Mountsorrel Post (53) December 2015

MOUNTSORREL POST YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

DECEMBER 2015

www.birstallpost.co.uk

No. 53

Historic railway track re-opens A NEWLY restored section of railway line in Mountsorrel and Rothley was opened to the public for the first time in October.

Mountsorrel Michelin star A MOUNTSORREL restaurant that opened in 2014 has been awarded a Michelin star.

John’s House at Stonehurst Farm on Loughborough Road is run by John Duffin who grew up on the family farm.

John’s food philosophy is ‘from farm to plate’ and about 90 per cent of the ingredients used in the restaurant come from Stonehurst Farm.

Editor of the Michelin Guide, Rebecca Burr, told thestaffcanteen.com: “I would have to say the find of the year has to be John’s House. To go into the guide at that level is impressive … it’s a super place and he really does cook his own style and he’s destined for good things in the future.”

John began cooking at 14 taking up a part time position at Leicestershire res-

The latest addition to Leicestershire’s Great Central Railway, the Mountsorrel Railway once served the granite quarries of the village. Its restoration has been undertaken by volunteers from the local community and beyond.

Volunteer Project Leader Steve Cramp said: “We started the project eight years ago with no funding at all and looked at how the restoration of the railway could be achieved at minimal cost; the only answer was to do all the physical work Pic: Project leader Steve Cramp is interviewed for ITV news & (below) a train pulls in at Nunckley Hill

ourselves. From there we never looked back and set out using tools such as a restored 120 year old cross saw, traditional track laying tools and lots of hard graft. So many people have gotten behind the project and given their time and expertise to help; 80,000 hours of volunteer time have gone into the project to complete the restoration.”

The project has been able to attract assistance from many local businesses who donated time, materials and expertise. “So many companies have helped with the areas we just couldn’t do ourselves. In particular we would like to give our thanks to Tarmac who donated many thousands Continued on page 2

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MOUNTSORREL POST

DEC 2015

Continued from page 1

LANCASTER LANDSCAPES BLOCK PAVING SPECIALISTS

Drives • Patios • Paths Garden Design Crazy Paving Slabbing Fencing Lawns Cut Hedges Cut Turfing

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Pic: the heritage centre is expected to open in 2016

on Bond Lane to serve the village.

The newly restored

line runs from Bond Lane to Swithland sidings.

Continued from page 1 taurant Langs where he continued to work after leaving school. His career has taken him to London where he has worked under Gary Rhodes, Clause Bosi and Marcus Wareing.

Facebook reviewer James Finney is one of the many diners

who have left enthusiastic reviews for the restaurant.

He said: “The intimate sitting creates a wonderful ambience without feeling cramped, the waiters are attentive without being intrusive and the food is wonderful and creative without feeling pretentious or over engineered. The locally served produce and locally brewed ale come together to create a wonderful experience.”

John’s House is the only restaurant in Leicestershire to receive a Michelin star in the 2016 guide.

Prices range from £24 for a two course lunch up to £70 for the taster menu. www.johnshouse.co.uk

PHOTO: CLIVE RASIN

of tonnes of railway ballast and also digger time to help with track bed repairs and ballast laying” continues Steve.

Not content with restoring the railway, the group then set out to create a brand new railway station at Mountsorrel. “When the Mountsorrel Railway was built originally, it was always intended that Mountsorrel would have a station but that dream was never realised. That was something that we wanted to put right so that the public could ride the railway that we had restored” says Steve.

Thanks to a grant of £66,000 from Tarmac’s Landfill Community Fund and more work by the volunteers, Mountsorrel now has a railway station

Church fair AN OPEN Day and September fair at St Peter’s church was held on September 12.

The event featured stalls, bell ringing and hymn singing.

Pic: The Mayor of Charnwood, Mountsorrel’s John Capleton with Loughborough MP Nicky Morgan

MOUNTSORREL POST

DEC 2015

New Memorial Centre for Mountsorrel THE CONSTRUCTION of Mountsorrel’s new Memorial Centre is expected to take place in the first half of 2016.

The old Memorial Hall was closed in September. It will be demolished and the new building erected on the site, linked via an extension to the Soar Valley Leisure Centre.

Plans to start work on the new building have had to wait until the finances have been put in place – two major contributions towards the project come from Section 106 agreements with developers who are building on West Cross Lane and Halstead Road.

The £3.85million Memorial Centre will include: • a multi purpose community hall including a stage facility with retractable seating and a galleried first floor • lobby areas • a crèche and green room • 2 class A1 retail units (totalling 100 sqm in area) • a refreshments area • a series of flexible meeting room spaces • a performance and practice room • a kitchen • changing and storage areas

Pics: (above & bottom left) the planned new Memorial Centre

• an extension to the Leisure Centre crèche • an extension to the Leisure Centre Fitness Suite • a community garden with outdoor play facilities • a new mini-roundabout access off Leicester Road. Extended car parking provision (21 new spaces off Leicester Road, 42 new spaces off Kingfisher Way) • a new pedestrian link between the two buildings and connecting to the footpath network beyond • new stone walling to the site frontage, planting, signing, seating and public art • a separate youth building The new Memorial Centre will have charitable status. The old Memorial Hall was run by volunteers but it is planned that Mountsorrel Parish Council will take on the responsibility of running the new centre.

• the old Memorial Hall was opened in 1965 • it was paid for by local fundraising and a grant from the Ministry of Education and Science • it is owned by the Mountsorrel War Memorials Trust Ltd. • within two years of

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Pic: the old Memorial Hall

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MOUNTSORREL POST

DEC 2015

Mountsorrel library: plan needed to keep open THE FUTURE of Mountsorrel library is uncertain after the County Council rejected a proposal from the community to keep it going.

The County is withdrawing support for 36 village libraries to make budget savings, and is transferring day to day operation of them to community led groups. Rothley’s library was handed over to a volunteer led community group in October.

Mountsorrel Parish Council together with the Mountsorrel War Memorial Trust Ltd presented a business plan to the County Council in April 2015. It was rejected by the County who said it “ … did not fit with our infrastructure support package as it required continuous financial support from the County Council for the management of the library building.”

The County have now begun a consultation process that is required before

Pic: Mountsorrel library

they are allowed to close the library and replace it with a mobile service visiting the village for six hours a week. They

held a consultation event in the village on November 26 as part of this process.

The county will keep the library open until March 2016.

Will Antill, a trustee of the Mountsorrel War Memorial Trust, said: “The library is a good building and an excellent facility and I am optimistic that a solution will be found to

keep it open. It is important that the public tell the County Council that a mobile service is an insult and that they would like to see the library kept open.”

A ‘Save Mountsorrel Library’ facebook page has been started as well as ‘Keep Mountsorrel Library Open’ petition on www.change.org. started

by Elizabeth Blackshaw. She said: “our library is so much more than a place to borrow books. It has a number of computers one of which is dedicated to young people. It has a scanner, printer and photocopier.

It has a DVD lending service, reference books and audio books. It is a base for the local house-bound reader service and the Book-start scheme. It has a study space, newspapers and a local information point.

It has a large meeting room and a computer suite upstairs (all with disabled access). It was home to our War exhibition, our quarry exhibition, our oral history project and our art group. It has toilets and a baby change, it’s warm and it’s dry and one of the most historically significant buildings in the whole village. It is critical to the new civic hub development which includes the leisure centre, the redeveloped Memorial Hall, the community café and the youth café. Mountsorrel would lose so much more that just a few books if it were to close.”

To submit your views, fill out the questionnaire and return it before January 17, 2016. The survey is available online at www.leics.gov.uk/futurelibraries.

Community flood wardens VOLUNTEERS ARE being sought to help tackle the problem of flooding.

Charnwood Borough Council has a network of Community Flood Wardens (CFW) and is seeking to recruit volunteers in Mountsorrel.

The role of the CFW is mainly one of communication. Their roles include: • monitor the condition of local drains, culverts, brooks and other watercourses and report any defects or blockages to the appropriate agency • distribute flood related information to the public • encourage individuals to sign up to the Environment Agency free flood warning scheme, Floodline Warnings Direct (FWD) • make arrangements to reinforce flood warnings when they are issued • visit people at risk to ensure that warnings have been received (where safe to do so) • call for assistance on behalf of people who are struggling to carry out essential actions to safeguard themselves or their property For more details contact Kevin Roberts, Emergency Planning Officer, Charnwood Borough Council 01509 634911 kevin.roberts@charnwood.gov.uk

MOUNTSORREL POST

DEC 2015

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Remembrance Sunday service & parade MOUNTSORREL REMEMBERED all those who lost their lives in war at the Remembrance service and parade on November 8.

Pic: the parade through Mountsorrel

Jenkinson and Mrs J Martin, President of the Leicestershire Royal British Legion – Women’s Section.

On Armistice Day, November 11, Year 6 pupils of Christ Church & St Peter’s School led a Remembrance Serv-

British Legion thanks all those who marked Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day 2015. We also wish to thank all those who have, once more, so generously supported the Poppy Appeal.

PHOTO: CLIVE RASIN

The parade from the Green to St Peter’s church for the Remembrance Sunday Service was led by Deputy Lord Lieutenant, Col R Martin OBE, Leicestershire County President of the Royal British Legion and also President of the Legion’s Mountsorrel Branch.

In the parade alongside members of the Legion were; Mr Edward Argar MP, Parish, Borough, and County Councillors and contingents from the Cubs, Guides, Brownies, Rainbows and Boys Brigade, together with representatives of the Police, Mountsorrel War Memorials Trust, Mountsorrel Heritage Group and Lafarge Tarmac. On returning to the Green after the Service the salute was taken by his Worship the Mayor of Charnwood, Cllr John Capleton accompanied by the Mayoress, Mrs Meg

ice at St Peter’s church and afterwards joined a large crowd of villagers at the Peace Garden for the two minutes silence and laying of crosses.

Poppy appeal organiser John Doyle said: “The Mountsorrel Branch, Royal

The village Appeal this year has so far raised £3400 with more yet to come in.

Although focussed around November, The Poppy Appeal is a year round fundraising effort and we welcome donations at any time.”

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MOUNTSORREL POST

DEC 2015

A Christmas List

YOUR SAY...

The Mountsorrel 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 Mountsorrel Post, Unit 109, Greenacres, The Sidings, Leicester LE4 3BR, or handed in at Mountsorrel library or email: editor@birstallpost.co.uk

Walk through Can you remember the ‘walk through’ under the archway at the Old Bull & Mouth Public House in Leicester Road (now the Slate restaurant) which led down to the Playing Fields? This had been in use for many years – I can remember 50 years plus and recall the cricket players walking down this path on a Saturday and Sunday and, following the match, back to the pub for a shandy.

In the winter, the football players used it to carry their nets and posts from the chapel, which was utilised as a changing room.

It was also greatly used by residents of Mountsorrel and other surrounding villages when the fair came here many years ago, together with both past and present walkers and ramblers.

We, as children, used the path to the playing fields, then walked across the

fields to Sileby to swim in the back water or fish in the mill pond (in the days before Health and Safety!)

Unfortunately, this ‘walk through’ had never been officially designated as a Public Footpath and has recently been ‘blocked off’ as a result of the development of 5 houses.

In order for Leicestershire County Council to give this consideration for re-opening, they require evidence of usage for a minimum of 20 years and must be from ‘highway to highway’ i.e. not just a ‘short cut’ to the Playing Fields.

Would you like it re-opened? If any of this jogs your memory or you have been affected by the closure, please contact Mountsorrel Parish Council office for a form to complete and, if enough are collated, they will be sent to Leicestershire County Council for their consideration as mentioned above.

Thank you.

Cllr Steve Haywood Mountsorrel Parish Council, 2A Little Lane, Mountsorrel, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE12 7BH Tel no: 0116 2303809

Roy Morris Plumbing and Heating Installation, Upgrades & Servicing Of Gas Cookers, Boilers and Fires

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Christmas Carol Concert Organised by

Mountsorrel Parish Council You are all invited to the Methodist Church, Church Hill Rd on Tuesday December 8 at 7.30pm

Those taking part include: The Ratby Co-operative Band Local Organisations • Local Clergy Light refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the concert

We are now in the last month of the year Now, what do we need to remember?

Perhaps a ‘to do’ list would be of some use Oh, there’s so much to do in December There’s shopping of course with our family and friends Watch out for that last posting date!

You’ve probably written so many nice cards You’ll not want them turning up late.

Is the pudding complete? Is the Christmas cake iced?

Have you made a big trifle to share?

Have you candles and crackers for your festive meal?

Or gifts if you’re dining elsewhere?

How many mince pies did you carefully bake?

Will there be enough do you suppose?

Have you hung decorations and put up the tree?

Are the presents all tied up with bows?

If the answers are ‘yes’, than that’s wonderful news It’s certain that everything’s done But wait – there’s one more thing you mustn’t forget: Most important of all – have fun!

From Peggy Clarke

MOUNTSORREL POST

Noticeboard all details printed free Leicester Society of Artists Annual Exhibition 2015 Nov 6, 2015-January 9, 2016 New Walk Museum, 53 New Walk, Leicester LE1 7EA Paintings, sculpture, ceramics, prints and multi-media dazzle in one of the largest group shows of art in the city.

Leicester Society of Artists celebrates the arrival of 28 newly elected members this year so join the many talented artists showing their latest work for the first time.

Take the opportunity to stroll down historic New Walk this winter, have a coffee in the museum café and discover the huge range of art created by artists living, working and studying in Leicestershire and Rutland. www.leicestersocietyofartists.co.uk

The Magna Carta a talk by retired lecturer Dr Michael Lynch Tuesday Feb 2, 7pm The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane £5 (pay at the door)

Organ Recitals on Sunday January 17 at 8pm

by Ben Giddens Director of Music at Queen Anne’s School, Caversham Admission is free Donations for the development fund Buffet from 7.30pm

Birstall & District Art Society Tuesday January 12, at 6.30pm for 7pm start You are invited to join us at the Palmer Tomkinson Centre at The Cedars Academy, Wanlip Road, Birstall LE4 4GH to watch exciting artist Haidee Jo Summers giving a demonstration in acrylic and oil paints of ‘Figures in a Setting’.

Demonstration to end at 9pm. Members £1, Guests £3. Free raffle. Ample parking and wheelchair access.

Christ Church Rothley Road, Mountsorrel

Christmas Tree Festival Sat Dec 5, 2015, 10am-4pm Sun Dec 6, 2015, 12.30pm - 4pm http://cofe.mountsorrel.org/index.p hp

Anglican Churches in Mountsorrel

Christmas Services & Events Sunday Dec 6: 12.30 till 4pm Christmas Tree Festival at Christ Church; 4pm Fun@4 – Christmas activities Monday Dec 7: 7pm Ladies Carol Service with Christmas trees. Come along and join in. All ladies welcome Sunday Dec 20: 11am Christingle at Christ Church; 6pm Traditional Carol Service at St Peter’s Tuesday Dec 22: 10.30am Nativity – come and enjoy the film at Christ Church. All children must be accompanied by an adult Wednesday Dec 23: 8pm Carol Singing at The Waterside Inn. Come along and join in the fun Christmas Eve: 4pm Crib Service at Christ Church. Children may come dressed as a nativity character; 11.15pm Holy Communion at the Methodist Church Christmas Day: 9.30am Holy Communion at St Peter’s; 11am Holy Communion at Christ Church

Birstall Running Club Meet Monday & Friday nights, 6.20 for 6.30pm run Birstall School Lane playing fields – showers & toilets available Wednesday night beginners group at Birstall Legion 7pm

DEC 2015

Speed work sessions also available on Wednesdays for those wanting to improve Contact Deryk on d-woods1@sky.com or Bob 07927 346640 Website – www.birstallrc.org.uk ••• Mountsorrel Methodist Church Celebrating fifteen years of Sunday Night @ Eight

Santa’s Coming Santa will again be visiting The Baldwin Trust’s narrowboat St.Clare It will be sailing from The Hope & Anchor Wanlip every Saturday and Sunday starting 28th November until 20th December and also 21st and 22nd December cost £5 each.

Santa will have a present for all children 12 and under drinks and a mince pie for everyone else to book ring his hotline on 0754 8813168.

Misted up double glazing ?

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Faulty locks & handles replaced

CP Accountancy Ltd

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Charnwood Forest: a Living Landscape Talk by Michael Jeeves Monday 18th January 2016 at 7.30pm Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall Michael Jeeves has been Head of Conservation, Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust for the last 25 years.

The Charnwood Forest Living Landscape project aims to conserve and enhance the unique wildlife, geology and character of Charnwood Forest. The project is led by the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust and is supported by Aggregate Industries.

The Trust offers free wildlife sur-

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Caroline Dinsmore is licensed and regulated by AAT under licence number 5865.

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MOUNTSORREL POST

DEC 2015

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veys to landowners, has a small grant scheme to help with management work and collaborates with others who are concerned with the conservation of this special area.

Members are free. Guests are welcome, £3 at the door. Refreshments included.

Further information: Peter Bertram 01162 100 572 or www.focf.org.uk

Full pick up load approx 1 cubic metre • Mainly Oak and Ash • Grown in our own woods • Deliveries by appointment • Inspect before accepting delivery • Order by phone (office hours) or email which will be acknowledged • Delivered within 7 days of ordering • Phone call prior to delivery Delivered to Swithland, Mountsorrel, Anstey, Newtown Linford, Woodhouse Eaves, Barrow on Soar, Cossington, Quorn, Birstall, Sileby, Cropston TO ORDER T: 0116 230 0050 OFFICE HOURS E: admin@swithlandhall.com

MOUNTSORREL UNITED CHARITIES Relief in Need Fund

Do you need financial help?

Have you lived in Mountsorrel for 6+ months?

The Mountsorrel Relief in Need Fund could help by giving you a grant towards items for your home, your health, your garden or other needs.

Please phone to make an appointment.

You will need to give some financial details but these are kept confidential.

Call or text Rachel on 0793 1129 360 Email mountsorrelunitedcharities@outlook.com www.mountsorrelunitedcharities.com Registered charity number 217615

Oliver! is the Christmas production at Curve, Leicester Let us transport you to Victorian London this Christmas for this timeless tale about the boy who asked for more…

After escaping the workhouse, young orphan boy Oliver quickly finds himself alone on the bleak streets of London. When he befriends the mischievous Artful Dodger, Oliver is introduced to the art of pickpocketing, but could his new lifestyle lead him to discovering his mysterious past?

Based on Charles Dickens’ classic novel, Oliver! is one of the most successful musicals of all time and has a sensational score that includes such classics as Food Glorious Food, You’ve Got to Pick-a-Pocket or Two, Where Is Love? and I’d Do Anything.

In Curve’s brand new production of Lionel Bart’s multi-award winning musical, director Paul Kerryson will be joined by choreographer Andrew Wright, Musical Director Ben Atkinson and Set Designer Matt Kinley, to bring you another must-see family favourite. Consider Yourself in for a treat this Christmas!

Tickets £42* – £18.50* Discounted Tickets** £16* Under 16s £4 off for 16 – 26 yrs £15 Under 18s school groups £2.50 off over 60s and registered unemployed £5 off for Groups 10+ **Discounted tickets are subject to availability and are restricted to certain areas and performances. *Plus a transaction fee of £3 for all card payments. Excludes Members, Groups 10+ and customers printing tickets at home. Discounts are subject to availability and are only available on certain performances.

•

Want to know more about breastfeeding your baby?

Be in the company of like minded mums?

Pop along for a cuppa.

Babies and toddlers welcome La Leche League Birstall Breastfeeding Group Second Thursday of the month 1pm - 2.30pm Birstall Village Hall for more info call Jackie 0778 7130801 or find us on facebook

Santa tours village SANTA’S SOAR Valley Tour will once again be visiting Mountsorrel this year.

Organised by Soar Valley Rotary Club he will visit Mountsorrel on Tuesday Dec 8 in the Halstead & Balmoral Road areas between 6-8pm, Wednesday December 9 in the Leisure Centre area from 6-8pm and Saturday & Sunday Dec 19/20 in the Budgens Car Park from 9am to 5pm.

As usual Santa will be greeting families from his sleigh which will be drawn by a vehicle kindly loaned by Loughborough Kia, whist Soar Valley Rotarians will be collecting for Rotary charities.

A Rotary spokesman said: “All the money raised goes to help good causes and to date the Club has donated over £200,000 for local charities large and small. Charities which have benefited include LOROS, Rainbows, Macmillan, Prostaid, Age UK and the Air Ambulance and we have helped young people through Wishes 4 Kids and Rotary Youth Exchange. We also responded to international emergencies with disaster boxes and support Rotary’s drive to rid the world of polio ‘End Polio’.

Recent grants include the Sorrel Youth Café in Mountsorrel and the Carl Gunns Community Gym in Birstall.

Planning P/15/2102/2: 255 Leicester Road – creation of vehicular access and formation of dropped kerb P/15/2174/2: 12 Mere Close – erection of two storey extension to front, single storey extension to side and rear of dwelling P/15/2132/2: Harby Developments, Granite Way – construction of new access off Granite Way P/15/2012/2: Land adj 72 Boundary Road – erection of a dwelling P/15/1904/2: 52 Hawcliffe Road – retention of single storey extension and dormer extension to rear of dwelling P/15/1869/2: 251 Leicester Road – retention of rear extension to dwelling P/15/1797/2: 4 Celandine Close – erection of replacement conservatory to side & rear of dwelling P/15/1779/2: 3 Kestrel Lane – erection of single storey rear extension to dwelling

Can we help with:

• Garden Maintenance • Landscaping • Fencing & Gates • Patios, Paving & Driveways Please call Michael on: 0116 2675309 0798 0811737

MOUNTSORREL POST

Quarry extension approved MOUNTSORREL QUARRY will have its operational life extended by 25 years after it was granted planning permission to extend the site.

The county Council have approved plans for a 20.6 acre extension and the relocation of the primary crusher, which is currently located on the rim of the quarry.

This will enable millions of tonnes of granite to become workable, say quarry owners Lafarge Tarmac.

Tim Deal, Estate manager at Lafarge Tarmac, said: “We are extremely pleased with the decision which will help to safeguard 149 jobs and continue to provide over £10million a year to the local economy. Mountsorrel quarry provides a nationally important source of granite, essentials for the UK’s roads and construction industry..

“By extending the life of the quarry for a further 25 years we will be able to access additional stone reserves and maintain supply at a time when the UK is investing in new infrastructure.”

DEC 2015

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Lafarge Tarmac say the new equipment will be quieter and less visible for the majority of residents. Their plans also include moving the quarry offices, workshops, lorry and car park.

New areas of woodland will be planted and a network of new footpaths and bridleways will be created to improve recreational access.

Some residents have raised concerns about noise from blasting operations, dust, the impact on house prices and on wildlife.

The quarry at Mountsorrel has been in operation for at least 250 years. It now has an operating life up to 2040, say Lafarge Tarmac.

The March issue of the

MOUNTSORREL POST will be published on Mar 11.

The copy deadline is Feb 26.

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is still required if you are selling or renting out your house.

PHOTO: CLIVE RASIN

Call David Jackson on 0781 5519490 to arrange your EPC

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Long service to Legion recognised

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ON REMEMBRANCE Sunday Mr Alan Smith received an award for his long service to the Mountsorrel branch of the Royal British Legion.

Our picture shows him receiving his award from Colonel Robert Martin OBE (pictured right), the Legion County President.

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MOUNTSORREL POST

DEC 2015

Sites for new homes Parish Council notes CHARNWOOD COUNCILLORS have voted to approve a planning document that recommends building 1500 new homes north of Birstall.

The Broadnook Garden suburb is one of the areas suggested for development in Charnwood Borough Council’s Core Strategy, which is the council’s blueprint for where new housing, employment land and infrastructure should be built until 2028.

At a meeting of the full Charnwood Borough Council on November 9, 39 councillors voted to adopt the Core Strategy and eight voted against.

The main areas of proposed development are: • 1500 homes and 15 hectares of employment land on land to the north of the A46, between Birstall and Rothley.

The land is in the parish of Wanlip.

• 4500 homes and 13 hectares of employment land to the north of

Hamilton/east of Thurmaston.

• 3000 homes and 16 hectares of employment land to the west of Loughborough The Core Strategy also sets out how the Council aims to help boost economic recovery in the area with plans for the regeneration of the Watermead corridor within the Thurmaston and Syston area, support for further development of the Loughborough Science and Enterprise Park and a regeneration plan for Shepshed.

The Mountsorrel Post understands that the developers of the Broadnook Garden Suburb are planning public exhibitions of their plans in January or February of 2016, prior to submitting an outline planning application.

Birstall Parish Council’s chairman Ann Marshall said that the Parish Council objected to the inclusion of the Broadnook Garden suburb at the earliest possible stage. She said: “We objected on the grounds that the strategy was unsound and that the local infrastructure couldn’t cope.

“The village tried so hard to stop the Hallam Fields development and it made not one jot of difference and realistically I don’t think we could ever stop this one. Charnwood has its housing targets to meet – that’s good for them, but what about the residents!”

A FULL meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Council was held on July 13.

Sgt Ludlam introduced PCSO 6392 Tom Lloyd as a new PCSO for the village who would be working alongside PCSO J Meachem, PC G Spiby and himself.

Borough Councillor Leigh Harper-Davies reported that Sorrel Court was in need of some new windows and advised that funding was available for this.

It was agreed to arrange a meeting with County Councillor Peter Osborne to discuss the future of Mountsorrel library.

It was reported that Cllr Steve Haywood had met with the Heritage Group at the cemetery to look at the second room in the chapel which they would like to use. Lights stored there would need to be moved. The Heritage Group would like to apply for a grant to repair the chapel.

The Council agreed to look into the possibility of placing one defibrillator in the phone box on Cromwell Road and one at 211 Loughborough Road if the company who owned the premises were in agreement. It was agreed to ask Charnwood Surgery on Linkfield Road if they would consider moving the defibrillator they had inside the building to outside so it will be accessible 24 hours a day.

A full meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Council was held on July 27.

The council received and considered a letter of resignation from the Clerk to the Council, Mrs Julie Walker.

A full meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Council was held on September 14.

Cllr Steve Haywood reported that he had tried to phone 101 to report antisocial behaviour by teenagers at the rear of the premises of an 86 year old lady but was unable to get through. The next day Cllr Haywood was offered a visit from a PCSO from Barrow – that would have been too late as the teenagers would have been gone by then.

Cllr Paul Harris reported that he had

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been waiting for 20 weeks for contact from the police regarding a burglary.

Cllr Mick Lemon reported that a meeting had taken place with the County Council regarding the library and that the library will remain open until at least March 2016.

It was reported that the skateboard ramp at the Halstead Road playing field had been vandalised. Repairs have been carried out. It was agreed to arrange a site meeting to assess the extent of damage to all the play equipment and trees.

The external auditors have written to the Parish Council as expenditure had exceeded £200,000 in 2014/15 and the auditors require further information regarding this.

A full meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Council was held on October 12.

The meeting was attended by the Leicestershire Police and Crime Commissioner Sir Clive Loader.

Sir Clive was given two examples in the current year when the Police response had been less than satisfactory. Sir Clive referred to the three months trial of taking no action depending on whether the premises had an odd or even number. This practice has been discontinued. Vulnerable victims of crime should be followed up soon after being reported. Diarised appointments with officers are now being issued.

Further incidents were reported to Sir Clive, including difficulty in contacting the police and the lack of follow up action by the police.

PCSO James Meachem reported that this would be his last meeting and he would be handing over to PCSO Tom Lloyd.

It was agreed that a grant of £15,000 be made to the Sorrel Youth Café with the proviso that the café seeks fundraising from a different source in future years.

A full meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Council was held on October 26.

The meeting was attended by Geoff Brown, Senior Planner from Charnwood Borough Council.

Mr Brown gave a presentation about section 106 developer contributions and the consultation process for parishes.

Will Anthill reported that the plans for the new Memorial Centre had been reduced in scale and revised tenders had been sought. Financial contributions are expected from a number of sources, including section 106 developer contributions. The new centre will have charitable status. It was agreed in principle that the Parish council sign a lease with the Mountsorrel War Memorial Trust, the landlord, to take over the running of the new centre, subject to confirmation by the Parish Council’s solicitor that it was in order to do so.

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MOUNTSORREL POST

DEC 2015

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New Join an start for art library group ROTHLEY’S NEW volunteer run library was officially opened with a vibrant community event on Saturday October 17.

Around 150 people gathered on Cross Green and the recently formed Rothley Gospel singers began the celebrations before the crowd walked along Mountsorrel Lane to the library, with many of the children dressed as their favourite book character.

Outside the library there were cake stalls craft stalls and book stalls, hot dogs and play areas for children. The Scouts, the Parish Church, the school PTFA, the Mountsorrel Railway Project and Harrison Murray Building Society were all involved, and many local businesses and shops helped out. Anne Davies, from BBC East Midlands today, unveiled the library sign and children presented flowers to Betty Roberts, one of the library’s original volunteers when the library was housed in a classroom at Rothley school before 1986.

“This is a new chapter in Rothley

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AN ART group that started in April still has places available for new members. library's long history” said Steve Mitchell, chair of the library group. “The whole event is a reflection of local community activity, and shows the important place of the library in the village. We couldn’t let it close.”

Before the opening, library volunteers spent two weeks improving the interior space. Spokeswoman Maxine Linnell said: “New LED lights brighten everything up, the counter has been moved leaving a space for events and gatherings, there is room for four new public computers, and the toilet is now available for general use.

“There were wonderful displays all over the new notice boards and a board where people could leave their comments on the changes. “It’s perfect” wrote one child.

“Kate Burlinson made a library cake in the shape of a Rothley Community Library book – like the cake made by volunteers in 1997 when the library building opened. Betty cut it in style, and there were queues for a slice” added Maxine.

A grant has funded £1000 worth of new books.

Steve Mitchell praised the former library staff. “They’re going to be hard to follow” he said. The new group has formed after the County Council was unable to continue to pay for staff at the library, and has been supported by the Parish Council, Voluntary Action Leicester and the library service.

Rothley library opening hours: Mon 2-7pm; Tue closed; Wed 2-5pm; Thurs 1012noon, 2-5pm; Fri Closed; Sat 10-1pm. Tel: 0116 3053671

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0116 4422067 Correspondence, news etc can be handed in at: Mountsorrel Library, Rothley Post Office or to our office.

editor@birstallpost.co.uk

Local artist Jo Sheppard runs the Quorn Art Group, which meets at Allen House, the scout hut on Meeting Street, Quorn, every Thursday from 10am to 12.30pm.

Jo sets a series of 10 week programmes for learners to follow, but they are also welcome to bring something of their own to work on if they prefer. The sessions are aimed at covering the principles of drawing, painting and printmaking using a wide variety of techniques and materials. Jo said: I

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adopt a learner based approach to teaching; relaxed and creative, all aimed at encouraging people to develop their own creative style. Every skill level is welcome, with classes providing a creative challenge for both inexperienced and experienced learners.”

You can choose to pay ‘up front’ for the whole 10 sessions (£80) or pay £10 a session and pay-as-you-go. Contact Jo via email info@josheppard.co.uk or call her for further details 07984 316292

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MOUNTSORREL POST

DEC 2015