Birstall Post (476) March 2023

the Birstall post

Gym’s award winners

ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS have been presented to young people who have reached a high standard of training at Gunns’ Gym.

Three girls were praised by Carl. “They haven’t been coming to the gym for long but have achieved a lot in such a short time,” he said. Sophia Bowley (10) and Madison Burbage (12) were Gold Award Winners, and Milie Whait (10) was awarded a bronze.

400 young people are using the gym, which is open five days a week.

Council raises concerns

CONCERNED ABOUT the impact of the Leicester Local Plan and the Ashton Green development on Birstall, two Birstall Parish Councillors and the parish clerk have been able to meet with planning officers from the City Council to discuss their concerns.

Cllr Tony Abbey, Parish Clerk Sue Coulson and Chair of Birstall Parish Council Ann Marshall met with officers from Leicester City Council Planning Department on February 9 at City Hall.

Cllr Marshall said: “The meeting was helpful in that it explained the process and some timelines.

"The build is over a 10-year period and there are several phases which will trigger their own individual conditions.

“The first step is for the Local Plan, prepared by Leicester City Council, to be submitted to the Secretary of State and then examined by an inspector.”

The consultation into the Local Plan ended on 27 February, and the Parish Council has submitted a collective response regarding the Soundness and Duty to Co-operate requirements.

Cllr Marshall said: “Once the Local Plan is accepted, planning applications will be submitted by Leicester City Council, which will drill down into the details of the building phase. It will be very important for residents, and Birstall Parish Council, to make comments.

Continued on page 2

Pic: award winners (l-r) Sophia Bowley, Madison Burbage & Milie Whait (more award winners on page 2)

B&Q inAsda closing

THE THURMASTON B&Q, located within the Asda superstore, is to close.

The company has said that no jobs will be lost as a result of the changes. Staff are being offered alternative roles at stores nearby.

The Thurmaston store opened in September 2021. Now B&Q has decided to close eight of its stores within Asda across the country, starting from March 11.

B&Q said the decision was made

after an "intensive review" of the trial in-Asda format.

The company intends to focus on smaller high street stores, called B&Q Local, with a plan to expand them further.

The eight B&Q locations set to close: Sheffield Drakehouse

Dagenham

Roehampton

Edmonton

Thurmaston

Great Bridge, Lancaster, Hartlepool

"Leicester City Council has to comply with any conditions made, and some are already in place. For example, the Transport Conditions in the original 2011 outline planning permissions [for Ashton Green] contain details on ‘Condition 45 –Greengate Lane traffic calming scheme’, which was triggered and amended through the 2014 and 2018 outline consents, which will be delivered within the next Phase C development proposal.”

She added: “At the meeting, we were informed that the Parish Council would be kept informed of planning applications going through the system, and

were advised to also contact Leicestershire County Council’s Highways Development Management Team, who will hold the information.

“The Parish Council are doing their utmost to keep residents informed in time to be able to react to the next phases of development.”

ASHTON GREEN

Pic: the site identified for development in Leicester City’s Local Plan

Continued from page 1

Award winners continued from page 1. Pic: Young members of Gunns’ Gym with their awards. Carl said: “I’m very proud of all of them, they’ve worked hard to get their awards.”

Casting your vote in May elections

THE NEXT scheduled elections taking place in this area will be on Thursday May 4, 2023 to elect councillors to: Charnwood Borough Council (all seats).

All parish councils in the borougharea (all seats).

Charnwood Borough Council is currently controlled by the Conservative Group, the 52 seats being broken down as follows:

37 Conservative councillors

13 Labour councillors

One Independent councillor

One Green Party councillor

There are two borough council wards for Birstall & Wanlip: Birstall West and Birstall East & Wanlip. Each ward has two borough councillors.

Registering to vote

To be able to vote in these elections, you must have registered to vote by

midnight on Monday April 17, 2023.

You can register to vote at any time, so if you’re not already registered, it is best to make sure you do this in plenty of time. If you are not sure if you are registered to vote, you can find out more information on the register to vote webpage of Charnwood Borough Council. How to vote

All voters in the polling station will need to show photographic ID before voting.

Voting by post

Voting by post is an easy and convenient way of voting if you do not want to vote in person at a polling station. Your voting forms are posted to you together with a postage paid return envelope.

You can apply to vote by post for a particular election or referendum, for a set period of time or for all future polls.

Come & sing with us

WATERMEAD SINGERS attracts people with all kinds of singing experience and welcomes anyone who fancies having a go at singing.

“Some of our members are seasoned singers, and others are complete novices with no musical experience at all,” said spokeswoman Caroline Sharpe.

“And that’s the real pleasure that comes from singing with others - it doesn’t matter how you think you sound on your own when you sing in a choir, you are part of making a great collective sound,” she added.

The choir meets at the Elizabeth Park Centre in Thurmaston. Caroline said: “Life has changed for so many people over the last three years, but one thing we’ve learnt is how important it is to be with other people.

“We were all impacted by lockdown, and not wanting to dwell on the particular challenges faced by singers and choirs over that time, it’s just worth saying how amazing Watermead Singers is, surviving 18 months of rehearsing on Zoom, a summer of outdoor rehearsals and six months of indoor socially distanced rehearsals.

“We are delighted that we are now

almost a year into being back to normality, and each Thursday afternoon Elizabeth Park Centre is filled with music, singing, laughter and chatter as Watermead Singers are back to making music in the way that choirs are supposed to!”

Singing is beneficial to mental and physical health. Caroline said: “You might have heard about singing releasing happy hormones – well it’s true. Something which I hear often is how good someone feels after an hour or two of singing. And singing with a friendly, easy-going, and fun group doubles the benefits.”

The choir is now back to singing at events and giving concerts – the next is at St Hilda’s, East Goscote on Friday May 26 at 7pm. “We would love to see you there,” said Caroline. “The singers are a really lively group from Birstall, Thurmaston, Syston, Queniborough and beyond. Membership of Watermead Singers comes with the added bonus of being able to visit and sing with any of the Charnwood Community Singers choirs who meet in Rothley, Tilton on the Hill, Quorn and Woodhouse Eaves.”

You can find out more about the choirs and concerts by visiting the website: www.charnwoodcommunitysingers.com

The Watermead Singers

the UK and abroad. You must be registered and eligible to vote. How to apply for a postal vote

Your completed postal vote application form must be received by the Electoral Services office before 5pm on Tuesday 18th April 2023 if you wish to vote by post for the upcoming elections being held on Thursday May 4, 2023.

If your application is received by Friday March 17, 2023 and is successful and you are eligible to vote in the upcoming elections, then your postal vote pack will be sent out 1st class to you on Friday April 14, 2023.

If your application is received between Monday March 20, 2023 – 5pm on Tuesday April 18, 2023 and is successful and you are eligible to vote in the upcoming elections, then your postal vote pack will be sent out 1st class to you on Monday April 24, 2023.

Download a postal vote application form from Charnwood website, print off, read the information, follow the instructions, complete and return the form.

Alternatively, contact Electoral Services on 01509 634546 and they will send you an application form.

The deadline to apply is 5pm on Tuesday April 18, 2023

Parish Council election

A poll will only take place if there are more nominations than there are seats. If there are the same number or fewer candidates than there are seats available, no election is required and the seats are allocated to the candidates.

If you would like to stand as a parish councillor, obtain the nomination papers from Electoral Services at Charnwood and return them by April 4, 2023.

Pic: Map shows boundaries of Birstall wards in borough elections

Tribute paid to man killed inA47 collision

THE FAMILY of a Birstall man who died following a fatal collision on the A47 Uppingham Road have paid tribute to a ‘loving father, son, brother and uncle’.

Tristian Connell (37) was outside his breakdown recovery vehicle when he was struck by a black Audi A4 estate just after 9.20am on Friday 20 January 20. Mr Connell suffered fatal injuries and

died at the scene.

The driver of the Audi was not injured during the collision but a child who was inside the car was taken to hospital as a precaution.

Roadworks start for Broadnook

HIGHWAY WORKS on the A6 between Birstall and Rothley started in February and are expected to last 52 weeks.

Developers Davidsons and Cora Homes are starting the main access works off the A6 into the 1950 home Broadnook Garden Suburb, a planned garden village development.

A county council spokesperson said: “Throughout 2023 there will be an ongoing requirement for phased and approved traffic management and a website will be launched to ensure the public get updates on phasing and progress. Overnight preparatory works are commencing very soon. The scheme will also include the formation of new roundabouts and diversionary works in the area of the A6/A46 interchange, as well as various highway improvements.”

Paying tribute to Mr Connell, his family said: “He was a dedicated, hardworking father of two young children with another on the way.

“We are truly heartbroken and devastated that he has been taken from us in this horrific fashion. Our lives will never be the same again.

“We have been robbed of a loving partner, father, son, brother and uncle, who we will sorely miss.”

Mr Connell had two children and was set to become a father for a third time when he died.

The inquest has been delayed as formal investigations by Leicestershire Police into the collision are ongoing.

Detectives from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) are continuing to appeal for any witnesses to the collision to come forward.

A gofundme page has been set up to support the family. To donate, go to gofundme.com and search for “In memory of Tristian Connell”.

BROADNOOK GARDEN SUBURB

BIRSTALL

WANLIP

ST SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS

Pic: a map of the Broadnook Garden suburb

Pic: Tristian Connell

Parish Council notes

A FULL meeting of Birstall Parish Council was held on February 13.

County Councillor Dan Grimley reported that the County Council was undertaking a review of the council’s supported bus services. No decisions on individual services will be made until there has been a programme of local engagement and consultation with affected communities. In Birstall the service to be reviewed is 22B Leicester to Birstall, Saturday only.

In public participation, several members of the public reported their concerns about extra traffic and traffic calming measures on Greengate Lane, associated with the Ashton Green development. Comment was made that a traffic light controlled one-way system on the GCR bridge would not deter traffic.

Chair Ann Marshall said that representatives from the Parish Council had met with city council officers last week to discuss concerns about the impact of the development, particularly on Greengate Lane. Cllr Marshall said it would be impossible to stop the development at Ashton Green, and the Parish Council and residents should direct their efforts into pushing the city council to do something sensible about Greengate Lane. She said that at the meeting, she had reminded the officers that it is a residential road with a cemetery, school and medical centre and that it is the only access road for the Gates estate. The new houses at Ashton Green and the planned 1200 place school would inevitably result in an increase in traffic.

When a detailed planning application is produced showing the measures planned for Greengate Lane, this will be the opportunity to comment on the proposals. Cllr Marshall said that when this happens, the Parish Council would try to arrange a public meeting and invite officers from the City Council. She said the current consultation, ending on February 27, was more about strategy than detail but stressed the importance of objecting at this stage.

It was reported that Malcolm Merrifield has resigned from the council for personal reasons.

PC Stuart Venables reported that there were still problems with antisocial behaviour at the A46 services, but the problems there had reduced. He said he would meet with management to discuss ways to make the site less attractive to the individuals currently causing problems.

He said there had been no further reports of drug use in Birstall car parks, and that sites were being patrolled by plainclothes officers.

PC Venables reported that the police would be conducting speed checks on roads in the village in March, and he was consulting the public about the best areas to monitor.

PC Venables reported that a woman had been assaulted and robbed of cash on Meadow Lane on February 7, in the early evening. The police will increase patrols of the area.

Councillors suggested two locations for speed checks: Wanlip Lane in the evenings, the corner of School Lane and Birstall Road, and Greengate Lane.

It was reported that a Parish Councillor had made an agenda item request that the outstanding resolution list be

regularly updated and published on the Parish Council website, where it could be looked at by the public, promoting open access and accountability. The list is a record of council resolutions, and the progress made towards actioning them. The parish clerk reported her concerns: that the list contains staff names, legal matters and advice from other councils, and that it is a document for councillors only, an operational document for staff provided to councillors for them to monitor the progress of resolutions made. It is not a document for the public domain, she said. The document will now be called a progress report and will remain confidential. Chair Ann Marshall commented that the parish council was not obliged to produce such a report.

Councillors considered the plans for the cemetery extension project. It was agreed that they are submitted to Charnwood Borough Council for pre-application.

It was reported that a member of the public had requested that the path that runs through School Lane playing field, connecting the Sibson Road car park to the A6 near Johnson Road, be designated as a public footpath. The request has been considered by the county council. Birstall Parish Council objected to the request as the path is nearly always open, and the parish council could see no reason why it should be designated as a footpath. The County Council has declined the request. The decision has been appealed.

It was reported that the first meeting of a working party set up to help progress the council's application for a NALC Gold Award would take place on February 21.

Councillors were shown the two 10inch plaques, which will be erected in the village, marking the life and reign of HM Queen Elizabeth II. They will be erected at the Village Hall, above the door, and at the Hallam Fields community hall, on the wall behind the noticeboard.

Chair Ann Marshall reported on the meeting she had attended at City Hall about the Ashton Green development and Leicester Local Plan. Two officers from the city council attended, and she said the meeting was interesting and useful. She said that no detailed plans to mitigate traffic on Greengate Lane had been produced yet. The details would be published as part of the planning application, which had not yet been prepared. When the planning application is submitted, this will be the stage when comments from the public and the parish council are invited. She said that money for mitigation measures would be provided by the developers of Ashton Green, which is a 10-year build, being done in stages with several developers. She said the city council must show that it is working and consulting with neighbouring local authorities.

Councillors discussed the fencing of the Worcester Avenue jetty, which is need of repair. The Estates Team manager had provided an estimate of £4736 for repairs. It was agreed to proceed with making the fence stronger by putting in concrete posts as soon as possible and for the Clerk to liaise with the two residents concerned.

WI’s seaside break

BIRSTALL AND Wanlip WI met on February 6 at Birstall British Legion.

Instead of the expected social evening, we were surprised by a visit from First Aid expert Prathiba. She showed us how to put patients in the recovery position, how to give CPR, how to use a defibrillator and what to do if someone is choking. It was a very useful evening, and now we will have more confidence to deal with any emergencies. It was also good to see the raffle and Pennies for Friendship collection reintroduced. Members were also asked to invite friends to a free evening to find out more about the WI.

Eight of us went on a Federation coach holiday to Bournemouth in January. We were blessed with beautiful weather and a well run hotel. It was a totally enjoyable five days.

The Annual Council Meeting is on March 18 at Leicester Grammar School with speakers Ruth Goodman and Eric Knowles. This is always a good day out with lots of competitions, including crafts, baking, short stories, poetry and

flower arranging.

We will be starting our new walking group on February 27 and hope to make this a regular monthly event.

Our next meeting is on March 6, at 7pm, when we will dress comfortably and prepare for an evening talk and demonstration of Tai Chi with Laraine Tucker.

From Birstall & Wanlip WI

Pic: Birstall & Wanlip WI on their holiday in Bournemouth

Noticeboard

The UK ConstitutionHistory, Present and Future

with Bob Grindrod

5 week course starting on Wed 26 April 2-4pm – at The Rothley Centre - Fee £43* (or free if you are in receipt of an income related benefit; or you could also apply for WEA Learner Discretionary fund for a fee waiver if your household income is less than £21,000 a year).

The course will look at how the UK Constitution works and whether it remains 'fit for purpose' in the modern world. We will look at how our Constitution has come about, its main components and the recent crises that have tested it almost to destruction. Would we all be better off if it were codified, written down, and taught in schools as in many countries around the world?

To enrol please ring 0300 303 3464 quoting course ref. C2348849 or via the WEA website www.wea.org.uk

Birstall United

March & April Home Fixtures.

21/03/23 Radford Fc

25/03/23 Newark Town

11/04/23 Gedling Miners Welfare

15/04/23 Holwell Sports

Birstall Social Club Bingo

Every Thursday evening

Doors open at 7pm, eyes down at 8pm.

10 games, including card Bingo and the bell bonus.

Everyone welcome

Syston and District

University of the Third Age

Open Day

Wednesday April 26, 11am – 2pm. Not in full time work? Is this what you’ve been waiting for? A chance to meet future friends, become more active, enjoy new interests

and socialise. Does having fun appeal to you? Discover more about these opportunities and talk to both Group Organisers and members of Syston and District u3a.

Visit our Open Day at Grosvenor Snooker Club, Syston, LE7 2EN. We are waiting to welcome you

Lunch Club

At Birstall Methodist Centre

YOUR SAY...

Get together for a chat on Wednesdays

12 noon onwards.

Two-course lunch & hot drink

£8.50

Transport £2.50

For more information contact 0792 8864 586

Cedar Care Circle

Hi everyone. Spring is definitely

our annual Watermead Charity Challenge Run at Watermead Park on Tuesday, July 4, so look out for details on social media platforms and village community magazines in due course for this everpopular event.

Fiona Henry

Last month I wrote about the changes to the Birstall bus service, and said that I was assuming that there would be even more cuts to the Birstall service.

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 handed in at Birstall library or email: editor@birstallpost.co.uk

It's sad that the Parish Council still does not have good relations with adjoining councils.

The Council I was on a few years ago down south, often invited officers from the Borough or County Councils and were very keen to explain their plans and even listen to arguments both for and against proposals that affected our area, but then we often had between 5 and 10 members of the public attend full Council and Committee meetings. Strange!

Mind you, we often suspended standing orders so members of the public could interact with their representatives.

Norman Cutting

Wreake Valley Rotary Club would like to say a very big thank you to everyone who came out to see us on our Santa Sleigh evenings around Syston, Thurmaston, Birstall and Mountsorrel and for supporting us so generously with your donations which will benefit mainly local charities. The total amount collected from our Santa Sleigh programme and Thurmaston’s ASDA and Dunelm stores amounted to the magnificent sum of just over £6,600. We hope you enjoyed our Santa visits as much as we enjoyed visiting as many areas as we could - even though it was bitterly cold on occasion. We couldn't visit everyone, but we did our best to spread our activities as widely as possible. We are now in the process of drawing up a list of charities to benefit from our Christmas fundraising, and we hope to publish a list of beneficiaries on our website soon.

Our next fundraising event will be

Looks like I was right. From what is being said in the media, it seems like the Saturday service is going completely, and possibly the weekday service too, because of “ necessary” cuts being made by the County Council.

That would mean the only bus service available would be along Loughborough Road, okay for people who can walk that far.

I don’t know how people without cars are expected to travel. Taxis are out of reach for those already struggling on the State Pension.

Name and address supplied

My wife and I have been travelling by bus from the top of Greengate Lane three times a week over a period of six weeks to the LRI, while waiting at the bus stop we have observed the excessive speed vehicles are travelling up and down Greengate Lane, we think that it is only a matter of time before there is a serious accident, we cannot understand why the speed activated sign was rejected by Birstall Parish Council this would have made drivers aware of the speed they were travelling at, one assumes that a traffic survey was never undertaken by BPC standing and observing the traffic flow on Greengate Lane otherwise I am sure that a different outcome on the vote would have been reached? The casting vote by the chair of the BPC does not have speeding traffic passing her house, it does not effect her, this problem is only going to get worse when the building work starts at the top of Greengate Lane, some form of speed restrictions are required to restrict the speeding vehicles, we have speed restrictions and a speed activated sign on the old Birstall road which does slow the traffic down as we have observed travelling that route by bus, so why not have the same restrictions on Greengate Lane which carries a larger amount of traffic than the old Birstall road, I and other residents of the area await the reply to this letter with great interest.

Ian Roberts

on its way! The March meetings are on Monday the 13th and 27th. The venue is the lovely Brunchies Café, Hallam Fields Road, Birstall at 1pm. Please come and join us, if you or anyone you know, is caring for spouse, friend or partner suffering from dementia. We understand the isolation and loneliness that 24/7 caring brings. It's good to talk. You can contact me, Barbara, on 07905760556 or message me on the FB page and I will get back to you. Just turn up at the Café. Everyone is welcome. Barbara

Recycling

The 'harder to' recyle area in the foyer of St James’ church on Church Hill has gradually been growing.

You can now recycle items such as ink cartridges, mobile phones, plastic net bags and stamps. The boxes are sited in the foyer of the church. Access can be gained Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays between 12.30 to 5.30pm,or during services

Friday Night Films

in Thurcaston

“The Phantom of the Open” March 10 (102 mins)

Sir Mark Rylance stars in this UK optimistic and uproariously funny story. A shipyard crane operator, and lovable family man, decides to take up golf and remarkably secures a spot in the qualifying round of the 1976 British Open Championships. Based on a true story, this is a glorious real-life film.

“Mr Malcolm’s List”

April 14 (115 mins)

Set in the nineteenth century, April’s film is a feel-good romantic comedy drama. Mysterious but handsome bachelor, Mr Malcom, has many lady followers. Exasperatingly, Julia discovers that he has an actual written list of qualities which he requires in a future wife. However, She resents being rejected and creates a plan…but will her plan work?

“Mrs Harris goes to Paris” will be shown on May 12th.

Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council will be showing these films at Thurcaston Memorial Hall, starting at 7.30pm. Film tickets will cost the usual £5, which includes a lucky prize draw and refreshments during the interval. You can pay for tickets at the door, if there are any left, or pay in advance from:

Richard 0116 2363 066 or Diana 0116 2362 619

Sunday 5 March 3pm

De Montfort Hall

Leicester Symphony Orchestra

'Beethoven meets

Sibelius'

Join the Leicester Symphony Orchestra for an afternoon of glorious music!

GLINKA Ruslan and Ludmilla

BEETHOVEN Violin Concerto

SIBELIUS Symphony No.5

Tickets £20, £16, £5, family £42 & £35 www.demontforthall.co.uk

Monday Group

7.30pm in Birstall Methodist Church coffee shop

6th March: Chocolate Bingo with Helen

13th March: Watermead Swans. Talk and Fundraiser for Watermead Swans, including raffle and thrift stall.

20th March: Quiz with Sandra

27th March: Tim Jackson - Food hub

If you see a talk that you think you’d be interested in, you are very welcome to come along as a visitor for a donation of just £2 to our project, which this year is for the local branch of The Motor Neurone Disease Association

Rothley & Birstall Birdwatchers

Tuesday March 14, 7.30pm

This has been changed to a talk on his visit to Mongolia by Andy Smith

Tuesday April 18, 7.30pm

Please note this meeting will be on the third Tuesday of April, the 18th, not on the second Tuesday as usual, due to Easter being the previous week.

"Nature's Darning Needles"

An introduction to Dragonflies by Kevin Reynolds

Membership £15 p.a. Talks free to members but if you just want to come and listen, come as a visitor for just £3

You are most welcome to join us for our Palm Sunday Service

Sunday, 2nd April 2023 at 10.45am

Speaker: Joshua Rowe

Venue: The Day Centre, The Vil-

Visit our website at: www.villagewatch.co.uk

The Future of Your Watch is in the Balance

When the Covid lockdown seriously interrupted our operation, Birstall and Wanlip Neighbourhood Watch had been active for over twenty years, growing from a single street scheme to over a hundred‐and‐sixty similar schemes covering most of the area. During the lockdown a number of those volunteers who had provided the overall administration withdrew from their roles, all for good reasons.

Since it became possible to revive the operation, all attempts to recruit replacements have been unsuccessful and the workload now falls upon a very few people. It has reached the stage when we have to seriously consider whether it is time to wind up the Watch. This would be a great loss to our villages but without new volunteers to take on the administration, there appears to be no alternative.

A Special General Meeting, to which ALL residents are invited, will take place on Thursday, 20th April at 7.45 pm in the Birstall Methodist Church Hall where the future of the Watch will be decided.

If you have time, thoughts or ideas on the matter that you would like to offer, please email us at: watch@villagewatch.co.uk

PC 1365 Stu Venables

After several changes last year, Birstall and Wanlip now has a regular Beat Officer. Stu Venables is no stranger to the area, having been a member of the Team as a Police Community Support Officer several years ago, before he left to qualify as a Police Officer. We should like to welcome him back to the Team and know that he is keen to make contact with our residents. If you meet him while he is out on patrol, please stop and say hello, he is very approachable.

Stu produces a Beat Newsletter that includes local crime figures, current activities and news about the Team. It can viewed on our website at: www.villagewatch.co.uk/police‐news

The Old Ones are the Best

Criminal scams are continually evolving but many of the well‐established ones are simple and, despite many warnings over the years, continue to trick unsuspecting victims out of their hard earned cash.

In recent months there has been a resurgence of the notorious ‘Microsoft Scam’. It starts with a telephone call that sometimes appears to be from a local number. There is often a pause before the caller comes on to the line. They introduce themselves as being from Microsoft or another well known internet company and tell you that your computer is reporting problems that have to be corrected as quickly as possible.

This is all untrue, of course, because there is no way they could know of such problems. If you follow their ‘advice’ you will almost certainly finish up severely out of pocket. Always treat any call or message that you are not expecting with the greatest suspicion and ring off.

Speak Up and Stay Safe

It is estimated that in the UK there is a burglary every forty seconds. You can help to keep our community safe by telling CrimeStoppers about anything you know or suspect about criminal activity. For example:

 People committing burglaries in the area

 People planning break‐ins – where and when?

 People who target vulnerable victims

 People selling stolen goods – when and where?

 People who steal cars

 People who carry and use weapons

 Unexplained wealth on your street

 If you see a lot of visitors to a house at odd times

Information and genuine suspicions can be invaluable to the Police in keeping us safe. Your snippet of information can often be added to many others to show up patterns of crime that help its detection and prevention.

You can call CrimeStoppers without giving your name or any other details and they will never record your phone number

Call them anonymously on 0800 555111 or for more information go to their website: crimestoppers‐uk.org

Our March Advice Shop

We have an Advice Shop advertised for Saturday, 18th March but, at the time of writing, we do not have anybody available to staff it.

We shall do our best to find somebody but it is possible that we shall have to miss opening on this occasion. We are sorry about this.

Please check on our website for the latest information: www.villagewatch.co.uk

lage Hall, Birstall Road, (junction with School Lane) Birstall (LE4 4DH) Birstall Independent Baptist Church Enquiries: 0116 221 4883 http://www.birstallbaptistchurch. org.uk

80’s Disco Night

Saturday 18th March 2023, 7pm

Birstall Social Club

£5 per ticket

Come join us for a fantastic 80s disco charity night to raise money for two Birstall Charities, Jade's Retreat & Carl Gunns’ Community Gym

• Fancy dress optional

• Raffle on the night (donations welcome)

• 50/50 lottery.

• Over 16s

• Ticket only event

• For more information please contact Paula Clifford-Gill on FB Messenger or 07934 551563

Birstall Methodist Church

Ratcliffe Chorale & Knighton Community Choir present

A Spring Concert

At Birstall Methodist Church, Wanlip Lane, Birstall

Saturday March 18, 2023, 7pm

Conductor – Simon Lubkowski

Organist – Ron Berry

Free entry – Raffle and retiring collection in aid of Action for Children & Church Funds

All Welcome

Birstall Flower Club

Wednesday

March 22, 2023

Birstall Village Hall

7.15pm

Demonstrator: Pauline Foster

Title: Let Us Dance In The Sun

Visitors £5

Queries to: Sylvia 0116 267 4206 or Carol 0116 267 1437

Birstall Royal British Legion club

All old and new members will be very welcome

Bingo every Tuesday starting at 9pm

Acoustic night Sunday 19th

Quizzes every Wednesday starting at 8.30pm and Sundays at 9pm

Music Quiz Friday 3rd March

Pool tables at only 50p

Saturday Entertainment

11th Emma Jay (female vocalist)

25th Kris Steel (Male vocalist)

Room hire available for Wakes please contact us for further information on 0116 2674817

From Classics to Jazz

Rachael Lawson:

Clarinet/Saxophone

Stephen Waterhouse: Piano

Saturday 1st April 2023, 7pm

Syston Methodist Church

High Street, Syston LE7 1GP

Tickets £8 including light refreshments

Tel no 0116 2609804/0759 462

8961

In aid of LOROS

Birstall Tea Dances

Held at St James, Birstall Village Hall, Birstall Road

Birstall, Leicester, LE4 4DH Fridays 3.30pm – 5.30pm

March 10th & 24th

£5 each on the door, Tea / coffee included

Home made cakes available, We ask for donations

Further information contact; Jackie 07908607405 lucasjackie86@gmail.com

Fined for leaving 100 bags of waste

FLY-TIPPERS at Filingate in Wanlip have been handed a £400 fine.

Over 100 bags of domestic waste were left beside the road, and two people each received a £400 fixed penalty notice.

Nine fines totalling over £3,000 have been handed out following reports of fly-tipping, dog fouling and poor dog control in Charnwood over the last three months.

The borough council says it has taken action as part of its ongoing commitment to look after the local environment and crackdown on those who show a disregard for the area.

The Council is also advising people to continue to report issues.

A further five people have been handed £400 fixed penalty notices for flytipping.

A £400 fine was issued following a report from a resident of a van fly-tipping on Derby Road in Hathern. Enough evidence was provided to hand the fine to the driver of the vehicle.

Items including a washing machine and wooden pallets were left in George Yard in Loughborough. Council officers were able to trace the offenders through statements and evidence gathered resulting in another £400 fine.

A name and address was recovered from domestic waste dumped along Slash Lane in Sileby, leading to a £400

fixed penalty notice.

Following household waste being left in Thurmaston by a driver of a vehicle, a £400 fine was handed out.

Fly-tipped household items were found just off Woodpecker Way in Shepshed. Evidence found from the waste

related to an address which was followed by another £400 fine being handed out.

After a report from a member of the public about a dog not being controlled at Dishley Pool, a £100 fine was handed to the owner as they were in breach of the restrictions in the Public Spaces Protection Order where the dog was not placed on a lead in the restricted area.

A £100 fixed penalty notice was also handed out to a dog owner following a report from a member of the public about persistent dog fouling in Hathern. Birstall Borough Cllr Shona Rattray, the Council’s lead member for Regulatory Services, said: “The fact we have issued these fines recently should reassure residents that if incidents are reported to us and we have enough evidence, we will take action to protect our borough.

“Both fly-tipping and dog fouling are criminal offences with significant impacts on our communities and it is important that we continue to take action.

“I would encourage all residents to make sure their waste is disposed of correctly to ensure it does not impact on our green and open spaces across Charnwood.”

If you ever see any fly-tips across Charnwood or fly-tipping taking place, you are encouraged to report it directly to the Council by visiting: www.charnwood.gov.uk/flytipping.

To report issues with dog control and dog fouling, please visit the Council’s website: www.charnwood.gov.uk/dogcontrol.

Residents are reminded to only use authorised waste carriers to dispose of their waste and make sure the carrier has a license from the Environment Agency. You can find out more details on the Council’s website about authorised waste carriers: www.charnwood.gov.uk/flytipping

Pic: fly-tipping on Filingate, Wanlip

Based in Rothley with 20 years experience as an Estate Agent, I would love to help you move home in 2023.

NHW news & crime report

Catalytic Converter Theft

A catalytic converter is an expensive and key part of modern exhaust systems that removes dangerous elements from the exhaust gasses.

They contain precious metals such as platinum and palladium. The value of these metals has risen substantially in recent months and palladium is now more valuable than gold. This makes them attractive to criminals who can steal one from a vehicle in a matter of minutes and then sell it for more than £500 on the black market.

The average replacement cost is £1,300 and, in some cases, the vehicle may be written off because of the associated damage caused by the thieves when cutting or wrenching off the exhaust system. There are, however, some things you can do to keep your vehicle safe. Do not give thieves extra space to work under your vehicle by parking half on the pavement and half on the road.

Keep your vehicle in a locked garage whenever possible but always try to park in busy, well-lit areas or in those covered by CCTV. Install an under-car alarm system. Keep a record of your converter's serial number, ask your garage to find it for you.

Mark your converter with indelible forensic identifying liquid

Ask your garage to fit a protective cover over your converter.

Driving without a catalytic converter is an offence because your vehicle will produce emissions well above the legal limits. The police can issue offending drivers with a fine of up to £1,000. You can hear that it is missing when you start the engine because the exhaust will sound much louder than usual. Apart from having a faulty exhaust, the thieves may well have damaged other important systems, such as brake pipes. Do not attempt to drive your car but contact the police and your insurance company to arrange for its safe recovery and repair.

If you see people acting suspiciously by crawling under a parked vehicle with tools, especially at night, call the police on 999 to report a suspected crime in progress.

Keep safe and well.

From Ed Chambers, Committee Chairman, Birstall & Wanlip NHW

[Please read about our Special General Meeting in Village Watch News published on page 10 in this edition of the Birstall Post.]

Current Priorities

Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB), including associated crime

We have identified an ASB hotspot within the area of the A6/Birstall services. Youths are gathering after school and into the evening, and while at the location they are acting in a manner that is unacceptable, showing complete disregard and lack of respect.

Drugs - Use of cannabis within the park

It has been reported that various/frequent visitors are parking up within the car park on School Lane park and involved in the use of cannabis.

Road Safety - Excess Speed

Speeding vehicles are an ongoing issue on our roads, which is very well established. As a policing team, we will be out on the roads at locations highlighted by local residents on a sporadic basis. Please watch your speed.

If you are concerned about road safety in Birstall & Wanlip, request enforcement and make a difference. Find out more by visiting the Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland Road Safety Partnership website: www.speedorsafety.com where you can complete a short Community Concern Site Request.

PCSO 6174 Jon Harrison will hopefully be joining the team soon upon completion of his initial training.

A message from PC 1365 Stu Venables

Following on from last month’s message, and in order to keep you all up-todate as to what is being reported and where we are focusing our efforts currently.

Issues appear to have reduced at the A6/Birstall services and reports have dropped off somewhat.

ASB at the services will still remain a priority at this time, as work is still ongoing in order to prevent the site from being ‘the place to be’ for the youths within our community.

APPLICATION FOR A PREMISES LICENCE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN

That Birstall Parish Council has applied for a licence to use the premises known as School Lane Playing Fields, Birstall for the purpose of Regulated Entertainment (Live Music, Recorded Music, and Performances of Dance) for the Birstall Gala 2023, to be held on:

Saturday, 24th June 2023

11:00am – 10:00pm

Dated: 1st March 2023

Any objections or representations in respect of the application should be made in writing to the Licensing Manager, Charnwood Borough Council, Council Offices, Southfield Road, Loughborough, LE11 2TX. Representations/objections must be received by: 28th March 2023

A record of the application can be inspected at the Council Offices at the aforementioned address (and website) during normal office hours. It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in or in connection with an application. Any person found guilty of such an offence shall be liable on summary conviction to a maximum find in the sum of £5,000.00.

As you can see from the crime statistics, we have an increase in vehicle-related thefts, with number plates being targeted, a catalytic converter and more significantly 5 x vehicles stolen.

All the vehicles stolen have been reported to have been stolen without keys. Please be extra vigilant, if you hear anything overnight (which is when generally this type of crime is occurring), please look out the window and if you see anything suspicious please report it without delay.

For any crime in progress, please use 999.

Arrests

In relation to one of the above vehicle thefts, two persons have been arrested shortly after the vehicle was stolen. This is following one of the vehicles being spotted, at which point police attempted to stop the vehicle which led to a pursuit after the driver failed to stop.

The vehicle was eventually decamped by the two occupants (including the driver), which in turn led to the detention of two suspects. Both were subsequently arrested on suspicion of the theft and are currently on bail, pending further investigation.

I have a couple of events coming up this month, please feel free to come and see me for a chat and feel free to bring your cycle along and I will happily mark it for you and get it registered on the bike register making it less attractive to thieves.

I would also like to appeal to residents to provide me with information/intelligence in relation to anyone drug dealing/supply.

I have been hearing drips of information surrounding this since starting in Birstall & Wanlip and have my eye on a couple of addresses, however, I need more information before I can secure a search warrant from the courts. I have the ‘big red key’ ready (pictured above), I just need a bit more information.

There are various ways to provide me with information:

Personally: directly provide me with the information, either face to face, by

Pic: Birstall Beat Team (l-r) PS Alice Forfar, PC Stu Venables, PCSO Nuala Sherlock

phone (101) or by email: stuart.venables@Leics.police.uk. Call in on 101 and provide the call taker with the information/intelligence. Visit our website: leics.police.uk and complete an online report.

CrimeStoppers: via calling: 0800 555 111 or visiting their website: crimestoppers-uk.org

From PC 1365 Stu Venables

Crime Figures Birstall and Wanlip

February 1, 2023 until February 19, 2023

Burglary (1)

1 x Burglary (Garage) Acacia Avenue, Birstall— occurred between the 11th and the 13th of February 2023, during the burglary a cycle was stolen.

Thefts (9)

1 x Retail Theft

2 x Theft by finding

2 x Theft of motor vehicle - (However since 01/01/23 we have had 5 vehicles stolen from Birstall)

1 x Theft from an unattended motor vehicle

1 x Theft of number plate (However, since 01/01/23, we have had 4 lots of plates reported stolen from Birstall.)

1x Theft from a dwelling

1 x Robbery - Meadow Lane - Victim pushed to the ground and cash stolen.

Criminal Damage (6)

1 x Damage to motor vehicle

1 x Damage at a commercial site (around Birstall service – Linked to ASB)

2 x Damage caused during a domestic incident

1 x Damage to garden furniture

1 x Damage to dwelling

Public Order (2)

1 x S4a (words/behaviour to cause harassment/alarm/distress)

1 x Other offences against the state and public (Cat drowned in a river)

Drugs (2)

1 x Possession of Cannabis

1 x Possession with intent to supply (investigation ongoing)

Assaults (5)

4 x Common Assault – slight injury

1 x Actual Bodily Harm (ABH) – Bruis-

ing to body / Loss of hair

Out of the 5 assaults reported 3 were domestic related and 1 assault on Police.

Events

Beat Surgery: Sunday March 19, 2023, between 3pm and 5pm, located at the Robert Dickinson Building on Sibson Road (within the short-stay car park).

Beat Surgery: Sunday March 26, 2023

- Between 10am and 12:30pm, located at the Robert Dickinson Building on Sibson Road(within the short-stay car park).

Please feel free to attend, meet your local officer, ask any questions or discuss any community concerns you may have. Additionally, local residents can bring their cycles to the surgeries to have them officially marked for free. Information regarding the scheme can be found on the website: www.bikeregister.com or explained on the day.

Upcoming events — I will be looking at holding a further BikeRegister event in the spring, and will also be looking at holding a vehicle number plate event, where you can be provided with antitamper screws to better secure your

plates to prevent thieves taken them. I am also planning on conducting some road safety operations, this will be targeted towards speed checks around Birstall and Wanlip. As a result of feedback from the community, I will also be planning to use Police volunteers as spotters to allow enforcement, regarding those that fail to stop at a red light around Greengate Lane and Hallam Fields Road.

Rising Stars Academy of Dance & Theatre

Pic: PC Stu Venables (right) at a Birstall beat surgery, with Police volunteer Graham

Duck race

THE DUCK Race is Back this year on bank holiday Monday May 1.

The 13th Annual White Horse Duck race is in aid of the Birstall United Juniors Football club. The event begins at 12 noon.

Birstall United is one of the biggest junior football clubs in Leicestershire housing over 20 teams and 300 players. It is a non-profit organisation providing fun, safe, and enjoyable football for boys and girls from four years of age to 18 years old. The club is growing each year, and the facilities are an excellent example for a club of its type.

Steve Carr, Birstall United Juniors secretary, said: “Birstall United Juniors are honoured and excited to be chosen this year to be the nominated charity by the White Horse pub for the funds raised at the annual duck race. The money raised will be invested in some new updates, much needed line marking equipment, and ground maintenance equipment to ensure our pitches remain top class. Again, we thank all our volunteers to help run this fantastic club, and the White Horse pub for choosing us.”

The Duck race, which was revived by the White Horse when the present owners took over in 2008, will be a great family event with stalls, activities, games and refreshments to suit young and old. There will be many stalls run not only by Birstall United Juniors, but also by many of our community groups from and around Birstall.

All community groups are welcome to have a stall to raise their own funds, so do get in touch with Charlotte from the White Horse if you would like to book a space, on 0116 2671038.

The event could not run without the help of the canoe club ‘Paddle Plus’, who will be showing off their skills on the river and, weather permitting, will be offering bell boat rides on the day. The Duck race itself will begin at 2pm, and there could be a very special guest to start the race.

Ducks will be on sale From April 1 at the White Horse and Unique hairdressers on Front Street, as well as through the community group on Facebook. There will also be an opportunity for the school children to buy ducks after school early in April. Look out for more information via the schools. The Ducks are still just £1 each, and the prizes are beginning to come in with a £100 donation as the first prize.

Charlotte Foy of the White Horse said: “We love running the Duck Race again, it’s a great fun day for all the family, and all the funds raised will go straight back into the village to help individuals or community groups.”

Look out too for Webster, the Duck Mascot, who may be waddling the streets in Birstall soon, as well as visiting Birstall United Juniors one Saturday soon.

Any donations of prizes or cakes, teddies or other items for stalls would be very welcome, please contact Charlotte at the White Horse on 0116 2671038.

Gardening aches and pains

THE HEALTH on Hand Chiropractic Clinics gets inundated with people hurting their backs, muscles and joints, in the garden every spring.

Gardening for many people is just a chore that has to be done, but for others it's their main pride and passion. In both cases, it is important to prepare your joints and muscles prior to descending on your garden in the spring.

Tom Wikeley, one of the chiropractors at Health on Hand, says: “The reason people get backache when they undertake what appears to be a relatively restful activity such as gardening, is that the actions required are quite different from those carried out the rest of the year.

“The main cause of back pain when gardening is prolonged stretching and overuse of the ligaments and joints in the spine. Digging, prolonged stooping and bending over whilst planting places considerable stress on the ligaments and joints in the lower lumbar spine and causes them to become inflamed and tender. This, in turn, triggers a protective muscle spasm which gives rise to the deeper, duller achy type of pain that occurs over the following few days.”

Injury Prevention

Chiropractor Mohammed Mulla explains: “There are many ways to help prevent injuries. The way you bend and move determines how much strain is put on the spine, and by using certain muscles to protect your back you can reduce the likelihood of developing pain.

“It is also extremely important to warm up before any strenuous activity is started. The simplest form of warming up is walking, and this should be followed by some flexibility exercises.”

Warming Up

These flexibility exercises can help

prevent back problems and should be done regularly, twice a day, preferably in the morning and in the evening, they are also fantastic before and after gardening.

❶ Lie down on your back, bend your right leg and pull the knee up to the chest, keeping the other leg straight. Repeat on the left leg and then pull both knees up together. Repeat this exercise 2 or 3 times.

❷ Kneel on the floor on all fours, relax the back and let the spine go hollow. Then reverse the curve in the spine by arching the back. Repeat this 2 or 3 times.

❸ Stretching the front of the thigh: standing up, support yourself with a hand against the wall and take hold of your right ankle with your right hand, bend your knee by pulling the heel towards your buttock until you feel a stretching sensation on the front of the thigh. Hold for 15 seconds and repeat this 3 times on each leg. If you feel any discomfort in your back stop the exercise.

❹ Stretching of the inside of the

thigh: sitting crosslegged, gently push down on your knees until you can feel a stretch. Repeat as above.

These exercises will improve the flexibility of the muscles that affect the spine. By doing them regularly, you will keep supple so that during the bending and crouching activities you will be less likely to injure yourself. Make sure they do not hurt you while doing or after having done them!

Any problems with these, please feel free to call Health on Hand and speak to one of the experienced chiropractors.

Chiropractic Gardening Tips

Chiropractor Thomas Jeppesen has a few tips to keep you safe while gardening.

❶ Kneel on one leg rather than bending down repeatedly from the hips.

❷ Try and keep your back hollow when digging, with your legs spaced well apart. Use your legs rather than your back. ALWAYS try to avoid twisting!

❸ Vary the tasks of the day into short bursts of different activities rather than slogging away all day at one thing. Sent your timer to 15 minutes, and change between 2-3 tasks.

❹When mowing the lawns with a hover mower, resist the temptation to swing the mower from side to side in an arc. Instead, mow forwards and backwards as you would with a conventional cylinder mower.

❺ If you suffer from knee problems and tend to stoop rather than kneel, then use a cushion to kneel on or a gardening stool to sit on. Try keeping the back as hollow as possible.

❻ Keep yourself warm and covered i.e., keep shirts tucked in: this prevents the muscles from becoming chilled.

❼ If you ache the next day, rest, and if it persists for more than a few days; seek advice from your local chiropractor, who will advise you whether you should apply heat, or ice packs to the area, or if you require further treatment.

You should exercise and keep fit so that you can enjoy your gardening and other leisure activities, rather than using your gardening as an exercise to keep fit.

Good luck!

Health on Hand deals with a multitude of problems ranging from back and neck pain to leg pains, sports injuries, repetitive strain to whiplash-related injuries and more.

Call us today for your appointment!

Get £10 off your initial consultation, including a treatment, in March and April Quoting ‘BirstallMarch”

Visit www.healthonhand.co.uk for more information

Or call us on 0116 2101619 to book your appointment

Health on Hand Chiropractic Clinic is at 193 Loughborough Road, Leicester, LE4 5PL

Pics: (right)Chiropractor Mohammed Mulla with the correct sweeping and raking posture; Chiropractor Tom Wikeley showing how to dig with good posture

Supporting people

WE MUST say a massive thank you to the Guides and Scouts for

Club’s strong season

BIRSTALL UNITED are currently sitting third in the league after a strong campaign, with playoff promotion games looking a strong possibility.

Thanks to them, we have been able to support local people with essential food items over the Christmas and New Year period. Thanks also for the financial donations from organisations in the community: we were able to give a £25 Tesco voucher with each food box for fresh items. Over 20 local families benefited from the generosity.

The scrubs team have been busy making over 200 worry worms and Pom Poms (pictured above) requested by local schools. Thanks to everyone involved.

Gunns’ Gym

We met with Carl Gunns at Gunns’ Gym on Birstall Road to see if we could support any of his members. It became apparent that Carl never turns anyone away, even if they can’t afford it. The cost of being a member is £5 a year

and £1 an hour. The children all in attendance were so focused and obviously well-disciplined.

Carl provides all equipment for the sessions, which makes it an affordable out-of-school activity. Carl’s passion for what he does is plain to see. The gym is adorned with photos old and new, and artwork sent to Carl from members in appreciation of what he does. The equipment is all well used, and what is charged isn’t going to pay for replacements. We gifted Carl Gunns community gym £500 for equipment. We are sure many will benefit. Carl is rightly very proud of his gym and its members. Anyone is welcome to call in and see what he does - you will be impressed.

Thank you for your continued support.

If we can help, please get in touch on 07894995164.

Club spokesman Paul Blake-Smith said: “Support this season has been fantastic. Local jeweller Dams Dhanak

main building’s covered standing area.”

The club is currently providing coach travel for their upcoming fixture at Southwell city FC, with a 83 seat double deck coach. The cost is £20 per person, with a complimentary drink in the bar for 100 club members, and limited spaces remain for those who would like to go.

Paul said: “Birstall United FC would like to thank everyone involved in supporting the club this season, without you the ongoing development of the club would not have been possible.”

HATS’ REHEARSALS for their next production continue to be a combination of confidence, mistakes, laughter and pleas for HELP.

“Agatha Crusty and the Village Hall Murders”, by Derek Webb, with permission from Stage Scripts Ltd, will be performed in May.

Sue Withers from HATS reports: The atmosphere is one of confusion, helplessness, hopelessness and tears (of laughter). Does anyone know what they are doing? Or are we all just staring into space in silence, waiting for our prompt? Is our Director, Jo, wishing she was somewhere else, maybe well away from

not, you will, once again, enjoy our performance.

We absolutely love to see all of our regular audiences back time after time, we get to know them, and they get to know us. And it gives us a tremendous feeling when we know we have attracted new people, either recommended by a friend or via our advertising, and they soon become regulars too.

One of our greatest assets is that we are a friendly, approachable group that really does want to please our audiences. To see your smiles spurs us on. So, moving on, check out our facebook for regular updates on our rehearsals, including photos and video clips.

Dates for your diary:

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday May 17th, 18th and 19th.

Venue: Birstall Social Club 16-18 Wanlip Lane, Birstall LE4 4JS Tickets £7 and £6 (concession)

Discount for group

A NEW Birstall play facility has secured grant funding from Charnwood Borough Council.

Birstall Parish Council successfully applied for £150,000 funding for a Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) on the School Lane playing field.

It is one of 10 projects in the borough that will receive a share of £4million of government funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The projects will see improvements to parks and sports facilities, support for town centres, a village hall expanded and the backing of a project to improve the well-being, life chances and employability skills of young people.

Cllr Jonathan Morgan, Leader of Charnwood Borough Council, said: “I am delighted we can now push forward with the Future Charnwood Investment Plan using the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to help level up Charnwood.

A RETROSPECTIVE planning application for a property on Birstall Road has been approved by Charnwood Borough Council.

279 Birstall Road is a five-bedroom detached property located in a conservation area between the Triangle roundabout and Gunns’ gym.

the vicinity of any Village Halls maybe?

Only kidding folks. We are absolutely loving these rehearsals, the plot is full of quirky little lines which we are having fun with. Once again, we are going to provide you with a fantastic night out and get you thinking like a super sleuth. Which of our audience, if any, will be able to work out who the murderer is, I say murderer but is there more than one, could it be murderers? That’s for us to know and for you to find out. I am confident that whether you guess it right or

bookings of 10 or more people.

Box office: 0116 2209594 and 07948 796675.

www.facebook.com/hatsamdram/

“We appealed for projects to come forward last year to be part of the plan and we were overwhelmed with the response.

“The projects included in the investment plan will benefit all corners of the borough and make a difference to thousands of residents.

“I am now looking forward to these projects taking shape and making Charnwood’s future much brighter.”

One of the projects is a plan by Sileby Parish Council to improve the village’s Memorial Park and Sports Pavilion. It will receive almost £500,000.

A planning application for the work, submitted on August 11, has been amended to remove some first-floor windows for privacy reasons. Permission has been given for a first-floor extension over the existing dayroom to create a new master bedroom and to enlarge the existing bedrooms. Access will be improved by creating a single entrance and a secure boundary to an enlarged parking area for three cars, the application states.

Some residents and Birstall Parish Council objected to the application.

The parish council’s objection stated: "The [Planning] Committee wish to strongly object to this retrospective application. The property is in a conservation area, and the effect it will create is not in keeping with the street scene. The proposed changes of only having one entry/exit point would make ingress and egress to the property extremely dangerous to all road users and pedestrians on this busy road which is close to a roundabout that is partially out of view from the property boundary.”

Some residents had expressed concerns about the loss of trees. Charnwood’s report stated: “Concerns have been raised regarding trees removed from the front garden of the property. Investigation into this matter reveals a large amount of vegetation was removed prior to the current planning application earlier in the year. This included ornamental varieties such as magnolia which although being mature would not have been of a species type or quality to be considered suitable to be protected by a tree preservation order.

“One tree preservation order exists to the rear of the property. This application does not include any extension to the rear of the house, and development to either side are first floor extension only. As such, the proposal will not impact upon the root protection zone of this tree in this case.”

The full details of the planning application can be viewed on the planning page of Charnwood’s website. The application reference is P/22/1485/2.

Pic: Mike Burger, Sue Withers & Heather Wilcock

Pic: Antonia Fellows and Dannie Wells

Damp and mould

CITIZENS ADVICE

Charnwood explains what to do if your rented property has damp and mould.

‘As the weather has turned colder, I’ve noticed mould and damp in our flat. It’s mainly in our bedroom, including some black mould on the carpet. I’ve been chasing our letting agency, who says they’ll speak to our landlord. I’m really worried about how this might affect our health. Our tenancy agreement isn’t up for eight months, what can I do?’

It’s good that you’ve already raised the issue with your letting agency. Unfortunately, it isn’t always easy to work out the cause of mould or damp This can make it difficult to work out if your landlord is responsible, unless there’s an obvious cause, like a leaking roof.

There are many causes of damp that properties can get. The most common are rising, penetrating, construction and condensation damp. On the Citizens Advice website (www.citizensadvice.org.uk) if you search for repairs – damp, you will find information that may help you work out what type of damp you have, who is responsible and what you can do. Check your tenancy agreement too, for mentions of repairs and damp, and reach out to us on anything you’re unsure about.

A landlord will have to act in relation to damp if it makes the property unsafe for someone to live in. This could be, for example, if it is making the tenant or a member of their family ill. The landlord will also be responsible if the damp is related to repairs they should have carried out, like if heaters are broken. If the damp has damaged items that the landlord is responsible for, such as carpets and window frames, they’ll likely have to cover the cost of repairs.

One of the most common causes of damp is condensation. To prevent this it’s important to keep homes well-heated and well-ventilated, but for a lot of people, this will be trickier to do, given the colder weather and higher heating costs. You may be eligible for help to insulate and heat your home, and should visit our website to find out more. On our website, we also have advice on things that can make damp worse and may impact the landlord taking responsibility

for repairs. These include drying clothes on heaters or blocking air vents.

If your landlord is responsible for the damp in your property but doesn’t act, there are steps you can take, such as reporting them to the local authority. If you’re in social housing you might also be able to use the landlord’s formal complaints procedure. There is more information about this on the Citizens Advice website.

If it reaches the point where you want to get out of a fixedterm tenancy agreement early, do speak to an Adviser first, as there might be better ways to approach the issue.

Our Local Enquiry Line is 01509 649605 and is open Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays 9.30am-3pm.

The National Advice Line is open Mondays-Fridays 9am-5pm on Freephone 0800 144 8848.

Our website is www.charnwoodcab.org.uk & online advice can be found on www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Finally, WE ARE RECRUITING, so if you have time to spare and enjoy helping people we would love to hear from you. We are currently looking for generalist advisers to join our friendly team. Full information and how to apply can be found under Volunteering & Jobs on our website –www.charnwoodcab.org.uk - or if you would like to just talk to someone first, please email training@charnwoodcab.co.uk and our Volunteer Support & Training Officer will be happy to give you a call.

ONE OF the founders of local cancer charity Birstall BAGs gave a talk about cancer to a Thurmaston business.

Birstall BAGs trustee, and Consultant Nurse Liz Darlison MBE, visited Nylacast, a leader in engineering polymers, at its Thurmaston offices.

Invited by Nylacast’s Occupational Health Nurse, Teresa Harrison, Liz talked to the team about cancer, focussing on the four main types: lung, breast, bowel and prostate, as part of a cancer awareness workshop.

Teresa said: “I approached Liz because I’ve known her for a long time and I’m aware of the professional knowledge she has around this subject and her dedication and passion in both her BAGs trustee role and in her professional capacity.”

The presentation covered the changes people need to look out for and what

they could do to reduce their risk. Although Liz talked about the four main cancers, she also covered the signs and symptoms for people to be aware of in relation to other types of cancers.

Teresa added: “These sessions were run for staff so they could ask questions, raise queries and get some valuable health information to take away with them on what to look out for and what they themselves could do to reduce their cancer risk.

“As a company, if we can raise awareness in our staff, then overall family, friends and the wider community also benefit. We know we will be donating to a good local cause.”

Liz said: “We’re always happy to help raise awareness of cancer in any way we can and appreciate the opportunity to talk to the team at Nylacast about how Birstall BAGs supports local people affected by cancer.”

Talk about cancer at Thurmaston firm Group helps explore mental wellbeing

SYSTON AND District U3A offer a monthly “Mindfulness and Meditation” group which helps you explore a variety of ways to support emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing.

A spokesperson said: “If you believe Meditation is a special talent you are wrong. Like any other new behaviour/habit, success and proficiency come with practice. Everyone begins thinking they can’t meditate but I assure you it is possible for everyone.

“Take advantage of starting the year with a new, well balanced, calmer and aware you. Join us on the last Wednesday morning of each month at Rearsby Village Hall to enjoy one “Taster” session before joining Syston and District U3A.”

If Mindfulness and Meditation doesn’t appeal to you there are many other different group activities available. Syston and District u3a isn’t a women’s organisation, there are many men who find

group activities which interest them and there are over 35 categories to choose from, starting at American History through to Ukulele and many more in between. Membership of Syston and District U3A is open to all those who are not in full time work and are interested in joining. There is no age restriction or qualifications required to become a U3A member and no requirement to live in Syston either.

Membership costs £15 per year and provides access to all groups which have availability. There is also a monthly meeting for members at Syston Community Centre with refreshments and a fascinating speaker. If you would like more information, come along on the second Wednesday of each month at 10am and speak to a “Greeter” about becoming a member. You can also visit the new website www.systonu3a.org.uk where you can contact Group Leaders or send simply send an email message to register interest, make an enquiry or ask a question.

Bowlers enjoy action-packed trip

AT THE end of January St Margaret’s bowlers set trip to Potters, on the east coast, a premier venue for indoor bowls.

The trip has an established place in the club calendar. The St Margaret’s members were joined by others from clubs in the area, making the total of 49 in the party.

The event is supported by Bowls England, who are pleased to offer general advice to members and clubs together with coaching tips. We were able to see demonstrations and talk to some of the stars from the World Championships. The whole thing is a great opportunity to meet and compete with bowlers from all over the country. We entered eight teams, one of which won through to the semi finals.

There are many activities at Potters other than bowls and the group amassed winners’ medals in fun activities such as

Masks

LEICESTER’S HOSPITALS announced changes to maskwearing requirements.

A spokesperson for University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust said: “From today [22 February 2023], we no longer require patients, visitors or staff to wear face masks in public areas of the hospital – i.e. corridors, restaurants, stairwells or lifts. This decision has been taken by our infection prevention and control (IP) teams, in response to the drop in respiratory cases including Covid-19 and flu.

“To keep people safe, patients, visitors, and staff will still be required to wear a mask – unless exempt – in ward areas, emergency admission and inpatient areas. Colleagues and patients who wish to continue to wear masks will be free to do so, and the Trust will continue to supply masks at entrances to the hospital, outpatient departments and throughout all our clinical areas.

“We will continue to monitor respiratory infection numbers. Should there be a significant increase in cases, there may be a requirement to return to mask-wearing in non-clinical areas.”

archery, rifle shooting, welly wanging, curling, snooker bowls and hoy bingo!

The days were rounded off with an excellent sufficiency of seriously good food

and high quality live evening entertainment, for which Potters is justly famous.

The trip was organized by Pat Dobson. Well done Pat! We are already looking

forward to next year's trip!

www.smcbc.com

From St Margaret’s Co-operative Bowls Club

Pic: St Margaret's Tour to Potters 2023

Fundraising concert for LOROS

A FUNDRAISING concert for LOROS takes place on Saturday April 1, at 7pm in Syston Methodist Church.

‘From Classics to Jazz’ has been organised by Maureen Lawson. Her daughter, Rachael Lawson (clarinet/saxophone),

Maureen’s husband, Jim, passed away almost 25 years ago.

They hope as many people as possible will support them on April 1 to help raise as much money as possible for

LOROS. Tickets are priced at £8 and include light refreshments. These can be purchased by phoning 0116 260 9804 / 0759 462 8961 or on the door.

Birstall flower club

and Stephen Waterhouse (piano) make a welcome return, after a prolonged break, to give this popular concert in aid of LOROS.

OVER 30 members enjoyed our first meeting of the year.

keep.

Free estimate with no obligation

• 0116 2676478

Email: imwardle@yahoo.co.uk • Mob: 0776 8233552

This year they will be joined by Rachael’s daughter Faith (9) on the trombone. Over the past years, while the concerts could not take place, Rachael and Maureen have continued to raise money for LOROS by pedalling (virtually) to Norfolk and back and from Lands End to John O’Groats, raising over £2600. LOROS is a cause close to Maureen and Rachael’s hearts, as it is where

After a short AGM members had a go at Wine or Water game, tombola and a fascinating (but quite taxing) landmarks of Leicestershire picture quiz. Thanks to Terry for the photographs, and well done to everyone who took part.

At the meeting Sylvia, our secretary, presented a gift and card to our retiring Treasurer, Maureen. Sylvia also composed a lovely personal poem for her to

Maureen has served as valued treasurer for 23 years, but felt it was time to pass the baton on. She will still continue to support the club, which she is very fond of. She was most touched by the committee and members’ thanks for her long standing commitment as treasurer, and their kind wishes for the future.

From Birstall Flower Club

Pic: Sylvia (Sec), left, presenting Maureen (Treasurer) with an orchid

Pic: Trombonist Faith Lawson

News from the churches

HAVING CUSHIONS and blankets in the pews in St James Church certainly adds to the comfort and warmth of the congregation, as well as being bright and cheerful.

I think it adds to the singing, as well!

Shoebox Appeal

We are now entering the season of Lent, and the church will become a more sombre, reflective place, but still welcoming as part of the 'Warm Spaces' initiative.

Throughout Lent and Easter, we are also casting our minds towards Christmas, and the annual Shoebox Appeal, for which collection has already started. Following the devastation in Turkey and Syria, these little boxes will be ever more important and necessary, carrying both useful and comforting items. Last year (2022), 26,015 boxes were sent to Moldova, Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine. If you have 'access', see the 'Link to Hope' website for details and photographs.

From Birstall, 70 boxes were sent, with the help of donations towards the postage. If you would like to donate items towards the boxes, please contact the Rector for details of what is required/needed on 07803 625049, or call in to the church and contact a churchwarden.

Recycling

St James is also recycling various items, such as blister packs, old pens and ink cartridges, in boxes in the Community Area, which is at the back of the main church, or - on the right as you enter the front door, so easily accessible to just leave your unwanted 'bitties'! Easy if you are walking the dog - it can have a drink at the same time!

From Birstall Parish churches

‘It’s not fair!’

This may be our thought many times as we review our life experiences and compare them with those of others. One man in the Bible who must have had similar thoughts was Joseph – whose life is recorded in Genesis (chapters 37-50), and you might know about him from the musical ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’. Joseph faced being sold by his jealous brothers into slavery in faraway Egypt, with no prospect of seeing his father again; he was falsely accused by his master’s wife and imprisoned in a dungeon without trial; he helped two fellow prisoners and asked them to remember him when they were released but they forgot. Eventually, he was summoned to interpret Pharaoh’s dream about the forthcoming famine and was elevated to second in the kingdom,

so that he could make preparations for Egypt’s people surviving the seven years of famine. In these circumstances, his brothers came for aid and, eventually, his father and family moved to Egypt.

It is recorded in Genesis 50:20 that Joseph said to his brothers: ‘But as for you, you thought evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save a great many people alive.’

This reminds us that God is in control of our circumstances and He can bring us into situations in order to teach us a particular lesson, or to cause us to turn more to Himself or to achieve a purpose we can’t see at the time. (We will consider the supreme example of this next month.) He also promises to be with His people all the time. Joseph found this to be true, in that while in prison, the gaoler treated him well: ‘But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him mercy and He gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.’ (Genesis 39:21)

This acknowledgement of the Lord’s overseeing of our lives and the fact that we can rest confidently in Him is found in our hymn this month: ‘Whate’er my God ordains is right’ by Samuel Rodigast (1649-1708). Samuel was born near the German village of Gröben and he eventually took up a teaching position at a famous school in Berlin. He wrote two hymns but this is the only one translated into English, by Catherine Winkworth in the middle of the 19th century. The last verse is: ‘Whate’re my God ordains is right: Here shall my stand be taken; Though sorrow, need, or death be mine, Yet am I not forsaken. My Father’s care is round me there; He holds me that I shall not fall; And so to Him I leave it all.’ May we similarly look to the Lord when facing perplexing circumstances.

We invite you to join us for our Sunday services and especially for our Palm Sunday service on 2nd April – see the Diary section for details, or contact us: http://www.birstallbaptistchurch.org.uk or 0116 2214883.

From Birstall Independent Baptist Church

IT SEEMS no time at all since we celebrated Christmas and we are now entering the period of Lent, when we are encouraged to pray and attend Confession, to make a personal sacrifice of some sort and to help those in need.

To help us in our spiritual preparation as we move towards Holy Week and Easter, there will be a number of servic-

es and events for parishioners to attend: Stations of the Cross – 6pm each Friday in Lent at St Theresa’s. Mass will be therefore be held at 12 noon instead of 7pm during Lent.

Lent Talks - a series of six talks are being held at St Theresa’s, commencing Tuesday February 28th, from 2 - 3pm. The talks are based on “The Return of the Prodigal Son” by Henri JM Nouwen. The same course is running at St. James’ church at 7.30pm, commencing Wednesday March 1st.

The Walk of Witness will take place at 10 am on Good Friday (April 7th) with Hot Cross Buns served at St Theresa’s afterwards.

Triduum Mass and service times are as follows:

Maundy Thursday (April 6th) – 7pm Mass (St Theresa’s and Sacred Heart)

Good Friday (April 7th) – 3pm The Passion of the Lord (both churches) 7pm Stations of the Cross (both churches)

Holy Saturday (April 8th) - 8pm Vigil Mass of Easter (St Theresa’s only)

Other news

Road opens

A MAJOR £7.5million revamp of a busy Leicester road is nearly complete, with the final phase of resurfacing work due to begin this week.

Leicester City Council has been carrying out an extensive programme of improvements to Abbey Park Road, alongside essential maintenance to its Grade II-listed road bridge.

Abbey Park Road will remain closed to through traffic during this final stage of work. The road is due to reopen during the week commencing Monday March 17, but some temporary lane restrictions will be still required while work to the bridge parapets is completed.

Footpaths have been widened, with new off-road cycle lanes created to provide more space for people walking or riding bikes, and two new road crossings have been installed.

The area immediately in front of the main gates to Abbey Park has also been overhauled to create a more open and attractive approach to the award-winning, historic park.

The £7.5million revamp of Abbey Park Road is supported by the Transforming Cities Fund, a programme of investment in sustainable transport across the city.

NOT

SELF”

Help us in our work helping others less fortunate than ourselves

The World Day of Prayer service will be held at Sacred Heart church, Rothley at 2pm on Friday 3rd March. This year the service has been put together by a group of women from Taiwan, a fascinating country facing many challenges. All are welcome to attend and afterwards there will be refreshments in the hall.

All gifts and donations gladly accepted at the ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

Our monthly Charity Draw over the last year has raised money in aid of the parishes chosen local charities. After recent Masses, cheques were presented to representatives of the LDR Air Ambulance service, the Soar Valley Food Bank based in Mountsorrel and Baskets of Joy - a charity founded by a LRI midwife which donates Moses baskets filled with essential items for mums and their new babies, who are in particular need. The representatives each expressed their gratitude for the money which enables the charities to carry out their work for those in need.

From St Theresa’s, Birstall

Pics: presenting the proceeds from the monthly charity draw

Birstall BAG’s cancer corner

Rare Cancers

Birstall BAGs has been running a series of articles in this column about rare cancers. Rare cancers affect a small number of people. Doctors might also call a cancer rare if it starts in an unusual place in the body. Or if the cancer is an unusual type and needs special treatment.

What is a rare cancer?

There are more than 200 different types of cancer, including leukaemias and lymphomas. They develop from the different types of cells in different parts of the body. Cancers are often classed as common, less common and rare.

Breast, prostate, lung and bowel cancer are the top four most common cancers. Examples of less common cancer include:

melanoma skin cancer

kidney cancer

brain tumours

non-Hodgkin lymphoma

pancreatic cancer

Experts have different ideas about what makes a cancer rare. In Europe and the UK, experts say it is rare if fewer than six in 100,000 people are diagnosed each year. This makes up about 24 out of every 100 (about 24%) of all cancer cases diagnosed in Europe and the UK per year. This also includes children and young people’s cancers.

Other experts say that a type of cancer is rare if doctors diagnose fewer than two in 100,000 people each year. Subtypes of more common cancers

Doctors and researchers are learning more and more about cancer. They are looking at particular features that divide some cancers into subtypes. They think that some of these subtypes are rare.

Doctors treat some rare subtypes in the same way as other cancers of that type. Other subtypes get treated differently. For example, they treat small cell cancer of the cervix in a different way than most other cervical cancers. Why can it take longer to diagnose rare cancers?

It can take longer for doctors to diagnose a rare type of cancer because

the symptoms might be unusual and less recognisable than more common types. You might also need to have more tests than people with more common cancers.

The tests first work out whether you have a cancer. Then they find out exactly what type it is.

The pathologist might need to do a number of different tests on your biopsy sample or blood test. Or they might need to send the sample to a specialist laboratory for examination. This might be for a specialised test to find out your type of cancer. Depending on the test, it could take quite a few days and sometimes weeks to carry out and get the results. This means it could take longer to reach a diagnosis.

For very rare types of cancer, your doctor may need to get other expert advice from across the country or the world to talk about your symptoms and test results before they can give you any information. This can be quite frustrating and worrying as you don’t know what you are dealing with. You might feel like your doctor is hiding something, but it’s all part of them trying to work out what they can do to help you.

Once they confirm your diagnosis they then need to work out a treatment plan. They may refer you to a specialist cancer centre. They may need time to research and speak with other professionals who have treated people with this type of rare cancer. Questions to ask your doctor about getting diagnosed with a rare cancer

You are likely to have a lot of questions to ask your doctor. It might help to write them down so you don't forget. It’s also a good idea to take someone with you like your partner, family member or a close friend. They will help provide you with support and help remember what the doctor has said.

Your doctor might not be able to answer all your questions straight away. They may need the results of some tests

posed 2no. new ancillary outbuildings to garden

first or want to ask other professionals for advice.

Here is a list of things you could ask:

Before you have a diagnosis:

When will you know if I definitely have cancer?

Which tests do I need?

How long will it take before I get the results?

How will I be told the results?

Do you have someone I can contact while I am waiting for the results to come back?

What emotional support can I get?

After you have a diagnosis:

What type of cancer do I have?

Where is the cancer?

Are there signs the cancer has spread?

What happens if the results show the cancer has spread? Do I need other tests?

What chance do I have of surviving this cancer?

How rare is this cancer?

If I have a rare type of cancer, will the treatment be different from the commonest type of that cancer?

When will I start treatment?

What are the expected side effects of this treatment?

What if I don’t have treatment?

How will we know the treatment is working?

How long is the treatment?

Where do I go for treatment?

When am I likely to see you again?

Should I get a second opinion? How do I get the second opinion?

What am I likely to feel like during treatment? Will I be able to work or look after my children?

What help is available to me financially?

Are there support groups, or anyone else I can talk to about this type of cancer?

Getting a second opinion

You might feel that you would like to get an opinion from a second doctor before deciding about your treatment. If so, ask your specialist to refer you to a

doctor specialising in this cancer.

It’s better to arrange a second opinion through your specialist because they can send all your notes and test results with you.

Ask your doctor how they came to this diagnosis. With rare cancer, they will have discussed your case with other health professionals to work out the best treatment plan for you. This may mean you have probably had a second and third opinion without even knowing.

Do remember that a second opinion does not necessarily mean that the second doctor will take over your care. Your treatment will usually still be managed by your original specialist.

We hope you have found this helpful, if you would like Birstall BAGs to cover any particular cancer in this column please do drop us an email: Birstallbags@hotmail.com

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

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P/23/0283/2: Adjacent to the A6 Loughborough Road Birstall Leicestershire LE4

4NT Proposed installation of electronic communications apparatus/development consisting of proposed upgrade of existing electronic communications equipment comprising the removal of existing 7.5m mast and associated antennas and replaced with 20m mast housing 6no. antennas, 2no. dish antennas, GPS module, radio support units and enabling development works thereto

P/23/0273/2:11 Brook Furlong Drive Birstall Leicestershire LE4 3LU Erection of front porch extension and single storey rear extension

P/23/0227/2: 1 Curzon Avenue Birstall

Leicestershire LE4 4AE Erection of two storey side and rear extension, new front porch, new garage and associated alterations to rear elevation

P/23/0142/2: 12 Cedar Avenue Birstall

P/23/0193/2: 3 Woodgate Drive Birstall Leicestershire LE4 3HTErection of a single storey side and rear infill extension featuring 4 rooflights and stairs to lower garden and a front porch extension following demolition of existing garage

P/23/0168/2: 25 Hawthorn Avenue Birstall Leicestershire LE4 4HL Erection of single storey rear extension with an application of white render to the walls and featuring two roof lights

ing onto the driveway and affecting visibility when coming on and off the drive. Lawson Cypress - location in frontage of 5 and 6 Park House Close. Request to trim the top by approximately 3-4ft and tidy the sides to allow easier access to driveway.

P/23/0158/2: Natwest 659 Loughborough

Road Birstall Leicestershire LE4 4NL Removal of ATM and night safe with associated alterations to shop front.

P/23/0154/2: 24 Walker Road Birstall

Leicestershire LE4 3BNErection of two storey detached dwelling

P/23/0118/2: 42 Park Road Birstall

Leicestershire LE4 3AU Extension to rear and part conversion of outbuilding to form extended kitchen/utility room. Fenestration alterations to dwelling.

P/23/0106/2: 31 Roman Road Birstall

Leicestershire LE4 4BB Retrospective application for erection of retaining wall following demolition of garage

P/23/0102/2: 62 Sibson Road Birstall

Leicestershire LE4 3DA

Proposed single storey rear extension and loft level rear extension enlarged front dormer and pro-

P/23/0237/2: 6 Park House Close Birstall Leicestershire LE4 4AW W12 - mixed species woodland order 1064642 English Oak Tree - location in rear garden of 5 Park House Close with overhanging branches in rear garden of 6 Park House Close. Request to reduce low branches on Oak tree (lift crown by approximately 15-20ft) as they are hanging low and obstructing a walkway in the garden. Conifers and Cherry Laurel tree - location in frontage of 5 and 6 Park House Close. Request to reduce low hanging branches (lift crown by approximately 5-6ft) and trim the top by 3-4ft. Low hanging branches are overhang-

Leicestershire LE4 4NA Erection of single storey side extension. Dormer extension to rear roof slope.