Impact of Tesco
TESCO HAVE applied for a licence to sell
alcohol from 139 Sibson Road but have not confirmed they intend
to open a store at the site.
The Birstall Post asked Tesco to explain whey they had indicated
that they were not opening a store, as reported in the last issue
of the Post. They issued us with the following statement: "Tesco
is often in negotiations for new sites that sometimes never materialise.
Therefore until an agreement is reached or a Tesco application
made we would not confirm or deny. Negotiations can be with landowners,
landlords or property developers. Quite often we acquire a site
with planning permission from developers. The details are being
reviewed."
Charnwood Borough Council has confirmed that the fact that Tesco
have applied for an alcohol licence does not mean that they are
the owners or developers of the Sibson Road site.
But sources contacted by the Birstall Post suggest it is extremely
like that a Tesco Express store will open at the site.
Some local shops are concerned about the impact Tesco will have.
Butcher Mark Patrick said: "It will knacker us all - when
they open, the small shops will go the wall and when the shops
go Birstall will change. If people don't use the small shops
they'll lose them."
He added: "What baffles me is how they got planning permission.
It's a busy crossroads and there's no parking for customers,
deliveries or the upstairs flats."
Teresa Wakefield at Pete's Fruit & Veg said: "There
are enough alcohol licences in the village already, we don't
need any more, there are loads of windows smashed on Sibson Road
as it is. I think it will close village shops."
Gwen Ward from Krusty's said: "Our sandwich and cob side
will be really affected, it will cut down business. And where
will the parking go."
Hasmukh Shah from Birstall Jewellers said: "It's wonderful
news, it's needed and it's a good food shop. My customers are
telling me they are not happy with Somerfield and have to go
outside the village to shop, but if Tesco opens here it will
bring shoppers to Birstall."
A 27 name petition has been submitted to Charnwood opposing the
application to sell alcohol from the site, made up of 22 businesses
and five individuals.
Concerns have been expressed about the lack of customer parking
and the access for deliverers to the store. A county Council
transport spokesman said: "The developer asked the County
Council to move the bus stop, to allow access for deliveries.
Following a site visit, county council officers have suggested
replacing the existing stop with one nearer the A6, with a clearly
marked bus pull in. We are now awaiting final comments from the
developer and the Parish Council before deciding how to proceed."
The details of the planning application can be viewed at charnwood.gov.uk,
go to the planning section, the application number is P/06/2741/2
Gala weekend
A TORRENTIAL downpour forced the cancellation
of this year's Gala concert but sunny weather helped to make
the rest of the gala weekend a success.
Chairman of Birstall Parish Council, Stuart Jones said: "It
was sad and I was disappointed that the rain came but pleased
that the rest of the event was all right.
The Saturday event was a programme of live music organised by
Simon Castleman featuring local bands. On Sunday visitors enjoyed
fun fair rides and stalls representing village organisations.
Cricket Coach Andy Corbett received the Birstall Citizen of the
Year Award from Chairman of Birstall Parish Council Stuart Jones.
Stuart said: "Andy is always there for everyone else and
it is a pleasure to make this award to him." Andy said:
"This is a complete surprise, I'm honoured and proud to
receive this. I was born in Birstall and lived here for 27 years.
I'd like to thank all those who nominated me and my wife Debs
for her support because volunteering has taken up so much of
my time and she is very understanding."
The Parish Council intends to stage another gala weekend in 2008.
The winner of the £100 lucky programme was number 806.
The winner should contact the Parish Council office on 2676191
Raffle prize winners: bottle of whisky 235, Oswell; aquarium
249, Marshall; bird house 361, Tyler; basket of fruit 393, Parradell;
hanging basket 210, Kinton; soft toy 297, Ludlam; 'Influence'
voucher 257, Davis; 'Unique' voucher 243, Jones; 'Shapes' voucher
185, Kinton; 'Silhouettes' voucher 254, Butler; 'Blue Moon' voucher
80, Warren; bottle wine 67, Allen; J Michael voucher 105, Jackson;
garden clock 297, Mistry; basket of fruit 72, Smart; items from
Choice Wise 323, Penrose; 6 bottles wine 81, Sessions; bottle
Malibu 47, Sykes; bottle wine 156, Bilson; bottle wine 137, Coulson;
orchid 198, Vale; candles gift set 435, Wilkinson
All winners have now been notified - any prizes not yet collected
are in the council offices.
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Park and Ride plans moving closer
BIRSTALL'S PARK and ride site opposite
Hallam Fields could be open in 2009, four years earlier than
planned.
The County Council are in negotiations with the developers of
Hallam Fields, Jelson Homes, to bring the project forward, which
could provide spaces for up to 1000 cars and cost £5 million.
As a condition of planning permission, Jelsons are required to
have built a 535 space park and ride site upon the occupation
of the 450th dwelling on Hallam Fields. 60 homes are currently
occupied and Jelson's schedule is to build 60 a year. At this
rate the park and ride would not be provided until 2013.
Both the County and City Councils are eager to complete the project
sooner to ease traffic congestion. The County Council Deputy
Leader and Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation Nick
Rushton said: "Park and rides are the solution to congestion
and we need four or five around the city centre. We'd like to
get the Birstall one built."
The county have begun negotiations with Jelsons. As things stand,
Jelsons won't have to pay out until 2013 and then pay the market
rate for constructing the site at that time. The county are proposing
to Jelsons that if they pay the county now a sum that would pay
for the site at today's rate, then the county will take responsibility
for constructing the site and can start building it now, and
provide more parking spaces that the 535 in the original agreement.
The maximum number of spaces permitted on the site is 1000.
Both Jelsons and the County Council have suggested a sum to each
other, which both have rejected. Nick Rushton said: "The
negotiations are OK but moving slowly, but I'm fairly optimistic
and we have the City Council with us on this."
Walk for church
BIRSTALL'S VICAR is leading a group of
pilgrims on a sponsored walk to raise money for church improvements.
Rev James Shakespeare will be walking the 64 miles from Birstall
to Lincoln Cathedral - when Birstall's St James Church was built
in the 13th century it was in the Lincoln diocese.
Money raised will help pay for a scheme to create a space within
the church for community use. James said: "This exciting
project will transform St James Church, creating a significant
space for community activity available to local people. Examples
could include youth work, schools' workshops, local societies
or receptions following christenings or other special services."
He added: "It will strengthen our partnership, as the parish
church, with the local community.
The estimated cost of the project is £35,000 with £15,000
raised so far.
The walk will be completed over six days, departing from Birstall
on August 28.
James said: "People are welcome to either join part of the
walk, seeking sponsorship for their own efforts or to sponsor
me in walking the full 64 mile route. For those wishing to join
part of the walk, we will provide transport to and from the route
each day."
To support the walk cheques to 'Birstall & Wanlip PCC' should
be sent to St James Parish Office, c/o The Rectory, 251 Birstall
Road LE4 4DJ. Sponsorship forms are available from local churches
or Birstall library.
Schoolgirl assaulted
A TEENAGE girl was taken to hospital after
being kicked in the head on Windmill Avenue.
The 14 year old was attacked by another girl and thrown to the
ground as a crowd of around forty looked on. Adults who tried
to help were held back by the crowd and some of the onlookers
took pictures on their mobile phones.
The assault only stopped when a doorman who lived nearby intervened.
The girl was taken to Leicester Royal Infirmary with cuts to
her head and face.
The incident took place at 1pm on Friday July 13 and police are
appealing for witnesses and mobile phone footage of the attack.
Anyone with information should call the Police on 0116 222 2222
or the anonymous Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111
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