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Mountsorrel Post September 2006 (16)


Pic: Drusilla Anderson, Roy Cope, Ken Sharman, John Morris and Bill Suffolk with a painting of the Queen by Diane Ross from Quorn.

Party on!

SONGS FROM the 40s, an Elvis impersonator and a choir of schoolchildren provided the entertainment at a special party in Mountsorrel to mark the Queen's 80th birthday.
Organised by Mountsorrel Parish Council, all residents aged 80 plus in the village were invited to the free event, held in the Working Men's Club in June. 52 attended, aged 80-94.


Pic: Elizabeth Selby, Alison Whelband, Carol Bellchambers and Val Robinson

Deirdre Quenby presented a musical stage show with a wartime theme and a buffet was provided, prepared by Alison Whelband and her helpers.
Organiser Cllr Steve Haywood said: "A lot of people have said they enjoyed it and were pleased with the Parish Council for providing something for them. Thanks go to the Working Men's Club for letting us use the hall for free".


Bus protest

THE DECISION to axe Mountsorell's 99 bus service has been referred back to the County Council's cabinet for more discussion.
Thousands of people have protested at the County's plans to withdraw the service in October and a meeting of the Council's Environment Scrutiny Committee on August 24 referred the matter back to the cabinet, the council's top decision making body. It meets on September 5.
Around 50 people attended the August meeting of Birstall Parish Council to voice their objections and to request the support of the Parish Council.
Ray Hunt of Orchard Road, Birstall said: "This service is a godsend and a lifeline for many. It's a wonderful service with a wonderful driver. The County Council says they have no money to continue it and the reaction of most people I have met to this news is bitterness and disgust."
Jeff Wainwright from Mountsorrel spoke about how he values the service, which starts in Mountsorrel and travels via Thurcaston and Birstall to Leicester.
The protestors and the Parish Council agreed that the best way forward was to organise a large scale petition, and to write letters of objection to Cllr Nick Rushton at County Hall, Glenfield.
The petition can be signed at Somerfield, Greengate Medical Centre, Birstall Parish Council Office and on the 99 bus itself. Cllr Roger Wilson stressed the importance of signing the petition no more than once.
The cost of providing the service in 2005 was £61,456 and in the last 12 months there were 20,521 tickets issued with 61 per cent originating in Birstall.
In a reply to a letter by an objector in Birstall, the County Council said: "We very much regret the inconvenience that will be caused by the withdrawal of this bus but government funding restrictions left the County Council with no alternative but to make some reduction in service. We have had to choose for these cuts areas where there are frequent main services available within easy reach of most people but do recognise that this will cause problems for people who would have difficulty walking to these.
"To respond to this we are planning a tailor-made taxibus service for areas of Birstall and Mountsorrel. This will provide a much more personalised, albeit less frequent, service and it will not charge taxi fares. My colleagues will be in touch with service users soon to consult on our proposals."


Bank holiday fun raises cash


Pic: Running one of the stalls are (l-r) Rachael Burton, Martin Burton, Carol Bellchambers and Kellie-Marie Timmis.

A FUN DAY with stalls, a barbeque and a display of Irish Dancing has raised £1443 for LOROS.
The event, organised by Pete Kerrigan at Mountsorrel Working Men's Club on the August Bank Holiday, concluded with a quiz.



Pic: Irish Dancers (left) Cara Allen (13) and Keeley Pestell (16)


Parish Council notes

A FULL meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Council was held on June 12.
Chairman Brian Allard expressed his dissatisfaction at the way the road on the Green was closed on Saturday June 10 for the Charity Fair. It was agreed to write to the Police and ask what action they were taking in respect of this matter.
Borough Councillor David Slater reported that several complaints had been received from the public regarding the smell from Freeway Farm and that an enforcement officer from Charnwood is looking into the problem.
Cllr Brian Allard reported that four members of the Parish Council had attended an informal meeting with Ms Karen Sullivan, Director of Risk Management at Charnwood Borough Council. She has offered to come and give any training councillors would like on the Code of Conduct.
Cllr Hilary Dyer reported that additional members of the public had joined the Youth Forum. The Youth Forum was being passed to the Methodist Church Deacon Jan Sutton who will be co-ordinating youth work in the village. It was agreed to ask her to report to the Council on progress on a monthly or quarterly basis. It was agreed to establish a working party, chaired by Cllr Steve Haywood, and invite existing youth groups in the village to participate.
Cllr Brian Allard thanked Cllr Steve Haywood for his work organising the HM Queen's 80th Birthday event for the village's older residents.
A full meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Council was held on July 10.
County Councillor Peter Osborne reported that the County Council planned to withdraw the 99 bus service in October 2006.
Borough Councillor David Slater reported that Mountsorrel Court will have a complete facelift and an internal refurbishment.
It was agreed to donate £25 to the Open Spaces Society. It was agreed to donate £25 to PC Del Gillespie's Three Peaks Challenge, raising funds for a village Youth Club.
Cllr Steve Haywood reported on a meeting of the Youth Forum held on July 3. Jan Sutton is organising a Tuesday night youth club at the Methodist Church Hall, starting in 2007. Charity Council youth workers continue to work on street with young people, and at the Working Men's Club. There has been no reply to letters to the Memorial Hall management committee regarding putting a portacabin for young people in the car park.
The next meeting of the Youth Forum is October 30.
Councillors expressed their concern at the lack of progress in respect of the upgrading of the Memorial Hall.
It was reported that Charnwood have decided not to proceed with a Parish boundary review.
It was reported that the owner of Hill Top garage on the old A6 plans to make improvements to the property.
It was reported that Mountsorrel Meadows, a 33 acre site, has been purchased by the Wildlife Trust.



Pic: Mountsorrel painters (l-r) Mo Marshall, Guy Martin, Edna Jordan and Pam Martin

Mountsorrel artists’ exhibition

MOUNTSORREL PAINTING group staged their first exhibition in August.
The group began a year ago when Paul Gent from Charnwood Arts led painting workshops in the village. When his placement ended the group decided to continue, and meet to paint at the home of Pam and Guy Martin on Leicester Road.
Their first exhibition was staged in a marquee in the drive of the Martin's home and featured 90 paintings by the group's nine members.


Youth club planned

A YOUTH club for young people aged 13-18 at Mountsorrel Methodist Church could start in February 2007.
The Church Deacon Jan Sutton, who has been in the post for 12 months, has met with County Council's youth workers and identified a need for premises for young people to meet.
The plan is to open the Church Hall on a Tuesday night, subject to financing and staff being put in place.
Jan said: "We are very enthusiastic about this project for the youth of the village and hope to work in conjunction with the other youth work that is happening in the village."
Mountsorrel PC Del Gillespie supports the project and has raised £1000 for the Youth Club by completing the Three Peaks Challenge.
Jan and Church Youth Worker Ben Webb will be leading the project. Jan said: "I would like to invite anyone who would like to support the project either as a volunteer youth worker or by helping to fund it, to contact me on 0116 2302538"
County Council Youth Workers currently work with young people in Mountsorrel on street and one night a week in the Working Men's Club.
Mountsorrel Parish Council have started a Youth Forum to co-ordinate and develop youth facilities in Mountsorrel. They want an upgraded Memorial Hall to include premises for young people.


NHW news & crime report

SO FAR the summer months have been reasonably quiet in the village with reported crime and antisocial behaviour remaining at low level compared to previous months. I will however state that our neighbouring villages have been the victim of Distraction Burglaries recently, and I urge you all to be on your guard against bogus callers particularly service callers ie Water, Gas and Electricity workers, please check their credentials and if in doubt call us immediately.
Due to the recent warm weather some people have been leaving their properties insecure during the night, and whilst away from the address, presenting the opportunist burglar with an irresistible opportunity to enter and steal property. Please be on your guard and secure all windows and doors etc.
I am pleased to announce that the officers from Quorn who took part in the Three Peaks challenge to raise money for the youth of Mountsorrel, completed the challenge with me being the last one down from Snowdon just inside the time of 24 hours. I will update you with a total of funds raised when all monies have been collected. If you have donated we thank you for your kind contributions, if you would still like to make a donation please contact myself or Chris.

Crime Report July 2006 Assaults x 10
2 of which were domestic violence related. All the reported assaults were of a non serious nature ABH and below.
Burglaries x 3, Swallow Close, Churchill Road, Linkfield Road
Criminal Damage x 12
There is currently a particular problem with persons setting fire to FOR SALE boards in the front of properties, this is happening during the early hours in both Mountsorrel and Quorn. To date I have not received any information regarding the suspects. All officers here at Quorn are aware, and we are increasing patrols in the areas affected.
Any information would be greatly appreciated, remember Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.
Theft from Motor Vehicle x 6, Danvers Road, Rowena Court, Marigold Lane, Halstead Road, Marsh Road, Churchill Road
Reminder: please don't leave items on show in your vehicle, thief's current favourite item Satellite Navigation Systems!
Theft x 5
There have been recent reports of an old SCAM at the Quorn Car boot sale where persons have been approached to buy a lap top computer at a very cheap price, they are then taken to the seller's car in the car park, hand over the cash and then to their disappointment receive a nice shiny new laptop case containing an Argos catalogue and not the laptop they were expecting. Please be aware!
Robbery x 1
In the early hours on Sunday July 9 two persons on Leicester Road were approached by two males, one with a knife who threatened the victims and demanded property. Enquiries are ongoing.
PC 1892 Del Gillespie, PCSO 6505 Chris Fielden, Quorn Police Station. 0116 222 2222, Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111, Voice Mail: 1892 or 6505


Award winning pub


Pic: The Lindens award winning team: (l-r) Mathew Ward, Cole Skelton, Sam Bartle, Hannah Bartle, Darryl Clarke and Anthony Bartle

A MOUNTSORREL pub was a winner twice over this summer, winning awards for its garden and its beer.
The Lindens on Halstead Road were winners of the Substantial gardens category in Everards Spencer Memorial Garden Competition.
Landlord Anthony Bartle said: "Thanks to my staff for looking after the garden, especially Matt Ward for his work watering, feeding and just loving the plants."
And the Lindens is one of the first pubs in the country to win a new award for quality beer. It has received a Beautiful Beer Gold Award from the British Beer and Pub Association. Specially trained inspectors carry out a thorough audit of the pub, from the storage of the beer in the cellar through to the pouring of the beer behind the bar.
Anthony said: "The day before the inspection my staff gave their own time and we were up until 4am getting everything perfect. They worked really hard and without them we wouldn't have got this award, recognition from our industry that our beer is the highest quality."
He added: "Special thanks for all his hard work to my right hand man, Cole Skelton."
The Lindens hopes to continue its award winning ways next year and has entered the Pub Awards 2007, a national competition that recognises the best pubs in the country.


Your childs eyes

WITH THE new school term underway, a local optometrist is reminding parents of the importance of having their children's eyes tested.
Jonathan Pilbeam said: "Regular eye examinations could be crucial for your child's healthcare and personal development."
One in five children have an undetected problem and eighty per cent of a child's learning occurs visually - so if children have poor vision, they will find it difficult to learn in school.
Jonathan said: "Every child should have an eye test by the age of three, and regularly thereafter during their school years. They should be seen earlier that three if you think there may be a problem; particularly if there is a family history of eye 'turns' or 'lazy eyes'. We have special tests that can detect problems in very young children and they certainly do not need to read or even recognise letters for us to obtain meaningful results." He points out that progress at school can be affected by an undetected defect such as a squint or even simple short sight and not being able to see what the teacher is writing.
Jonathan, Senior Optometrist at Pilbeam Opticians in Mountsorrel, is concerned now that there is no formal screening for a child's eyesight before they start school and it is often difficult for parents to tell. He said: "Most disorders are easy to correct and treatment is often far more effective if the defect is caught early. Why not ensure that your child has the very best start and can maximise their potential in their formative years."
All children under the age of 16 are entitled to free eye examinations, and this remains the case if they are under 19 and still in full time education. If your child needs glasses, you are entitled to financial assistance towards the cost in the form of a voucher issued by the optician. "There are many frames to choose from and you will be guided as to which are most suited to your child's needs as well as which frames make them look cool" said Jonathan.


Highways office refit

A £400,000 makeover to the County Council's Highways Office in Mountsorrel has extended and improved its facilities, says the County.
On Hawcliffe Road, the Mountsorrel base is the County Council's Main Highway Office for the north of Leicestershire. Services operated from Mountsorrel include:
o Winter maintenance co-ordination: salting and gritting
o Street lighting and temporary signs depot
o Emergency response teams
o Planning new street signs and speed limits
o Road and footway resurfacing, repairs and grass cutting
o Roadline number
The freephone Roadline number, 0800 626203, enables members of the public to report highway defects, street light problems and obtain roadworks information. A new phone system installed as part of the refurbishment has improved Roadline and calls made from within Charnwood are routed directly to Mountsorrel and dealt with locally.
The investment at Mountsorrel has been paid for by the sale of the former Highways Office in Ashby.


Pubwatch scheme effective

THE MOUNTSORREL and Rothley Pubwatch has been effective in making local pubs a safer and more pleasant environment, say local landlords.
Started in 2002, the Pubwatch scheme has 12 members: The Bridges, The Swan, The Waterside Inn, Mountsorrel Working Men's Club, the Bull and Mouth, the Stag & Pheasant, King William IV, the Royal Oak, the Blue Bell, the Woodman's Stroke, the Old Crown and the Red Lion.
The aim of Pubwatch is to stamp out violent behaviour and drugs. Landlords meet every 4-6 weeks to discuss individual cases and where appropriate, issue a warning letter or an outright ban on that individual entering any of the pubs in the Pubwatch scheme. There are currently around 15 individuals who are barred.
Local Police Officers normally attend Pubwatch meetings. PC Steve Rhodes said: "Pubwatch works very well, over the last few years there has been a reduction in the number of incidents we are called to in pubs. The threat of being banned from all local promises is a real deterrent."
One landlady commented that confronting an individual's bad behaviour by issuing a ban can change them. "They will write to us six months after the ban asking to be let back in" she said.
The Pubwatch also operate a 'ring around' system, notifying each other by phone about potential troublemakers who are moving from pub to pub.


Street wardens

ELEVEN 'STREET Wardens' will start patrolling the Borough in November.
Appointed by Charnwood Borough Council, the new wardens will have the power to issue fixed penalty notices.
A Charnwood spokesman said: "They will be eyes and ears on the streets and aim to reduce environmental crime and antisocial behaviour by issuing fixed penalty tickets for minor offences such as litter, graffiti and fly tipping."
They will also be responsible for the removal of abandoned cars and issuing penalty tickets to illegally parked vehicles in the Borough's car parks.
The wardens will be issued with protective vests and will patrol the Borough on bike and foot, remaining in constant radio contact with Council Offices at Southfields.


Parish boundary to stay

A REQUEST by Mountsorrel Parish Council to extend the Parish boundary southwards had been rejected by Charnwood Borough Council.
Residents in the affected area have also opposed the move.
Mountsorrel Parish Council wanted to move the Parish boundary to take in the Kiln Garth and Rowe Leys furlong developments which although part of the built-up area of Mountsorrel, are in Rothley Parish.
Mountsorrel Parish Councillor Fred Newitt said: "This move would tidy up the boundary and give a feeling of unity to the community."
Mountsorrel Parish Council says the current boundary causes confusion amongst parishioners and moving it would improve the effectiveness of Parish Council administration.
Mountsorrel parishioners can also take advantage of Mountsorrel's United Charities. An independent body, they have a balance of £11 million and distribute in excess of £100,000 to parishioners each year. The Relief in Need fund gifts money to families and individuals in need while the Educational Fund provides money for children from primary to higher education, including the sum of £800 a year to any young person at university regardless of their circumstances.
Mountsorrel Parish Council wrote to every affected resident about their proposal for a boundary review, around 400 people in 190 homes, detailing the benefits of being in Mountsorrel Parish.
Rothley Parish Council opposed the plan and also write to the affected residents, detailing the pros and cons of a boundary change and including a questionnaire. Rothley Parish Council Chairman Percy Hartshorn said: "We went out 190 letters and had 108 returned. All were unanimous - they wanted to stay in Rothley. Residents there feel more in tune with Rothley - they are in the catchment area of Rothley School and within the Parish church boundary. It's a part of Rothley and always has been."
At their meeting in June, the Borough Council agreed not to proceed with a boundary review because of the significant number of responses from affected residents who opposed any change to the boundary.
The last review of the boundary between the two parishes took place some 25 years ago resulting in the transfer of approximately 500 residents from Rothley to Mountsorrel following a long and bitter dispute.


Lindens leaves pubwatch

THE LINDENS on Halstead Road has left the Mountsorrel and Rothley Pubwatch scheme.
Pubwatch is an association of licensed premises that, with the support of the Police, aims to identify troublemakers so that when an individual is barred from one pub, they are barred from all the pubs in the Pubwatch scheme.
Anthony Bartle, landlord of the Lindens, witnessed behaviour by two individuals that he said was "the most serious of antisocial behaviour" and reported it to Pubwatch, who agreed to exclude them.
The next meeting of Pubwatch overturned the decision. Rothley's Police Constable Steve Rhodes said: "We felt that we needed more substantial evidence before justifying a ban. We had a long discussion with Anthony, we have tried to keep him on board, but he didn't agree with our decision."
Mr Bartle said: "Because of a difference of opinion about what zero tolerance actually means, we will no longer associate ourselves with the organisation but will continue to uphold what we consider to be the highest possible professional standards."


English country garden


Pic: Enjoying a cup of tea are Nev Marshall, Maureen Marshall and Bridget Hickey

DAVE AND Pat Radley of Hawcliffe Road opened their garden in July to raise money for Rainbows.
98 people visited and £810 was raised from proceeds of a Raffle, Tombola, Bric-a-Brac, Plants, Cakes, James & Preserves, Guess number of buttons in bottle, Local photos quiz, Lottery bonus ball draw & refreshments.


Pic: Two year old George Astill with mum Rebecca

Dave and Pat would like to thank co-organisers and fellow fundraisers Jeanette Marshall and Jean Lee, all family and friends who gave their time to help, all who donated raffle prizes and all visitors for making it a successful event.


Bus service concessions


LEICESTERSHIRE'S DISTRICT Councils say they are "dejected and disheartened" by the county council's final rejection of a county-wide free bus service to all Leicestershire's Over-60s and disabled people in advance of the national scheme, which will come into effect in April 2008.
A spokesperson said: "On April 1, Leicestershire County Council withdrew from a partnership which provided a county-wide half fare concessionary travel scheme which went beyond the districts' statutory responsibilities at that time. Following the county council's offer to rejoin talks last May, the districts had hoped that the county council would once again rejoin the partnership, a successful and beneficial arrangement which had previously existed.
"Districts had hoped that the county's recent offer of a financial contribution could lead to the re-establishment of a partnership and a sharing of risk and costs in a greatly enhanced scheme, designed to benefit those over 60 and disabled people in Leicestershire It is disheartening that they are not showing the level of commitment to this scheme that we and the public might have expected from earlier statements.
"This is incredibly sad news for residents across the county but the districts are now determined to work out a scheme which is affordable and useful to all residents and available to qualifying people from October 1 2006. For the good of Leicestershire residents, the districts will continue to press the county council to participate in the scheme in some small way".


Roni sheds the pounds


A SLIMMER who attends Mountsorrel's Weightcare class has lost 5 stone and feels 20 years younger.
Roni Cooke retired from the ambulance service in 1990 due to ill health. "With time on my hands my weight started to creep up" she said.
I convinced myself that I still looked the same, but then when you start to look at dress sizes 20-22 the truth hits you. You're fat!
"I visited our local Tesco's one day and one of the girls took my photograph. A few days later she gave me the photo. I didn't recognise myself. I was disgusted.
"I read in the local paper about Carol Waller, who had joined Weightcare and lost four and a half stones. I decided to join and from that day, thanks to Tracy and the support from the other members of the class I lost four and a half stones in just eight months, and have lost another half stone since.
"I now feel 20 years younger. If you stay focused and have the incentive then you can lose weight and feel as good and as proud as I do."


Hallam Fields tour

VISITORS WERE given a guided tour of the Hallam Fields development as part of National Architecture Week in June.
The tours were led by Mike Spencer, Jelsons' Design Director and public art consultants, Orange Dot.
Artist Trudi Entwistle explained that the artists were working closely with Jelsons to integrate the work into the development to avoid:" just adding it on top".
She explained their aim was to give an identity to the site and introduce a personal element inspired by the local landscape. Mike Spencer said the site would have vehicle speeds limited to 10-20 mph and the road layout and parking would be arranged to make the car less dominant and less visible.
Several of the houses have solar panels in the roof which can provide a third to two thirds of domestic power, with surplus sold to the National Grid when the householder is not at home. Mr Spencer said Jelsons were the first developer to do this and negotiations with the power supplies had been difficult.
All homes on the site have water butts provided.
Mr Spencer said a number of badgers had been relocated but that one badger had refused to move, climbing over fences to return to his sett. This one badger caused a delay of 12 months before the development started, he said.
Mr Spencer said the whole site will take an estimated 15 years to complete and that the number of homes "may go a little over 900 but not substantially and the identified green spaces are all protected."
Work on the northern access will start in September and when finished, it will take all the industrial traffic as development proceeds.
Phase 2 of the development will see homes built on the south east corner of the site, at the rear of houses on Harrowgate Drive.
The large pit in the south east corner of the site, beside the A6, is a balancing pond and will collect surface water run off.
Properties currently available to buy in phase 1 range from £169,950 for a 2 bed, second floor apartment to £239,950 for a 3 bed, end Mews house. A brochure and price list are available from the sales office on site.
There are currently two residents who have moved in to properties on site.


Budgens walk

A SIX mile walk around the village by staff from Budgens has raised £719 for the store's chosen charity, CLIC Sergeant


Children excel at dance

THE PILBEAM Academy of Dance had an exiting summer term.
It culminated in a mammoth examination & medal test spread over three sessions at three venues in the course of 10 days.
Spokesman John Sambrook said: "A total of 90 entrants took examinations with, once again 100% success, including 10% gaining the top Special Comments, and a further 30% with Commends.
In addition a further 28 students took part in medal tests with six getting Recommendations".
Preparations are now underway for the December show, and Mrs Antonia Pilbeam and her assistant teachers will be involved in the choreographing and costuming as well as arranging the music for all disciplines of ballet, tap, modern and national dance.
The autumn term will be starting on Monday. Tuesday and Wednesday, September 4, 5 and 6.
Contact the Academy on 01509 816117. Classes are held in Rothley.


Your Say...

It is with deep regret that I formally announce my disassociation with Mountsorrel and Rothley Pub Watch.
For the past two years I have been the licensee of the Lindens, Mountsorrel on Halstead Road. Almost exactly one year ago Everards Brewery and I invested a very large sum in the establishment. We wanted to give Mountsorrel the type of place a village of its size deserved. I made it my mission in life to make sure that members of the population of Mountsorrel and the surrounding area who wanted to behave like they were appearing on an episode of the Jerry Springer show were not welcome here. My staff and I adopted a zero tolerance policy to any kind of socially unacceptable behaviour. In my opinion drugs, violence, abusive language or anything else I wouldn't want my grandmother to witness is not acceptable in my house. Any public house that does allow or overlook this type of behaviour will not last long. Spit and sawdust pubs are a thing of the past.
A pub watch organisation is a very valuable tool, that, if it is run properly, can be very effecting in helping to quell this type of behaviour and up till recently I have been a staunch supporter of our local organisation. All of us witness unacceptable social behaviour every day so anything that helps put an end to it is a good idea. The pub watch is a voluntary organisation of local licensees assisted, not run, by the police. The idea is that if someone is or is suspected to be behaving in a dangerous or socially unacceptable manner then he or she can be excluded from all local licensed premises. It is a general rule of thumb that drug abuse or violence to staff or other customers are two things that will result in this. Obviously there are occasions when an individual publican will have a clash of personality with a customer and is within his or her right to eject and exclude them. This is not a matter for the pub watch and most licensees have people barred from their own pub but they are not brought to the attention of the pub watch. This is standard practice in our trade.
At the last meeting of the pub watch, two individuals were excluded from all licensed premises in this area. One of the individuals has been verbally warned on numerous occasions by individual landlords and even received a formal written warning by the pub watch about his behaviour. Second chances were given but our warnings were not heeded. The straw that broke the camel's back was an incident at the Lindens, witnessed by myself. At a distance of no more than 20 feet I witnessed what I would consider to be the most serious of antisocial behaviour. There was no doubt about what was going on and when I challenged them they made no attempt to deny what they were doing. I reported the incident to the police and pub watch. It was unanimously agreed that these people had committed an exclusion offence. Letters were delivered to them by the police informing them of this decision.
This had nothing to do with a personality clash or difference of opinion. All licensees are first and foremost business people. Barring people is a last resort that some would argue costs us money. I tend to adopt the point of view that one loudmouth with no idea of how to behave in public actually keeps decent folk away and costs me a lot more. I do accept that because I have a larger customer following than most in this area I can afford to be more selective about the type of people I want stood in what effectively is my home, but I would rather stand here on my own with no customers than sacrifice my principals and let misfits behave any way they want to.
The pub watch after further consideration (that was not explained to me) decided that my word as a licensed professional was not good enough. It was a 'new' unanimous decision that more proof was needed. The earlier decision was overturned; these people would be allowed back in to all licensed premises except the Lindens. Is the Lindens the last bastion of right and wrong?
I am well aware that in these modern times our society does not hold the word of the police and other professionals in high regard. In my view people awarded positions of trust are too often called to book over some delinquent's civil liberties. Not under my roof. Civil liberties are the right of civilised people. In my opinion if you behave like you are not suited to your social environment you should be removed from it.
The Lindens will continue to adopt a zero tolerance policy and will not be opening its doors to anyone previously excluded by the pub watch, but we will not associate ourselves with any organisation that is not clear on what zero tolerance actually means.
I am profoundly sorry it has come to this but in my opinion good operating practices and the safety of our customers is paramount. I was awarded the title of premises supervisor by a court because I am a fit and proper person to do the job. When a sheepdog starts to worry too much about what the sheep think of it, then order will breakdown. Would it not be wise for all licensees to adopt this policy?
Finally I would like to say that if you want to spend your leisure time in a friendly, adult manner and interact with others in a responsible fashion then the Lindens will welcome you with open arms.
If you are violent, uncouth and a social menace, keep away from here. We don't want you and neither do our law abiding decent customers.
Anthony Bartle
Landlord, the Lindens Public House


 
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