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Mountsorrel Post September 2005 (12) cont.

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Complaint

THE STANDARDS Board for England is investigating a complaint brought against the Chairman of Mountsorrel Parish Council, Brian Allard.
The complaint is that Cllr Allard failed to withdraw from a meeting in which he has a prejudicial interest and that he used his powers improperly to confer either an advantage or disadvantage.
The allegation was made by a member of the public in November 2004 and is still being investigated.
A spokesman for the Standards Board told the Mountsorrel Post that 90 per cent of investigations are completed within six months.
The Standards Board for England is a national body that investigates breaches of the Code of Conduct, a feature of the Local Government Act 2000. In March, a parish councillor at Birstall was found to have been in breach of the Code following an investigation and a hearing and was given the maximum sanction - a three month suspension from the Parish Council.

Fund raising bowls club

SOAR VALLEY Bowls club would like to say a big thank you to those who supported the fundraising barbecue on Sunday August 14.
The hamper in Rothley Post Office raised £300 for the club and was won by Mr Alan Crossley of Mountsorrel.
A gallon bottle of whisky, recently raffled at Rothley Post Office was won by ticket no.168, held by Mick Brooks of St Margaret's Bowls Club, Birstall. The raffle raised £200 and organiser David Lynch would like to thank all those who took part in it.
New members are very welcome - please phone Martin Cropper on 0116 2303975 for more details.

Planning applications

Mr & Mrs D Brown - erection of detached double garage to front of dwelling. 5 Arundel Close
Albar Autos - display of 2 illuminated pylon signs, 1 illuminated wall mounted skoda sign and 1 non-illuminated wall mounted directional sign. Albar Autos, 177 Leicester Road
Mrs A Garrod - erection of 2 storey extension to side and rear, balcony to rear and porch to front of dwelling. 42 Balmoral Rd.
M & P Ball - single storey rear extension to dwelling. 47 Rothley Road
Mr & Mrs Kemp - proposed external doors to first floor bedroom/studio with protective balustrade to prevent access to flat roof area to rear of dwelling. 38 Cross Lane.
Mr & Mrs Goward - single storey extension to rear of dwelling. 4 Foxglove Close
Mountsorrel Parish Council - removal of lower branches and trimming of 5 ash trees on land to rear of Temperance Hall. 2 Leicester Road
Mr G Price - crowning of 1 beech tree and reduce and reshape one yew tree. Poplars Residential Home, Watling Street
Mr & Mrs Clayton - erection of 2 storey extension, single storey extension to the rear and porch to the front of dwelling. 18 Dunster Road
Mr G Price - coppice 1 hazel, fell 1 hazel, reduce and reshape 1 yew and hawthorn, fell 2 ash and 2 leylandii. Poplars Residential Home, Watling Street.
CPG Homes Ltd - extension of 2 storey extension and conservatory to rear of dwelling. 40 Linkfield Road.
Mr R Chamberlain - retention of conservatory to rear of dwelling. 99 Cross Lane.
Mr & Mrs Wood - extensions to side and rear of bungalow. 68 Castle Road.
Mr & Mrs Choi - demolition of buildings and erection of a dormer bungalow. Land to the rear of 214 Loughborough Road.
Mr I D Dyke - pruning of overhanging branches to 1 lime tree and 1 beech tree. 2 Buddon Court, Linden Grove.
Mrs M E Savidge - resiting of boundary wall at side of dwelling. 12 Waughs Drive
Mr S Borsada - cutting down of 2 sycamore trees, 2 silver birch trees and 1 cherry tree. 1 Strachan Close

Cyclist’s trip for charity

Pic: Martin Croxall

A CYCLIST from Mountsorrel has ridden the length of the county in eight days to raise money for bone marrow transplants.
At the time of going to press Martin Croxall of Barnard Way was about to set off on a gruelling 850 mile ride from John O'Groats to Land's End. By the time you read this he has hopefully completed the trip.
Martin (34), a Data Analyst for Laura Ashley, has been keen on cycling since the age of 17. "This will be by far the longest trip I have ever attempted" he said. "I try to set myself personal challenges and as my wife Jan has been a registered bone marrow donor for the Anthony Nolan Trust for years, I decided to register myself and organise this ride to help raise funds for the charity."
Martin has ridden 4000 miles so far this year in preparation for the trip. He said: "I'm looking forward to riding down the east coast of Scotland and, of course, getting to Cornwall."
At the end of day 5 Martin hoped to arrive at his Mountsorrel home before a final 3 days to Cornwall, accompanied by wife Jan in a backup vehicle.

Plan launch

50 PEOPLE attended the Launch Meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Plan on June 21 where they heard support for the plan, expressed by representatives of the Leicestershire County Council, Charnwood Borough Council, Mountsorrel Parish Council and the Police Service.
Positive responses included 36 people showing an interest in Neighbourhood Watch and six people wanting to help the Mountsorrel Parish Plan group.
It was reported at the meeting that the Early Years and Childcare Service of the Leicestershire County Council have identified that 78 additional childcare places are required for the under eight's in order to fulfil the targets of the Service.
The County Council Youth Service is expanding its work to include support for young parents, but overall their work is limited by the lack of a suitable building for youth club provision.
One GP surgery is having difficulty finding a replacement for a doctor who has left, while the chemist has a consulting room set-up but is awaiting the availability of the NHS networked services.
If there is still a problem with overloading of buses, or buses not stopping, please let Parish Plan Chairman Peter Hodson, 0116 230 3828, know the time and date of each occurrence so that he can pass it on to the bus authorities.

Dish the dirt on dog mess

CHARNWOOD BOROUGH Council is urging all residents to clean up after their dogs.
Borough and Parish Councils receive many complaints from residents about the issue, and Charnwood now has a 'Dish the Dirt' hotline number to report on offenders.
The Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 makes it an offence to fail to clean up after your dog if it fouls on public land. A £50 fixed penalty ticket can be issued to offenders, or, if someone is found guilty of the offence in a court or fails to pay the fixed penalty, there is a maximum fine of £1000.
Everyone should carry a poop scoop when they take their dog out for a walk" said Hugh Weaver, Environmental Health Technician. He added "forgetting to carry a poop scoop is no defence if your dog gets caught short whilst out for a walk!"
Charnwood's dog warden, John Barker, is in the front line against the foulers. "Issuing fixed penalty tickets is a last resort. We much prefer to educate rather than use formal measures. Unfortunately though, it's sometimes unavoidable, as several irresponsible dog owners have found out recently".
Cllr Jill Vincent, the Cabinet spokesperson for the Environment and Health said: "We ask all owners to behave responsibly. Dog pooh is a disgusting mess if you tread in it or wheel your push chair through it; even worse it can cause illness. Please clean up after your pet and don't let dog pooh be an issue on everyone's doorstep!"
But the law is not the only reason pooh should be scooped. Not only is dog mess smelly and unpleasant if you tread in it, cycle or push something through, it's a health hazard as well. If an unwormed dog makes a mess, its faeces can contain the eggs of the roundworm 'Toxacara' which can survive in the soil for several years. If ingested or inhaled they can cause liver, eye, brain or respiratory problems such as asthma, hepatitis and epilepsy.
Children playing on fouled areas are particularly at risk. "It's important to worm your dog regularly", warns Hugh, "puppies may be born with 'Toxacara' which can be passed through their mother's milk, and so it's vital that owners or puppies and pregnant bitches especially, seek advice from their vets on worming".
o If you would like more information about the dog control service the council offers, please visit their website www.charnwood.gov.uk or phone on 01509 634628. If you have information about anyone you know who fails to clean up after their dog and you would like to 'Dish the Dirt', then call 01509 634939. All calls will be treated confidentially.

Your Say...

David Burton Asher, 1915-2005
The death occurred on the morning of July 3 of David Asher in his 90th year after a short illness. His family, friends, members of both churches and community came together at Saint Peter's church on July 13 for a service of thanksgiving for his life. David had a strong faith in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
He had been a faithful member of Christ Church from 1958-1983 and of Saint Peter's church from 1983. David took part in the services of worship of both churches reading the Epistle and the Lessons.
David was a much respected member of both churches, a gentleman, a traditionalist in various ways, upheld the Book of Common Prayer and was a member of the Prayer Book Society. We especially remember with gratitude his service and works in the following ways:
Christ Church: Member of the P.C.C. 1960-1982; Deputy Church Warden 1960-1971; People's Warden 1971-1978; Treasurer of the P.C.C. 1966-1970
He was a founder member of the Mountsorrel Christian Council and a Member of Mountsorrel Parish Council 1983-1987. He was a Trustee of the United Charities 1972-1997; Trustee of the Educational Fund 1972-1997; Trustee of the Church of England Fund 1993-2000; Trustee of the Castledine Almshouses 1979-2003
We thank God upon every remembrance of David giving thanks for his long and faithful life.
We extend to Norah, Susan, David, Simon and family our deepest sympathy and the assurance of our prayers in the loss which they have sustained.
Brian Allard

I have recently applied for an extension to my licensing hours which I know has caused some concern among some of my neighbours.
The Lindens has no intention of becoming a night club and will in the most part continue to operate with exactly the same opening hours that it does now. For over 12 months I worked hard, at considerable costs to myself to clear all undesirables from this establishment ready for its reopening. I operate, and will always do so, a zero tolerance to drugs, violence and all other types of socially unacceptable behaviour. I have very close ties with the local police and parish council because of my efforts in this area. I am the loudest voice and most active member of the Mountsorrel and Rothley pub watch scheme. This scheme has cut drug abuse and violence in the area by an unquantifiable amount. Due to these factors and our perfect record with the police (they have never been called here), the police have no objections to the proposed changes. The changes would simply mean that on the very rare occasions that I wanted to stay open, I could do so without breaking the law. I would compare it to a bank overdraft. Nobody really wants to use it but the facilities are there if you need to.
On several occasions I have attended parish council meetings and police groups to discuss the youth problems in Mountsorrel. Halstead Road and the streets in its immediate vicinity are suffering from theft, vandalism and other social order problems. Gangs of youths with alcohol walk towards the park on Halstead Road where they congregate to drink. The Lindens suffers probably more than any other residence because of this. My signs are vandalised or stolen on a regular basis and litter is dumped all over the car park.
To any way link the Lindens with the well documented problems in Mountsorrel is ridiculous. The CCTV system I installed has helped to prosecute offenders on Halstead Road, we are active with the Neighbourhood Watch. The Lindens is considered to be a yardstick amongst many licensees on how to do it right. In six years the Lindens has had only one complaint about noise pollution. The Environmental Health Department found there was no case to answer.
Anthony C Bartle
Landlord, The Lindens

I read with interest the Roundabout accident report in the June edition of Mountsorrel Post. I live on the Loughborough Road and every day see vehicles trying to negotiate the roundabout. I also drive 40,000 miles a year with my job, which takes me all over the country and I have to say this roundabout is the worst example of its kind that I have come across.
Due to how it has been constructed it is nigh on impossible for vehicles to negotiate, especially anything that is larger than a Smart car - and even that is pushing it. I would ask whoever designed and constructed it whether: a) they have actually tried to drive round it themselves and b) was it their first piece of work since qualifying or simply a Friday afternoon job!
As for the Council looking to restrict parking leading up to the roundabout, I would ask what sort of solution is this? Surely if the authorities had done their homework/inspections correctly in the first place, then they would not have to introduce these half-baked measures. Parking in the area is already a problem and they seem keen on adding to it.
Furthermore, when the initial planning proposals were being discussed for the development, the local residents, Parish Council and the Highways Department all raised serious concern about access to the site being on a blind bend. However it would seem marvellous minds at Charnwood Borough Council did not pay enough heed to this, leaving local residents to 'carry the can'.
Finally, I would like to know what solutions BlackHawk Properties propose, to help remedy the situation?
Mr Owen

Rotary Club’s busy year

THE ROTARY Club of the Soar Valley will be celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and has a rapidly growing membership.
Club Spokesman Ivan Brookes looks back on last year's activities and forward to the year ahead.
The Rotary year began in July 2005 and the Club will celebrate its 30th anniversary during the coming year. It meets every Monday evening (except Bank Holidays) at 8pm, at the Rothley Court Hotel, Westfield Lane, Rothley where we enjoy a meal followed by interesting speakers. Our new President, Neil Morrison and his team have many events planned for the coming year but first a quick look back to what we have achieved.
2004-2005 was a milestone for Rotary world-wide as we celebrated 100 years of service.
In our Club the main fundraising activity was the increasingly popular Christmas Sleigh when we tour the villages of the Soar Valley. They continued generous support of local people raised over £4000 annually for good causes including Rainbows and LOROS.
Two very successful fishing matches were organised to support Leicestershire Cryosurgery Appeal for the treatment of Prostate Cancer raising substantial funds for this very worthwhile project.
The incredible response from all Clubs to the Asian Tsunami disaster was outstanding and Soar Valley played its part by holding a Jazz Night and other events. The money raised was forwarded to help rebuild a school in Sri Lanka.
In June 2005 we hosted the visiting Australian Rotary Cricket touring party and many long term friendships have been formed. The game was played at Sileby Cricket Club ground but sadly we lost - let's hope that is not an omen for the Ashes Tests.
Now let us look forward to 2005-2006:
The Christmas sleigh will again come out of hibernation during December and visit local villages.
During June each year we take up to three coach loads of children and carers from Maplewell Hall School in Woodhouse Eaves for a fun day out to Wicksteed Park, Kettering.
We also plan to continue involvement with Youth Speaks and Young Chef competitions (last year our young speakers won through to the regional finals). A local young person is also sponsored by the Club during July to attend a week's Youth Leadership course at Graffham Water. All these events are very worthwhile in developing young people's skills and confidence for the future.
On the social side a lunchtime barbecue, outdoor bowls evening and a Sunday ramble are planned for the summer with more to follow as the year progresses.
Membership within the Club has increased by around 35% over the past 18 months and the Club is very buoyant whilst still retaining its friendly appeal.
Any persons interested in finding out more about what Rotary has to offer are invited to contact Ivan Brookes - 01509 261152 or visit our website at www.soarvalleyrotary.co.uk

Free internet at library

LEICESTERSHIRE COUNTY Council's libraries' users are being encouraged to take advantage of free computer services offering broadband internet access, taster sessions and much more.
Staff are also on hand to help with any issues in using the computer and finding information. All computers have broadband internet access and using the computers in libraries doesn't cost users a penny.
Staff are trained in using computers and as well as offering support, they also run 'taster' sessions. Some regular library customers had not sat down at a computer before or were afraid of a mouse, until they discovered that computers in libraries could open up a whole new world to them!
Last year, customers at Leicestershire County Council's 54 libraries booked over 451,000 half hour sessions to use the internet, email or take advantage of a wide range of office software.
Some of the most popular things people use library computers for are
o Finding a bargain holiday and booking it on-line
o Keeping in touch with friends and relatives abroad
o Searching for jobs - and keeping skills up to date
o Researching family history
o Designing a brochure or business card
o Discovering what's going on locally
o Finding information for courses or studies - or just learning something new for fun!
Margaret Bellamy, Head of Library Services, said: "Library customers have been very positive about having free access to the internet in a supportive and informal atmosphere. I'm delighted that we are giving so many people the confidence to learn and develop new skills. Many 'silver surfers' have never looked back since attending our 'taster' sessions!
Pre-booking is recommended and it's easy to do. Just phone or drop into Mountsorrel library. You can also book on-line from home via the Library Services' website at www.leics.gov.uk/libraries
The Computer Services are part of a £5 million transformation over the next three years to modernise the library service and will see the biggest improvement in decades, says the County Council
30 libraries are being rebuilt/refurbished across the county in consultation with local people.
Improvements include:
o Free broadband internet access, email and software access at all 54 libraries
o 24 hour renewals service - via telephone or on-line
o Improved opening hours
o Increased numbers of free books that can be borrowed to 12
o No overdue charges for under 11s
o Improved services for people with a disability
o A new telephone reminder service
o Informative joiners' packs with a free voucher for CD/DVD hire

Losing weight & raising cash

Pic: Weightwatchers members from Birstall, Rothley and Mountsorrel who walked through Bradgate Park

80 WEIGHTWATCHERS members, partners, children and dogs met up at Bradgate Park to walk from Cropston through to Newtown Linford and back all in the name of charity.
Three local leaders Julie Smith who runs the Birstall meeting, Katie Jones and Tracey Crowe encourage their members to join them on the 2½ mile walk and support the British Heart Foundation with donations. "Weightwatchers are working in partnership with the BHF this year so we felt it would be good to support it in our own way" said Tracey who runs nine meetings each week in the area.
"Exercise is such an important part of losing weight that we encourage all of our members to try to build something into their week and walking is an excellent way to do this" explained Katie who walks every day. "We have raised about £200 and it was so enjoyable that members suggested making it a regular thing" she said.
If you would like to have a chat about joining Weightwatchers please feel free to contact Julie Smith 0116 2350570, Katie Jones 0116 2351027 or Tracey Crowe 07731 793257

Pottery

ANCIENT ROMAN artefacts have been unearthed by engineers laying a 10 mile gas line through Six Hills, Mountsorrel and Rothley.
Workers from National Grid Transco discovered a 7 metre deep well containing pottery jugs while laying pipe between Ashby Folville and Thurcaston. The location of the site has not been made public in order to protect it from looters.
Archaeologists believe the pottery was thrown into the well as some form of blessing.
The £12 million gas pipeline is expected to be completed by October and will provide a supply to much of North Leicestershire.

Grants for education

YOUNG PEOPLE seeking financial assistance to help continue their education can apply to a village charity.
The Mountsorrel Educational Fund is administrated by a body of trustees who at their absolute discretion can award grants from the funds available to the charity to assist young people in pursuing their education.
The Chairman of the trustees, Mr Brian Allard, said that grants amounting to £47424 were awarded by the trustees in 2004 towards the local school pupils, students and those in Higher Education and Training. Mr Allard has said that the trustees will be considering at their meeting in November applications from persons who are planning to extend their education at college and university.
The trustees also consider throughout the year applications from young persons for assistance towards specialist clothing, books and equipment, specialist instruction, eg music, art, sports etc, educational visits and training schemes on apprenticeships.
Applications can be made from persons under the age of 25 years who are pupils or former pupils of Christ Church and Saint Peters Church of England School, or who have been or who have a parent or guardian who has been resident in the Electoral Parish of Mountsorrel for at least 12 calendar months.
The forms of application are as follows:
University/Higher Education: Application Form 1
A Level/College Equivalent: Application Form 2
Educational Visits (Primary to A Level): Application Form 3
Music Tuition (Primary onwards): Application Form 4
Other applications: Application Form 5
They can be obtained by sending a stamped addressed envelope, detailing which application form is required, to the Clerk to the Trustees, Miss E Oxlade, DK Accounting Services, 41A Nottingham Road, Loughborough LE11 1ER
The deadline for submission of completed application forms is October 24, 2005.

Scouting growing

SCOUTING IN the Charnwood villages is growing, with two new groups having recently started.
There are now Scout groups in Barrow-upon-Soar, Sileby, Syston, East Goscote, Rearsby, Queniborough, Rothley, Mountsorrel, Quorn, Woodhouse Eaves, Wymeswold and Thurcaston.

Scouting is a mixed uniformed youth organisation for young people aged 6-25. The Beavers are the youngest members, aged 6-8, and their motto is 'fun and friends' and they take part in activities such as crafts, visits, outdoor games and 24 hour sleepovers.
Cub Scouts are 8 to 10½ and they get involved with activities such as archery, climbing, canoeing, shooting and camping under canvas.
Scouts and Explorers are the oldest section, enjoying World Jamborees and pushing themselves to their limits with adventurous activities such as water skiing, tubing, shelter building, overseas expeditions and the opportunity to join the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.
District Commissioner Carol Black said: "Scouting is a voluntary organisation, which is run by a great bunch of enthusiastic adults, who have a vast knowledge of skills, that is shared with all our younger members. As numbers are growing, our leader ratios are being stretched, so we are looking for adventurous adults to come along and join the Charnwood district.
If you are interested, or even have a skill that you would like to share with us all, please contact me on 01509 880438"

LEICESTERSHIRE'S GROWING Scout movement is launching a £100,000 appeal to mark the centenary of Scouting in 2007.
The money raised will be invested in refurbishing and re-equipping Scouting headquarters and other facilities used by the county's 7,000 plus Scouts, helping members celebrate the centenary.
Launching the appeal at the County Scouts headquarters in Blaby, Lady Gretton, the Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire, said a successful appeal would help ensure Scouting remained available for future generations and enable them to benefit from the activities the movement offers. She said: Scouting is open to anyone who wishes to join. The movement's programme at all levels is flexible, modern and relevant for now and the foreseeable future. Particular religions, gender and special needs are all catered for".
Unusual Facts About Scouting:
o There are 28 million Scouts worldwide, many of them non-Christian, which includes several Muslim packs in Leicester.
o Scouting is established in 210 countries worldwide.
o In other words, only six countries do not have a Scouting presence.
o The movement goes beyond that - all the astronauts who have walked on the moon are former scouts!
o The youngest person to reach the South Pole (Andrew Cooney) was a Scout

Pic: Derek Catt (left) and Lady Gretton launch the Centenary Appeal, watched by some of the civic leaders invited to support the effort