Delay to start of the £20m flood project

THERE was an unusually strong public attendance for June’s Melbourne Parish Council meeting, writes FRANK HUGHES.

Representatives from Severn Trent attended to advise the public and the council that a flood alleviation project, costing £20m, which had been expected to start in the near future, had been pushed back to the next investment period, and no start date could be provided

The public will see some work starting around Castle Lane Industrial Estate as the plan is to put in some additional storage capacity there There will also be work on pumping stations in Ticknall and Breedon

The meeting left some attendees feeling frustrated that issues were not fully aired given the statutory limit on the time for public speaking

The public questions centred on the Pool Cottage closure and on the proposed development on Jawbone Lane Whilst councillors explained they were unable to intervene in what was essentially a commercial matter, one resident said that she thought there should be a more holistic approach to support for the elderly, given closure of both the care home and the Senior Citizens Centre

Similarly, councillors were unable to comment on the (Davidsons) housing development, as no application had been submitted yet It was pointed out that the local neighbourhood development plan was still current and did limit development in that area County Cllr David Muller also pointed out that conditions to pay for infrastructure (Section 106 money) could be imposed on developers if the application was approved

Another similar question was asked by Cllr Sheila Hicklin, concerning the new noticeboards which clearly gave undue prominence to Kings Newton It was agreed that the board on Potter Street should be changed as a matter of urgency

The chairman reported on the memorial event for Andrew Jackson, saying “we did him proud” and thanks were also given to the organisers of the recent Big Village Small Town event

HOW do top craftspeople use their hands so well?

You’ll get a chance to find out at a new festival celebrating the talents of artists and crafts people at the Ferrers Centre in Staunton Harold next month

The Summer Showcase, “Celebrating British Handmade”, is being held at the Ferrers Centre on July 1

The day will give visitors the chance to see talented artists at the centre giving live demonstrations of their chosen crafts

Talented makers will be showing the skills they use to make handmade pieces in a marquee

On from 10am to 4pm, the showcase will also feature live music, workshop tours, open studios and food and drink from Staunton Deli and The Stables Coffee Shop