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Mountsorrel Post December 2005 (13)

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We will remember

MOUNTSORREL BRITISH Legion organised a Service of Remembrance at 11am on November 11, at the Peace Garden (pictured below), which was led by Rev Kerry Emmett.
On Remembrance Sunday, the British Legion's Annual Parade (pictured above) was led by the Mayor of Charnwood Roger Wilson, Lady Martin and Chairman of the Parish Council Brian Allard.

Also participating were Scouts, Cubs, Brownies and Guides, the Army Cadets and the Boys' Brigade.

Pic: outside St Peter's Church before the Remembrance Day Service are (l-r) Mayoress Sheila Wilson, Mayor of Charnwood Roger Wilson, Mace Bearer Peter Legg and Lady Martin

Plans for new hall

PLANS TO demolish the Memorial Hall and replace it with a new community building are being considered.
The Hall is held in trust by the War Memorial Committee Limited, which is chaired by Will Antill and has around a dozen volunteer directors drawn from the community.
Director Colin Baines said: "What we need is a multi functional Memorial Hall that meets today's needs and the present building doesn't do that."
Speaking at Mountsorrel Parish Council's November meeting, Parish Councillor and War Memorial Committee Director Mick Lemon said that the committee has funds of around £0.5 million from the sale of the land for the Soar Valley Centre and that the estimated budget for a new hall would be £1 million.
He said ideas considered included providing a youth facility, either in the new hall or in an adjacent separate building, and organising a market in the car park twice weekly.
The Memorial Hall is around 40 years old and in a poor state of repair.

New speed table proposed

A PROPOSAL to put a new speed table on Loughborough Road in Mountsorrel has been announced by the County Council.
At Mountsorrel Parish Council's October Meeting, Mike Bradford, Team Leader of the County Council's Highways department, presented details to Parish Councillors of a traffic calming scheme.
This will take the form of a junction table, kerb to kerb, 23.4 metres long and surfaced with tarmac, on Loughborough Road at the junction of Little Lane, near the Parish Room.
Mr Bradford said that bus operators and the emergency services were happy with the proposal.
A full public consultation will be carried out and Mr Bradford estimated that the timescale for the consultation and the work would be six to 12 months.
The Parish Council agreed to support the scheme, which is being part funded by David Wilson Homes.

Public art planned

A 12 FOOT sculpture of a simplified human form is planned for a roundabout on the border of Mountsorrel and Rothley.
Leicester Paper Company, the developers of the Rothley Lodge farm, have submitted a planning application for the sculpture.

It will be made of stone and layered cardboard, waterproofed with a polyester resin. The base will be Mountsorrel granite. Cardboard was chosen for the head section to link in with the paper products that will be manufactured on the Rothley Lodge site. The cardboard section will have an internal steel framework and a layer of glass reinforced plastic.
It is planned that the sculpture will be lit at night with lights inserted into the ground.
The planned location is the access roundabout to Wyevale garden centre and the Rothley Lodge development.

Pubs join forces

PUBS IN Mountsorrel and Rothley have joined forces to form a Pubwatch.
Pubwatch schemes ensure that pubs remain safe environments for their customers to enjoy a sociable time with their friends without the fear that antisocial behaviour or drug dealers will spoil their enjoyment.
Mountsorrel's Beat Officer PC Del Gillespie said: "Pubwatch is a joint scheme between the pubs in Rothley and Mountsorrel and is overseen by Peter Kerrigan at the Mountsorrel Working Men's Club. They have regular meetings to discuss any problems they have with unruly customers."
At these meetings landlords and landladies decide if any individual should be banned from all the pubs in the scheme
PC Gillespie added: "When this has been decided a letter is drafted on behalf of the Pubwatch scheme and delivered to the banned customer by a police officer. The banning period is for an indefinite period of time, which can be reviewed at the meetings. The decisions are made purely by the landlords/landladies. The Police support the decisions and arrange for the photos of the banned customers to be distributed to the relevant pubs on signing the data protection forms."
He added: "The scheme is very effective and acts as a deterrent against antisocial behaviour in the villages' pubs, protecting the public from customers who are spoiling others' enjoyment in their local pub."

Dog owner fined

WITH DOG fouling continuing to be a concern to residents in some areas of Charnwood, enforcement officers from Environmental Health Services at the Borough Council have dealt a blow against the scourge of the footpaths.
A prosecution against a persistent dog fouling offender recently came before Loughborough magistrates. A dog owner from Shepshed was fined £150 and ordered to pay costs of £150 for failing to clean up after his dog after it had fouled a grass verge on Ashby Road East and then failed to pay the £50 fixed penalty notice issued by the council's Dog Warden.
"This case demonstrates Charnwood Borough council's determination in tackling irresponsible dog ownership" said Cllr Betty Newton. She added: "I hope people take note of the message ths prosecution sends out, that failing to clean up after your dog won't be tolerated."
If you have any information concerning irresponsible dog owners who fail to clean up after their dogs, then please let Charnwood know on 01509 634628. All calls will be treated confidentially.

New leisure centre

PLANS TO transform South Charnwood Swimming Pool in Syston into a new leisure facility are a step closer after Charnwood gave the green light for a £20,000 feasibility study.
The study would evaluate all the options and provide indicative costs for a final scheme for the site on Parkstone Road.
Cllr Bob Feeney, the Cabinet Lead Member for Leisure & Environment said: "I am very keen to deliver a new leisure and fitness facility based around the site of the current swimming pool. These facilities together with improvements to the existing changing areas will eventually provide a fantastic facility for the residents of Syston and the surrounding area.
"In the last two years we have built a modern new leisure centre in Mountsorrel and we are currently refurbishing Loughborough Leisure Centre's swimming pool and changing rooms to bring them up to an equally high standard. The South Charnwood project would compliment these to create three superb leisure hubs across the Borough."
He added: "The results of the feasibility study would be known in Spring 2006 after which work is hoped to commence. The facility is a partnership with the County Council and we hope to work closely with them."

Top garden

Pic: The Lindens' prizewinning garden

A MOUNTSORREL pub's garden has won a top award.
The Lindens on Halstead Road beat more than 40 other pubs in Everards' annual Spencer Memorial Garden competition.
Licensee Anthony Bartle said: "I am delighted to have won."
Gardens were judge on their creativity, tidiness and design.

Beacon lit for Trafalgar

MOUNTSORREL'S BEACON on Castle Hill was lit on October 21, one of thousands across the country to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar.
The Queen lit the first beacon on the dockside in Portsmouth in front of Lord Nelson's flagship, Victory.
In 1805, the beacons would have been lit to give warning of an invasion by Napoleon's armies.
Lafarge lit the Mountsorrel beacon, at the request of the Parish Council. The last time it was lit was to mark the millennium.

Parish Council notes

A FULL meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Council was held on September 12.
PC Del Gillespie gave a crime report for the previous month: 2 thefts, 7 assaults, 3 criminal damage, 3 damage to motor vehicles, 1 industrial accident, 2 hoax emergency calls, 2 missing persons and 3 road traffic accidents. There were 18 calls relating to antisocial behaviour, 1 call less than last month.
PC Gillespie said that he and PCSO Chris Fielden now had new bicycles to assist them in getting round the village.
Police Inspector Cathy Yallop introduced herself to the Council and reported that during the period April to August there had been a significant reduction in crime figures compared to the same period last year.
County Councillor Peter Osborne reported that footpaths and cyclepaths were being put in around the Rothley Lodge development.
Cllr Mick Lemon reported that the cricket club had lost approximately £600 worth of balls, which had landed in gardens on Little Lane. He said that a ball had gone through the window of one property on Little Lane and the homeowner had demanded money for the replacement. He suggested the height of the fence be increased.
A full meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Council was held on October 10.
Presentations were made to the winners of the Parish Council's Best Kept Front Garden competition.
PC Del Gillespie reported that there had been 4 thefts, 6 assaults, 4 criminal damage, 2 damage to motor vehicles, 2 fraud, 3 thefts from stores, 2 thefts from motor vehicles and 1 burglary. Two missing persons had been found safe and well and there had been 1 road traffic collision involving one vehicle, with no injuries.
He said there had been an increase in antisocial behaviour, due mainly to the throwing of conkers and stones.
PC Gillespie reported that there had been a number of speed checks on Halstead Road, Mountsorrel Lane and Leicester Road with tickets issued to a number of motorists. A number of mini motos and uninsured vehicles were seized during the month. New yellow lines outside the Co-op Store has resulted in several tickets and advice notes issued.
PC Gillespie reported that crime in the village was at an all time low.
The Council agreed to make a donation of £100 to the Mountsorrel Heritage Group.
A full meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Council was held on November 14.
In his report to the Parish Council, PC Del Gillespie said that Police had received 28 calls regarding antisocial behaviour in October. A number of youths have been returned home to their parents and spoken to. Further action is being taken by means of using the Youth Involvement Scheme. Acceptable Behaviour Contracts between the Police and Charnwood's Housing department have been agreed for some families in the village.
PC Gillespie's report stated that a Youth meeting has been running in the Memorial Hall on Thursday evenings which seems to be very successful. this shows a need for a permanent facility for young people in the village, he said, to be provided sooner rather than later.
Cllr Harold Newman reported that he had attended a meeting at Quorn Police Station to discuss antisocial behaviour in the village. He said he understood that an arrest had been made following damage to Mountsorrel's stone knight.
Councillors discussed the problems relating to the recycling skips on the Memorial Hall car park. These were being set on fire and young people were hiding behind them to throw things. It was agreed to write to the Soar Valley Centre to request that they be resited on their car park.
Mike Bradford, Team Leader at Leicestershire County Council Highways Department, presented plans for a traffic calming scheme at the junction of Loughborough Road and Little Lane. The council agreed to support the proposal.
The Council agreed to set up a meeting with councillors and youth workers to discuss ways of establishing a Youth Forum in Mountsorrel.
The council agreed to arrange a meeting with David Wilson Homes and Will Antill to discuss the design and layout of the Memorial playing fields car park.
The Council agreed to support residents of the flats opposite the Parish Room, who are experiencing problems caused by some tenants.
Councillors discussed the poor condition of the 1860 bridge - the rendered surface is falling off in places revealing the brick beneath. It was agreed to invite the Heritage Group to look into the possibility of grants for restoring the bridge and to write to Lafarge, who own it, asking them to repair the damage.

NHW news

NOW THAT both Halloween and bonfire night are out of the way, I will say at this point that the village of Mountsorrel was the quietest village in the Quorn policing area on Halloween night. I hope you are all now looking forward to the build up to Christmas?
Traditionally this time of year beings an increase in burglary so please keep your eyes and ears open on both your own and others' property. In particular the more vulnerable persons in the village as they are a target for the distraction burglar ie Gas man, water man, electric man etc. Always ask for identification and if you're not expecting them, check with your supplier before letting them into your home. If they are suspicious telephone the police immediately and write down as much of a description of them as possible including anything that they say and any vehicles that they may be associated with.
We have had one burglary recently involving the theft of car keys, which resulted in the theft of the car from the driveway. Please keep your car keys out of view, and in a safe place. Your car is probably the second most expensive thing you own, don't let someone else drive off in it.
Sheds
Now that lawns and gardens do not require so much attention keep those lawn mowers and tools locked and secure. (I know that the Neighbourhood Watch office in Loughborough sell shed alarms, well worth the investment.)
As previously mentioned, it's that time of year again, yes Christmas, which probably means many of you will go shopping at some point. Choose a suitable place to park, ideally one which is busy and well lit (which shouldn't be hard).
Whilst in the town/city keep your bags, purses, handbags, wallets and mobile phones close to you at ALL times and then, when you return to your cars laden with gifts, make sure they are concealed in the boot if you are leaving them for any length of time. Make sure the car is locked and secure.
Finally, and I hope I don't need to say too much on this subject, Drinking and Driving. As always we will be conducting a campaign over the holiday period so please be sensible and watch out for others as well. If you are having a party at home have some non-alcoholic drinks available. I do not want to be the one going around to someone's house, informing them that their loved one is dead due to a drunk driver. That spoils my Christmas too!
Santa says that he will deliver bikes that are postcoded this year free of charge! Contact either myself or Chris or even pop into the station at Quorn.
The number of you that are contacting both myself and Chris regarding the youths in the village has encouraged me and we are having some success in the village working with the youngsters and other agencies. However there is still along way to go so please keep in contact with us.
Remember if you do not want to give your details then you can use the Crimestoppers number 24 hrs 0800 555 111.
PC 1892 Del Gillespie
CSO 6505 Chris Fielden
Contact No.0116 222 2222 or Voice Mail 0116 2485675 or www.leics.police.uk
Crime Report, Sep & Oct 2005
Assaults 16 (includes 10 domestic violence), Burglary 5 (1 person arrested and charged, remanded in custody), Criminal Damage 11, Fraud 4, Theft/theft stores 8, Theft of motor vehicle 1, Theft from motor vehicle 4

Good citizens

CERTIFICATES OF commendation have been awarded to five people for their contribution to Mountsorrel.
The Parish Council make the awards from time to time, to friends of the village who have served the community.
The recipients, who will be presented with their awards at the annual carol concert later this month, are:
o Lady Margaret Martin for being a great friend to the village and leading the Remembrance Day Parade
o Joy & Neville Wilkinson for their work as volunteer litter pickers
o Chris Coverdale & Sheila Ayres for being good and helpful neighbours.

Soar Valley bowls

SOAR VALLEY Bowls Club, Rothley, held their annual presentation at the Club House on Saturday October 8.
This year's Men's Single Champion is David Burns and the Ladies Single Champion is Jane Lynch.
Club Honours
Winners of the Leicester Third Division League; Loughborough & District Johnson Cup; Jelson Pairs, M Cropper, D Howlett.
Thursday Trophy: Runners Up, Leicester League Trophy: Semi Finalist
New members very welcome.
As a special introduction, beginners will be able to receive a free first year membership. Application forms for bowlers and beginners please contact Mr Martin Cropper on 0116 2303975 for more details.
Pictured at Soar Valley Bowls Club Rothley's Annual Presentation (l-r) are Colin Wilkinson (President), Jane Lynch, Hazel Jaques (President), Pat Taylor and Mavis Burton

Record breaking Budgens

MOUNTSORREL'S BUDGENS store is set to become the most successful in the country for the second year at raising cash for charity.
This year the store has raised £5,500 for CLIC (Challenging Cancer & Leukaemia in Children) with a sponsored walk, garden party, fundays in store, a teddy bears' picnic and social events.

Pic: The Budgens CLIC fundraising team (l-r) Chris Webster, Tricia Brabbins, Jo Fagan, Viv Hornidge, Jenny Hardy and Helen Clare

Tricia Brabbins, Budgens' Local Community Events Organiser said: "Our ties with the local community have become stronger, attending sports days and providing refreshments at all primary schools in the surrounding villages. Equipment has been donated to playgroups in Mountsorrel and Quorn, and Art competitions have taken place with work from local schoolchildren displayed in store and winners awarded with prizes. Many thanks to everyone who has contributed, it is much appreciated."

Pic: At Mountsorrel's summer charity fair on the Green are (l-r) Barbara Cotgrave, Janet Traherne and Tricia Brabbins

The store is holding a Christmas raffle for all customers in December. Everyone spending £20 or more in store between December 1-16 will be given a free ticket for the raffle. First prize is a mini hifi, 2nd prize: grocery hamper, 3rd: fruit hamper.

Walking back in time

SINCE THE last edition of the Mountsorrel Post the group has organised two walks of historical interest led by Harold Newman a parish councillor and whom most people within the village will know.
The first walk concentrated on the south end and covered the area from The Green to the library and the second the north end from Sileby Road via 1860 Bridge and back along Loughborough Road.
Topics discussed on the walks included framework knitters' cottages, coaching inns, the number and variety of shops, pubs and beer houses lost to the village, and the carting and bus services that operated in the past that were based in the village.
Harold had many anecdotes and points of interest and fact to tell and those who attended enjoyed themselves and the fact that the weather had been kind to us. It is hoped that we will be able to organise more such activities when the better weather returns in the spring. Thanks to Harold for his interest and support for the group, which made a donation to his favoured charity, Mercy Ships.
Several members completed the Plantlife Survey (a census of common wild flowers) mentioned in the last edition and are looking forward to continuing the survey of existing sites with perhaps the addition of one or two more in spring time. The sites are all very local and involve a minimum of travel, many being within walking distance. It is hoped we will be able to produce the results once we have completed a full year incorporating all the seasons.

Will You Help Us?
We are ready to commence the oral history project. This involves talking to and recording villagers' memories of village life in the past.
We are contacting some villagers who have a wealth of memories to recall but would also appreciate anyone else who would like to contribute, to contact us. Initially we are particularly keen to speak with those whose memories or information dates back to the beginning of the 20th century or earlier. However we would like to include anyone who feels they have a contribution to make to the project.
For further information about any of the above topics or any other related item please contact Ken Wiblin 0116 2106582.

Parish plan priorities

THE MOUNTSORREL Parish Plan Steering Group has received responses from Leicestershire County Council, Charnwood Borough Council and has agreed a priority list with Mountsorrel Parish Council.
The list includes improving park security and encouraging park use, reviewing facilities on all playing fields and parks, car parking, the provision of a public toilet, village notice boards and the provision of a village map.
The responses will be analysed and discussed at our meetings. Any reader will be made welcome at our meetings; for details of the next meeting please contact Peter Hodson tel: 0116 230 3828 email: p.hodson4ntlworld.com.
From Peter Hodson, Chairman Mountsorrel Parish Plan Steering Group

Your Say...

MY FRIENDS and I were travelling through Mountsorrel on Sunday on our way to a wedding reception when we realised we had a flat tyre. We pulled over and got out to assess the damage. Since none of us knew how to change a tyre, it was apparent we needed some help!
That much needed help came in the form of a charming young man named Jono. He was the perfect gentleman and couldn't have been more pleased to help us. He changed the tyre in no time at all.
He really was our hero, and we would like to thank him , his young companion Ryan, and their dog 'Seven', for taking the time and trouble to help us back on our way!
Rachel, Jacky and Sarah

Planning

Mr S A Stones - erection of conservatory to rear of dwelling. 5 Celandine Close
Mr R Taliento - erection of detached bungalow with detached garage and access off Cross Lane. 18 Cross Lane
Mr & Mrs Morrish - erection of single storey extension to side and conservatory to rear of detached dwelling. 25 Cloud Lea
Mountsorrel PCC - erection of single storey extension to side of church. Mountsorrel Christ Church, Rothley Road