Lindens major facelift
Pic: Anthony, Sam and daughter Hannah in the
Lindens’ garden.
A MOUNTSORREL couple’s ambitious plans
to transform the Lindens on Halstead Road are about to come true
when the pub reopens on June 10 after a major refurbishment.
Anthony Bartle (33) and his fiancée Sam Knight (25) are
the licensees of the Lindens, Anthony having bought the pub from
his parents Tony and Lynne in April 2004.
Anthony said: “We are very excited, it’s a new venture
for us. We want the pub to be a traditional, comfortable family
pub, offering quality and value for money.”
Sam said: “We want everyone to feel very welcome here, whether
they’re 2 or 92. We want to be a home from home.”
The pub’s three rooms have been knocked into one horseshoe
shaped space, with a circular bar at the centre. The games room
has been refurbished and the theme for the decor is a traditional
one, with stove fires.
Pics: Two early photos of the Lindens, the
top pic showing the billiard room
The award winning garden, designed by Anthony, has been a finalist
in the Spencer Memorial Garden Competition for three years running
and features a large seating area, play equipment for children,
water features, hanging baskets and floral displays and a petanque
piste.
The Lindens has disabled access, disabled toilets and baby changing
facilities. Home cooked food is available with a children’s
menu and offers for senior citizens, plus a range of bar snacks,
tea and coffee.
Anthony, who left the army last year after six years in the parachute
regiment, is keen to develop links with the community. He and
Sam are members of Rothley and Soar Valley Lions and have hosted
fundraising events at the Lindens helped with the distribution
of Christmas parcels and are currently helping to organise the
10k road race.
The Lindens has flourishing petanque, darts and pool teams and
were recent winners of the Soar Valley Pool League Division Two.
The Everards pub, the Lindens will serve you with the brewery’s
award winning ales including Old Original, voted the best beer
in the world by the International Brewers Federation.
The Lindens was build in 1905 by a wealthy local industrialist
and Anthony would welcome any information from readers that will
help him research the history of the house.
Creative group
AROUND 20 people are meeting weekly at
the Parish Rooms to paint, as part of an initiative led by Charnwood
Neighbourhood Learning project and reported in the last issue
of the Post.
The weekly art group, on Thursdays from 2-4pm, is being led by
artist Paul Gent who is also working with residents on creating
a book about the village.
The book will include creative writing, history, anecdotes and
memories. Paul said: “I have picked up that young people
are saying they have nowhere to go and nothing to do, and that
Mounstorrel has no centre, but I’m also pleased that people
are telling me they like living in the village.”
Paul can be contacted on 01509 821035 and at Mountsorrel library
on Tuesdays from 2-4pm.
Parish plan a snapshot of village views
EIGHTEEN MONTHS hard work has come to fruition
in the completed full Mountsorrel Parish Plan Report and draft
Action Plan.
This report is based on the evidence supplied by the responses
of 581 households, representing all parts of the village, to
a questionnaire about life in the village. The questionnaire,
which was circulated in July 2004, was created from the combined
brain-storming of 39 volunteers. The launch of the Parish Plan,
where you can obtain a copy of the Report and meet the Service
Providers, will take place on June 21 at Mountsorrel Working
Men’s Club at 7.30pm
Pic: Parish Plan group chairman Peter Hodson
The Parish Plan summarises views on how people see the community
and how they would like to see it improved. It revealed that
most residents appreciate living close to attractive countryside,
while an equally large number felt that they had a home suitable
for their needs. Concerns were felt about the need for more community
buildings, accessible to all sections of the village; the need
for facilities for young people, and concern about anti-social
behaviour. Better transport access to Loughborough in morning
peak times is needed and education classes in Mountsorrel would
be appreciated. Litter and dog fouling were also seen as a concern.
Parish Plan Group Chairman, Peter Hodson, said: “Already,
the Neighbourhood Watch has received enquiries, a Heritage Watch
group and a Website Management Group have been started, from
volunteers who came forward as a result of the Parish Plan.”
The draft Action Plan is to be discussed more fully with the
Parish Council on June 6. Peter added: “It is hoped that
many more actions will come forward in the fullness of time,
with the help of the Parish Council, service providers and other
agencies - local authorities, health and police authorities.
The full completed Plan can be viewed at www.mountsorrel.org.uk
Some extracts from the Parish Plan:
• Environmental concerns were: improved street cleaning,
noise pollution, the protection of the riverbank, open spaces,
local footpaths and dirt pollution. It was a common view that
the village was dirty and untidy with lots of room for improvement
and that further house building in the parish would be unwelcome.
• The Memorial Hall is the most commonly used community
building, followed by the Working Men’s Club and the Parish
Rooms. 23% felt more facilities for young people were needed.
• The plan identifies a need for Adult Education classes,
a holiday play scheme and after school clubs.
• Local businesses are popular with residents
• 30% of respondents had looked at the village website
• Speeding vehicles, illegal and irresponsible parking are
identified as major problems.
• Peak time bus services are poor
• 21% of respondents had been the victim of vandalism and
criminal damage. 3.7% had been burgled. CCTV was suggested by
91% of respondents.
New centre planned for Church House
A NEW Library, Learning and Access Centre
in an extended Church House is being planned for Mountsorrel.
The proposed centre will be a two storey building, retaining
the original Church House on the Green and facing the Memorial
Hall.
The existing village library would be sold and the site redeveloped
to help finance the new centre.
Pics: an artist's impression of the building
Church House was built in 1912 to provide Sunday School and social
facilities associated with Christ Church. For 90 years it was
used for these purposes and for wider community use, such as
rummage sales, until the Church authorities declared it surplus
to requirements. It was bought in 2002 by Will Antill, a man
with local ties, who wishes to safeguard its use as a community
building.
Pic: Church House
Pic: Mountsorrel library
Mr Antill has secured the support of the County, Borough and
Parish Councils, as well as local schools. With a partnership
approach, it is hoped that the provision of the new centre will
start this year.
On the ground floor of the new building will be the library,
which will be larger than the existing village facility. The
first floor will be flexible and multi purpose, with computer
stations and an exhibition/teaching space.
The purpose of the new centre is to provide an enhanced library
service, a venue and information point for adult and family learning
and easier access to a range of council services. It will also
be available for hire by community groups.
Proposed uses for the building include:
• Library with books, music, DVDs, volunteer and job information
• Designated area for children, young adults and homework
• Access to computers and the internet
• A services access point - joint service shop shared with
all tiers of government
• Managed training and education eg numeracy, literacy,
IT training
• Welfare, benefits and legal advice
• Health education
• Exhibitions and archive of local history
• Social events, meetings and engagements
The draft proposals for Church House state:
• The existing building is retained in part and a two storey
extension is added utilising the full Church House site and taking
the opportunity to interface with the attractive setting of Mountsorrel
Green.
• The retained building is upgraded including the restoration
of the very important roofscape.
• The new extension utilises the quintessential combination
of materials and colours which make up Mountsorrel’s local
and distinctive character - Mountsorrel granite, red brick and
dark roofing. The facade to The Green has a light, airy and inviting
feel with careful use of timber and glazing.
• The existing entrance is improved and consideration is
given to external landscape treatment which will also help to
tie the Church House scheme in with planned improvements to the
Memorial Hall and surrounds and links to the Soar Valley Leisure
Centre.
The building and its site is being offered as a gift to the community
and would be long leased to the County Council and partners by
a charitable trust in perpetuity. Further discussions are now
underway to finalise partnership resource allocation, management
issues and user profiles.
Parish Council notes
A FULL meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Council
was held on March 14.
A resident reported that missiles were being thrown by young
people at passing vehicles outside the Memorial Hall. He had
contacted the Police who had attended the incident promptly.
PC Gavin Grey reported that since the beginning of 2005, the
Police had been very active in relation to burglaries, with significant
impact. He reported that a number of car radios had been returned
to the Police.
PC Grey said that NHW was expanding in Mountsorrel. He reported
that one area where there has been little impact is in relation
to vandalism offences and trouble with young people. He stated
that there is little legislation which has much impact and that
the Police rely on witnesses to any incidents. PC Grey felt that
some parents of the youths causing the trouble did not always
have control, and the children were left to their own devices.
PC Grey confirmed that a Dispersal Order is required in the village,
and parish councillors supported this view. PC Grey reported
that 70 per cent of incidents took place around the fish and
chip shop and Bargain Booze, and that the dispersal zone would
probably cover Halstead Road to the Leisure Centre, as well as
Churchill Road down to the fish and chip shop.
It was agreed that the Parish Council arrange a meeting with
David Harris, the officer in charge of dispersal orders, at Charnwood
Borough Council.
The clerk reported that a meeting had been held on site to discuss
CCTV for the Memorial Playing fields playground and the layout
of the car park. The Council agreed to proceed with the new children’s
playground, budget £30,000, and to install a CCTV system.
The Council agreed that there be no increase made to allotment
rents.
The Council agreed to spend £5,337 on floral displays for
the village. This will include 25 hanging baskets and planting
into existing granite planters.
Cllr Hilary Dyer reported on the comments received via the village
website regarding youth projects within Mountsorrel. It was agreed
to write to the Soar Valley Leisure Centre in support of their
projects and clubs throughout the summer, and to encourage an
open morning.
It was agreed to enter Mountsorrel into the Leicester Mercury’s
Best Kept Village competition.
A full meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Council was held on April
11.
County Councillor Ray Mason reported that a resident had complained
after a vehicle collided with her wall near to the mini roundabout
beside the Black Hawk development. He said that a site visit
was planned to review the design of this new junction.
Mrs Patricia Moulding was co-opted to fill a vacancy on the Parish
Council.
The Council agreed to proceed with a revised quotation of £34,319
for the new playground for the Memorial Hall playing fields.
A full meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Council was held on May
9.
Brian Allard was elected Chairman of the Parish Council and Paul
Harris Vice Chairman.
Cllr Mick Lemon reported on problems at the Francis Honda garage.
Staff are parking on the road, cars are being offloaded on the
road and construction traffic is obstructing buses. It was agreed
to advise Charnwood’s Planning department of the situation.
Borough Councillor David Slater reported that Charnwood would
be discussing PRC homes at meetings on May 19 and 31.
It was agreed that County Councillor Peter Osborne, Mountsorrel’s
new County Councillor following boundary changes, be invited
to attend the Parish Council’s monthly meetings.
The Council agreed that a working party meet with representatives
from Mountsorrel’s young people to discuss the provision
of youth facilities in the village.
In September 2004, the Council agreed to provide £100,000
for the Church House project. This would see the creation of
a new village library and learning centre in an expanded Church
House, on the Green. The clerk reported that the Parish Council
has no powers to provide funding for projects of this type. It
was agreed to seek legal advice on this matter.
Parish Council’s Annual meeting
MOUNTSORREL PARISH Council’s annual
meeting took place on April 21 and was attended by 33 members
of the public.
Chairman Brian Allard presented the report of the parish council
for the previous year and outlined some of the ongoing work concerning
play areas. The new parish room extension had been highly commended.
A resident raised the matter of the behaviour of drivers through
the Green, as she had been trying to have the slip road on the
south side blocked off. Its use as a short cut and excess speeds
had caused damage in the past and were a constant danger. Another
resident asked about parking on the footpath over the hill leading
to the Green, and another about inconsiderate parking on pavements.
There was no formal police report presented. Instead villagers
were invited to ask questions and/or make observations. Much
of the following discussion was centred on the behaviour of a
group of youths who regularly stoned cars. They had been dispersed
from Hawthorn Road, but had become active in other parts of the
village and had even attacked a borough councillor that afternoon.
One member of the public protested that his daughter had been
vilified by association with this group, and the daughter herself
protested that there was nowhere in the village where they could
go. Another resident pointed out that there used to be a good
youth club in the Temperance Hall which had been held up as an
example of a well-run club. It had been smashed up by young people.
This was over 15 years ago however.
The Police representative said that they did attempt to take
positive action when information was available. There was a nominal
group of 20+ youths and the police were looking into behaviour
contracts and/or ASBOs for its leaders.
Mr Hudson stated that there was an annual meeting between the
parish and young people in Woodhouse Eaves. A motion was put
that the Parish Council arranges a meeting with the young people
of Mountsorrel. This was passed.
The Neighbourhood Watch reported that there were now 28 watches
compared with 21 two years ago. Another four schemes to be set
up soon. One third of the streets in the village were covered,
comprising 753 houses. A much higher profile was needed.
County Councillor Ray Mason, who is standing down at the next
election, gave a farewell speech. Traffic calming was in progress
and was almost complete; consultations suggested that everyone
was satisfied, except for the button roundabout at the Black
Hawk development, the position of which makes it impossible for
buses and HGVs to negotiate. His last act would be to write yet
another letter on the subject. The chairman thanked Councillor
Mason for his services.
Borough Councillor, David Slater, reported that the council would
insist on the original frontage being restored to the wool shop
on Loughborough Road. He also advised that dispersion orders
needed a softly-softly approach. The ensuing discussion centred
on wheelie-bins. One resident was worried that the position of
bins could be a sign that the occupant was out. Another, a mother
of a family of four, suggested that hers was too small for the
rubbish generated, whilst another resident’s neighbour,
a 92 year old blind person, could not manage her bin, which as
a consequence had not been emptied for six weeks. Lastly the
question was raised as to why there was a charge for brown compost
bins.
In reply, Cllr Slater stated that in the case of the old lady
the council were still processing requests for help. Bigger bins
were also available for large families, a fact not generally
known.
A representative from Lafarge reported that last year had been
the lowest for production and sales at the quarry since 1987.
Improved safety measures had reduced accidents to workers and
visitors by 66%. Overburden had been used to extend Wood and
Pond Lanes. Trees and grass had been planted. There had been
no changes in the use of conveyor belts, but there was now increased
storage at Barrow. 3,500 visitors had attended the open days
on September 25 & 26 last. These celebrated the 150th anniversary
of the company and the 30th of the Buddon Wood quarry.
The discussion centred on the shot blasting, its effect on local
houses and the creation of problems through dust and wind drift.
In reply the official stated that dust levels were being monitored
and that a new spray system was to be installed - a pilot was
already planned.
The chairman reported that the Soar Valley Centre was officially
opened by the mayor on July 31, and had been a success story.
Replying to a question concerning the lodging of the ceremonial
opening key in the Leisure Centre, Cllr Slater promised to look
into it.
The relocation of a Council depot to Granite Way had not taken
place, as the new planning restrictions concerning the Loughborough
Wharf and Limehouse Road site negated permission to develop those
sites. 34% by weight of household rubbish had been recycled as
opposed to 15% in 2004,. The Rothley Lodge site would be finished
in 2006 and will create 300 jobs.
The chairman reported on grants made under charities and outlined
the progress of the local schools.
Lastly, to a question concerning the church house on the Green
which had been empty for several years, he replied that a learning
centre was to be opened in 2006, and as no location had yet been
fixed, this was a possibility.
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NHW news & Crime Report
DURING THE month of April a few more expressions
of interest to set up new NHW schemes within the village have
been received and efforts are being made to bring new members
within the NHW umbrella.
At the same time we recorded 32 incidents in the village during
April. Crime is decreasing at the same time that NHW is growing,
which shows the strength of NHW and the message that crime prevention
is the way forward. In February and March there were only two
burglary dwellings.
Burglaries have been reported on Swithland Lane where furniture
was stolen between April 26 and 29 and on Mallard Road, April
29 to May 2. Again, too much was taken to be carried, so a vehicle
must have been used - if anyone saw a suspicious vehicle around
the village please call crime stoppers on 0800 555 111 where
information can be given anonymously if necessary.
One vehicle was broken into at Linden Grove, but due to the prompt
reporting of two suspicious persons early in the morning officers
attended, detaining the two persons nearby and recovering all
of the property taken, which was returned to its rightful owner.
NHW is all about having the confidence to report something promptly
so keep those calls coming in.
Damage to motor vehicle incidents have mainly been damage to
wing mirrors and wipers with Halstead Road again accounting for
the most. Please think about where you park. Most worrying is
the rise in stone and mud throwing, from behind bushes, at cars
travelling down Bond Lane. Such actions are very dangerous, most
incidents are happening either after school or at weekends. Patrols
in the area have increased, and other enquiries being made, if
anyone is able to assist in identifying those responsible please
call.
This month’s crime prevention ideal is Identification -
identified items are always easier to return to their rightful
owners and are less desirable to thieves as they are harder to
dispose of!!!
Cycles can be postcoded (permission of an adult is required for
cycles belonging to under 18s) carbon fibre frames can be data
tagged. Electrical items can be marked with a UV pen - this needs
renewing every six months or so. Smart water for those very expensive
items. Also, reviewing home and shed security is a must - for
those who are elderly, on benefits or both, financial assistance
may be available.
Please contact Chris Fielden our CSO or Quorn Police Station
for details, also if any scheme wants a visit for postcoding
etc please contact to arrange a date.
Crime Report: Feb, March, Apr 2005
Burglary Dwelling 3, Burglary Other Than Dwelling 4, Theft from
Motor Vehicle 7, Damage to Motor Vehicle 13, Damage 15
PC 543 Gavin Grey, Voicemail 0116 248 5675 & enter 0543
CSO Chris Fielden, Voicemail ID is 6505
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Tsunami fundraiser
MORE THAN £1,100 was raised at a
variety show held in aid of the tsunami disaster appeal at Mountsorrel’s
Memorial Hall on St George’s Day.
Library hours
OPENING HOURS at Mountsorrel library changed
on June 6.
The new opening hours are:
Monday closed. Tuesday 10am to 12noon, 2-5pm. Wednesday closed.
Thursday 10am to 12noon, 2-5pm. Friday 10am to 12noon, 2-7pm.
Saturday 9.30am-1pm.
The library offers free broadband internet access.
New life for shop
Pic: Gwynneth Unwin of Blackberry Yarns
A DERELICT shop in Mountsorrel has been
given a makeover by a Quorn couple and re-opened as a yarn shop.
Gwynneth and Michael Unwin have transformed the 19th century
building on Loughborough Road near the quarry entrance, to create
their shop, Blackberry Yarns.
Gwynneth said: “We want to cater for everyone who wants
to knit, from complete beginners to more experienced knitters.”
She added: “Yarns have changed so much - it has been lovely
having people come in the shop who haven’t knitted for 20
years and were used to plain yarns, and showing them what’s
available now.”
Blackberry Yarns mainly stocks ‘Rowan’ yarns, a designer
yarn available in luxury fibres such as mohair or silk.
Gwynneth said: “Knitting is growing in popularity and I
hope people will come in not just to buy but to chat with me
about their knitting problems, for inspiration and advice. I
hope to be running workshops in the future, where knitters can
learn new skills and have some fun.”
Blackberry yarns is at 89-91 Loughborough Road, Mountsorrel and
is open Tuesday to Saturday 9.30am-5pm.
Swimmer
BUDGEN’S EMPLOYEE Kirk Limmage of
Mountsorrel will be competing in the summer’s Special Olympics.
Kirk, of Mountsorrel Lane, will be entering the swimming events
at Glasgow, from July 2-9.
Budgens are organising a fundraising raffle for Kirk and tickets
are available in store.
Parrot night
PARROTS WILL enjoy a night out with their
owners when Charnwood Parrot Club holds its first meeting in
Birstall this month.
Parrot owners are being invited to bring their birds to find
out more about the club and its future activities.
The event is being held at the Co-op Sports & Social Club
on Birstall Road, Birstall from 7.30 until 10pm on Thursday June
16.
The bar will be open for the evening with separate refreshments
available for parrots. Entrance is £2, children are free.
The club is the brainchild of Alison and Tim Hazelwood, Lynda
Wesson and Terry Wilson
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