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Mountsorrel Post March 2005 (10)

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Paul Gent

Village learning project

CHARNWOOD NEIGHBOURHOOD Project will be based in Mountsorrel over the next six months to help provide learning opportunities to adults interested in making that big break in life, or just simply learning something new.
The Methodist Church in Mountsorrel will be hosting three new exciting events run by CNLP - Charnwood Neighbourhood Learning Project.
Running every Tuesday from March 1 (except Easter holidays) Mountsorrel residents are invited to hourly sessions to create a home-grown book about Mountsorrel. Ideas for what will go into the book will be from the residents of the village. No experience is necessary, as training will be given in skills such as creative writing, computer skills, design etc.
Every Thursday from March 3, come and practice your natural artistic talent at the start of a weekly art group that will set a new tradition of creative art in Mountsorrel history. Beginners and experienced are all welcome as a professional artist will give one-to-one guidance. The art group will meet at 2-4pm.
Finally, those interested in becoming involved in learning or training for work are invited to a drop in surgery on Tuesday April 5 where experts from CNLP, Next Step, and CVS (Charnwood Voluntary Services) can give guidance and directions to learning around the county.
All the above are held in the Methodist Church, Mountsorrel on the corner of Churchill Road and Rothley Road.
For more information on the project, contact Paul Gent at Charnwood Arts on 01509 821035 or pablogent@yahoo.com.
The Charnwood Neighbourhood Learning Project is funded by the Learning and Skills Council, a government agency that promotes post 16 education. The project is being managed by the charity Charnwood Arts in Birstall, Mountsorrel and two areas in Loughborough.

Antisocial behaviour problems

THE POLICE are considering applying for new powers to tackle problems caused by youths gathering near Rothley Road/Hawthorn Road junction.
Dispersal Orders are powers granted to the police by the Anti Social Behaviour Act 2003 and have been available to the authorities since January 2004.
They give the police, working with local authorities, new powers to target problem areas and help communities remove intimidation and anti-social behaviour from the streets.
In a designated dispersal area, the police can direct individuals to leave the locality and they may be excluded from the area for up to 24 hours. This area can be as small as a cash point or row of shops where groups often gather, or it could be as wide as a whole local authority area, as long as there is evidence of anti-social behaviour. The local authority, in Mountsorrel’s case this is Charnwood Borough Council, must also agree to the designation of a dispersal order, which can last up to six months.
Mountsorrel Parish Council, the Police, local residents and shopkeepers are all concerned at the problems caused by youths gathering on Rothley Road.
A spokesman for Mountsorrel Fish Bar said: “There are a group of lads, maybe 15 or so aged from 10 to 18, that stand around here. I’ve seen things being thrown at cars, and I’ve seen snowballs being thrown at customers. It can be intimidating for people, not just customers but the residents round here, they don’t like to pass them and everyone is suffering.”
He added: “I’d back any moves to introduce a dispersal order, the police have no powers at the moment to deal with it.”
Mountsorrel’s Community Support Officer (CSO) Chris Fielden said: “There has been a series of anti-social behaviour incidents in the Hawthorn Road area. We have tried to address this by talking to the young people, making parental visits and some arrests, but this has not had a major impact on the situation. A dispersal order is the next logical solution.”
Chris said that he and his colleagues, Mountsorrel’s Beat Officer Chris Grey and Sgt Brett Collins had been collating evidence to present to Charnwood for them to approve a dispersal order.
One aspect of this has been a questionnaire they circulated to 180 residents in the Hawthorn Road area asking about their experiences of antisocial behaviour. There were 112 replies. Chris said: “Most replies have identified a problem, but the responses have also said that the kids need somewhere to go and something to do.”
He added: “A dispersal order is only a short term solution, there has to be a multi agency approach to address this problem.”
Chris identified the area in Mountsorrel that would be covered by a dispersal order as Hawthorn Road, The Green, the Memorial Hall and the Soar Valley Leisure Centre.
In an area covered by a dispersal order, the police and CSOs have the power to disperse groups where the relevant officer has reasonable grounds for believing that their presence or behaviour has resulted, or is likely to result, in a member of the public being harassed, intimidated, alarmed or distressed.
Individuals can be directed to leave the locality and may be excluded from the area for up to 24 hours.
A police officer or CSO may also return young people under the age of 16 home, who are out on the streets and not under the control of an adult, after 9pm.
Penalties for not complying are a fine or a maximum of three months imprisonment.
A dispersal order has been in force in Loughborough two centre since March 1. Charnwood say they want to review the success of the order before they agree to introduce them elsewhere in the borough.

Recycling rates

THE BOROUGH Council’s recycling service launched in September last year has already had an effect on the amount of rubbish that the Borough sends to be dumped in landfill sites, according to the Council’s recycling chief, Peter Rook.
He said: “Between October and December 2003 we sent over 10,000 tonnes of rubbish to landfill sites, most of which are in Leicestershire. For the same period in 2004, in other words soon after the new recycling service was introduced we sent just 7,380 tonnes to land fill. That represents a drop of about 27% year on year.”
Cllr Dr Jill Vincent, the Cabinet Lead member for recycling said: “This is really good news. It means that as a result of the new service and the co-operation of people in Charnwood we have stopped 2,600 tonnes of rubbish being dumped. As most people know the service is still in its infancy so it is even more encouraging to think that this is just the beginning. I’d like to thank residents for their co-operation, their efforts really do make a great difference.”

Pic: (l-r) Steward Peter Kerrigan, Adrian Walker from LOROS and John Bonner, President Mountsorrel WMC

Club’s bumper quiz night

A QUIZ night held in December and organised by Mountsorrel Working Men's Club has raised £675 for LOROS.
145 people took part in the quiz. LOROS Senior Fundraiser Adrian Walker said: "We're so grateful for the support of the people of Mountsorrel, the Working Men's Cluba and particularly the steward Peter Kerrigan. He is an avid supporter of LOROS, has put in a lot of hard work and I'm so pleased he is reaping the rewards by raising a fantastic sum of £675 in the evning."

Growing club’s ambitious expansion plans

NOW 10 years old, Mountsorrel Juniors Football Club has over 200 children training and playing in various leagues across the county.
Established in 1994 by Mr Barry Harrison and Mr Jim Lant with the financial help of the new Honorary President Mr Ray Musson, the club started with approximately 10 children of various young ages and since then has grown steadily in size. Their home ground is based on Halstead Road which is owned by the Parish Council.


Pic: Mountsorrel under 11s with their new sponsor for the 2005-06 season City Fencing Ltd (0116 2626564)
left to right: Back row: Gary Harrison (manager), Dom Bagnall, Tom Baker, Dominic Brennan, Charlie Plummer, Brad Peel, Sam MacCarthy, Joe Pickering, Alistair Thompson, Paul Lewis (sponsor)
Front: Brad Dewick, Brad Stafford, Ross Harrison, Tom Parslow, Ben Bateson, Zoe Hill, Nathan Lyons, Christian Mayes

In December 2004 Mr Michael Stevenson took over the Chairman’s position from Mr Jim Lant. Michael said: “My aims for the club are to see us obtain our own land to further progress the club which will enable us to push forward for FA Charter Standard and to establish further teams for girls and boys of all ages.”
The club also wishes to establish a senior team to enable the current crop of youngsters a stage to continue playing their football in the future, and the club hopes to have this in place before the 2006-2007 season. These plans depend on the club obtaining their own land to develop, enabling them to one day compete with local rivals such as Quorn and Loughborough and bringing high quality football to the village.
They are constantly striving to improve the club in all aspects, and have recently launched their website www.mountsorrelfc.cc.uk which is proving to be popular, enabling everyone in and around the village to keep up to date with all aspects of the club from match results to current events and committee meetings.
The club is always looking for volunteers to help in all aspects of the club, from helping in the club shop on match days to becoming committee members. They are also looking for sponsorship from local and national companies wishing to get involved in grassroots football. Current opportunities include sponsoring teams, players, or placing links on the website. Anyone wishing to look further into this please contact Mr Michael Stevenson on 07792 905504 who is always willing to discuss the options available.
In June and July this year the club will be holding their annual summer tournaments where over 500 children over three days attend from all over the county to play small sided soccer. More details are on the website.
For more information on joining any of the teams, sponsorship or helping out, visit the website or contact the Chairman on 07792 905504.

Parish Council notes

A FULL meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Council was held on December 13.
The clerk asked members to consider the council’s priorities for the coming year, so that the budget for 2005/06 could be presented on time to the Borough Council.
The Clerk reported on recent staff changes, the IT system and the implementation of new policies, procedures and practices.
A full meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Council was held on January 10.
It was agreed to purchase a bench to be positioned on the highway, close to the Peace Garden. It was agreed to purchase a litter bin to be placed near to the seat close by the Loughborough Road bridge.
Borough Councillor David Slater reported that there was a timetable for the development of properties on Churchill Road which will see the properties complete by March 2005. The completion of the remaining houses will be rolled over into the Decent Homes Programme.
Cllr Steve Haywood reported that there were no public toilets in the village, except for those in public houses and the Soar Valley Leisure Centre. It was agreed that Charnwood Borough Council be asked whether a disabled toilet should be provided under the Disability Discrimination Act.
The Council agreed to budget a sum of £250,000 over the next three years to be spent on play equipment and play areas on the Parish Council’s three playing fields. The clerk reported that contributions from developers for facilities on the Memorial playing fields site totalled £40,000.
The Council agreed to donate £55 to the Happy Circle.
The Council agreed a precept, or budget, for the year 2005/06 of £158,105. The precept for the year 2004/05 was £153,500.
A full meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Council was held on February 14.
The Council has received a letter of resignation from Cllr Julie Carter and it was agreed to send her a letter of thanks for her work while a member of the Council.
Cllr Fred Newitt commented that the old Spencers shop had had UPVC windows and a door fitted without seeking planning permission which would be required as the building is listed and in a Conservation Area.
It was agreed to donate £250 to Mountsorrel Royal British Legion.
It was agreed to grant the right to graze cattle on Mountsorrel Marshes to Paul Wainwright.
It was agreed to accept a quotation of £800 for the removal of self set ash saplings from Castle Hill.
It was agreed to accept a quotation of £33,000 play equipment and play surfacing on the Memorial playing fields.
Comment was made about the interest local police are showing in obtaining a Dispersal Order for Mountsorrel. These identify problem areas and give the police powers to send individuals home. The Hawthorn Road/Rothley Road junction is a problem area.
It was agreed to purchase a new clock for the Parish Room priced £30.
Leicestershire County Council Highways Department has decided to make no alteration to the Halstead Road, Swithland Lane junction, saying it is adequately safe.

Pic: Tutor Anne Kingham

Course that feels good

A FREE course that aims to improve your confidence is proving to be a success with local people.
Small groups, led by tutor Anne Kingham, are getting together in Birstall, Rothley and Mountsorrel to take part in the ‘Feel Good’ course.
One participant said: “The course has exceeded my expectations - Anne is very good at explaining and there is a light hearted atmosphere with plenty of laughter. It has really helped me feel better about myself and has been confidence building.”
Another said: “I was very nervous about coming the first time, but so pleased that I did.”
The course is in two parts, each lasting six weeks, with the group meeting on a weekly basis for a two hour session.
The first part of the course is about: saying no when we want to, communicating in a straightforward way, standing your ground when necessary, handling guilt and taking and giving criticism.
The second part is about: recognising our achievements, valuing ourselves, recognising what is not helping us and finding ways of changing and setting realistic goals.
One method used by the group is role play. “We have been learning how to say no by doing it within the group, usually with lots of laughter. Practising like this has given me the confidence to do it on the outside - just being able to say no can be a real release, it makes you feel more in charge and gives you a sense of freedom” said a participant.
The course is for people of any age and the groups are small: there are currently five in the Birstall group which meets at Birstall library and eight at Rothley, which meets at Rothley library. The library is closed to the public during sessions.
The Birstall sessions are on Wednesdays from 9.15 to 11.15am and at Rothley, on Tuesdays from 9.15 to 11.15am.
Ann will be starting a course in Mountsorrel from Wednesday April 4 that will meet at 7pm in the Bower Room, next to the Parish Church.
Tutor Anne Kingham can be contacted on 01664 424390 - she will talk to you about when the next part starts and what might be helpful for you.

Iron age Birstall

THE REMAINS of an Iron Age settlement have been discovered in Birstall.
Archaeologists from Leicester University made the finds on the site of the Hallamfields development, north of Harrowgate Drive.
Patrick Clay, Director of Archaeological Services, said: “We have had finds like this across the county but this is particularly good one, dating a few decades before the Roman invasion, around 50BC.”
Evidence of a farmstead have been found, braces of a circular house, slag from ironworking, pottery, alloy or bronze brooches and animal bones.
Aerial photographs revealed crop marks indicating an enclosure and a geophysical survey provided further clues, before archaeologists dug trial trenches and made the discovery.
An archaeological assessment of development sites is required before developers can build.
Developers Jelsons will start work on phase 1 of Hallamfields on March 1.

Vandals throw brick

A BRICK thrown by vandals through a window at Rothley School at the caretaker left him uninjured but shocked.
The incident happened after school on Friday January 14. The caretaker had confronted some young people trespassing on the school grounds and told them to go away. After he had gone inside, they returned and threw the brick through the window.
The Police were called and attended the scene but the young people had gone.

New Hyundai

FRANCIS MOTOR Group are investing in their car dealerships, including £500,000 on a Hyundai outlet at its Honda dealership in Mountsorrel.
The group is also spending £250,000 on its Honda and Suzuki site in Narborough, which is being redeveloped to allow more space for used car sales.
Francis Motor Group employs more than 100 people on three sites and is looking to recruit five more staff as a result of these developments.
The group’s turnover in 2004 was £40 million and this is expected to rise to £44 million in 2005.

Dog waste complaints

THE PARISH Council receives a large number of complaints about dog fouling from the public.
A Parish Council spokesman said: “Dog mess is unpleasant if you step in it, fall in it or cycle through it and it can also be a serious health hazard, particularly in playing fields.”
Both dog and cat faeces can contain the eggs of the roundworm ‘Toxocara’. If the eggs are ingested or inhaled by humans they can cause eye, liver, brain or respiratory problems and children playing in fouled recreation areas are most at risk. Problem areas in Mountsorrel are the Memorial and Halstead Road Playing Fields, Betty Henser’s Lane and the Centenary Open Space.
Dog and cat owners are advised to regularly worm their animals - this can help reduce the risk of infection. The spokesman added: “Every responsible dog owner should train their dog to go at home or clean up after their dog. When you take your dog out for a walk you should always carry a poop scoop or just a plastic bag and pick up the mess after the dog has done its business. Take the bag home for disposal or use one of the dog waste bins sited on most of the playing fields and open spaces.”
The Parish Council has employed a dog warden to go round the village and help solve this problem. She has the authority to enforce a £50 fixed penalty for failing to clear up after your dog and the maximum penalty is £1000. The spokesman added: “She is not out to catch responsible dog owners, only those who create the problem of dog fouling. So please be a responsible dog owner and clear up after your pet.”

Land for club

A LOCAL football club is looking to grow and develop by buying a plot of land in the village.
Michael Stevenson, the Chairman of Mountsorrel Juniors Football Club said: “We are currently looking for our own land within the village to enable the club to grow and to move in the same direction as other local clubs like Quorn, Rothley and Loughborough.
“I and the club feel the village of Mountsorrel needs a club to be aiming towards Senior League football within the next five years, but to do this we need to purchase our own land big enough o put pitches on and even possibly stadia at a later.”
The club is in a position to make a cash purchase, if a reader has land for sale they can contact Michael on 07792 905504.

New hotel and sports complex

PLANS FOR a hotel, conference centre and sports complex next to Watermead Country Park could create 80 jobs.
Raynsway Estates Limited have submitted a planning application and want to build on the site of the old Wanlip Country club on the eastern side of the Grand Union Canal.
Described as a ‘Leisure Development’ the plans include
• a 150 bedroom hotel in the form of a three storey, three wing block
• a sports hall and conference/business centre
• a reception block with bars, dining areas and administration
• a leisure club with indoor and outdoor pools, beauty suite, fitness rooms, snooker hall and restaurant
• a separate boathouse and ‘ferry’ point
• a pavilion/exhibition hall
The proposed buildings form a complex of linked blocks, mainly two and three storeys in height wrapped around the south and south west shores of Pavilion lake.
The whole complex will be set within a landscaped setting incorporating parkland, meadow, woodland, wetland and formal gardens.
Vehicular access will be from the new roundabout on Wanlip Road, near the Hope & Anchor pub, with an access road running along the west side of the site, beside the canal.
A new bridge, over the canal, for cyclists and pedestrians will link Watermead County Park to the complex.
The County Council says the development will have no adverse impact on the Country Park and are supporting the plans, subject to the developer being required to provide a new bridge crossing over the canal, additional tree planting along the canal frontage and a contribution towards a Watermead Park Visitors’ Centre.

Streets alive

ARTISTS, DESIGNERS and crafts people in Charnwood are being invited to take a stall at May Streets Alive event.
Previously known as Loughborough Carnival, the event is organised by Charnwood Borough Council and Charnwood Arts and features amusements, street entertainment and a wide variety of stalls. This year it will be held on Monday May 30, a Bank Holiday.
Spokesperson Sue Walters said: “Each year we build on the success of Streets Alive. We have a great many different stallholders each year and over 8,000 visitors to the event. Our arts team is very keen to promote arts and crafts and give designers an opportunity to exhibit, promote and sell their work. Charnwood Borough Council and Charnwood Arts believe that art is an important form of expression and is a valuable tool that can reach out to everyone.
“We are asking artists, designers and crafts people if they would be interested in holding a stall at this year’s Loughborough Streets Alive. Perhaps people may also be interested in running a workshop or demonstration at the event.”
If you are interested please contact Sue Walters at Charnwood Borough Council for an application pack on 01509 268903 or email sue.walters@charnwoodbc.gov.uk

GCR extra security

FACED WITH an annual cost of £50,000 to repair damage caused by vandals, the GCR have extended the coverage of their CCTV cameras and are to fit extra security lights.
Recent incidents have seen staff and windows pelted with stones while fitters working at the engine sheds in Loughborough have had items thrown at them from the bridge.
The new CCTV camera will be fitted at the Loughborough signal box which was hit by stones on New Year’s Eve.
The GCR recently spent £90,000 restoring three coaches that had been covered in graffiti and have had points motors worth £10,000 each stolen.

Parish council opening times

MOUNTSORREL’S PARISH Council office at 2a Little Lane is open to the public from 10.30am to 12noon on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Parishioners are welcome to view planning applications or raise matters with the parish clerk, Jane I’Anson, or her staff.
The telephone number is 0116 2303809

Next year’s council tax

THE BOROUGH Council’s component of the Council Tax will see no increase this year compared with last.
Council Leader Max Hunt said: “The Borough finances are in good shape which means that we can confidently propose a zero increase in Council tax and still have enough revenue to do all the things we want to improve the quality of life for people in the borough.”
He added: “In next year’s budget we have committed to an increase in staff and resources to reduce anti-social behaviour, are spending £300,000 to improve playgrounds and we are putting extra effort and resources into keeping our streets clean, we are well on the way to doubling the amount of household waste that we recycle and we will for the first time be running great new leisure centres...this against the backdrop of zero tax increase represents great value for residents.”
Besides the Borough Council element, Council Tax also includes a sum raised by the County Council, Leicestershire Police, the Fire Services and the Parish Council.
The County Council is planning a 2.9 per cent increase and the Police and fire authorities are expected to levy an extra five per cent each.
The Borough Council says it has avoided a rise by finding efficiency savings and taking £127,000 from reserves.

Information centres

THE COUNTY Council are spending £3.5 million on information centres to help people with everything from computer training to claiming benefits.
Those behind the project say they will be setting up 12 centres across Leicestershire to help people gain confidence in basic skills. A new centre is planned for Mountsorrel in 2006.
The county council is managing the multi-million pound scheme, which was started by Leicestershire Together, which represents more than 28 local organisations.
More than £1.6 million of the funding is coming from the Leicestershire Economic Partnership.
Work on access centres has already started in Coalville, Ibstock, Broughton Astley, Thorpe Astley and Huncote.
Next year, centres are set to be introduced in Moira, Loughborough, Mountsorrel and Bagworth.

Longslade improves

LONGSLADE COLLEGE has been removed from Special Measures following a visit by HMI Inspectors in February.
The College failed its Ofsted inspection in 2002 and since then has been following a programme of improvements that have raised standards.
Principal Dr Mike Griffiths said: “Naturally, I am delighted by this news and I look forward to the college moving on from strength to strength. Thanks go to staff and students for their hard work, that has resulted in not just satisfactory, but good judgements about the College”.
A completely new report about the College is now being prepared to replace the one written in 2002 by Ofsted. It will be available around the end of March.
The Inspectors’ report found:
• The College has made good improvement since the last inspection, with particular acceleration over the last year
• There has been good progress in raising the standard of teaching. There is now a high proportion of good and very good lessons. Staff were congratulated on their hard work in bringing about such significant improvement
• Students are well cared for, behave well and relationships are good
• The leadership and management of the College is good
• The 6th Form is effective, with students gaining added value with standards comparable with the national norm
• The College is moving forwards, has tackled previous weaknesses effectively and firm foundations have been laid for even further improvement
• There is a strong sense of teamwork, ‘togetherness’ and there is much increased stability

Secluded shelter for otters

CONSERVATIONISTS HAVE completed work constructing an otter holt in Mountsorrel.
The holt has been built on the banks of the River Soar on land owned by Stonehurst Farm.
A grant from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has paid for the work as well as for set aside land around the holt.
Sightings of otters are on the increase in the Soar and Wreake but conservationists say there is a lack of quiet, secluded shelters where they can rest.
The holt is made of willow logs, overlaid with branches and it is hoped the site will become a wildlife haven, attracting water voles, meadow flowers, insects and wading birds such as snipe.

Loss of village’s oldest resident

MOUNTSORREL’S OLDEST resident, Minnie Harrold, has died aged 102.
Minnie spent all her working life at the School Boy Boot Company factory, in Danvers Road and was a teacher at the Wesleyan Central Methodist Sunday School on Loughborough Road.
For the last two years, Minnie had lived at the Poplars residential home in Mountsorrel.

Planning

Mr M Tomlyn - rebuilding of Nos 22-26 Loughborough Rd following demolition to provide an extension to 20 Loughborough Rd. 22 Loughborough Rd
Mr L Tomlyn - demolition of front elevation of dwellings (conservation area consent). 22-26 Loughborough Rd
Mr M Dudek - erection of 2 storey front extension and rear conservatory to property. 204 Leicester Rd
CPG Developments Ltd - erection of two blocks of 2 & 3 storey flats (18 two and four bedroom flats) and associated works. 34-38 Linkfield Rd
Mr R Pearce - single storey extension to rear of dwelling. 119 Leicester Rd
Mr & Mrs Robinson - two storey extension to side and single storey extension to front of detached house. 6 Windmill Close
Mr P Middleton - single storey extension to rear of detached house. 4 Kenilworth Close
Mr A Martindale - erection of two storey extension to side of detached dwelling. 9 Grange Lane
Mr R Wojtylo - erection of detached garage to front of dwelling. 9 York Close
Black Hawk Properties - erection of two dwellings and garages. Plots 8 & 10 Waterside.
Moseley Estates Ltd - site for the erection of 15 dwellings (0.276 hectares). Land fronting Granite Way (showman’s winter storage site)
Mr A C Bailey - erection of extension to side of bungalow. 38 The Green, Mountsorrel
Honda UK - display of 3 internally illuminated fascia signs, 2 non-illuminated free-standing pylon signs and 3 non-illuminated directional and parking. Francis Honda, 58 Loughborough Rd.
Bradgate Farming - cutting down of two ash trees (conservation area notice) 8 Watling St
Pilbeam Opticians - two storey extension to rear of premises (46sq.m.) Pilbeam Opticians, 49 Leicester Rd
Mr & Mrs Gillett - erection of two storey extension to side of semi-detached dwelling. 13 Linkfield Rd.
Estate of Mr A J Reid - site for the erection of one dwelling with associated parking. 202 Loughborough Rd.
Mr & Mrs Choi, Mr A Low - demolition of buildings and erection of two semi-detached dormer bungalows. Land to the rear of 214 Loughborough Rd
Mr T Kee - erection of a detached house to replace semi-detached bungalow. 85 Rothley Rd
Mr & Mrs Murphy - erection of single storey extension to rear of detached house. 121 Rothley Rd

Pic: Chiropractor Thomas Jeppesen treating Tony Preston

Hands on approach to healing

A PROFESSIONAL treatment that works : that’s the verdict of patients at the Health on Hand Chiropractic Clinic in Belgrave.
Tony Preston of Barnard Way, Mountsorrel, first visited chiropractor Thomas Jeppesen at Health on Hand in December when he developed a pain in his hip that hurt while driving.
Tony (53) said: “I had it for two weeks, saw my GP who told me to take anti inflammatories and rest. That didn’t work so I saw Thomas’s advert and gave him a ring.
“The first thing Thomas did was give me a full check up from the neck down, before starting to manipulate my hip - I felt an instant benefit. I was uncomfortable over Christmas, but since then I have been progressively getting better and now have no problems.”
Tony has had six sessions with Thomas since his first in December.
Thomas qualified eight years ago after completing five and a half years of study at the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic in Bournemouth. He continues to further his knowledge by taking post graduate courses, the latest resulting in the award of an International Sports Chiropractic Diploma.
Thomas said: “I am convinced that Chiropractic and its way of changing the patterns we misuse our bodies in our everyday life, is one of the most important steps of getting and maintaining good health. Remember: health is optional, make it your priority!
“At the Health on Hand chiropractic clinic we help a variety of problems, ranging from low back and neck pain to leg and arm pain, sciatica, headaches, sports injuries, repetitive strain and whiplash.”
Chiropractic is a profession which specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions which are due to mechanical dysfunction of the joints and their effects on the nervous system.
Chiropractors use their hands to adjust the joints of your spine and limbs where signs of restriction in movement are found, improving mobility and relieving pain. This treatment is known as ‘adjustment’ or ‘manipulation’.

NHW news and crime report

Interest in NHW within Mountsorrel continues to grow with more groups expressing an interest in starting schemes of their own.
The Bull and Mouth public house on Leicester Road has reopened with a new landlady, Shirley Hearst, who has joined the Mountsorrel and Rothley Pubwatch scheme, fully supporting the aims of the scheme in helping to reduce incidents of violence around the village, whilst creating friendly places for villagers to meet and enjoy themselves. As the Bull and Mouth is a new member of the scheme all existing bans extend to include this pub and we wish them well for the future.
Incidents of anti-social behaviour continue to come in and in recent weeks positive action has had to be taken against a number of individuals for offences of public order, damage and theft. Also action is being taken against persons and households using newer legislation with the aim of reducing ongoing incidents of antisocial behaviour around the village.
In November there were a few reports of pellets being fired at cars on the A6 bypass near to Rowe Leys Furlong and Kingfisher Road. If anyone has any information please let us know.
The crime figures for December show the effect of all the hard work and thoughtfulness shown by the residents and visitors to Mountsorrel - only 37 incidents have been recorded. Also reports of disorder throughout the village have declined in December, but efforts to prevent street offences occurring continue, with one offensive weapon and two drugs seizures being made in the village.
The theft of power tools continues to be a favoured crime and I would appeal to all readers to ensure that such items are not left in view through vehicle, shed, or house windows. Also if working with such tools remember to pack them away when no longer required - it only takes a few seconds but it could save hours if it helps to prevent essential tools from being stolen.
Always dispose of credit and debit card receipts carefully, don’t just throw them in the bin with all the other rubbish.
A credit card receipt that has been burnt or shredded cannot be found and the card details put to use by someone else. Fraudulent transactions are a growing area of crime nationwide, although chip and pin transactions should help to curb the growth, consideration for how receipts are disposed of is just as important.
Through the vigilance of residents a burglar was detained in the village on January 7 with his bag of swag still swung over his shoulder. This was duly returned to its rightful owner.
Prompt reporting of suspicious incidents has again reaped its reward and I hope that events such as these can continue throughout the year.
During January there were four reported Burglary Dwellings and two Burglary Others. Theft from motor vehicles have started to rise again and I would encourage everyone to ensure that wheel trims are secured with tags and for those with easy to reach spare wheels ensure that these are securely locked onto the vehicle, as it’s not just items within the car that thieves are targeting.
Theft of cycles have started to appear in the village, a good lock and bikes secured to fixed objects is a good deterrent as is post coding. If anyone wants their cycle coding this can be done at Quorn police station free of charge.
Incidents of damage in the village in January were back up to previous levels accounting for 25% of all crime within Mountsorrel - particularly worrying is that the Memorial Hall and Marigold Lane have been subjected to vandalism and anti-social behaviour incidents. Although these areas are patrolled by Police Officers witnesses are sought so that the perpetrators can be dealt with.
Finally a reminder about bogus callers - all official representatives of utility companies carry ID cards and will not mind waiting whilst their ID is checked.
When callers come to your door remember:
1. STOP are you expecting anyone - do they have an appointment?
2. CHAIN secure the door bar or chain before opening the door
3. CHECK ask for and double check the caller’s ID - if in any doubt, DON’T let them in
If still suspicious write down a detailed description, full car registration, direction of travel and call 999 straight away.
How to beat the bogus caller leaflets are available from Mountsorrel Post Office and Library.
Advice for home security is available from Age Concern 0800 009966, Help the Aged 0800 8006565 and for more information on NHW 020 77723348 or www.neighbourhoodwatch.net
From PC 543 Gavin Grey, Voice mail 0116 248 5675 & enter 0543

Crime Report Nov 1 2004 to February 1, 2005
Burglary dwelling 16, burglary other than dwelling 4, theft from motor vehicle 9, damage to motor vehicle 9, damage 20, theft of motor vehicle 4.

Your Say...

I refer to the comments made in the Mountsorrel Post as regards the roundabout concerns on page 14 of the December edition.
I find it very difficult to believe that the County Council’s Highways Department carried out a thorough assessment of the highways safety and related implications involved as regards this mini roundabout.
We are finding that vehicles parking close to the roundabout are having to park up on the pavement, to be courteous, and even parking further back to avoid accidents etc. This means that we are losing our parking facilities outside our house.
As previously mentioned in various complaints over this matter, vehicles are totally ignoring the roundabout and are not only driving over it but are driving around it on the wrong side. The reason for this is quite obvious, well it is to the local residents, and it is basically down to the incorrect alignment of the roundabout and road to accommodate this obstacle!
You will find that there is a very poor visibility splay on the approach to the roundabout from the new estate (Black Hawke Housing Development). As nobody has actually moved into any of the houses as yet, it is unknown how dangerous this problem will be. The only thing that can be said is that, at present there is already an existing problem and this will become a lot worse when the new residents of the Black Hawke housing start using the roundabout.
The thought of yellow lines or similar measures being taken to compensate for the lack of forward planning and installing of such an obstacle is not acceptable and therefore the County Council needs to admit their faults and change this junction accordingly. In my opinion the cost of any changes should be met by the developers who are the only ones benefiting from this roundabout.
Mr Allen, Loughborough Rd, Mountsorrel

It was stated in the last edition of Mountsorrel Post that for a member of the public to raise a question during the public participation session at Mountsorrel Parish Council, notice had to be given to the Chairman at the start of the meeting. This is not in fact the case; no notice is required. Please accept our apologies for this error and any inconvenience it may have caused.
Cllr Hilary Dyer

The 1st Mountsorrel Scout Group would like to thank the people of Mountsorrel and surrounding villages for their support. This includes donations of raffle prizes, selling of tickets, offers of help and displays of promotional items.
The Scout Group has had a great deal of interest, but the more the merrier!
Our fundraising is continuing with a quiz night with a fish and chip supper. This will be held on April 22 at the Scout hut. Tickets must be bought in advance, £7 per adult including fish and chips, and £3 per child including sausage and chips. Tickets available from Helen 0116 2374187 or Carole 01509 880438.
Rachel Harman-Thomas

Well being group offers help

PEOPLE RECOVERING from mental ill health are being offered support and educational choices by the Well Being Group at Rawlins Community College.
The group meets in the newly adapted skills centre at the college, a relaxed, friendly teaching and community area with a private garden.
The group is for adults who are experiencing mental/emotional distress, feel stressed, experiencing isolation and who would like to explore various areas in the field of education.
Group Facilitator Julie Booker said: “Visiting tutors will help to awaken your interest in a variety of subjects - leisure, yoga, IT, arts and crafts or basic skills. A co-ordinator will assist people with choices, produce an individual learning plan, and a tutor will help you carry it out.”
The group meets on Mondays from 10am-1pm. For more details contact Liz Coates on 01509 622827

Future of council housing

THE FUTURE of council housing in Charnwood is under the spotlight again as the council begins a second round of consultation with over 6,000 tenants and leaseholders about the future ownership and management of local authority housing in the borough.
Richard Graves, the Council Officer leading the consultation said: “A tenant survey carried out in the first round of consultation last October confirmed that new windows and modern kitchen facilities are high priorities. The people we talked to also said a good quality responsible maintenance service, dealing firmly with anti-social behaviour and the development of more affordable housing for future generations were issues we should consider.”
Charnwood along with all other local housing authorities in the country is carrying out an appraisal of its resources and its ability to comply with the Government’s demand that all local authority homes should meet the so-called Decent Homes Standard by 2010.
By July this year the Council will decide whether resources are available to meet the Decent Homes Standard or whether it is necessary to look at other options like transferring council housing to a Housing Association or setting up another agency to attract investment.
Over the next two weeks every tenant will receive information from both the Council and from TPAS, an independent agency appointed by the Association of Charnwood Tenants to ensure that tenants receive objective and impartial advice throughout the debate about the future of council housing in the borough.
What is the Decent Homes Standard?
Put simply, a decent home is one, which is wind and weather tight, warm and has modern facilities. It should meet the following criteria:
• it meets the current legal minimum standard for housing
• it is in a reasonable state of repair
• it has reasonably modern facilities
• it provides satisfactory heating for families

Drum tuition in Syston

DRUMMING TUITION at Syston Drum Station attracts a wide range of students of all ages and abilities.
A spokesman said: People come to study at Syston Drum Station for varied reasons, from those who want to take it up as a hobby to those who want to take it up as a professional career. Whatever your aspirations, our aim is to get you where you want to be. Our youngest student is six years old and our oldest is 70”.
Beginners are taught good solid foundations, vital for further development. Ultimately, the beginner is given the necessary tools in order to become a competent drummer.
The spokesman added: “We usually find the intermediate or advanced type of players have developed bad habits that are preventing them reaching their full potential so like an engine, we strip down their playing and put it together for optimum performance.”
Lessons are tailored to the individual and are carried out within a fun, relaxed and stimulating environment.
Syston Drum Station can be contacted on: 0871 488 7950

Lions’ parcels

JUST BEFORE Christmas the members of the Rothley and Soar Valley Lions Club distributed 194 food parcels to elderly and needy people in the Soar Valley area - 70 of these being in Mountsorrel - and to four retirement and nursing homes.
The money for these was raised by a collection at ASDA, Thurmaston and by raffling hampers in 19 local shops and public houses including, in Mountsorrel, Aquarius Hairdressing, the Waterside, The Stag & Pheasant and The Bull and Mouth.
The Lions would like to thank ASDA, Thurmaston and the owners and licensees of all the establishment who had hampers and sold tickets for them and all the people who bought them to make the project work.

Nature Notes

By Finch

I am sure that there is someone out there who can tell me who Betty Henser was; who her maternal grandmother’s third cousin twice removed did for a living, and a complete list of all her descendants living at present in New Zealand.
I start this epic in the above manner to cover my ignorance and perhaps that of several of my readers. In fact all I know of Betty Henser is that she has a Lane which runs beside what used to be a transport cafe (in the old days when the A6 ran through the middle of Mountsorrel). In those days the Lane was very mysterious to those of us who trundled back and forth from home in Loughborough to job in Leicester. Clearly it ran back to the river: for what reason and why it should be so glorified as to be named I could only guess. Now of course, it has been chopped in half by the new bypass and the Mountsorrel end has degenerated into a plastic bag dump with clear signs of stolen car fires at the bypass end.
A few days ago I fulfilled a long held ambition to walk the Lane, though I stopped short of crossing the bypass. Apart from the rather interesting planning problem suggested by a new housing development being on the same level as a field that clearly floods - the field was full of clumps of rush which only grow in wet soggy conditions - I discovered something about the local bird life which had been puzzling me.
I keep a count of the maximum numbers of birds I see in my back garden every week - I have been doing this since the joint Leicestershire and Rutland Ornithological Society/Leicester Mercury survey was started several years ago. Unfortunately I did not keep an independent record of my counts, but over the years I have gained a fairly good picture of what to expect at different times of the year. Winter, for example, is a very good time for starlings - except this year, when my usual counts have fallen from about 100 to about 10. Redwings only come with snow - except this year when a flock of about 14 has been around for all of January. Blackbirds come in twos, except this year, when they were often absent.
In the hedges along Betty Henser’s Lane I found blackbirds; robins; a singing song thrush; titmice; chaffinches; wrens; dunnocks; an abundance of wood pigeons - and a large flock of redwings; but NO starlings. This must be an exceptional year. It is clear that more redwings than usual are present in the Soar valley. I saw a good sized flock of golden plover a week or two ago near Rothley. Even the Leicester Mercury has recorded that this a waxwing year. Yet there are no starlings. We know from ringing returns that the large flocks which occur here come from the continent. Could it be that this year there are no large flocks on the continent?