Birstall Post (452) March 2021

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Birstall he irstall os toilet No. 452 takeaway?

MARCH 2021 Snow much fun at Highcliffe Y O U R

C O M M U N I T Y

N E W S P A P E R

www.birstallpost.co.uk

THE DISUSED public toilet on Stonehill Avenue could be turned into a takeaway.

WHEN IT comes to the wintry cold snap, children at Highcliffe Primary School know exactly what to do go outside and enjoy the snow.

The building’s owners, JDC Sansom Companies Pension Fund, have submitted a planning application for change of use from public convenience to a shop, café or takeaway.

The toilet block has been closed for 18 months. It was previously leased to Charnwood Borough Council and under leased to Birstall Parish Council who managed the building, receiving an annual grant from Charnwood towards costs.

Birstall Parish Council withdrew from the lease in 2020 as the grant did not cover operating costs and damage caused by a tree to a boundary wall had not been repaired by the Borough Council.

Charnwood decided not to take over the management of the facility, for cost reasons.

Shona Rattray, the owner of Filigree Heart on Sibson Road and founder of Shop Local Birstall, said: “Following the news that the Parish Council no longer wished to manage the public toilets on Stonehill Avenue, myself and the owner of MDW Fireplaces, Hayley Warne, discussed whether it might be an option for the shops to take on the management so that we could keep the toilets open for the public.

“We researched community asset management and whether there might have been grants to help with this. An infor-

So it was on with the warm winterproof coats, hats, scarves, gloves and boots - and out into the snowy world outside their windows, to build snowmen, make snow angel shapes and enjoy an outdoor learning experience.

Pics: Year 6 pupils building snowmen & enjoying the snow

Continued on page 2

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Continued from page 1 mal chat was had with the Strategic Director at Charnwood Borough Council, but there seemed no way to support the significant finances that would be needed.

This all came at the same time that the pandemic kicked in, and we felt we needed to concentrate on keeping our independent businesses viable.”

She added: “It is a shame that there are no longer public toilets on our high street, but I am pleased to see the building being developed and that it will not turn into a derelict building in the village. The development will bring another new business to our village high street, which is always positive. I do have slight concerns over the parking situation, which may vary depending on the type of business that occupies the

premises. This will be determined when the class use for the premises is determined.”

The owner of a neighbouring property told the Birstall Post: “Birstall has more than enough takeaways, and if they turn it into a food outlet where will the parking be? The parking down there is ridiculous already, this will just be too much.”

He added: “I know that the toilets will definitely be missed – a lot of people are upset about it.”

The planning reference is P/21/0119/2. Details can be viewed and comments left on Charnwood‘s website.

Pics: plans for the toilet block (pictured below, left)

Parish Council notes A FULL meeting of Birstall Parish Council was held on February 8.

The council agreed to approve its statements of internal controls, including risk assessments. These are available on the council’s website.

The council has agreed to spend £450 on refreshing the line markings on the Crossways car park, and the lines marking out the reserved parking bay for police vehicles on the Sibson Road car park.

The council’s estate team is investigating options for improving the drainage of the Meadow Lane ditch. It becomes silted up after a spell of wet weather.

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A silver birch tree on the School Lane playing field has been removed for health and safety reasons.

An elm tree has been obtained free from Goscote Nurseries – a location for it has yet to be decided.

The council agreed to a request to award a rebate to Birstall United Juniors FC. It has an annual rental fee of £1850 but has seen a large reduction in income due to the pandemic.

Having secured a grant of £20,000 in January, in February the council secured a further £20,000 government grant.

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THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2021

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Nursery children remember Captain Sir Tom CHILDREN AT Birstall Rainbow Nursery joined in the clap for Captain Sir Tom Moore.

ADVERTISEMENT

On Wednesday, February 3, children and staff joined in the national clap to celebrate the life of NHS fundraiser and WWII veteran Captain Tom, who died

aged 100 in February.

Supported by staff, children from the Big Owls (older preschool), Little Owls (younger preschool) and Ducklings (toddlers), clapped for one minute in memory of Captain Tom. Paula Wright, Nursery Manager, said: “We were very sorry to hear about the death of Captain Tom, who inspired all of us last year. So we were proud to show our respect for him by joining in the national celebration of his life.”

Property specialists

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2021

“MOVE NOW or wait? The property market is still open despite the current pandemic!” says Steve Kent from Birstall’s Fair-Way Properties.

“As local independent property specialists, we continue to provide our outstanding and tailored services, whether buying, selling, renting or letting a home,” added Steve.

A family-run estate agent, the team at Fair-Way Properties, Loughborough Road, Birstall, has spent over 10 years perfecting their service while upholding the highest standards and practices. In 2020, despite the pandemic, James, Steve and Mark welcomed their newest member of the team; Jackie, who has a vast knowledge and experience of the local area having worked in the industry for over a decade herself.

Situated in the heart of Birstall, Fair-Way Properties are still offering property valuations and viewing appointments, all undertaken following current Government guidelines and adhering to Covid-19 safety precautions. For those vulnerable or shielding, remote desktop valuations are also available.

Steve said: “Whether you are a homebuyer, seller, landlord or tenant, Fair-Way Properties understand the importance of protecting the interests of their clients, offering the highest level of service at exceptional value for money.

“We strive to be different and are prepared to go that extra mile where it counts.”

If you are thinking of selling or letting your home, check out Fair-Way Properties sales service at just 0.6% inc VAT (no sale, no fee), their fixed price Full Management Lettings service from only £59 pcm inc VAT, or if you’re just curious, they offer free, no-obligation valuations.

Visit www.fwproperties.co.uk for more information.

Pics: Children at Birstall’s Rainbow Nursery clapping for Sir Tom

Rainbow Nursery has been open throughout the pandemic, caring for children at a vital stage in their development in a Covid-secure environment. This includes several children of key workers whose parents are helping to fight Covid-19 on the frontline. Nursery staff are key-workers, and one of the groups continuing to go into work throughout lockdown.

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Birstall girl donates hair to cancer charity

A BIRSTALL school girl has donated her hair to a charity that makes wigs for children suffering from cancer.

Lily Carpenter (9), a pupil at Highcliffe School, raised £250 for the little princess trust by cutting off 13 inches of her hair just before Christmas.

Lily said: “I wanted to do this because it was a good cause, and I knew that I would be giving someone the best Christmas gift.

“When I was having my haircut I felt nervous because this was a big thing to do, I didn’t know how I would look and if my family and friends would like it.

“I think I look as beautiful as I was before because it is not what’s on the outside, it is what’s on the inside that counts.”

Pics: Lily before & after her haircut, & the hair she donated

Business managing Covid risk The HSE is also working alongside local public health authorities to support the understanding of any patterns in confirmed coronavirus cases in the area.

During the checks, advice and guidance will be provided to manage risk and protect workers, customers and visitors, but where some businesses are not managing this, immediate action will be taken. This can range from the provision of specific advice, issuing enforcement notices and stopping certain work practices until they are made safe.

Where businesses fail to comply, this could lead to prosecution.

Being Covid-secure means that businesses need to put adjustments in place to manage the risk and protect workers and others from coronavirus.

Cllr Shona Rattray, lead member for regulatory services at Charnwood Borough Council, said: “Local businesses in and around Charnwood are being contacted to understand how they are man-

aging risks in line with their specific business activity.

“Being Covid-secure needs to be the priority for all businesses in Charnwood, it is a legal duty for businesses to protect their workers and others from harm and this includes taking reasonable steps to control the risk and protect people from coronavirus. This means making business adjustments to become Covidsecure. We advise employers to work with their employees when implementing changes, to help increase confidence with workers, customers and the local community.”

HSE and local authority inspectors are finding some common issues across a range of sectors that include: • failing to provide arrangements for monitoring, supervising and maintaining social distancing, • failing to introduce an adequate cleaning regime, particularly at busy times of the day.

Cllr Rattray added: “All businesses are eligible for spot checks, which means businesses of any size, in any sector, can receive an unannounced check to ensure they are Covid-secure.

By making sure that businesses have

measures in place to manage the risks, we can benefit the health of the local community as well as support the local and national UK economy.”

For the latest information and safer business guidance, see www.gov.uk/coronavirus

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The April issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Apr 2.

The copy deadline is March 19.

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2021

LOCAL BUSINESSES are being contacted by Charnwood Borough Council and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to make sure they are Covid-secure.

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2021

Tree lined walk

Birstall runners feeling good!

A TREE trail in Watermead Country Park will soon be providing a space for reflection and remembrance for those whose lives have been affected by the coronavirus, thanks to the success of a crowdfunding campaign.

In just two months, local people and businesses have helped raise the £60,000 needed to create a tree-lined memorial walk that will link the city side of Watermead Park in the south with the county side in the north.

By the time the crowdfunding campaign ended on January 31, around 170 individuals and organisations had stepped forward to support Leicestershire County Council and Leicester City Council’s proposals for the project.

Now that the funding has been secured, plans can be implemented to plant the 58 hornbeam, elm, oak, aspen and birch trees that will form the trail – with the two councils hoping that all the trees will be in place by March.

City Mayor Peter Soulsby hosted the campaign on his crowdfunding platform, CrowdFund Leicester. He said: “I am very grateful to everyone who got behind this project. Their support means we can create a place of natural beauty that will be enjoyed by the people of Leicester and Leicestershire for generations to come.”

Nick Rushton, leader of Leicestershire County Council, said: “In December we set out to deliver a project that would bring the spirit of our communities even closer together – creating a memorial walk that would help acknowledge the impact coronavirus has had on everyone’s lives.

“People have been truly tested by this pandemic, physically and mentally, and we are humbled to have witnessed so many people declaring their willingness to work together once again to make this project possible.

“The new environmentally-conscious walk will serve many across local communities, acting as a space to reflect on the past while looking to the future.

“I would personally like to extend thanks to everyone who supported this project. It really does reflect the strength and positivity of our county and city during very difficult and challenging times.”

Interpretation boards will be placed at each end of the walk, while benches will be installed at regular intervals to encourage people to use the space to relax and reflect.

Subject to weather and ground conditions, the new trees will be planted and the benches installed by March 2021 – with the interpretation boards expected to be installed later in the spring.

More information about the Watermead Memorial Walk can be found at www.spacehive.com/watermead-memorial-walk

Daniel Burns from Birstall Running Club said: “As an individual, I’ve always been passionate about mental health and physical wellbeing, and Red January captures this incredibly well, not only for me but our entire club, and this is why it was heavily promoted throughout the month.

“Red January’s goal is to help motivate and inspire people to get up, get out and feel good about themselves - we all know that January is one of the toughest months, so it’s vital that we are all there for each other and support each other through this journey. Within our Birstall Facebook Group, I set up one simple post outlining what Red January is and how it can benefit our runners by simply getting up and exercising once a day for 31 days.

“To help motivate the club more we had to post, daily, what we had done and share some photos too. It was great to see everyone’s achievements and also their photos. It really did help inspire and encourage me to get out the door when I didn’t feel up to it.

“We had roughly 30 members taking part alongside the 45,000 that had officially signed up with Red January, I’d love to be able to highlight some individual performances, but everyone really gave it 100% be that through Running, Walking, Cycling, HIIT Training, Virtual Classes or to some of the very random posts like running with a buggy to the top of Old John, pushing cars to get them started and all those crazy runners who ran through Watermead during the

BIRSTALL RUNNERS shared their daily exercise activities online as part of Red January, which inspires people to get up, get out and feel good about themselves.

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flooding.

“Although some extremes it put a smile on all our faces and really helped motivate the club. I’ve always said with

Red January that even if you just help to motivate one person then it’s been a success, and I really feel we succeeded as a club. Here’s to Red January 2022.”

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Friendships forged in crisis Long waits NEW FRIENDSHIPS are being formed as a result of the connections made by the Helping Our Community Birstall facebook group, reports co-founder of the group, Rosie Rollings: There seems to be a quiet time following Christmas. The community group continue to collect prescriptions and support people who are shielding. It’s great to see how many new friendships have come out of this difficult time. The

scrubs team have been creating some wonderful gifts for Mother’s Day and Easter. The group keeps increasing and is supported by crafters in Shepshed and Groby. All proceeds from the items sold will go to support Jade’s Retreat.

We are still making quilts and limb rolls for the NICU and Ward 12 Children’s ITU. The community has generously donated towards the cost of the wadding to make the quilts.

Pics: (above) a brain hat & (above right) items made to support Jade’s Retreat & the NHS

Our trauma Teds have gone to two schools to be used in the nurture units.

Dementia quilts were offered in the community and were gratefully received.

We also provided them for a scholarship and a care home. Shawls were crocheted and given to a care home.

We had an unusual request from Headway Leicester for hats that look like brains! The aim is to use them to raise awareness of brain injury. Paul Clarke took on the challenge and produced an amazing brain hat.

We would like to thank everyone involved in the two groups for their continued support.

The April issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Apr 2.

The copy deadline is March 19.

increasing

THE NUMBER of patients staying for over 12-hours in Emergency Departments has reached a new record.

Responding to English A&E performance figures for January 2021, Dr Katherine Henderson, President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said: “January was an extremely challenging month and placed unrelenting pressure on the health service. The data show huge numbers of 12-hour stays and difficulties offloading patients from ambulances into departments - we do not have enough beds to meet the demand.

“12-hour stays have reached the highest ever figure, and four-hour performance dropped to its lowest ever. This rise and fall come despite the number of attendances being the lowest ever for the month of January and the lowest since May 2020.

“We know that the 12-hour stay reported by NHS England measure only from decision to admit to admission and do not present the full scale of 12-hour stays from arrival to discharge. The College has called for this to be resolved in the new metrics proposed in the Clinical Review of Standards. We hope this will present the full picture of the issues facing urgent and emergency care and lead to transformation and changes for the better.”

The latest performance data shows that in January 2021 there were: The highest ever number of 12-hour stays (3,809) The third highest ever number of ‘trolley waits’ (94,989) The lowest ever January attendances The worst ever four-hour performance at major Emergency Departments (70.1%) and second-worst ever performance at all types (78.5%) Queues of ambulances, with 13.4% of ambulances waiting longer than 30 minutes to transfer patients into Emergency Departments.

Dr Henderson said: “The figures are terrible for patients and paint a picture of a truly battered and beleaguered health service. We were in an incredibly tough place going into the pandemic, but staff have worked magnificently throughout it.

“They have risen to the added pressures facing our hospitals for nearly a year now. However, these pressures and the hard work has taken a huge mental and physical toll on staff.

“Our work does stop as the peak passes, and as covid admissions begin to fall, the NHS will begin a new phase of recommencing services. We hope that the lessons learned about the smooth running of the Emergency Care pathway are maintained.

“In the short term, it is absolutely essential that mental health and psychological support is provided to all health care workers. There is a significant training backlog that must be addressed – time and resources must be allocated to ensure professional progression and deliver a qualified workforce.”

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2021

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News from Birstall’s schools WITH THE usual caveat that this is written in early February and things could change by the time it is in your hands, here’s an update from the Lionheart Academies Trust and Birstall’s schools [writes Shreekant Raivadera, Chair of Governors at the Cedars Academy].

Local governing bodies will be meeting (virtually) in February and March.

They will be reviewing the assessment data and engagement with online learning among other things.

March 8, 2021 We now have a greater level of certainty about the minimum time the partial closure of schools will last, and although this may well be pushed back even further it is unlikely to be sooner Pic: Snowmen made Cedars’ students on the school playing field than March 8. This helps with planning long term and brings some much-needimpact from the funding spent on the wellbeing and provide a much-needed ed certainty. devices. occasional distraction.

Remote learning This lockdown the students have far Access to devices Teachers have been brilliant in explor- more access to teachers who they know We are continuing to identify students and trust, and there are some excellent ing a wide range of ways in which stuwith less access to devices because they dents can best learn their subject online, examples of tutor times, small group are sharing with several siblings. and which software and online packages interventions etc. which are making the I had an offer from the local commuoffer much more in-depth and robust. bring the highest quality of learning and nity to collect unwanted laptops and Beyond Teaching and Learning engagement. tablets to donate to students who may This brings some new challenges, as We all know that school is about so need additional devices in the family, monitoring engagement when a student much more than the academic stuff but and it is great that the community want may be accessing Teams, the virtual translating the ‘holistic’ programme into to be involved in this way. learning environment (VLE) and several a virtual world has been an even bigger The challenge with this type of other platforms in the course of a week challenge than dealing with remote learn- scheme is that if a school gives a device (some of which are external and don’t ing. You will have seen the story last to a student to use, the school is legally share engagement figures) is proving month about Cedars’ virtual pantomime, responsible for safeguarding the student challenging. The Trust leadership team well that’s just the tip of the iceberg. when they are using the device (protecthave developed a common approach Most recently, the staff took part in a ing them from harmful online content which will now be used in schools to ‘Masked Singer’ contest! The range of etc.). In order to do this, the school help teachers and middle and senior non-academic activities and ideas from would need to invest in additional softleaders pick up which students aren’t all the schools is all designed to keep ware licences to secure the devices. This engaging as individuals, but also which young people (and the staff!) engaged, means that 'free laptops' would cost us groups of students are underperforming, help them with their mental health and money to licence, plus the time that it which areas of learning they are most would take to set them up. Inevitably avoiding, and which they are flourishing with second-hand devices, some will not in. We are also tracking the engagement be in a great condition, and some will of students who have been issued not be good enough for our needs. This Help with personal care, Chromebooks, to ensure the greatest is why we have developed the Chromemedication, light house work, book scheme for our students to ensure meal preparation, they can access devices in a safe way. companionship On-site provision On the whole, the students in on-site Fully qualified • References available provision are using remote learning to 15 years experience • Insured carry on alongside those at home with Council approved DBS (CRB) checked the support of staff rather than parents.

365 days a year. Specialist in Dementia care Staff are running the provision on a rota For the same person, same time every day basis, with all other teachers delivering & a tailored care plan contact Kate: learning from home or, where their 0116 2368722 / 0792 080 5727 home setting makes it impossible to Anstey, Thurcaston, Cropston, Rothley, THE BIRSTALL beat team rework from there, from a separate area Birstall & Wanlip Only

Carer/Home Help

Cash point scam in Birstall

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2021

port that a resident of Birstall was the victim of a 'cash point' scam in late January.

A police spokesperson said: “We suspect that a device was possibly attached to a cash point which stopped the card being returned, allowing the scammer to return later and retrieve it, then withdraw money.

Please ensure that if you use cash points you cover the keypad with your other hand so that your PIN number remains secret, and report any suspicious devices or incidents to your bank, the owners of the cashpoint in question or the Police

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7 of the school.

Covid-19 Testing The teams of testers have done great work, alongside the operations managers.

You may have heard in the news that primary staff will be offered home testing kits. National data suggests that the role of interpreting the outcome of the test, which is available within 30 minutes, is best done by someone trained, so we will be encouraging primary staff to have tests at their nearest secondary school sites where possible, with the option of a home testing kit where this is preferred.

Year 11 and 13 exams The trust has written to parents of Year 11 and 13 students to give them an update on our approach to gathering initial information which may be used to support their grades. The Ofqual consultation is finished so by the time you read this, we may have a better understanding of how students will be assessed. Rest assured, the whole Trust is taking a co-ordinated and robust approach to support student grading.

Thank you all for your continued support, I am passing on all the encouraging messages I get on Facebook and by email, and I know the positive feeling in the community makes a huge difference to the schools.

Woodcock

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MARCH 2021 Visit our website at: www.villagewatch.co.uk and join our Group on Facebook

One Year On

ATM Fraud

The March 2020 edition of Village Watch News was the last that we were able to print and distribute through our coordinators in the traditional manner.

The first Covid‐19 lockdown forced us to suspend all of our face‐to‐face activities, primarily our monthly Advice Shop and Committee meetings, and to postpone the Annual General Meeting in April. At that time, it did not occur to us that we would be in the same position a year later and having to postpone the AGM yet again.

After a short gap, we resumed publishing the newsletter with the help of the Birstall Post and have maintained our website, Advice Line and Email Alerts. Karen has looked after our successful Facebook Group that now has almost two‐thousand members.

We have used all of these methods to keep Members informed and aware of the attempts being made by criminals to steal our hard‐earned money. Another issue that has become more prevalent during these restricted times has been domestic violence. We hope that some of the advice, telephone numbers and website links that we have published have been of help to somebody.

The progress of the vaccination programme gives us hope that things will get back to normal but we still have a way to go.

Meanwhile we shall do our best to keep the Watch as active as possible in fulfilling its aim of keeping our villages safe from crime.

One of our Members has reported that they have been the victim of fraud at an ATM in Birstall.

Having used their bank card normally, the machine did not return it as expected when they had finished. A message on the screen advised them that the card had not been taken out of the slot and they assumed it had been retained by the bank for some reason. They later discovered that two withdrawals totalling £300 had been made from the account. Fortunately, the money was refunded by the bank on this occasion.

This is a situation where criminals have fitted a device to the ATM that prevents the card from being ejected in the normal way. Once the owner has left, the criminals are able to remove the ‘stuck’ card and, having also recorded the owner’s PIN, are able to use the card themselves.

Before using any ATM, check to see whether there is anything unusual, especially around the card slot, and always cover the key pad with your other hand when entering your PIN. If your card is not returned as soon as you have finished your business, do not walk away and leave it. Phone your bank immediately, tell them what has happened and follow their advice.

Because the telephone number is printed on the card you will not have access to it at the time. It is a very good idea, therefore, to add the number to the contacts on your phone or simply write it on a piece of paper and keep it separately from the card. This can also be useful if the card is otherwise lost or stolen.

Membership Subscriptions

Unusual Fake Text

This is the time of the year when, in normal circumstances, we would be asking residents to renew their membership by returning subscription envelopes to their Coordinators. The current Covid‐19 restrictions have prevented us from doing so at the moment and we shall have to wait and see how the situations develops.

The annual accounts for 2020 have been prepared for auditing and we shall publish them in full on our website when they are completed. Our bank balance is reasonably healthy at the moment but we shall have to manage our finances carefully with no immediate further income.

We shall not be issuing new membership cards for the time being and the cards issued for 2020/21 will remain valid despite showing the expiry date as this month.

Fake text messages posing as banks are nothing new but this one using Barclays to target victims has a new twist. It has arrived in peoples’ inboxes with the sender set as the bank itself.

Website Issues

So called ‘smishing’ attempts of this kind work by panicking people into visiting a fake website that goes on to request, and then steal, sensitive information such as bank details. In this case, potential victims will be alarmed to read that an unusual payee request has been flagged on their account.

Barclays said that it will never send a text that asks you to The Birstall and Wanlip Neighbourhood Beat Team click on a link. produces a monthly Newsletter written by our Beat It added: “We urge customers to pay close attention to the Officer, Dave Jaeckels. It contains news about recent warnings we provide when making payments as these are crime in our villages, crime prevention advice and other designed to help protect them against fraud and scams.” information about the Team’s activities.

If you are not sure if contact from your bank is genuine, get You can read it in full each month on our website: in touch with it directly through its official channels and verify that the correspondence is from them before you take www.villagewatch.co.uk/police any action. © Birstall and Wanlip Neighbourhood Watch – watch@villagewatch.co.uk – 0756 2422 756

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2021

We have been making some technical changes to our website during February that took it off‐line on occasion.

Our apologies if you have been unable to connect to the site at those times. We hope that it is now working normally.

YOUR SAY...

The Birstall Post welcomes your views and opinions on any subject. Letters, which must include your name and address, (though not necessarily for publication) can be posted to: The Birstall Post, Unit 109, Greenacres, The Sidings, Leicester LE4 3BR or email: editor@birstallpost.co.uk

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2021

New homes

Thus anyone wanting to get in or out could not do so safely.

Indeed, when Maggie asked them to move, they actually laughed at her request.

I was appalled at the time, and the more I think about it, the more appalled I get about the inconsiderate people responsible.

I suggest that (if we ever get out of lockdown and trading at other shops starts again) Andrew J Tebbutt Butchers employ someone to make sure its customers do not obstruct other businesses.

And if it was you queuing and laughing at the request to move, you should queue in a more safe manner and not obstruct other shops' doorways.

Stay safe out there.

Sue Hitchcock

Thanks A big thank you to the person who found my keys on Holly Tree Avenue on Monday, January 25 and put them safely on the wall for me to collect.

Steven Moore, Acacia Ave

With thousands of new homes being planned for the areas around Birstall, it is crucial that these developments are completed responsibly. It is vital that Building site developers are making the best use of land, to stop the endless sprawl of towns After more than twelve months of and cities. noise, scaffolding causing obstruction on The areas identified for development my property, damage to my rear fence, are typically green spaces; now more patio and a lot of mess left outside and than ever, these spaces are vital for our on my kitchen door, patio etc to clear mental health and physical well-being. up most days (despite assurances to the These spaces also provide a range of contrary from the person in charge) this habitats for wildlife. Without these spacresulted in the worst period since losing es, we will lose a wide range of biodiver- my husband 10 years ago - more so sity, heavily impacting the state of the than dealing with covid and isolating. environment. To lose such key areas of Now there are cement mixers, delivland to urban sprawl would severely ery lorries, vans, cars etc parking wherimpact the residents of Birstall heavily. ever they can, so the grass verges are We do, of course, need new homes being churned up during this very wet for people to rent and buy but this does winter (mine, the building site and annot need to come at the expense of our other neighbour, probably others) and I green spaces. We can build developwould like to know who is going to fund ments that work with our environment and reinstate them to their original conand make the most of existing developdition? It is shameful to see this happenments. Charnwood Borough has over ing (not for the first time) as the verges 320 acres of land registered as Brownand cherry trees look beautiful in the field, which if it were to be built upon spring, but now there will be no grass to instead of developing new spaces, would be mown in certain areas, just an unprovide space for up to 4,500 homes. sightly brown rutted mess.

To make this happen, we need to On a positive note, thank goodness invest in remediating these areas to for some lovely friends in Birstall, the develop on them. If investment were WI and others in the community, who directed toward re-using brownfield sites, helped me through the past year. rather than developing new ones, not Name and address supplied only would we improve those sites considered to be an eyesore, but they would Shops also provide land for much-needed homes, whilst preserving our environI am writing this letter in reply to the ment for future generations. person who recently wrote about maskRob Hewson wearing in shops.

I work in retail, though I am not Idiotic connected to any of the shops within the village.

I feel I have to write regarding some However, I would like to point out a people’s idiotic behaviour in this chalfew issues I have with this persons take lenging time. Just before Christmas (beon how they see and have been dealt fore lockdown three) I was having my with by the shops/manager. nails done at Just Nails. Andrew J TebThis Covid 19 epidemic is not a butt Butchers are next door. plague as written, which is why we Whilst people were social distancing should see fit to follow the guidelines whilst queuing, they were queuing direct- laid out by the government. Those guidely in front of Just Nails! Idiotic or what. lines are to keep customers and the Indeed some people actually stopped retail sector safe, however, they are directly in front of the doors! Yes, in guidelines. the box quite clearly marked out in front Wearing of masks in shops is a must of the door (these boxes are in front of though there are people, whether workall the businesses on Sibson Road). ing in shops or customers, who are

exempt from this and therefore we should not be judging anyone because they fail to wear a mask. We have to trust the integrity of everyone that they, where they can, either wear a mask or a shield of some description.

As for the one-way system - again this has been put into place as a guide and is not enforceable by any retail outlet.

We have to trust that people will follow what is asked of them, but as with any shop, people and staff/management will at some point have to pass each other.

Who was to say that the manager was needed urgently in the store, and this was the quickest route?

Retail staff deal with thousands of people weekly, putting themselves at risk every minute of the day dealing with customers coming into the shops. They are also human beings and in a very stressful environment.

Most shops now have hygiene stations and notifications to help ease the shopping experience yet very little is thought about that- they are an essential retailer and that the staff and management are doing their best to serve the people of Birstall and do not need to have individuals picking holes in what is a very delicate situation.

We need to be respectful to our retail sector and likewise, shops have an obligation to listen to their customers, but through an understanding, and not just because an individual feels the need to complain because someone went the wrong way around the store!

What I will agree on is this pandemic is nasty and horrendous, and with the vaccines that are coming through we will see it beaten.

In the meantime remember retail staff are trying their best to make shopping an easier and stress-free experience - be thankful that staff are turning up at work to help you make the purchases you need, and give them the respect they deserve for what they do.

Name & Address supplied

Senior positions I agree with Cynthia Coltman about many people in senior positions, they think they have a right to a top job without the qualifications. I am sure it does stem from childhood. Many parents, while they may expect their child to win or do well, they do not teach them to be good losers or gracious in defeat.

J Skinner

Thanks Could I thank everyone for the lovely cards and messages I’ve received on the death of my husband Brian.

I would also like to thank my neighbours in Lambourne Road for their care and willingness to help me when I couldn’t get out.

Bless you all, love June Strong

The April issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Apr 2.

The copy deadline is March 19.

Noticeboard all details printed free Friends of Charnwood Museum FREE Virtual talks for 2021 Friends of the Museum present monthly talks on a variety of different subjects take place virtually via Zoom and details can be found below. If you would like to find out more about the Friends of Charnwood Museum, please call the Museum on 01509 233754 or email museum@charnwood.gov.uk.

All talks start at 7:30pm and are FREE at this present time.

Once you have booked on to the talk, you will receive a secure link to the event by email a few days prior to the event.

Mosses and Liverworts Thursday March 18, 2021 Steve Woodward will be talking to the Friends of Charnwood Museum about these fascinating natural wonders, explaining what they are, how they live and local examples.

7.30pm start Booking Essential Book now The full list of virtual talks for 2021 can be viewed on the Friends of Charnwood Museum webpage: www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/fr iends_of_the_museum_talks

Gardener Required 2 hours per week Please telephone 0116 220 9146

Remember to remain vigilant as criminals begin to take advantage of the roll out of the Covid19 vaccine to commit fraud. The vaccine is free - you will NOT be asked to pay.

The NHS will never: • ask you for your bank account or card details • ask you for your PIN or banking password • arrive unannounced at your home to administer the vaccine • ask you to prove your identity by sending copies of personal documents such as your passport, driving licence, bills or pay slips If you receive a call you believe to be fraudulent, hang up.

If you believe you are the victim of a fraud, please report this to Action Fraud as soon as possible by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk.

9

10

Sustained fall in crime during the pandemic PROVISIONAL DATA from police forces in England and Wales shows police recorded crime is thirteen per cent lower than in the same period as 2019.

He added: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our parents for their continuing support and trust that they have given us throughout these unprecedented times, we really are blessed with such a lovely bunch of children who are a pleasure to care for.”

CHILDREN AT Wanlip preschool on Sibson Road enjoyed the snowy weather in January by making a giant snowman.

“The children decided to call him Dave,” said spokesman Lee Pulford.

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The April issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Apr 2.

The copy deadline is March 19.

Methodist Thursday group IT’S A YEAR now since the Birstall Methodist Thursday Group ladies were able to enjoy their weekly meetings.

June Joyce reports: “It has been a long and challenging year, especially during the dark days of winter, and continuing lockdowns. We’ve been dependent on the phone and computers to keep in touch with friends and family, and Christmas was a very muted affair.

“The virtual Christmas Festival was very successful though, and raised much-needed money, thanks to Mary and her colleagues. A few of us were able to have a Zoom meeting in December, thanks to Charles Hilton’s organisation.

“Hopefully by now most of us will have had at least one dose of the vaccine and can start looking forward with a bit more confidence. The snowdrops are out, and the daffodils are close behind. The earth is warming up, and the days are getting longer. Spring always means new life and new hope.

Let us hope it won’t be too long before we can meet again. Stay safe everyone.”

most of England and Wales was covered by continued restrictive measures based on the spread of the virus across Wales and English counties. Individuals were also more likely to stay home and isolate due to the prospect of household mixing being allowed for Christmas Day, allowing criminals fewer opportunities to commit crime.

It is expected that the crime rate will continue to fall for January as England entered a third national lockdown.

National Police Chiefs’ Council Chair, Martin Hewitt said: “We have seen falls in crime during periods of national lockdown, and we are beginning to see it again in January. There was no significant rise back towards 2019 levels observed in December. Many parts of England and Wales still faced significant restrictions in the run-up to Christmas and New Year.

“Police will always strive to make the most effective use of any additional capacity when crime falls.”

Speaking about the continued rise of assaults against emergency service workers reported within this snapshot, at four per cent higher than in 2019, Mr Hewitt added: “Assaults on emergency workers who do crucial work to keep the public safe are deplorable. We’ve been firm from the outset, together with the Director for Public Prosecutions, that we will do all we can to prosecute those who commit these criminal offences.”

Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) issued by territorial forces in England and Wales In total, 42,675 FPNs have been recorded as having been issued in England and Wales under Coronavirus Regulations between Friday 27 March and Sunday 17 January. In England 38,452, were issued, and 4,223 in Wales.

80 per cent of all Coronavirus notices issued in England and Wales were given to those aged between 18-39.

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2021

Dave the snowman

Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) given to the public for breaches of Coronavirus Regulations rose as national restrictions were implemented in England.

Preliminary figures released on January 28 show an overall fall of thirteen per cent in the four weeks to 20 December 2020, compared to the same period in 2019.

For the most recent recorded snapshot, for the four weeks to 20 December, serious violent crime, including Grievous Bodily Harm, Actual Bodily Harm and personal robbery reduced by 26 per cent, shoplifting was down 29 per cent, vehicle crime fell by 27 per cent and residential burglary was down by 28 per cent compared to the same period in 2019.

Throughout the pandemic, sustained falls in crime have been recorded throughout periods of national lockdown, with crime only rising close to 2019 levels during the summer months. The falling trend following November’s national restrictions has continued throughout the periods covered by the Alert Level Tiers in England.

Particularly in the period just before Christmas and New Year,

Birstall Food Hub: help in hard times BIRSTALL FOOD HUB opened in 2018 and has recently appointed a new chairperson, Gail Gordon.

“This was truly giving back with gratitude from their family, who said it was their way to give back to the food hub and say thank you for the support. Clients are incredibly grateful, and this is Gail was born and raised in Leicester evident to our volunteers when deliverand with her husband, moved to Birstall ing the food parcels.” in September 1999, along with their How can readers support Birstall three daughters.

Food Hub? Gail said: “I started my working life Gail said: “We have a dedicated trolby training as a Nurse at the Leicester ley in the Co-op, this is situated at the Royal Infirmary. I then became ‘Occupaexit to the car park. We encourage anytional Health Adviser’ to Thorn Lighting one wishing to donate an item of food on the Melton Road- remembered by or toiletries they do it here. This is empmost for the wonderful Christmas lights tied twice a week by our volunteers. The that we were all taken to see as children. Pic: Gail Gordon, Birstall Food Hub Chair Co-op kindly allows for items not purI continued to work for the same compachased in the ny for 28 years, moving later into Health ma and incorrect perception associated shop to be donatwith food banks and the services they & Safety, where I became a Chartered ed. The second provide. We need to ensure potential Health & Safety practitioner. donation point is clients know that we exist, how they can “After 28 years in various roles and the Hallam reach us, and that they know they will lots of global travel, I decided to take Fields One Stop always receive a confidential warm welearly retirement as there were still severstore. They have come. al things that I wanted to do. a designated bin “The clients the food hub supports are “Immediately post-retirement, I attendon entering the varied, and people are referred shop. to us in several ways, including Donations of self-referral. We offer support food have infor a three-month period creased dramatithough on occasion, this can cally during be extended based on individuDecember and al circumstances. We do occaso far have consionally have returning clients tinued through who know, should they run Jan and Feb. Pic: Christmas food: special items waiting to be delivered into hardship, we will support This has meant them for an agreed period. A we have been able to offer our clients to just chat over a coffee, provide inforgood example of this type of additional items for which they are gratemation on sources of information, suptemporary need is when the ful. We are amazed and grateful for the port, and guidance or just to be a schools closed, and parents generosity of local people.” listening ear. find at short notice they will If you are on benefits, low income, or “Some decisions must be made by the not receive school dinners. are struggling to put food on the table, committee, and coordinating Zoom, “It is a massive step for our contact Birstall Food Hub on 07305 telephone calls and emails can be a clients to ask for help, and it 093791. challenge. can be their only lifeline when Alternatively, the Birstall Food Hub “The interaction and support our netthey have fallen on hard times. can also be contacted via work of volunteers gives to each other This could happen to any of us: are most important. The team work very birstallfoodhub@gmail.com an unforeseen change in circlosely looking for opportunities to cumstances, loss of a support Pic: a thank you card from a client network, claim delays, addition- share, the latest being an idea from a volunteer to share through pictures what al family members to support. No one ed the University of Derby to complete a is currently flowering in their gardens.

ALL TYPES OF DOMESTIC knows when they could be affected and ‘Return to Nursing’ course - this allowed “The mission of our dedicated team of & INDUSTRIAL WORK me to continue practisvolunteers is to be able to provide food ing as a nurse. I comExtra Points to those who need it despite lockdown, pleted this in 2019 at Alarms and we are incredibly grateful for the the Leicester General generosity the local community has given Rewiring Hospital. I also began in support of us.

Security Lighting training with the Guide “We regularly receive grateful thanks Dogs charity as a 'My Electrical Testing from our clients and often are referred Guide' , where I was Part P Registered to as a ‘life-line’. They say they do not matched to a registered know what they would have done if we Control Electrics Ltd blind partner to give had not provided extra food. ‘We can Lodgewood Ave, Birstall, Leicester support and assistance have a Christmas now with the children.’

Tel: 0116 2682910 where required. At this We’ve also received thank you cards, and FREE ESTIMATES time I saw advertised pictures coloured by our clients’ chilthe much-needed servdren. ice the Birstall Food “I will share an example of a client Hub provided and Pic: Christmas presents for clients children donated by who found themselves in a situation due thought it would be a local schools Plumbing & Heating to COVID -19 and lockdown: they could great opportunity to Est 1968 not provide for their family. During the need extra support. work with a team of volunteers in giving weeks they were receiving a food parcel General Plumbing “We can chat confidentiality to clients, something back to the local community. some of whom are very isolated. We can from the Birstall Food Hub, their extendBathrooms & Tiling And so, I volunteered to assist at the ed family living outside of Birstall was offer advice with financial planning, and Birstall food hub.

Landlord Certificates 211637 unable to visit them and collected items put clients in contact with other support “After working with the food hub for of food themselves on our behalf. Once POWER FLUSHING networks available to them. Our team of the past couple of years, I am honoured we were out of lockdown, we were New Installations & Upgrades dedicated volunteers establish relationto have taken over as chairperson in asked to collect the large donation of Gas Boilers/Fires Serviced & Repaired ships with our clients while providing a November 2020. I think it is an espefood collected by their family. The family temporary solution to household food LOCAL BUSINESS • CALL GARY ON cially important service we provide, a wanted to say: ‘thank you for helping us service that not everyone is always aware shortages.

Tel: 0116 2692167 by providing food when our own family “Currently, we do have challenges and of. There is still, for many, a huge stigMob: 0792 1703 765 couldn’t visit.’ are reviewing and changing our procedures to cope with the evolving situation, ensuring our volunteers are all kept safe.

"The temporary closure of our meeting point means that our safest option is to deliver food directly to clients. Deliveries need to be made by two people for safeguarding reasons, so we have increased our reliance on partners and family members of volunteers who have helped with these deliveries.

“There has been a reduction in the availability of our volunteers, due to individual vulnerability and the need to self-isolate.

“The lack of touch time contact with our clients has reduced the opportunity

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2021

Elliott & Ball

11

NHW news

& crime report Priorities During February our intention was to focus our patrols around the Hallam Fields Industrial Estate, as we have had some complaints recently about vehicles being driven dangerously and in an AntiSocial manner in this area.

This is an issue that we’ve had in this area previously, and we are keen to nip any such activity in the bud so that it doesn’t become a bigger problem again.

If you do witness any such behaviour, please try and obtain registration details of any vehicles & pass these to us so that we can contact the owners and take appropriate action.

Please also ensure that you are up to date with the latest guidance regarding the coronavirus rules as these are constantly changing. Full information can be found on the Government website at: www.gov.uk/coronavirus Crime Update In January we had a total of 35 recordable crimes reported on the Birstall and Wanlip Beat.

We had 9 reports of assault, 7 reports of criminal damage, 6 thefts from vehicles, 5 ‘other’ thefts, 3 actual vehicles stolen, 2 Public Order Offences, 2 reports of dogs causing injury and finally, 1 drugs offence.

Once again I’m pleased to report that we’ve not had any burglaries on the beat this month, however as detailed above, we have seen a small rise in the number of thefts from vehicles. Catalytic convert-

ers still appear to be being stolen so Tuesday 9th March 2021. 10.00am— please be vigilant and, if possible, take 12.30pm. steps to prevent your vehicle from being Saturday 27th March 2021. targeted such as parking it in a garage 11.00am—1.00pm. or close to another car or object, so that Remember, you can also stay in it is difficult for thieves to access the touch with your beat team by contacting underneath. us via phone, email or through the For further crime information please Leicestershire Police website. Neighbourvisit: www.police.uk/leicestershire/NL60/ hood Link is also a free and easy way of Crime Prevention Advice finding out what is happening on the beat and what the Police are doing in As detailed in the ‘crime update’ your area. It is free and only takes a few section above we have had 3 reports of minutes to sign up. vehicles being stolen on January, 2 of Sign up now which were motorbikes. Both of these at:www.neighbourhoodlink.co.uk were stolen during the day from a car From Sgt Mistry: park in the village centre, and one was burnt out a short time later on School My name is Rakhi Mistry & I have Lane Park. Despite viewing CCTV and been the beat Sergeant for Birstall & completing various enquiries we have Wanlip for the last three months. Due to not managed to identify any suspects for a change in role, I am unfortunately these offences, however, on both occaleaving the beat to take up a new posisions, neither bike was actually locked tion, but I would like to take this opporto anything making them much easier to tunity to say that I have really enjoyed steal. If you own a motorbike, consider my time as a Neighbourhood Sergeant. the following: As of February 24, Sergeant 1326 Bird 1) When leaving your bike unattendwill be taking over from me and I wish ed, always secure it to an immovable him every success in his new role. object with a good quality lock.

Please continue to report any issues you 2) At home, put your bike in a may have so that your dedicated beat locked shed or garage if possible, or if officers can address these. not, secure it to something sturdy such From PC Dave Jaeckels: as a ground or wall anchor.

During January we have been busy on 3) Never leave vehicle documents the beat patrolling the areas where you (insurance / V5 etc) in the storage area have told us Anti-Social Behaviour is of the bike as if stopped, the thieves will happening, as well as completing enquiruse these to pretend they are the legitiies about the motorbike and catalytic mate owners of the vehicle. converter thefts mentioned elsewhere in Events this report. Unfortunately despite comUnfortunately, due to the current pleting leaflet drops in the affected areas coronavirus situation, we have had to and completing various CCTV enquiries cancel the beat surgeries we had we have not managed to identify any planned for February and March, as we suspects, but we will continue to comdo not want to be encouraging people to plete these enquiries whenever we have travel unnecessarily. We are however similar thefts to try and identify the peoplanning to conduct some outdoor street ple involved. consultation events on the following We are also following up a number of dates, and full details of exactly where intelligence reports about drug dealing & these will be held will be available near- possible ‘cannabis grows’ in the area & I er the time via our Twitter page: @Charn- will update you further about these in woodPolice later reports.

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Doorstep Cold Callers One of our members has told us about a man who knocked on their door and asked whether their car was for sale.

When they told him it was not, he left but they thought it odd because their car was an old model and worth very little.

It is understood that there was at least one other similar incident reported in Birstall in the preceding weeks. Our member was left feeling very uneasy afterwards.

During the pandemic, we are doing more than ever online and over the phone, so it is not surprising that scam websites, phishing calls and dodgy emails have been reported widely in the media.

Across the country, there has been a growing number of reports of suspicious, uninvited callers targeting people on their doorsteps. We have, probably, all heard the horrifying story of a fraudster who charged a pensioner £160 after visiting her home and injecting her with an unknown substance claiming it was her Covid-19 vaccination.

Last summer, the Master Locksmiths Association warned of a surge in rogue locksmiths claiming to be members of this otherwise unregulated profession. In

one case, a woman was quoted £200 after being locked out of her house, with the fee increasing suddenly to £1500 once the job was completed. She was too scared to argue because she and the scammer were alone at night, and he was holding a drill.

In October, the Confederation of Roofing Contractors warned of an increase in cold callers offering to repair alleged roof problems. The problems were often non-existent, and any work that was done was usually of very poor quality.

Be wary of visitors who ask or demand to be invited in, put you under pressure to make a snap decision or ask for sensitive personal or financial information.

Unsolicited callers to your home can make you feel uncomfortable and can include: Tradespeople offering services (e.g. tarmacking, roofing, double glazing) Charity representatives or those with personal ‘hard luck’ stories Salespeople (eg cleaning and household products) People claiming to represent the council, the Police or the NHS People offering to switch your energy supply Not all cold callers are out to cheat you but, if you need the services they claim to offer, you are much better off making an approach to someone whose reputation you have checked out yourself in advance.

From Birstall & Wanlip NHW

Bike thefts fall BICYCLE THEFT fell by nearly 10% across the country from 2019 to 2020, according to the latest police crime figures.

The biggest drops were during the first lockdown, with April 2020 recording a 39.5% fall (down from 6690 to 4050 crimes reported) yearon-year, followed by March – down 30.5% (6340 to 4410).

The easing of lockdown restrictions led to a small resurgence in bicycle crime, with September recording a near 10% year-on-year rise in reported thefts - a likely combination of soaring bicycle sales and a greater number of opportunities for thieves.

Those most likely to have their bicycles pinched were cyclists in Cambridgeshire, reporting on average 3.9 crimes per 1000 residents, London reported 3.3 crimes and Thames Valley 2.1 – the same areas that topped the bicycle theft hotspots in 2019.

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2021

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Pics: outdoor learning at Highcliffe school’s new forest area

Forest school keeps kids active A NEW ‘forest’ area at Highcliffe primary school provides a space for outdoor learning.

A school spokesperson said: “At Highcliffe we value the outdoors and use this to help the holistic development of all involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners. Outdoor learning offers pupils the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.”

Support from CAB our service, we moved away from faceto-face drop-in sessions to the telephone.

“The coming months are going to be extremely difficult for a lot of people.

Thanks to our dedicated team of paid staff and volunteers, we are here to ensure that people can access our servMany of these issues relate to the ice and get the help they need.” adverse impact of Covid-19, particularly The Charnwood team reacted quickly in the areas of benefits, debt and emback in March and adapted their Loughployment. borough offices, making them Covid-19 Local people are facing situations safe; ready to make face-to-face appointthey never anticipated. Some have to ments when the restrictions are lifted. navigate the benefits system for the first “These appointments are especially time while many need help in understanding the new furlough and job reten- helpful to clients needing to complete some of the very complicated DWP tion schemes launched by the forms they are currently struggling to do Government. over the phone,” said Ian. The number of debt cases has inThe team also ensured it could look creased in Charnwood, with some peoafter local people through the lockdown ple losing their jobs. In other cases, by setting up the Urgent Local Enquiry both people in a partnership are now Line for Charnwood residents. unemployed, leading to extreme and "This has proved a lifeline for many unexpected hardship.

Citizens Advice Charnwood can make people who receive a callback, usually within an hour, from one of the team of referrals to food banks for the most advisors working from home," said Ian. vulnerable and for clients moving to He added: “It is anticipated that the benefits for the first time, who may have demand for the service will continue to a four week wait for the payment to be increase as long as the restrictions are made. in place. Citizens Advice Charnwood will, Ian Dennis, Chief Officer of Citizens of course, continue to advise on all the Advice Charnwood, said: “This year has other matters that arise outside of Covid.” been particularly challenging for everyCitizens Advice Charnwood local enone, and like many other organisations quiry line: 01509 649605 (Mon 9.30amwe have had to look at how we can 3pm, Tue 9.30am-12noon, Thur adapt to provide a service to the residents of Charnwood. In line with Govern- 9.30am-3pm) www.charnwoodcab.org.uk ment guidance, and without a break in

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2021

SINCE THE first lockdown in March 2020, Citizens Advice Charnwood has helped nearly 1,500 people with over 4,500 issues.

Cedar Mews celebrating jabs RESIDENTS AT the Cedar Mews care home had all received their first coronavirus vaccination by February 1, as the national programme to protect care home residents from COVID-19 gathers pace.

Helen Cooke, General Manager at Cedar Mews care home, said: “The health and wellbeing of our residents is paramount and we sincerely thank all involved in the Covid vaccine rollout programme. It is so reassuring to see residents receiving their first jabs this feels like a massive step forward for us all. We are so pleased to have begun the journey to getting life back to some form of normality for our residents and team members. We continue to keep a positive outlook and hope that this is the start of better

things to come.”

Resident Gerald Prince (pictured), on receiving his vaccine, said: “Life at Cedar Mews has carried on as normal as possible throughout the pandemic, but I’m delighted to have received my vaccine and look forward to once again being able to hug my family.”

Cedar Mews is a purpose-built 73bed care home, recognised by Carehome.co.uk - the Trip Advisor of the care home industry – as one of the Top 20 Care Homes in the East Midlands.

Cedar Mews provides permanent care for long-term needs, respite care for short-term needs and daycare. It also provides specialised dementia care.

Its ethos is to enable residents – whether short stay or permanent – to live healthier, happier and more fulfilled lives.

Dog theft at record levels in lockdown POLICE ARE urging dog owners to take reasonable security measures to keep their pets safe.

Officers are warning that criminals are exploiting the huge increase in prices and demand for puppies over the Coronavirus restrictions.

The charity DogLost has seen reports of thefts rise by 170% in the last year from 172 dogs in 2019 to 465 in 2020.

National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for Acquisitive Crime, Deputy Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman said: “Dog theft can be a devastating crime for families and causes considerable distress to owners. Whilst it is still a very rare crime, it’s sadly something we have

seen increasing recently.

“During the Coronavirus pandemic, criminals have adjusted their activities and are taking advantage of the big demand for pets over the lockdown period.

The cost of a puppy has considerably increased over the past year, making this a lucrative market for organised criminals to exploit.”

Police across the country are taking robust action to target those responsible for dog theft.

Recently in Greater Manchester officers arrested three people after a member of the public reported seeing someone carrying seven English Bulldogs puppies into a property. Two 21-year-old men and a 20-year-old woman were

Pics: (above) some of the 80 dogs recovered from a property in Wales & (top) bulldogs rescued from a property in Manchester

arrested on suspicion of burglary.

While in Wales, Dyfed-Powys Police has returned nearly 30 dogs to their rightful owners after officers found 80 animals at a property in Carmarthenshire.

One person was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods and another on suspicion of burglary. Inquiries continue.

Deputy Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman added: “We rely on the public providing us with information and would urge anyone who sees anything suspicious to report it to their local officers.

Whilse these offences can be very difficult to investigate police understand how upsetting they are and will robustly follow any lines of inquiry.

“Dog owners can take reasonable security measures to prevent thefts like checking privacy settings on social media before sharing pictures of your pet online, as this can attract the attention of some criminals. The Blue Cross website has a wide range of advice on how to prevent theft of dogs and steps to take if this happens.

“I also want to encourage those who are buying dogs to really consider where the pet has come from and ensure that it is being purchased legally. Advice can be found online on the checks you should make before purchasing a new dog or puppy.”

Litter complaints LITTER BY the sides of the road along the A46 near Birstall has resulted in complaints from residents.

The litter became visible after the Highways Agency cut back the verges.

A Charnwood Borough Council spokesperson said: “We are responsible for cleansing a small part of the A46 between Birstall and Anstey. This section is scheduled to be cleansed twice a year by our waste partner Serco. The clean-ups usually take place in April and October when the clocks change and require a significant amount of planning due to it being on a busy road. This includes rolling road closures, staff availability and completing it at less busy times.

The ongoing pandemic has affected the usual clean-up schedule, but the next clean is now scheduled to take place in April which should address the issue on our section of road.”

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Leicester over reliant on retail, council told RADICAL NEW thinking is needed if Leicester city centre is going to not just survive, but thrive beyond the pandemic That’s the message from a trio of business groups, which have joined forces to help reshape the city as one fit for purpose in the post-Covid world.

East Midlands Chamber, Leicestershire Business Voice (LBV) and BID Leicester will take research presented by the Centre for Cities think-tank at a recent roundtable discussion to inform Leicester City Council as it develops its next Local Plan.

The study of its commercial property make-up and footfall data showed Leicester was over-reliant on retail within its city centre mix and weekend trade – with a suggestion it needs to focus on attracting businesses that employ highskilled professionals, who will have better spending power.

During a webinar on January 29, Centre for Cities researcher Valentine Quinio presented a series of datasets that showed how Leicester lags behind the national average for highly qualified workers, quality and quantity of office space, and transport accessibility.

The think-tank regards a “strong city centre” to have about three times as much office space than retail, which is viewed as less of an asset now due to the industry’s transformation to online.

Leicester is composed of 40% retail and 27% office space, while its 15% high street vacancy rate is three percentage points higher than a stronger rival.

However, its relatively large proportion of industrial space (15% – double the recommended level) offers scope for repurposing into different uses, such as offices.

Footfall data from pre-pandemic and

development. during the Covid-19 summer recovery Simon Jenner, director of BID Leicesshowed the city centre was busiest durter, which represents more than 700 ing weekends, but Valentine said activity peaks on weekdays in the most prosper- organisations in the city, added: “We’ve been following the Centre for Cities data ous cities as this offers more opportuniclosely, and one of the things that’s ties for income. emerged is a strong strategic consensus She added: “Online shopping is less around the importance of people living of a threat than the lack of spending and working in the city. power, so the challenge “We’re moving in the now lies in attracting these right direction in this rehigh-skilled businesses, spect, with some very good which will, in turn, benefit examples of businesses the whole economy. relocating to the city in “Policy needs to focus recent years such as Mattioon making the city centre li Woods, IBM and PPL PRS, an attractive place for while there’s also a big businesses to locate, and Pic: Researcher Valentine Quinio increase in high-quality this will require investing residential accommodation in skills, commercial and with schemes such as Waterside Leicesoffice space, transport and the public ter. realm.”

“There’s also demand for more busiIn November last year, the council ness relocation, so one of the issues we began a consultation on the Leicester need to look at is the supply of quality Local Plan, which sets out policies and office accommodation because we recogproposals for the city’s growth over the next 15 years – covering a wide range of nise how having more people with issues including future plans for housing, spending power in our city will help businesses.” employment, transport and economic

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2021

14

News from the churches

THE BIRSTALL POST MAR 2021

TIME PASSES, carrying us all along can be included in this scheme. with it. After winter, the birds, aniIf you are a user of the Coffee Shop or belong to one of the many groups mals and flora are stirring into new that meet on the Methodist premises or life. merely would like to support the work We all hope and pray that this spring of the Methodist Church in Birstall, then will see the same emergence into a new please do consider supporting this generlife for us. ous offer that will increase your gift At the time of writing, being unaware of what new or changed Covid regulation substantially.

The only condition that this generous the government will have introduced at donor has stipulated it that the money the end of February, St James the Great must be in the church account by March is still closed for services, and recorded services have been available. Our Lady & 31, and understandably, he has put a ceiling of £2000 on his matching offer.

St Nicolas at Wanlip has continued with The World Day of Prayer Friday March an evening service each week.

5 (By Zoom) It is hoped that by the time you read This year the service has been prethis, St James will again be holding pubpared by the Christian women of Vanlic services. uatu on the theme "Build on a Strong Lent has now started and, not knowFoundation". Vanuatu is an ing whether we would be able to hold archipelago of 80 beautiful our normal lent course, we are grateful for the efforts of our retired clergy. They islands, situated in the have put together a course which can be South Pacific to the east of followed at home and is published in the Northern Australia.

If you would like to join Spring edition of our quarterly magazine the service, you will need to “Keep in Touch”. Keep in Touch is filled send a request to Jackie at with lots of interesting and entertaining birstallwwdp@gmail.com. articles; if you don’t normally receive She will send you the zoom one, and would like a copy, contact us link and a pdf copy of the through the church website or the service about three days Churchwarden’s phone, and we will before the service. drop a copy off to you.

Wilderness in Lent For weekly updates, we recommend that you visit our website, where the This month, it will be a year since the weekly information page gives details of lockdowns started because of the panservices and gives links to our online demic. For many, it has been a ‘wilderservices. ness experience’. The Gospels tell us of We take another step towards securJesus reluctantly going ‘into the wildering a new rector for the parish, appliness’ and (amongst other things) ‘angels cants for the advertised position are waited on him’. being interviewed at the end of this In her excellent short sermon on month, and so with God’s help, we look February 14, our minister Paula said forward to the correct person coming that in her experience those angels, through to lead us for the years ahead. (today) often look like ordinary human We are looking forward to this Easter, beings. hoping that it will see us all, newly vacciAn extract from a sermon does not nated, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, back do it justice. You can read the full short in our churches celebrating the wonder- sermon by looking on Leicester Trinity ful Easter story, where you will receive a Circuit website & easily see the service warm and safe welcome. on the publications section. You can Church website –www.birstall.org listen to the video, by looking under Churchwardens phone – 07570 ‘locations’ and then ‘Birstall’. The video 198810 is better because you can see the illustraFrom the parish churches of Birstall tions Rev Paula used in her brief sermon. & Wanlip Later on, we read that Jesus chose to go back into the wilderness at various Birstall Methodist Can Change £10 times - clearly, he found something Into £25! there that he couldn’t survive without.

With the continuing restrictions, the Freedom from distraction? From the church’s finances are struggling a little. incessantly clamouring voices demanding Like many buildings used by the commu- his help and healing? Freedom to think, nity, our rental income for room hire and pray, and focus on God? The wilderhas dried up completely. ness can be a place to discover what is However, Birstall Methodist Church is important. In the wilderness, we find able, through a very generous donor to what gives us nourishment, and strength, make £10 into £25. and who is there alongside us. We can The kind donor has offered to match find new life and direction: an experiany ‘additional’ giving to the church. If ence, both of God, and of ourselves. you sent a cheque to our treasurer (AnJesus was served by angels, and angels, drew Webster, 14 Woodgate Drive, Birin my experience, often look like ordistall LE4) for (say) £10 with a little note nary human beings. He emerged from giving your name & address and saying the wilderness with a clear purpose, and if we may claim Gift Aid, your £10 he began his ministry with a ringing call cheque becomes £25! Your £10 plus to believe the Good News. The wilder£2.50 Gift Aid, plus the donors £10 to ness may be a place of grace, and rematch your giving plus the generous newed purpose.

From Birstall Methodist Church donors' Gift Aid of £2.50 totals £25!

Most members of the Methodist conLooking to Holy Week (1) gregation are making monthly or weekly The events which we refer to as ‘Eastsums towards the church’s costs, so any er’ are very much in every Christian’s additional giving to their usual amount

mind every day of the year, but we espe- and much provision to believe for: if you 15 cially remember them at this anniversary would like to know more or help in any time. At the end of this month, there is way do get in touch the start of ‘Holy Week’, which is the susan.hind@trinitylifehurch.org.uk. record of the last week of the earthly life As we write this it is Valentine’s Day of Jesus Christ, beginning with His entry tomorrow: so, what is love? into Jerusalem on a donkey (Palm SunIn the middle of a very difficult seaday, 28th March) and includes the Last son for so many, the love of God is still Supper (‘Maundy Thursday’), His crucian anchor for our world and for every fixion (‘Good Friday’) and then His person in Birstall.

Resurrection (‘Easter Day’ 4th April).

A fellow minister tells the story of a The hymns this month focus on Good walk on a mountainside in Adelboden, Friday.

Switzerland. He had been watching the Good Friday World Cup men’s downhill ski event and, along with thousands of others, was George Perfect’s hymn, ‘Jesus was making his way down the mountain. The slain for me, at Calvary’ reinforces the pathway turned a sharp bend around the central event of the Crucifixion for all mountain and beyond a low wooden believers: this short, three-verse hymn guardrail was a steep slope for about mentions the words ‘At Calvary’ nine 100 feet to the edge of a precipice and times. Perfect refers to Christ’s “wondrous love for me” and “pardoned is all sheer 500-foot drop onto rocks. As he my sin” – leading to the response: “ever turned the corner he heard the piercing scream of a child who had fallen under my tongue shall tell of Calvary”. George the rail and was sliding to her death. As was born in West Yorkshire he watched, a man leapt over the rail in 1882 and he pastored in and ran down the slope, just managed to the UK and Nigeria before stop before he went over the edge, and his death in 1958. then turned and caught the little girl.

The finished work of As the minister watched this scene, Christ in the redemption of he sensed that God spoke to him, ‘‘You His people is the subject of saw how that child was sliding to certain Jonathan Evans’ ‘Hark the destruction. You saw how she looked to voice of love and mercy,’ her father and cried for her father. You which repeats Jesus’s words saw how her father responded immedion the Cross (“It is finished”) and says “what assurance do the ately, not hesitating to assess the danger wondrous words afford”. It is a song of to himself, but flung himself down the mountainside to rescue his child? That is triumph in the face of great evil, for how I love my children - tell my people “death and hell no more shall awe …

I love them.’’ [and believers] from hence your comThe love of Jesus is the most staggerfort draw”. Jonathan was born in Coventry to a working-class family. He worked ing demonstration of the Father’s comas a ribbon-maker before his conversion mitment to us: Jesus’ love is demonstrated - Jesus aged about thirty, and then he became a washed feet, He touched lepers and He preacher, also in the Coventry area. He spoke to the marginalised and the insigdied in 1809 at the age of sixty. nificant. He had time for the dirty and The final hymn before us this month the needy and the outcasts. He helped is Philipp Bliss’s ‘Man of Sorrows! What the mentally unstable and the spiritually a name’ and outlines the unique nature unclean. He loved the rich and the poor of the Cross: that Jesus was each believand He had time for lost people. He is er’s substitute before the judgment seat irresistible. of God: “Bearing shame and scoffing Jesus’ love is unconditional rude, In my place condemned He stood; Nothing we do can make Him love us Sealed my pardon with His blood: Hallemore; nothing we do can make Him lujah! What a Saviour!” Philipp was an love us less. His love is unconditional, American, born in Pennsylvania in 1838 undeserved and cannot be earned. and converted at the age of twelve.

Jesus’ love is compelling He was a talented musician, with a He spent His three years of ministry fine bass voice, and he composed about forgiving, healing, transforming, and a hundred Gospel songs. He and his restoring people. One day we will see wife were killed in a train accident in Him and He will be even more wonder1876. ful than we ever imagined.

If you would like to know more Jesus’ love is immeasurable about the pardon and assurance offered His love is wide and long and high at Calvary, then please get in touch with and deep. His love ‘‘surpasses knowlus, via our website (http://www.birstallbaptistchurch.org.uk) edge’’ Jesus’ love is shown by His death or by phoning 0116 2214883.

From Birstall Independent Baptist Church The cross was painful, cursed and the greatest symbol of love the universe has Hello Birstall ever seen. This is how we know what Here at TLC we are so encouraged by love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for the recent signing of a contract with us’’(1 John 3:16).

Leicester City Council for the renting of Jesus’ love is to be known an amazing warehouse, which will be We can know Him, we can receive transformed over this year into an aspira- His love and then we can show His love tional and welcoming space of around to others.

14,000 square feet, devoted to offering TLC continues to meet every week practical love and compassion to people online on our YouTube Channel - everyin need in our city: our new Open one is welcome to join us, and if we can Hands Compassion Centre. help you in any way at all, please get in Over the next six months, we will be touch… on a journey to renovate and develop Be blessed the centre, aiming to be ready to open From David and Susan Hind, Trinity around September - there is lots to do Life Church

Birstall BAG’s cancer corner

The Impact of COVID-19 on Cancer Services The Cancer Service Recovery Plan Phase 1: ensure the continuation The COVID pandemic has had a huge of essential cancer treatment and impact on the number of people presentscreening for high-risk individuals ing to their GPs and hospitals with signs during the initial peak of the panand symptoms of cancer. There are a demic. number of reasons for this, but Birstall Phase 2: restore disrupted servicBAGs want to reassure people that your es as far as possible to at least NHS is there for you, cancer services are pre-pandemic levels. working as near to normal as possible, Phase 3 (to run until March attending the hospital is safe and we 2021): full recovery of NHS cancer want to encourage anyone, concerned services in England, including enabout signs of symptoms to reach out suring that care for all patient and seek medical attention. groups continues to be safe, effecTo explain this further, we would like tive and holistic. to share some details of NHS England The principal reason for a reduction Cancer Recovery Plan. The NHS has in the number of cancer patients established this plan to minimise the commencing treatment was the impact COVID has on cancer services. fall in referrals. Here The plan has a national, regional and are some of the local focus. measure monitored The coronavirus pandemic has preand addressed over sented major challenges for all healthcare systems. One of the most significant the last year.

Urgent referimpacts was a sharp reduction in the rals – the number number of people coming forward and of people seen being referred urgently with suspected following an urcancer and referred from screening gent referral fell in programmes.

April 2020 but reWhen coronavirus prevalence was turned to normal levels initially high, this resulted in some peoby September 2020. ple facing longer waits for diagnosis, Screening – NHS Breast and some treatments being delivered in difBowel screening services were paused in ferent ways or being interrupted or stopped on the grounds of clinical safety, March 2020, but by December they were and some follow-up care being disrupted. returning to normal. There is work in place to catch up with patients that expeYet, thanks to the efforts of NHS staff rienced a delay. and their partners, including many staff Waiting Times – the number of and volunteers in the cancer charities, people waiting more than 62 days for the number of people receiving first or diagnosis and/or treatment has fallen by subsequent treatment was maintained at more than half but remains above the 86% of that in the same period in 2019 pre=pandemic level of about 11,800.

(March to September).

Treatment – Not all treatment was The response to the pandemic by NHS delayed or interrupted during the first cancer services has focused on three few months of the pandemic, but the phases:-

need to protect patients from coronavirus infection and to manage the pressure on hospitals did disrupt some pathways The Cancer Recovery Taskforce A task force was convened with representatives from charities, royal colleges, national teams and patient and public voices. The task force is monitoring progress against the aims of restoring demand, reducing waiting times and ensuring sufficient capacity for cancer diagnosis and treatment.

The NHS also remains committed to delivering the Long Term Plan ambitions for cancer: by 2028, 55,000 more people will survive cancer for five years or more each year; and by 2028, 75% of people will be diagnosed at an early stage (stage one or two).

As indicated in this plan, the NHS is working to ensure that activity that will help us to meet these ambitions can continue during the pandemic, particularly through our major programmes of work, such as Rapid Diagnostic Centres and Targeted Lung Health Checks.

In addition, we will want to capitalise on the innovations and new ways of working that have been developed as a result of the pandemic. As the recovery phase is completed, there will also be a renewed focus on securing sustainable delivery against the cancer waiting time standards.

The NHS will continue to work with regional and local cancer services to support them to deliver change locally, for example, through dedicated funding, provision of data and analysis, and best practice and tools.

If you would like to know more, please visit:https://www.england.nhs.uk/cancer/strate gy/ or https://www.england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/ cancer/ If you are concerned about signs and symptoms of cancer, please pick up the phone and speak to your health care team. Your local cancer services at the University Hospitals of Leicester are working as near to normal as always, it is safe to attend the hospital, and the cancer team is there for you.

For local support and information about cancer services, please contact:University Hospitals of Leicester Cancer Information Centre on 0116 258 6189 For more information on the funds Birstall BAGs have raised, the projects we support and forthcoming events see www.birstallbags.co.uk or look us up on Facebook or email birstallbags@hotmail.co.uk

The April issue of

THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Apr 2.

The copy deadline is March 19.

THE BIRSTALL POST YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

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Birstall Tai Chi on TV BIRSTALL TAI Chi featured on ITV Central News in February.

Tai Chi practitioner and teacher Simon Elvis spoke about the benefits of Tai Chi, and a student related how the Chinese martial art had helped him during lockdown. www.birstalltaichi.co.uk Pic: Birstall’s Simon Elvis on the School Lane playing field, talking about Tai Chi on ITV Central News

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