us to radically rethink our chosen career
paths and hence our new challenge of running a B&B in France."
The couple spent 18 months restoring the farmhouse. Aaron said:
"The house has been radically modified from its original
use when it was built 170 years ago. Our living room area would
have been the whole of the farmer's living accommodation, while
the dining room would have been the stable for the cows that
would have been kept here. The entire first floor would have
been the granary for keeping the hay to feed the cows on over
the winter. Just above the living accommodation would have housed
the grain stores for the farmer's bread supply and this is now
our bedroom."
He added: "Our 'garden' is seven acres of countryside that
could be mistaken for Bradgate Park or Beacon Hill. It is mainly
hilly forest which is fantastic in the autumn for wild mushroom
picking. This is also great for attracting our 'own' wildlife
with visits from the local deer population to a distance of maybe
15 metres away from the house. We have our resident 'wild boar'
that we have never seen but have found a lot of evidence of.
Then there are the red squirrels and all the different species
of birds that live with us."
La Fromental B&B has three double bedrooms for guests, a
family room and a small room for two children, with ensuite bathrooms
in all the rooms.
Aaron says: "We had our first 'official' guests in July
2004 and it's been easy to get French and mainland European guests
as they know of this area of France and are used to coming here.
We are slowly getting more English guests but we are still looking
at ways of attracting their attention."
He added: "We have been welcomed by the locals here very
warmly. Our village has suffered over the past 20 years with
all the younger people having to relocate to the bigger towns
and cities in search of work, so, for a 'young' English couple
to arrive and to set up a business here has the local community
very excited. We have had a 15 week French course organised for
us that helped us both with the language.
"The French red tape has surprised us the most. Whatever
you read about French paperwork times it by 10 and you're nearly
there. It never ends. It is a lot worse that we ever expected.
It is not easy to set up a business in France and we find it
a struggle not to have the security of the NHS, although we have
to pay for our healthcare in France we have found the system
to be a lot quicker. The weather we experience far exceeds our
expectations; it makes a huge difference to your everyday life
when you live with clearly defined seasons. In the winter we
have snow and frosty mornings with lows of around -15%C, springtime
brings rain and sunshine and the most beautiful wild flowers,
summer is hot and sunny with dramatic storms and autumn brings
the most stunning colours for weeks on end. Above all we were
surprised how quickly living in a foreign country just felt like
home."
At the moment the B&B is providing the couple with just enough
to live on. "If we have any sort of disaster, such as our
car breaking down, then it is necessary for us to work, which
involves looking after a Gite in the next village" said
Aaron.
He added: "We are very happy with our new lives and there
is nothing we would want to change. We enjoy working in an environment
where people really appreciate the service we provide, this is
a huge change from both our jobs at McDonalds, and by being surrounded
by breathtaking scenery day in, day out."
Ryanair now fly to nearby Limoges from East Midlands Airport.
For more details visit the website www.la-fromental.com or ring
the couple on 0033 4717 87022.
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Council tax to rise
CHARNWOOD BOROUGH Council's component of
the Council Tax will rise by 3.5% this year.
Cllr Ian Sharpe, Lead member of Finance said: "With firm
financial management we had been on target to follow our 0% example
last year with a very modest rise of 2.5% as agreed in our Medium
Term Plan. Unfortunately when the county withdrew their matched
funding from concessionary fares we were left holding the baby.
Cutting front line services to the elderly and disabled is not
part of our policy however firmly we manage our finances. For
this reason we've had to add another 1%, or 87p a year for a
band D Council Tax payer".
The 1% increase will mean that the concessionary bus fare arrangement
allowing half price travel from within Charnwood to Leicester
will continue.
Other District Council Tax precepts in Leicestershire are all
higher than Charnwood.
For Loughborough residents, Council tax will fall by 20%. Leader
Cllr Max Hunt said: "This amounts to a cut of about £10
for a typical band D Council Tax payer in Loughborough, which
is good news. Whilst I'm pleased to announce this, I'm not convinced
that we've got such a firm hand on finances for the Loughborough
Special rate yet, equivalent to a Parish precept. The Loughborough
rate went up last year, so I am looking for more stability here.
I've therefore asked officials to report back on more stable
ways of managing the levy in future."
Charnwood, Loughborough and Parish taxes are only about 10% of
the total bill. Rises for the County, Police and Fire elements
of the bill are likely to amount to between 4.5% and 5%, bringing
the overall bill for most residents up by over 4%. The Deputy
Prime Minister has indicated that he will cap any authority going
over 5%.
Coffee shop chat
THE COFFEE Shop at the Birstall Methodist
Church opened its doors for the first time on March 5, 1981 with
15p for a cup of coffee and 5p for a scone and butter.
Walter Cockerill was the treasurer and has continued to be so.
Money raised has gone to a wide range of charities over the years,
local, national and third world.
The whole venture was viewed from the beginning as a village
concern providing a friendly place to sit and chat with little
expense.
Helpers are drawn from all parts of the community, church and
non-church goers and new helpers are always welcome.
Why not pay it a visit. Open 10am to 12noon,Tuesday -Friday with
a Fair Trade stall on a Friday.
Police report
Having taken over the role from PC Dave Cole (who is now in
the Dog Section), I knew that the role of being the Birstall
Beat Bobby would be both challenging and rewarding. I have found
this presumption to be true and have enjoyed the challenges that
the village has presented me.
Having never grown up in a community myself, I have found Birstall
to be on the whole a very pleasant and warm place to be.
Birstall is very well served by the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme
with several thousand members. From my own personal point of
view, the prevention and detection of crime is a priority and
getting information from the public is vital in its success.
I would like to urge those of you who are not already members
to sign up and share any information you may have about criminal
activities in the village. Failing that, if you have any information
you feel may be helpful in any investigation, phone crimestoppers
on 0800 555 111. You can remain entirely confidential if you
wish.
Of a more recent note, there was an incident of disorder in the
village on Friday February 3. Up to 60 youths were involved travelling
from the Thurmaston and Syston areas some of whom were armed
with sticks and other such items.
As a result of the disorder seven persons have been arrested
with enquiries continuing in relation to bringing the 'ringleaders'
to account. Subsequently there were rumours of a re-occurrence
of the problems the following weekend. Work was conducted with
the community directly and more specifically the local schools,
and a strong message was sent out that disorder of this nature
cannot be tolerated.
Resources were again drafted from other areas with up to 15 officers
being on patrol in the village at any one time. A number of youths
were stopped and details obtained but with no reports of any
related problems over the weekend. A high profile police presence
will continue to be in the area at the appropriate times over
the coming months.
I would like to remind you that crime prevention is the best
way to deter criminals, and by simple steps such as securing
your car, home and valuables can really help in bringing the
crime figures down.
If you have any information relating to the disorder, please
phone myself or contact crimestoppers on the above number.
From PC Jamie Hughes 0826. Dial 222 2222 and enter 0826
to leave a voicemail.
Rugby club
A RUN of good results for Birstall Rugby
Football Club continued in February with an 18-17 victory over
Loughborough 4ths.
Preparations are now under way for the club's forthcoming tour
in Limerick, Ireland where they will play a suitably adapted
team from Irish giants Muster.
Birstall are still looking to recruit more players into their
squad. Anyone over the age of 18 who is interested in joining
this sociable club, including players from other clubs who are
not getting regular games please contact: The Trees Public House,
Stonehill Avenue, Birstall or Tony Quansah on 01509 236513 or
07811 567803.
Planning to object
LOCAL PARISH councils are getting together
to co-ordinate their objections to the 'Charnwood 2021' plan,
which includes the proposal for a 20 hectare industrial site
north of Birstall, south of Rothley.
Birstall Parish Council and Wanlip Parish meeting will be consulting
with Rothley Parish Council, Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council
and Syston Town Council.
Charnwood have delivered a booklet to each household explaining
the plans and how residents can give them their views. The consultation
period runs until March 31, 2006. The proposals can be viewed
in detail at www.charnwood.gov.uk/charnwood2021 or at local libraries,
where you can pick up a response form. You can also respond online
via the website.
Charnwood have organised a number of roadshows in the Borough
where residents can talk to officers about the proposals. On
March 10 from 7-8.30pm officers will be at the Memorial Hall,
Mountsorrel.
Birstall Parish Council are urging all residents who wish to
object to do so before the consultation period expires on March
31.
Speed limit
THE COUNTY Council has announced plans
to extend the existing 40 mph speed limit on the A6 in Birstall
to include the new access to the Hallam Fields development.
A County Council spokesman said: "Consultations with local
residents and discussions with Leicestershire Constabulary about
the changes to the speed limit confirmed a clear view that further
extension of the limit to the A46/A6 roundabout is appropriate
and this will be introduced prior to a second signal controlled
access being constructed during summer 2006."
St James church
MOST FULL-TIME church leaders whether clergy or others have
wry stories to tell about the people who ask "What do you
do then, apart from take services on Sundays?" The answer
to that question could fill a book if you were to describe all
the social and pastoral work, the teaching, study etc which most
'professional' clergy have to undertake. "A day in the life
of..." would make very interesting reading for this paper!
Preparation for weddings and baptisms also have to be arranged
to suit the participants, and anyone contemplating either of
these important steps is invited to contact the Rector on 2674517.
Not everyone who reads the Birstall Post may be aware either,
of the many week-time activities which go on in the churches
or at other venues around the village. To take a few examples
from the diary of St James' Church: Have you ever heard of the
'Starlight club' or Rock Solid' or the 'After School Club' at
Highcliffe School?
The Starlight Club is for mothers with toddlers and pre-school
children. It meets in the Village Hall on Mondays during term-time
at 1.30pm and offers an hour of stories, games, refreshments
and chat before it is time to collect older children from school.
All are welcome.
Rock Solid is a group which organises activities and outings
for young people between the ages of 11-14, and meets weekly
on Sunday evenings in term-time from 6.30-8.30pm in the Village
Hall. Rose can tell you more about this on 2674755.
The Anglican and Methodist Churches have organised 'Kids' Clubs
at Highcliffe and Riverside Primary Schools for several years,
but currently due to a shortage of leaders, only the After-School
Club at Highcliffe is running, for Years 5 and 6 children on
Wednesdays in term time from 3.20-4.20pm. Bert can tell you more
about this on 2673817.
WI news
THE SPIRIT of friendship was in abundance
at the February meeting of Birstall & Wanlip WI, in fact
members spent quite a lot of time holding hands!
The speaker for that evening was Mrs Pamela Lenthall demonstrating
aromatherapy to counteract stress. In pairs, members creamed
and massaged each other's hands and in the quiet atmosphere of
the room relaxation was noticeable. Mrs Lenthall spoke in quiet
tones and all was peaceful. Not the usual conception of the 'Wild
Indians'!
One visitor was welcomed to the meeting and was interested in
all the activities being arranged. Names were taken for taxis
to be booked to go to The Little Theatre, ACM at De Montfort
Hall and the Hathern Band Concert. Quite a busy time ahead.
Concern was expressed at the notice of a large increase in subscriptions
proposed for next year which would include a free magazine to
every member. Some thought that they would have preferred to
be consulted about this and some members stated that they would
probably have to resign their membership due to lack of resources
to pay this extra money.
The next meeting on March 6 will once again welcome Mr Mike Leonard
with his Nurseryama Part 2. A very popular speaker!
From Mrs M Belton
New class
LOCAL SLIMMING Consultant Tracy Brewill
is opening her Weightcare Club in a new venue in Birstall at
Birstall Village Hall, Birstall Road on Thursday March 16 at
7pm.
Weightcare is a locally based Slimming Company with over 50 clubs
around the Midlands and is celebrating its 25th year in 2006.
Tracy has been a Slimming Consultant for 15 years and has inspired
hundreds of slimmers to reach their target weight. Each year
Weightcare hold a Slimmer of the Year competition to celebrate
their most successful slimmers across the region. Tracy has had
great recognition with her slimmers consistently reaching the
top 10.
Tracy said: "Weightcare clubs provide a friendly, social
atmosphere for you all to enjoy. Local ladies and men come along
to be motivated and inspired to lose weight. There is a choice
of Slimming Plans based around everyday foods that the whole
family can enjoy. I believe that the most important thing is
to be able to manage losing weight around your life style and
find a long term solution. Come and join this new Weightcare
club and be inspired to look and feel better in 2006."
Your Say...
In response to Charnwood Borough Council's intention to use
land in Birstall for a trading estate, I submit the following
letter which I read in a book saying that the President of the
United States in 1855 had notified the Chief of the Duwanish
Indians in Washington that he intended to buy their land for
white settlers.
The Indian Chief replied as follows:-
"The Great Chief in Washington sends word that he wishes
to buy our land. How can you buy or sell the sky, the warmth
of the land? The idea is strange to us. We do not own the freshness
of the air or the sparkle of the water. How can you buy them
from us?
"Every part of this earth is sacred to my people. Every
shining pine needle, every sandy shore, every mist in the dark
woods, every clearing and every humming insect is holy in the
memory and experience of my people.
"We know that white man does not understand our ways. One
portion of the land is the same to him as the next, for he is
a stranger who comes in the night, and takes from the land whatever
he needs. The earth is not his brother but his enemy and when
he has conquered it he moves on. He leaves his father's grave,
and his children's birthright is forgotten.
"There is no quiet place in the white man's cities. No place
to hear the leaves of spring, or the rustle of insect wings.
"But perhaps I am a savage and do not understand because
the clatter only seems to insult the ears. Yet what is there
to life if a man cannot hear the lovely cry of a curlew, or the
sound of a frog around the pond at night?"
I daresay the planners would not understand the meaning of the
letter as their world is motivated by money.
But times do not change when somebody wants someone else's piece
of land.
S M Barker
With dismay I read that the council are thinking of turning
the unused bowling green into a car park.
Do they ever think to ask the people of Birstall what they might
like to do with this land, as without much time at all I can
think of several better uses for a patch of land in the middle
of the village.
I'm sure the cricket club could do with somewhere for kids to
learn the game or practice in the winter.
Carl Gunns had shown with his gym what can be achieved in this
village if you give people the opportunity. I'm sure he could
do a lot more given some modern decent surroundings. Sport gives
values to people, teamwork, respect and pride in achievements
that you carry with you for the rest of your life.
If not for sport then a youth centre, community centre, anything
that would be of use to the people of our village must be the
aim of the council.
We are not trying to be an out of town shopping centre. To come
up with the visionary decision to turn this land into a car park
is astounding. There is one not twenty yards from the proposed
one and it was built on land where tennis courts used to be!
I'm sure people can come up with many other valuable uses for
this land, building or buildings but that is what I hoped the
council was there for.
A car park: genius.
P Boyall
Editor's Note: In the March 2004 issue, the Birstall Post published
an article in which the Parish Council invited residents to suggest
possible uses of the site. In the June issue we reported that
the Parish Council had decided to convert the bowling green into
a formal garden. In the Jan 2006 issue we reported the Council's
plans for a car park.
Can more details be published about this new development;
Birstall north of the A46. It would help if we all accepted that
the original four Park & Ride scheme was discarded and Birstall
was not getting any help with the infrastructure.
The developers cannot give any specific location; north of the
A46 and east of the A6 would be more isolated than west of the
A6. Can the developers suggest other locations? If all this means
transferring more of Wanlip, why not join all of Wanlip to Birstall?
We might save any of the playing fields being developed and get
the Mobile pole at the A6/A46 junction.
Planning more industry and we match the industry of Yorkshire
Birstall. At least Yorkshire Birstall had a local hero, Joseph
Priestley.
Any development north of Birstall will almost reach Rothley.
Loughborough have made connections with Woodthorpe. A Park &
Ride for Loughborough will be very near to One Ash and we have
ribbon building from Leicester to Loughborough.
H V Morton described Mountsorrel and Sileby as ugly brick boot
and shoe villages along the Soar. I wonder how he would have
described the planning in Charnwood. Well, the boot and shoes
have gone.
Les Briers
In a letter from Mr David Parsons, Leader of LCC to Leicester
Mercury on Friday February 3 about changes to travel concessions
in April 2006. Can we have information about the way travel concessions
will affect OAPs from April 2006?
Do we get free bus travel in the Charnwood area only, eg Birstall
to Loughborough.
Will a free pass cover Birstall in the county to Leicester City,
if not will we still be able to use our half price bus pass for
this journey and other parts of the county.
If no half fares are to be allowed surely this will mean the
end of the small buses that travel round the Greengate and Dalby
estates as they only run between Birstall and Leicester as far
as we are concerned. They carry many full fare passengers at
peak hours but during the day passengers are mainly OAPs with
concessions who wish to travel to the village centre of Leicester
city.
Mrs M A Briers
Belgrave Cemetery
Seldom is the sound of laughter heard
Upon this peaceful hallowed ground
Where white marble guardian angels
Gaze peacefully all around.
Silence, broken only by the birds
As they welcome each new day
Squirrels happily dash about
In the redwood trees they play.
Great cedars, lime and Chilean pine
How magnificent, how proud they stand
What stories they could tell
Of this piece of English land
Respect, shown by the poppy cross
Tribute to the brave men of Belgrave
Who from the air, land and sea
Their lives forfeit, so that ours may be free
Flowers bright and fragrant
We lovingly choose and pay
To place upon the ground wherein
Our precious loved ones lay
Memories, thoughts of happy days
When love and happiness did surround
Caring, here in this quiet oasis
All these can be found.
Comfort, peace tranquility
For what more could we wish
When we depart this mortal life
Nothing is more certain than this.
Dear God, to whom do I turn
To preserve this resting place
My prayers are answered, now I know
The volunteers, the group, known simply as
The Friends of Belgrave Cemetery
Dorothy Marshall
FOBC Group chairperson
I am writing in response to 'Disgusted' of February, who quite
rightly brought our attention to the disgusting state of Birstall's
pavements.
I am a responsible dog owner. I always clean up after my dog
has toileted. It is not terribly inconvenient, it is a very simple
and quick manoeuvre, with slight of hand and a 'doggy bag' it
is over in a few seconds! I am often dismayed and angered by
other dog owners who thoughtlessly allow their pets to foul the
pavement. They must truly believe it is not their responsibility
to clean up after their dog...Well it is!
I have noticed that Windmill Avenue, Stonehill Avenue and Birch
Tree Avenue are particularly bad at the moment. Surely everyone
is aware of the huge numbers of children who walk along these
roads in order to get to and from school. It takes no imagination
to realise what gets embedded in their shoes and then trodden
in around the school grounds and on the floors and carpets -
yuuuk! It just doesn't bear thinking about!
I walk my dog early in the mornings and have often come across
some 'steaming piles' suggesting that the culprits are up bright
and early, ready to pollute the area without anyone catching
them.
Be warned, I have contacted the Environmental Health Department
of Charnwood Borough Council. Dog wardens don't always have to
work 9-5.
Name and address supplied
On Sunday afternoon January 15 my son (a responsible adult)
walking our small dog over a field near the Marina in Watermead
Country Park was attacked by six youths on bicycles. After being
knocked to the ground they held him there while a female kicked
him in the face breaking his nose, if the dog had been on her
lead she would have been hurt also, she was terrified, but was
able to run off (she came back).
After reporting this to the police he returned covered in blood
and mud.
Unfortunately the police were some time coming to take his statement,
by which time his face and nose were so swollen the A & E
could no nothing until Friday January 27 when they re-set his
nose, his breathing is still restricted so must attend A &
E again.
I write only to ask people taking a walk in Watermead Country
Park to be aware of thugs who are also cowards attacking people
on their own with small dogs, it may have been different had
it been a German Shepherd.
Name and address supplied
In the Birstall Post of February in the item about the industrial
site proposed for land north of Birstall, Mr Hankin, Director
of Development at Charnwood Borough Council is reported as saying:
"Employment land is best sited next to residential areas".
Therefore how does he justify the siting of the Wyevale Garden
Centre when it was established on its present site beside the
A6 a few years ago? It is certainly not sited next to a residential
area. During the past few months we have seen a very large building
erected next to the Wyevale Garden Centre. In fact it is a massive
building and is obviously going to be some kind of factory or
warehouse/distribution centre. Again it is not sited next to
a residential area so both units make a mockery of Mr Hankin's
statement. Admittedly it has been mainly shielded from the view
of those travelling along the A6 by the placing of a high earth
bank with young trees planted along the top. In view of the fact
that these two employment units ie the Garden Centre and the
new building, have been built where they are, why not extend
the site as an industrial area so that it can accommodate also
the industrial units planned for the area north of Birstall.
Instead of despoiling the area north of Birstall it should remain
as a green wedge between Birstall and Rothley.
Obviously a Director of Development, and indeed those Borough
Councillors on the committee he is answerable to, must think
about future development and plan several years ahead. Therefore
it appears more than likely they were thinking of having an industrial
site north of Birstall when they put forward the proposals for
the development of the Hallam Fields site. Thus it must have
been a deliberate ploy not to mention that fact at the time of
the Public Enquiry into the Hallam Fields site. Not exactly open
government in fact very devious and undemocratic. In spite of
Mr Hankin stating that the Local Development Framework (LDF)
will attempt to generate a planning strategy incrementally with
community involvement at every stage, no doubt most people will
see the proposed industrial site as a fair accompli. No wonder
a small percentage of electors vote at local and national elections.
I wish to query one point made by Charnwood Borough Councillor,
Helena Edwards, when she speaks of regional government bodies.
I didn't know we have a regional government in the East Midlands.
Where is the seat of this regional government and when did we
elect it?
Jex Woods
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Age Concern info
Changes to Warm Front Programme
The Chancellor, Gordon Brown, announced in the pre-Budget Report
that resources for Warm Front will increase so that by 2007-08
the total funds available will be £252 million. He will
also set aside an additional £300 million to enable older
people receiving Pension Credit to have central heating systems
installed free of charge. Additionally the Government will provide
a £300 discount on central heating systems to all other
pensioners who do not already have it in their homes.
Energy suppliers are also involved in promoting energy efficient
measures through the Energy Efficiency Commitment programme.
To complement the Government's proposals they have agreed to
install loft and cavity wall insulation free to households receiving
Pension Credit if they need it. This is in addition to the discounted
insulation they already offer to all other pensioner households.
Improved Access to Air Travel for Disabled People
The European Parliament and the Council of Ministers have recently
agreed to new European Union rules which will improve the rights
of disabled people and those with reduced mobility when travelling
by air.
The rules stipulate that :
o The new EU Regulation applies to all disabled people as well
as people with reduced mobility;
o people may not be refused transport on the grounds of disability
or reduced mobility;
o assistance must be given free of charge at the airport and/or
on the aircraft. provided 48 hours notice is given;
o the managing body of an airport is responsible for ensuring
that assistance is provided but may contract the provision of
the service to the airlines; and
o these services will be funded by a charge levied on airlines
in proportion to the total number of passengers that each carries
through that particular airport.
The regulation should become effective by the beginning of 2008.
Choice of Hospitals
The Department of Health has announced that the next step in
the programme to introduce choice of hospital was implemented
from January 1, 2006. People who need to see a specialist for
further treatment now have the right to choose from at least
four hospitals or clinics.
The ways in which patients can access information and book their
appointments include:
o calling the Choose and Book Appointments Line on 0845 608 8888;
o via the Internet at www.nhs.uk/healthspace (select Choose and
Book);
o booking with their GP or a member of the practice team; and
o calling the hospital booking staff at the hospital or clinic
of their choice.
More Choice for Patients, Department of Health news article.
Available free on the Internet at: www.dh.gov.uk/NewsHome/fs/en
How Engaged Are People In Their Healthcare?
The Health Foundation has published the findings of a national
telephone survey undertaken by Picker Institute Europe. The research
focuses in particular on the ability of people with chronic conditions
to adopt self-care and to take on the additional responsibilities
for their health which form part of current health police.
The report findings include:
o nearly half of people living with a chronic disease do not
feel able to take effective action to improve their own health;
o there is a significant variation in the capacity of individuals
to manage their own health. People from lower socio-economic
groups, those who left school at 16, and older people are the
least able to manage their health problems effectively; and
o not all chronically ill patients are actively involved in decisions
about their treatments.
The report identifies the need for targeted support to ensure
that everyone is able to engage with the health system effectively
and that, without this, there is a danger of widening existing
inequalities.
How Engaged Are People In Their Healthcare? Findings of a National
Telephone Survey, by Jo Ellins and Angela Coulter. Available
free from the Health Foundation, Communications Co-ordinator,
90 Long Acre, London WC2E 9RA Tel: 020 7257 8067 Fax: 020 7257
8001
Home Improvement Agencies : Online Directory
A new searchable online directory has been launched to help people
locate their nearest Home Improvement Agency (HIA), and then
view the services it offers in that area. The directory can be
assessed at www.foundations.uk.com
HIAs are not-for-profit, local organisations that assist homeowners
and private sector tenants who are older, disabled or on a low
income to repair, improve, maintain and adapt their home. Services
can include adaptations; information about benefits, grants and
loans; repairs and home maintenance; and falls prevention and
hospital discharge.
Foundations, the national co-ordinating body for HIAs, has timed
the launch of the directory to coincide with the recent rebranding
of a new logo and strap line ('Making Homes Warm, Safe and Secure')
that many HIAs are now using. Many HIAs are known by local names
such as Staying Put and Care & Repair. It is hoped the new
branding will raise the profile of the service for users.
(Foundations Press Release, January 4, 2006)
Carers UK : Reports on Poverty and Caring, and New Guides
Carers UK has published a report on caring and poverty which
estimates that carers are missing out on an estimated £746
million in unclaimed benefits. Older carers are particularly
hard hit, with some 125,000 carers over the age of 60 missing
out on Pension Credit and 64,000 losing out on the extra support
through the Carer Addition.
The figures are based on research carried out at Sheffield Hallam
University. Carers UK also received responses from nearly 850
carers over the age of 60 following distribution of a questionnaire.
They found that one third had left work or retired early due
to their caring role and two thirds of this group felt this had
left them worse off. One in six felt their pension had been affected
by caring. Around one quarter of respondents were in receipt
of Pension Credit and those who were felt marginally better off
than those not receiving the benefit. One in seven were put off
claiming benefits because of lack of information and comments
from others suggested lack of information made a difference to
claiming.
The report makes a number of recommendations, including ensuring
carers are able to juggle work and care; a reduction in the complexity
of claiming carer's benefits; and more flexible services.
Caring and Pensioner Poverty - A Report on Older Carers, Employment
and Benefits 17pp
Carers UK has produced two guides covering carers' rights and
benefits and services for people aged 60 and over:
Carers Rights Guide 15pp
Looking After Someone - A Guide to Benefits and Services for
People over 60. 27pp
Both guides available free from: Carers UK, 20-25 Glasshouse
Yard, London EC1A 4JT.
Both guides also available on the Internet at www.caresuk.org/Newsandcampaigns/CarersRightsDay/Adviceleafletsforcarers
Simpler Compensation Claims Against Solicitors
From January 1, 2006, consumers will no longer have to go through
the courts to claim up to £15,000 for poor work by solicitors.
The Law Society can now order a solicitor to make payments up
to this limit - a threefold increase on the previous limit of
£5,000. However, people seeking redress above the £15,000
ceiling will still have to take their case to court and may well
need another solicitor to represent them.
Department for Constitutional Affairs Press Release 352-05, December
29, 2005.
Care Home Guides Update
Counsel and Care has updated its Care Home Guides. There are
two versions of the Guide, a short and a complete version, covering
choosing a care home; when local authorities should fund care;
when the NHS should fund care; what to expect in a care home;
and what to do if there are problems in a care home.
The Complete Care Home Guide 72pp
The Brief Care Home Guide 46pp (Internet Version 26pp)
Available free from Counsel and Care, Twyman House, 16 Bonny
Street, London NW1 9PG. Tel: 0845 300 7585. Fax: 020 7267 6877
Email: sharon.ridsdale@counselandcare.org.uk. Also available
on the Internet at www.counselandcare.org.uk/guides.htm
Funding Allocation to Replace Liable Relative Rules
The Department of Health has added £4 million from April
2006 and a further £4 million from April 2007 to cover
the cost of discontinuing the application of the Liable Relative
Rules when assessing charges for residential care. Currently
under sections 42 and 43 of the National Assistance Act 1948,
the local authority has powers to ask spouses to make payments
towards the costs incurred by the state for care. The Government
plans to repeal these rules as they are 'widely regarded as anachronistic'.
Primary legislation is needed but the aim is to repeal the rules
not later than April 2007. In the interim, the Department of
Health strongly discourages councils from applying these rules.
It has therefore provided the additional funding from April 2006.
Annex E Local Authority Social Services Letter - LASSL (2005)6
: Adults' Personal Social Services (PSS) : Specific Revenue and
Capital Grant Allocations for 2006-07 and 2007-08. Available
free from Department of Health Publications PO Box 777, London
SE1 6XH. Tel: 0870 155 5455, Fax 01623 724524. Email : dh@prolog.uk.com.
Jex Woods
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