THE ROTHLEY POST YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
JAN/FEB 2015
www.birstallpost.co.uk
No. 110
Objectors deliver letters by train
LEICESTERSHIRE COUNTY Council is pressing ahead with its plans to reduce support for libraries in the county. Rothley’s library is one of 36 village
MORE THEN a thousand letters objecting to the latest large scale housing development in Rothley were delivered to Charnwood Borough Council aboard a steam train. The ‘Save Rothley’ campaigners are trying to prevent developers David Wilson Homes building 175 homes on land off Westfield Lane. The campaign team were joined by around 100 local residents to see a sack full of 1028 letters put aboard a train at Rothley’s GCR station, bound for Charnwood’s planning department. They were received by Richard Bennett, Head of Planning and Regeneration, with the event later featured on ITV local news. In November, the Save Rothley team organised a public meeting at the Rothley Centre about the plans. Spokeswoman Vivienne Barratt-Peacock said: “Villagers expressed concerns over an infrastructure which cannot cope now and will struggle even more when the
Library plans
Continued on back page
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650 houses permitted but not yet built are constructed. They feel it would be catastrophic to add even more houses to the equation, especially as Rothley has no doctor’s surgery, very limited parking and already congested narrow roads. “To date an incredible 2093 people
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THE ROTHLEY POST
JAN 2015
Development: why so much? AN OPINION piece about development submitted by a Rothley resident.
TE RW LA MP
WES
AY
Proposed development site
ANE DL L E I TF
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Continued from page 1 lent a hand by paying a visit to Charnwood Borough Council in Loughborough to deliver our second batch of letters on Monday December 15!” If you would like to support Save Rothley, email saverothley@gmail.com or call 07748 590594. Planning application reference P/14/2083/2
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There doesn’t seem to be a month that goes by without reading about various campaigns setup against the over development and new homes in our area. Locals telling of how the land in question is mixture of woodland, open fields popular with dog walkers and all wildlife. There are signs all the way down Mountsorrel Lane asking us to oppose the 200 homes on the land next to Westfield Lane as well as various campaign groups all against constant building of new homes. In a local meeting in Rothley to discuss the proposed new houses on Tuesday 18th November over 250 people turned up to a meeting indicating the issue is hot among local people. I certainly do not want to see our surrounding countryside turned into housing estates. Apart from this we all know the pressure this will put on the local infrastructure such as the roads, schools and doctors surgeries etc. There is no doubt that areas out of town are undergoing mass transformation, the likes of which we have never seen in our life time. Rothley is virtually one field away from joining up with Birstall and now that the 250 houses have been approved for William Davies, Rothley will join with Mountsorrel and this is not to mention all of the development in Thurcaston. Last time I passed through Thurcaston I lost count of the “keep Thurcaston Rural” signs strapped to the lampposts. I wanted to look at why this is happening and look at whether we can really do anything apart from sending a letter to the local planning officer objecting to the plans. So why is all of this development happening seemingly everywhere? Some of these reasons may seem obvious but I’m going to talk about them. Demand & Supply: National Demand factors According to the Office of National Statistics birth rates have remained fairly level over the last 50 years, there are some small peaks and troughs but nothing of really any note. Life expectancy on the other hand has increased dramatically. In the UK this was 72 years of age across men and women in 1970, and in 2012 this had increased to 81.5 years. The official national population in 2013 was 64.1million up from 55.6million in 1970 and is generally trending upwards with more sharp increases from 2005. With birth rates being relatively stagnant it is generally conceded that the increase in population is down to increased longevity plus immigration which for the year ending March 2014 was at 243,000. National Supply factors Office of National Statistics figures
show houses built in 1970 was 362,230, 1980 241,990, 1990 was 197,210, 2000 was 175,370 and 2013 was down to 135,550. Obviously this is showing a constant downward trend since the 70’s. The above figures show that the population is increasing mainly down to immigration and an increased longevity plus there is a sustained decrease in the number of new homes being built. Government Policy When you build a residential property you are able to claim your VAT on building material back. This is generally
not the case if you renovate a property unless this work is carried out for specific sets of individuals or various types of business. Incentives for the buyer such as Help To Buy equity scheme also means that cost of mortgages are lower if you buy a new build. Using the government funded Help To Buy Equity Loan Scheme which are available for New Build properties you can purchase a property with a smaller deposit and obtain a far more competitive mortgage deal than is available on an older style house. This is because the government loans the borrower 20% of the purchase price, interest free for 5 years. This is stoking interest in New Build properties and increasing their demand. The facts and figures above are as accurate as they can be. We would assume all of the ONS figures to be correct and I know the HTB percentage figures above are correct as of writing this. I would assume the ONS figures to be accurate regarding birth rate and the same goes for average age of death – we know this is recorded. The only figure I would query is the population figures published by the ONS. This information is collected every 10 years through the census. The problem with this is that not everyone replies and replies with the correct information. Currently being part of the European Union a resident of a member state is able to move to and from the UK at any time and since people are not counted in and not counted out this figure could be higher or lower. There are also some other push / pull factors for the demand for these new properties. It has always been the case that some areas are more desirable whether that be because of the good schools, low crime rate or just the local amenities. More rural living seems to be far more desirable that it used to be,
THE ROTHLEY POST
Continued from page 2 the relatively recent advent of internet and mobile phones may have facilitated this allowing some people to work from home and communicate more easily without the need to travel. While this has been happening we have seen the running down of our high streets, more shops closed down and generally less people shopping there, opting more for out of town shopping parks. I lived near Leicester City Centre for 7 years from 2006 and can say in general families generally tended to move away from the area, with houses often purchased by investors looking to let to students, or migrant workers. There is also a small rise in the number of single occupancy house holds, although only for the over 45’s. What can we do about this? The most obvious thing to do is create a campaign group, the more the better. You can also object to the planning application in writing. If you get the local councillor to object who probably will do if enough people oppose this, it will ensure that the decision will at least go to the planning committee. When someone or a company applies for planning permission peoples views are welcomed by the council, this is fine and this will be taken into account but will very often have very little impact on the decision. This is because the outcome of a planning application depends on law – if the rules and regulations are satisfied as per the law as it currently stands it will be accepted. If you look at Charles Church development in Rothley and the William Davies development between Mountsorrel lane Rothley, both were refused by Charnwood Borough Council. The builders appealed and got the decision on appeal. Macro Economics / Policies The Conservative policy on new houses is to build at least 100,000 new starter homes sold at 20% below the normal market rate if they win the next election. Labours policy on new house building as set out at the Party Political Conference in October 2014 is that they repeated the pledge made last year to increase annual house building rates to 200,000 by the end of the next parliament. The Lib Dems are looking to build 300,000 new homes per year although many of these would be as part of their “garden cities” UKIP policy is slightly different, they oppose the development of the Green Belt and look to change rules to make it easier to develop on Brownfield sites. Conclusion As pointed out we have an expanding population which is due to our increasing longevity and current immigration policy. House building is at a historic low and may remain that way well into the next parliament. The Help To Buy incentives and tax break policies on new build properties look like they will be here to stay until well after the next election. With the current policies of Labour and the Tories to build more houses and keep in place the the tax breaks and with size of the population likely to increase before it levels off, these stories are likely to run and run… Greg Hubbard, Rothley Resident Readers’ comments welcome, send to editor@birstallpost.co.uk
JAN 2015
Wartime history exhibition AN EXHIBITION in All Saints’ Church, Thurcaston remembered and commemorated local people’s experience of the two World Wars. The 10 day exhibition, which ran from November 8, was first displayed at Beaumanor Hall in March this year as Thurcaston and Cropston Local History Society’s contribution to the Leicestershire Archaeological and Historical Society’s ‘Wartime History Fair’. The first section gave details of the men who lost their lives in the First World War. The second section described the effect of war on the lives of the people in the parish as written in the Parish Minute Book, the Memorial Hall Minute Book, Women’s Institute Record Book and the Logbook of the Richard Hill School. Two booklets based on the exhibition are now on sale: ‘Their Sacrifice Our Loss’ by Diane Denton and ‘The Home Front’ by Brenda E Hooper. Pics: (top) some members of the Home Guard and their wives, and a party to celebrate returning prisoners of war
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THE ROTHLEY POST
JAN 2015
THE ROTHLEY POST
JAN 2015
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Rothley’s Christmas lights ROTHLEY WELCOMED in the festive season with its annual Christmas lights switch on event. Bumper crowds gathered to watch as UK Eurovision singer Molly SmittenDownes and gold medallist Liam Tancock turned on the Christmas lights. Children from Rothley school choir sang Christmas songs and there was also music from the De Montfort gospel choir. A spokesman for the event organisers, Tim Jackson, said: “The evening was a fantastic success with a record number of people coming to the evening.
Pic: serving Christmas nibbles are Hannah Jefferey (left) and Yasmin Bush from Elan Hair Desi gn
Pic: Turning on the Christmas lights with the Revd Rob Gladstone (centre) are Molly Smitten Downes & Liam Tancock
“The crowd enjoyed a great range of food, stalls and rides and money was also raised for various charities including Missing Children and Soar Valley
Community Food Project. Tremendous thanks to all those who contributed to making the evening such a success.”
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THE ROTHLEY POST
JAN 2015
OUR PICTURES were taken at Richard Hill school's PTA Christmas Fair in December and show the Thurcaston Handbell Ringers; Jean Wilson, Daphne Grieff, Jackie Partner, Paulline Palin and Mary Blake from Thurcaston & Cropston WI; Grace Buswell & Ella Gibbins
Local housing needs of Thurcaston & Cropston to be assessed An independent Housing Needs Survey of the villages of Thurcaston and Cropston is to be carried out to find out the true extent of the housing needs of local people. Midlands Rural Housing will deliver a questionnaire to every household in the Parish in February. The returned questionnaires will allow a report to be written which will identify whether or not the housing needs, particularly the affordable housing needs, of people with a connection to the villages are being met. The survey is being carried out at the request of Charnwood Borough Council with the
full support of the Parish Council and the Thurcaston and Cropston Neighbourhood Development Plan Steering Group. Why is the survey happening? Councils are required to gather information about the housing needs of their communities so that the requirements of all residents can be understood. The last survey of the Parish was carried out in 2010 so a new one is now due. Unlike the 2010 survey, this one wants to find out the needs of local people for open market homes as well as for affordable housing. This will allow a true picture of all local housing needs to be gauged. What about the Neighbourhood Development Plan? The survey is taking place at this time so it fits in with the excellent work being
carried out locally on the emerging Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP). The results of the Housing Needs Survey will provide evidence and issues which will be further explored through the NDP process. Are new homes planned for the villages? The survey is not linked to any plans or proposals for housing development. The evidence gathered could be used by the Parish and Borough Council to try and influence any future development proposals that may or may not be brought forward in the coming years. If homes are proposed in the future the survey evidence could help the councils to negotiate with developers to ensure that any homes built would reflect what is required by those with a connection to the Parish. Also, if a need for affordable housing is identified then there are a number of solutions that could be explored to deliver a small scheme of affordable homes exclusively for those with a local connection. This would be done in partnership with the community and would be fully consulted on. This independent survey will provide clear evidence of local housing need and is essential to help both maintain and protect the village and ensure local needs are identified.
Why is it important to fill in the survey? Please could as many households as possible complete and return the questionnaire (a freepost envelope will be provided) either to indicate a housing need or to pass comment on village life and housing issues. All the information is confidential and replies will not be seen by the Parish Council, the Borough Council or any other organisation. Rural areas currently face many challenges. Major threats to shops, pubs, transport, services and local facilities exist. There is an ageing population, jobs are limited, and there can be a loss of ‘community feel’ in villages. Also, the cost of living and housing are causing problems for many. These pressures exist in villages across Leicestershire and beyond. By identifying the full range of housing needs for local people, future decisions and proactive action can be properly informed. Look out for the survey in February and rest assured that the Parish Council and local community will be fully consulted on the results and any possible options for solutions that may be required. It should also be noted that there is no cost to the Parish Council or the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group for this work. If you have any questions please contact enquiries@midlandsrural.org.uk.
THE ROTHLEY POST
Parish Council notes A FULL meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on November 17. It was agreed the Parish needs to progress a Neighbourhood Plan but this needs to be independent of the council. The council can support it financially. A committee of interested residents needs to be formed and it was agreed to put out a request for volunteers. A resident objected to the installation of grass protector matting on Town Green Street that will reduce damage to grass areas by parked cars. The resident was reminded that the Parish Council had liaised with local residents before seeking to carry out the work. The recruitment process for a replacement Parish clerk has been discussed in closed session. A full meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on December 15. PCSO Steve Quinn reported that Syston Police Station would close on February 6. The closure will not have an effect on Police visibility in the village he said. County Councillor Peter Osborne updated councillors on the County Council’s measures to reduce its budget which he said were very challenging. He had been part of a delegation that had met Leicestershire MPs to explain the issue and to seek their support in obtaining a fairer settlement for the county. If we were treated the same as Derbyshire or Nottinghamshire we would be £65million a year better off, he said. He said that constraints on the budget meant the council was considering reductions in all the services it is not legally required to provide and that the costs of providing statutory services to people at risk, young and old, was becoming horrendous. Marion Vincent thanked the Parish council for its support for the community orchard on Bunney’s Field. She said that the County Council is withdrawing its support for its website service leicestershirevillages.com and it was agreed that it was important that a way be found to keep it going.
A FULL meeting of Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council was held on October 16. PCSO Quinn reported that theft from motor vehicles is escalating with the biggest problem being vehicles left unsecured. It was reported that Community Speedwatch had been carried out in the last week of September and the first week of October. A new location has been added: Cropston Road, Cropston. One member of the public advised that vegetation on the corner of Rectory Lane and Leicester Road outside the old Post Office needs cutting back as it is difficult to see up Rectory Lane when approaching the mini roundabout. The Council has received a request from a parishioner for a defibrillator in Cropston. It was agreed to discuss this at the November meeting.
JAN 2015
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James Bond theme charity fundraiser A JAMES BOND-themed evening and balloon launch organised by friends of a Rothley teenager who died suddenly have raised more than £500 for charity. Friends of Joe Humphries got together to hold the event in his memory on the second anniversary of his death, to raise money for local charity the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT). The event took place on 4th October at Swithland Memorial Hall. Joe was 14 when he died, in October 2012, from sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS) while out on a training jog near his home. Since that time, his family and friends have campaigned for greater awareness of sudden heart deaths in young people. Twelve young people aged 12-35 in Britain die each week from undiagnosed heart problems like SADS. But if CPR is started immediately, done effectively by a trained person and a defibrillator can be got to the victim within eight minutes, the majority of people could be saved, without brain damage. Steve Humphries, Joe’s dad and chair of the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust, said: “Joe wanted to see the Bond film Skyfall but never got the chance. Thanks to the marvellous efforts of Trust volunteers – especially events organiser Vicky Wills – Joe’s friends came up with the idea of this very fitting way of celebrating his life. “The event was completely sold out, with 85 young people dressing up in black tie and enjoying an eclectic mix of treats including canapés, doughnuts and mocktails. They also had lots of fun taking pictures in the photo booth. Entertainment at the event was provided by a live band, Murmur, and a disco. “To cap a truly memorable evening, and as an unexpected bonus, the Trust was blown away by Joe’s friends fantastic contribution of £500 to JHMT and we’ll use the money to continue our vital work in Joe’s memory.” One of Joe’s close friends Meg Holland said of the event: “The Bond night was a spectacular way to celebrate the wonderful life that Joe lived, and a comforting way to help us cope with the difficult day of Joe’s anniversary. All who attended had a brilliant time, full of
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THE ROTHLEY POST
JAN 2015
YOUR SAY... Noticeboard all details printed free Ladies Circle
Coffee Morning
The Rothley 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 Rothley library, Rothley Post Office, Woodgate or email: editor@birstallpost.co.uk
Community role Could 2015 be the year that you commit to a new role in your local community? A number of opportunities will arise in Rothley in the coming year offering residents a rewarding opportunity to engage in village life. Recent years have seen many villagers show real commitment fighting for a cause important to them. The Parish Council would welcome a continuation of that passion in a number of ways. Firstly, the Parish Council seeks to devise a Neighbourhood Plan to put the wishes of the village at the heart of its future. Vociferous opposition to large scale developments in Rothley has unfortunately been fruitless due to the current state of planning at Borough level and above. Nevertheless a motivated group of residents, working alongside no more than two Parish Councillors, is sought to develop a Neighbourhood Plan which, once adopted, will have to be referenced in response to any future planning applications, residential or otherwise. The inaugural meeting will be in January. Secondly, 2015 is election year for the Parish Council and it would be highly desirable to have a contested election in May for the ten Councillors for the first time in a number of years. A Parish Councillor is able to make a real difference to village life in many ways. Finally, County Council savings to be made in the Library Service are putting the onus on village communities to maintain their libraries in partnership with the County. Rothley hopes to achieve this and will require more volunteers to staff the library as part of the scheme. For further information on any of the above opportunities please email Robin Dent, Clerk to the Council on clerk@rothleyparishcouncil.org.uk or call 0116 2374544 between 10 and 12 weekdays. Best wishes for a peaceful New Year from Rothley Parish Council as we look forward to working together on these exciting new initiatives. From Rothley Parish Council
Methodist Hall, Howe Lane, Rothley For the Charity MAKE a WISH Saturday 14th March,10-11,30am Stalls will be ,Raffle,Tombola, Bric a Brac, Home made Cakes etc and hand made Greeting Cards £1 entrance fee include tea, coffee and biscuits Please support this good cause
Charity Whist Drives organised by Derek Farr will be held at 7.30pm on Thursdays 8th January, 5th February 5th March at the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley. Admission £2.00. All players welcome Alan Ayckbourn’s comedy thriller
It Could Be Any One Of Us! will be presented by Ratae Co-Operative Players at the Leicester College of Performing Arts, Garden Street, Leicester LE1 3UA Wednesday 11th to Saturday 14th February 2015 at 7:30 pm Tickets £7 (conc.£6) Tel: 01664 420157
CLASH 2012 Exercise sessions for individuals with Arthritis and other MSK conditions. Tuesday 1.00 - 2.00pm - General
Fitness Wednesday 1.00 - 2.00pm - Chair based exercise sessions. Sports Hall, Peepul Centre, Orchardson Avenue, Leicester, LE4 6DP. Call Karen for further information on 07954584402. Please note that there will be a weekly charge of £2 per session for non members of CLASH 2012 attending the above exercise sessions. CLASH 2012, a UK Online Centre, provides basic computer training at its After School e-learning sessions held in the Palmer Tomkinson Centre at Longslade Community College - Thursday 3.30pm-4.30pm term time only. During the period of January - March 2015 we will be holding mini iPad elearning basics, workshops for 10 weeks. For further information please contact Mark on 07801718908 or Conrad on 07919844629 CLASH 2012 Monthly Meeting Wednesday 14th January Trustee Meeting.
New Year - New Start
Want to get your money in order? Budget. Save. Spend. FREE CAP Money Course (www.capmoney.org) Wednesdays Jan 28, Feb 4, Feb 11 7:30pm at St. James Church, Birstall LE4 4DN Supported by Charnwood Grants Contact Gill: 0116 2120236 or 0783 229 9671
Coffee Shop Rothley Methodist, Howe Lane Every Tuesday morning, 1011.30am Come rain or shine Now open : Book exchange Everyone welcome Tea, coffee, biscuits, toasted tea cake Proceeds for the Methodist Church
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Birstall & District Art Society Tuesday January 13 at 7pm You are invited to join us at the Palmer Tompkinson Centre at Longslade College to watch renowned artist Andrew Geeson giving a demonstration of wet-into-wet watercolour painting. As well as being a consummate professional, Andrew always makes his demonstrations entertaining and you will come away from this evening with a smile on your face. Demonstration to end at 9pm. Members £1, Guests £3. Free raffle. Ample parking and wheelchair access.
‘Sounds of Vienna’ Charnwood Orchestra Saturday January 17 at 7pm Humphrey Perkins Community Centre, Cotes Road, Barrow Strauss waltzes etc Tickets £12 (£11 concessions) children £3 07718 153117 judithrodgers155@gmail.com Mountsorrel Methodist Church presents the first in the 14th series of Sunday Night @ Eight
Organ Recitals on Sunday January 18 at 8pm by Edward McCall Director of Music at Ratcliffe College Admission free Donations for the Church’s Development Fund Buffet from 7.30pm
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Charnwood Connect A Loughborough based partnership of advice agencies that can help with: Debt, housing, benefits, domestic abuse, going hungry, homelessness
Volunteers always needed Contact 01509 221 200 www/charnwoodconnect.org.uk
Lectures by historian Dr Michael Lynch (University of Leicester, retired) ‘The British Empire – for good or evil’ Tuesday February 17 The Governance of the United Kingdom Tuesday March 17 The Rothley Centre, 7.30pm Tea/coffee break, Q&A session To book your place call 0116 237 5254 Tickets £5, pay at the door The Rothley Post has a new address & phone number: The Rothley Post, Unit 109, Greenacres, The Sidings, Leicester LE4 3BR Tel: 0116 4422067
House prices: most expensive areas THE RIDGEWAY in Rothley is the street with the most expensive property prices in the Midlands, according to the latest research from Lloyds Bank. The average house price is £1.78million, compared to £1.31 million on Tiddington Road, Stratford upon Avon, which is in second spot. Grosvenor Crescent in London is the most expensive street in England and Wales with an average house price of £16.9million. Belgravia, Knightsbridge and Kensington & Chelsea are the areas with the higher property prices. According to property website Zoopla the average house price in Birstall is £201,276, up 6.69% in the last 12 months. The most expensive streets are (average property price): School Lane £565,512 Birstall Road £428,916 Park Road £350,712 Curzon Avenue £340,937 Roman Road £318,600 The average house price in Rothley is £334,167 and in Mountsorrel £192,556
Robber steals cash in raid A MASKED robber threatened a shop assistant with a hammer before stealing cash. The robbery happened at the Mercury News Shop on Woodgate, Rothley, on Tuesday November 18 at 8.45pm. The shop assistant was not hurt in the robbery but the suspect used the hammer to break into a safe. He stole a large amount of cash along with cigarettes. The suspect, who was wearing a facemask, is described as being around 5ft 8ins and of medium build. He was wearing a navy hooded top and navy or black jeans or trousers. He was also wearing thin leather gloves. Detective Constable 575 Sukhvinder Obhi is investigating the incident. He said: “Were you driving by the newsagents at the time of the robbery and saw the suspect leaving the shop, or did you see anyone acting suspiciously around the time of the incident? If so we would like to speak to you. “We would also like to speak to anyone who knows the whereabouts of the cigarettes or is offered them for sale.” Contact the Police on 101 and enter the officer’s ID number when prompted.
Plans refused PLANS FOR six new homes on Town Green Street, Rothley have been refused by Charnwood Borough Council. The Council’s decision notice stated that the proposal would harm the character of the Rothley Conservation Area.
JAN 2015
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THE ROTHLEY POST YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
The Rothley Post has a new address & phone number: The Rothley Post, Unit 109, Greenacres, The Sidings, Leicester LE4 3BR Tel: 0116 4422067
10 THE ROTHLEY POST
JAN 2015
Plans for 4500 new homes approved
ASDA
PLANS FOR 4500 new homes on land behind the Asda store in Thurmaston have been given the go-ahead by Charnwood Borough Council. Around 100 residents attended the meeting of Charnwood’s planning committee where the plans were discussed for more than three hours. Councillors decided by seven votes to five to support their officers’ recommendation and approve planning permission, which resulted in angry shouts from many objectors. The Barkby and Barkby Thorpe Action Group led the campaign against the development. The objections included: • impact on local roads • loss of village separation and community identity • loss of agricultural land • no proper consideration of alternative sites The development will be delivered over 15-20 years at an annual build rate of 200-300 dwellings per year. Charnwood’s current housing target is 17,380 Advertise in
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new dwellings between 2006-2028. 5811 new dwellings have been completed in the period 2006-2014. Section 106 developer contributions are negotiated to mitigate the impact of developments and for this development will run into many millions of pounds – the contribution towards new schools along totals £37million. Money for new roads, leisure and health facilities will also have to be provided. The development is the largest planning application ever to come before Charnwood Borough Council. The plans include: • 4500 dwellings • 25% affordable housing • 13 hectares of employment land creating 3000 jobs • two local centres • one district centre • a range of retail outlets and one large convenience store • a travellers site adjacent to the A607, near to the Asda roundabout • up to three new primary schools and a site reserved for a secondary school • healthcare facilities • allotments • a sports centre with full size artificial pitch • a new southern link road • a northern link road connecting to the A607 Syston by-pass • increasing accessible open space on the development site from 35 hectares to 137
And lots more!
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Classes in Ballet, Tap, Modern & National for children from age 3 Held at Rothley Village Hall, on Monday & Tuesday evening, & at Rothley Baptist Church, Woodgate, from 4.30pm on Wednesday. Some spaces available in the beginners class at 4.30pm. All classes can lead to stagework, medals and examinations. New term starts
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The 360 hectare development site straddles the Charnwood and Leicester City Council boundary. The majority of the land is currently in agricultural use. The applicants are Commercial Estates Project Ltd and Mr J Pochin Trustees. Their application states: The North East of Leicester Sustainable Urban Extension will be a locally distinctive, sustainable and thriving new community that is well integrated and has excellent connections with Thurmaston and Leicester. It will assist in realising regeneration opportunities for Thurmaston and north east Leicester and create a new focus for the community east of the railway line but maintain a physical separation from Syston, Barkby and Barkby Thorpe.
“It will provide a balanced mix of high quality housing as well as diverse employment opportunities and an excellent network of green infrastructure which connects into existing areas of environmental value and includes an extension of the Leicester Hamilton Green Wedge. It will have vibrant centres that provide a heart to the community and accessible community, shopping and business facilities.” More details on the planning pages of Charnwood’s website, planning application P/13/2498/2
New defibrillator A DEFIBRILLATOR has been installed in Thurcaston. The £1995 unit is situated outside the Memorial Hall on Anstey Lane and has been provided by Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council. Accessible 24 hours a day, the unit can save lives in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest. In the event of an emergency, the advice is to dial 999 and ask for an ambulance before you do anything else. The operator will confirm the location of the nearest defibrillator and give you the number code to unlock the door of the defibrillator cabinet and access the equipment.
THE ROTHLEY POST
History society
Monday club
ON TUESDAY November 18, our final meeting for 2014 began with a brief A.G.M. during which there was an appeal for one or two more people to join the committee.
OUR LAST meeting for the year 2014, was a huge success.
It has remained rather undermanned this year and the current four members would really appreciate some extra input. If you feel able to volunteer your services, even for just one year, please contact Peter Smith on 0116 2367365. Unfortunately, the scheduled speaker, Gareth King, was unable to attend. At short notice, society member and archivist, Brenda Hooper, very ably filled the gap with a repeat of the entertaining talk she gave to the Society previously (Oct 2013) about the 19thC Leicester lady, Mary Kirby (1817-1893), who was a distinguished botanist and writer of her day. The meeting concluded with some tasty festive refreshments and an opportunity to view the History Society’s exhibition in All Saints’ Church, remembering and commemorating local people’s contributions and sacrifices made during both World Wars. Our next meeting will be on Tuesday January 20, 2015 at 7.30pm in the Harrison Room, All Saints’ Church. Society member, Sandra Moore, will talk about “Living Memories of Characters in Belgrave Cemetery”. Annual subscriptions will be due (£12pp) and the full programme of meetings/outings for 2015 will be available. From Thurcaston & Cropston Local History Society
Our speaker was Mr Mike Leonard and his subject was “An Irreverent Approach to Political Correctness”. For nearly one hour Mike speedily took us through a vast number of quotations and expressions (quite a few of which we were totally unaware existed)! Mike had collected quotations from newspapers covering the past year. When undertaking speaking to clubs etc., he kept fastidiously to current News which from our point of view, was truly amazing considering the amount of data he had amassed in such a short time. On a daily basis we were all guilty of expressions we had grown up with over the years and thought nothing of any possible “incorrectness or offence” that could have been misconstrued. The absurdity of many quotations gave rise to immense incredulity from the audience to the point that we felt there was no hope for many of us to change our ways, One might become more aware of trying not to hurt anyone’s’ feelings, but as to minding one’s “Ps and Qs” in all situations only thought up by the “Powers that be” -well, that would be another matter! The interaction from the audience and the laughter that ensued, not to mention the many contributions, added up to a very happy Meeting, concluding with our customary cups of tea and biscuits. Our next Meeting will be on January Monday 12th at 2.15 pm, when we hope to see old and new members. Please give us a chance to welcome you in the New Year, to a very warm and friendly club. Any information required please ring 0116 2363467. In the meantime may I wish all readers a very healthy, happy New Year. From Ann Farndon, The Monday Club, Anstey, Cropston, Thurcaston and Rothley
200 Christmas parcels THANKS TO the generosity of shoppers at Budgens, Mountsorrel, two hundred elderly and infirm residents of Rothley, Syston and surrounding villages had a welcome Christmas surprise. Steve Hickling, President of the the Rothley and Soar Valley Lions Club said: “Thanks to the wonderful response by Budgen shoppers to our annual appeal to “Buy an Extra Item”, together with gifts of money donated, with which more food items were bought, we were able to deliver more than two hundred well-stocked parcels of Christmas cheer to deserving people in the area.” He added: “We know, from the number of thank you notes and telephone calls that we have received, just how warmly our gesture was appreciated - not only for the contents of the parcel but often for the visit by indi-
vidual Lions to those who, sadly, receive few visitors in the normal course of events. “Shoppers who contributed so generously may rest assured that their gesture most certainly made a big difference to many elderly and lonely people. My fellow Lions join me in offering thanks to everyone involved, including the manager of Budgens.”
Crime report Crime Report : Rothley, Oct & Nov 2014 Theft 5, theft from motor vehicle 1, theft of motor vehicle 1, damage to motor vehicle 1, burglary dwelling 4, burglary non dwelling 2 PC 4505 Leye Price Call 101, select option 2 and tap in 4505 to leave a message
JAN 2015
11
Pic: Stephen Dorrell MP
MP to step down ROTHLEY’S MP is stepping down next May after 35 years in parliament. Conservative MP for Charnwood, Stephen Dorrell was first elected in 1979. He was health secretary during the BSE crisis and a Treasury minister on ‘Black Wednesday’ when the UK pound crashed out of Europe’s ERM. As a bank bench MP he served as chairman of the Health Select committee between 2010 and 2014. On December 1 he took up a role as a senior advisor with KPMG UK’s Healthcare and Public Sector Practice on a part-time basis. In his letter to the Charnwood Conservative Association announcing his decision not to stand at the 2015 General Election he said: “I have decided in consultation with my family that this role represents a great opportunity to carry forward the commitment to improve public services which has been a major part of my life in politics. “This is a bitter sweet moment. While I look forward to working with KPMG, it
has been an enormous privilege to serve in parliament since May 1979, first as the MP for Loughborough and more recently as MP for Charnwood.” Stephen Dorrell’s majority at the 2010 election was 15,029. Advertise in
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12 THE ROTHLEY POST
JAN 2015
Local charity making a difference in Africa VOLUNTEERS, INCLUDING some from Birstall and Thurcaston, visited health units in Tanzania and saw how the work of a local charity is making a difference. Eleven self funded volunteers from Syston based charity Inter Care made the trip and visited 13 health care units to monitor the usage of the medical aid sent by the charity. It also gave volunteers the opportunity to experience first-hand the difference their efforts here in the UK really do make in rural Africa. John Winter, who has volunteered for Inter Care for nearly two years, said: “For me, the trip showed me that there’s nothing quite like seeing a shelf in a rural health centre that would be empty of medicines if it wasn’t for the work we do in Syston, to see that what we do really does save lives and relieve suffer-
Pic: Inter Care volunteers in Tanzania (l-r): Sue, Vince, Tom, Pete, Ruth, Mercy, Elvis, Jo, Charlotte, Clementine, Carol, Ruth, Sam, Lesley, Colin, Judith & John
ing.” This year the charity celebrated its 40th anniversary. It has over 60 volunteers helping recycle and donate surplus medicine to health units in Africa. The
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FREE CONCESSIONARY bus travel from Birstall’s park and ride will end in January with the introduction of a £1 charge. The County Council has decided to end free travel on all its park and ride services from the first week of January in a bid to cut costs. The measure will affect old and disabled people who used to travel free after 9.30am Monday to Friday and all day on Saturday.
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The County says the charge will reduce its subsidy for the service by £50,000 a year, with a similar amount saved by the City Council. Park and ride is jointly run by the county council and Leicester City Council and is currently subsidised to the tune of around £600,000 each year. A County Council consultation exercise saw around 56% of the 672 people who responded agreeing with the principle of introducing a charge, with around 55% of them saying it should be a £1 return fare. The consultation results also showed that nearly half of the people (49.7%) who already hold a concessionary pass agreed with the proposed charge.
cost of packaging and distributing the parcels to Africa is the charity’s biggest expense. Some of the volunteers have given talks to local clubs and societies about
their experiences of volunteering for Inter Care and visiting clinics in Africa. If you would like to arrange to have an Inter Care speaker or find out more about fundraising please email harry.ludlam@intercare.org.uk
Thurcaston & Cropston Neighbourhood Plan AS PART of the process to produce a Neighbourhood Plan for Thurcaston and Cropston Parish, the RCC (Leicestershire & Rutland) is now preparing for a Consultation meeting with key stakeholders. This will include inviting representatives such as local landowners, local businesses, local community and sports groups, neighbouring parish councils and those that provide infrastructure services to the parish such as transportation, highways and utilities. The stakeholder meeting aims to: • Raise awareness of the Thurcaston & Cropston Neighbourhood Plan among key stakeholders • Identify opportunities and constraints related to the future development and delivery of services, facilities and infrastructure within the parish, such as traffic and transport or possible areas for housing, commercial developments or community facilities • Identify and explore key issues that the Neighbourhood Plan will need to consider • Help to inform the ongoing consultation and engagement process required to produce the plan This Stakeholder Consultation follows two public drop-in consultation events that were held in both Cropston and Thurcaston in September. A spokesman for the Neighbourhood Plan working party said: “This resulted in some very useful feedback and also helped to recruit additional local residents who will now join
one of a number of themed groups, starting in the New Year, which will cover 'Heritage and Conservation', 'Open Spaces & Environment', 'Housing', 'Recreation, Facilities & Services', 'Traffic & Transport' and 'Business & Economy'.” Anyone wanting to find out more about the Neighbourhood Development Plan or who would like to be a part of the themed groups, please contact the Parish Clerk, Marianne Lane on 0116 2367626
THE ROTHLEY POST
JAN 2015
13
GCR’s bid for major railway museum A LOTTERY bid for a major railway museum on the edge of Birstall has been re-submitted to the Heritage Lottery fund. The Great Central Railway has bid for £10million to the Heritage Lottery Fund to build the museum. Working in partnership with Leicester City Council and the National Railway Museum in York, the railway plans to open the new attraction at its terminus at Leicester North in 2019. The new museum will be filled with rare locomotives and hundreds of artefacts from the national collection. Managing Director of the Great Central Railway Bill Ford said: “We had some really constructive feedback from the Heritage Lottery Fund Trustees following our last bid and we are confident we have made this visionary project even better! Not only will the museum help
Planning P/14/2265/2: 3 Windmill End, Rothley - erection of 1st floor extension and porch to front with single storey extension to side of dwelling P/14/2191/2:11 Cossington Lane, Rothley – erection of two and single storey extensions to rear of dwelling P/14/2087/2: 81 Swithland Lane, Rothley – erection of two storey extension to side and single storey extension to rear of dwelling P/14/2104/2: 4 Fowke Street, Rothley - erection of single storey to rear of dwelling P/14/2078/2: Kinder House, Loughborough Road, Rothley – erection of extension to side of building P/14/2083/2: Land off Westfield Lane, Rothley – site for residential development of up to 175 dwellings with associated works including vehicular/pedestrian/cycle access, public open space, landscaping, parking and drainage
people reconnect with their railway story, sitting right alongside our thriving heritage line it will be a unique attraction. We're confident tens of thousands of people will visit every year.” Work is already underway with local schools and community groups to ensure the project engages with everyone across the city and captures railway memories that might otherwise be lost. 300 short-term construction jobs will be created while the museum is built and 9 full-time posts once open. As part of the bid process an economic impact study has been carried out which demonstrates the museum and railway will be worth £43million for the local economy over five years. In turn this addi-
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Pics: (top) a view of the museum and (below) a locomotive on display
tional spending could create more than 900 jobs in the area. Annual visitor figures for the railway and museum combined are expected to reach around 230,000. The total cost of the project is expected to be around £16 million. £6 million of match funding would be required alongside the lottery grant. City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: "This is a really exciting opportunity to create a railway experience of national standing in Leicester. The museum will house items which are of both national importance and local interest, complementing the nearby National Space Centre and Abbey Pumping Station and helping to enhance the city's reputation as an important visitor destination. It will also create hundreds of new jobs, both during construction and on opening, while providing training opportunities in the rail industry for dozens of young people. We're fully committed to this project and will be working with the Great Central Railway to help them deliver this ambitious scheme.” A striking building is planned to sit right alongside the Great Central Railway's Leicester North station, close to the Greenacres centre. Steam hauled passenger trains will arrive right alongside the exhibition halls. The museum will be connected to the running lines to allow displays to be
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changed, locomotives and carriages moved and operated over the tracks of the Great Central. Star exhibits will include V2 class steam locomotive 'Green Arrow' and the sole surviving GCR passenger engine "Butler Henderson" A stylish wooden carriage which is more than a century old will be actively restored in front of visitors demonstrating the craft skills necessary to keep Britain's railway heritage alive. The Director of the National Railway Museum is Paul Kirkman. “We're delighted to be part of this project. Leicester had one of the world's earliest railways," he said. "It was also a hub of the Midland line. When the GCR opened in 1899 it was a key calling point on the high speed railway of the time. We want to put key parts of the national collection on display at the heart of the country for the first time, but just as important we hope to inspire a new generation to get involved in our nations railway story.” The project partners will learn if they've been successful in April 2015. Initially a small grant will be released allowing the plans to be developed further. A successful second round application would see the full grant unlocked with the museum expected to be open around summer 2019.
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14 THE ROTHLEY POST
JAN 2015
Young showjumping champion Primary school results A MOUNTSORREL schoolgirl has won a national showjumping competition.
Lara Gorse (12) was competing against 48 young riders from across the country at the Search for a Talented Showjumper competition at the Country-
side Live event in Yorkshire this October. The riders took part in a series of heats over two days and were judged by Olympic showjumpers Graham and Tina Fletcher, with Lara chosen as the overall winner. Lara, a pupil at Rawlins Academy, will now spend time with the Fletchers, where she will pick up vital tips to help her showjumping career. Lara who started riding when she was five years old, was delighted with her success at Countryside Live. But it could all have been a different story for Lara and her family whose transport had broken down before the event, forcing them to borrow a trailer and campervan to travel to Harrowgate. “I’m so pleased we made it, we didn’t expect Lara to win. I’ve never ridden a horse in my life, she certainly doesn’t get her talent from me” said mum Haley. Lara said: “I felt a little nervous as there were so many people. I’m not used to a big event like this, it’s so exciting to have won.” Graham Fletcher, who has been involved in showjumping for more than 30 years and won all the major international Grand Prix competitions, said Lara stood out as a stylish rider. “The riders we have had in this year’s competition have been among some of the best we have ever had. Lara rode impeccably – the way she improved over the weekend was really great. She is a very stylish little rider and willing to learn and adapt her style” he said.
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FIGURES THAT show attainment in our local primary schools were released by the Department for Education in December. The figures show the percentage of pupils achieving the expected level – level four or above at age 11 – in reading, writing and maths (3Rs). The national average is 79%. Highcliffe Primary School, Birstall 80% Riverside Community Primary School, Birstall 84% Rothley Church of England Primary School 95% Richard Hill Church of England Primary School (Thurcaston) 73% Christ Church & St Peters Primary School Mountsorrel 69% The government’s floor standard is 65% and there are six council maintained schools in the county below the threshold. The County Council say they have appointed an advisor to each of these schools.
Council outreach service CHARNWOOD BOROUGH Council is launching a pilot scheme to reach more customers in the south of the borough. The council is going to be running a customer outreach service in Syston for six months. A customer service adviser will be at Syston Town Council offices every Wednesday between 9am and 1pm from January 7, 2015. The adviser will be able to answer questions and handle inquiries for services provided by the borough council. On the last Wednesday of every month, the Citizens Advice Bureau will also have a representative there and on the second Wednesday of every month Clockwise Credit Union will be there. Cllr Jenny Bokor, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, said: “This is a pilot scheme to see if there is more we can do to better serve residents. Although you can do most things over the phone or on our website we wanted to see if there is a demand for an outreach service.”
THE ROTHLEY POST
Annual art exhibition BIRSTALL AND District Art Society held its 20th Annual Exhibition during the first weekend in November, which raised £254 in aid of LOROS. More than 300 visitors attended the three-day event and138 framed paintings were exhibited. A variety of techniques including watercolour, acrylics, oils and mixed-media, were shown. Junior members, under the age of 18, entered several paintings and subjects displayed included portraits and figures, still life, landscape and woodland, water and boats, nature and wildlife as well as abstract and experimental work. Visitors were asked to vote for the ‘Best Painting in the Show’. The result will be announced at the Annual General Meeting of the Society on 9th December 2014. Demonstrations by professional artists are held on the second Tuesday of each month at the Palmer-Tomkinson Centre (Longslade College), Wanlip Road, Birstall, commencing at 7pm. Visitors are welcome. Entry: £3 Wheelchair access available. Following the AGM in December, the next demonstration will be on January 13, 2015 by Andrew Geeson on Watercolour painting, wet-intowet. Pic: Junior member award winner Hannah Grimley with her painting of Central Park
age
JAN 2015
15
INFO ALMOST HALF of older people say the increasing cost of energy is a major concern this winter. 1 in 3 (32%) older people are concerned about keeping their home adequately warm this coming winter, with the majority concerned about the high cost of energy (70%), according to new research from Age UK. The research – published in November to launch the Charity’s Campaign for Warm Homes – clearly shows that high energy bills and fuel poverty, together with hard-to-heat, energy-inefficient homes are weighing heavily on the minds of older people. Around 5 million over65s say escalating energy bills is one of their main concerns over the winter months. 1 older person dies every 7 minutes The Charity’s new Older, not colder report outlines the shocking human cost and suffering the fuel poverty crisis is causing. Each winter, 1 older person dies every 7 minutes from cold weather, and excess winter death rates and illness are highest among those living in the coldest homes. Yet sadly, with just under 1 million older people living in fuel poverty, many simply cannot afford to heat their homes to a sufficient temperature in order to keep warm and well. Many deaths could be prevented Many of these deaths and health problems could be prevented if everyone lived in a warm home. This is why Age UK’s Campaign for Warm Homes is calling on the Government to commit to upgrading all homes to meet higher energy efficient standards. The Charity believes this is the only viable long-term solution to fuel poverty, rising energy prices and the resulting winter health problems. Age UK research also shows that two fifths (41%) of older people believe that the Government should do more to ensure UK homes are made more energy efficient, closely followed by energy companies (36%). £1.36bn cost of cold homes Clearly there is a significant cost to an infrastructure project of this scale. Yet in addition to the high number of lives claimed by the fuel poverty crisis, there is also a financial price to pay in terms of increased pressure on local authorities, the NHS and the social care
system. In fact, Age UK estimates that the cost of cold homes to the NHS is around £1.36bn every year. An ambitious energy efficiency programme would not only save lives, it would also reduce associated hospital and care costs; lift millions out of fuel poverty; cut carbon dioxide emissions; stimulate the economy, and create thousands of jobs across the UK. 'Fighting a losing battle' Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK, said: “The spectre of struggling to afford to heat their homes this winter is looming large in the minds of millions of older people. Increasing energy costs coupled with poorly insulated homes means the UK is fighting a losing battle against cold weather and it is very difficult for increasing numbers of people to properly protect themselves. “The only longterm solution to this problem is an ambitious programme to bring all our housing up to a high energy efficiency standard. We realise a national infrastructure project of this scale would require major investment; but not only would it reduce illness and deaths among older people, it would also cut associated costs to the NHS, create jobs and growth and help future generations. “No older person should worry that they could die from the cold in their own home. Fuel poverty is a national scandal which has claimed the lives of too many people – both old and young – for far too long and left many more suffering from preventable illness. We want a permanent solution and we believe it is within our grasp, if there is the necessary imagination and political will.” Advertise in
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16 THE ROTHLEY POST
JAN 2015
Continued from page 1 libraries that the County has identified – these community libraries’ will be run by volunteers with support from the County Council. The 16 major libraries will continue to be funded by the County Council but will have their opening hours cut by 20% The County Council say their plans will save £800,000. The County Council is now asking for volunteers to come forward to run Rothley library, with its support. Richard Blunt, cabinet member for libraries, said: “After listening to the public during our major public consultation over the summer, we’ve developed a package of support measures that will enable us to work in partnership with local communities in running rural libraries. “We’re going to talk to people and encourage them to come forward and express an interest, so we can start to identify the first community-run libraries next spring.” The council is proposing a package of measures to support any community that wishes to run a library. They include advice from library liaison officers, based around the county and support with some running costs, reducing over seven years. The measures also reflect changes in how libraries are used, such as increased use of e-books and libraries becoming community hubs, hosting a series of activities. The council has agreed to: • fund 16 libraries in market town and shopping centres including Birstall, but reducing their opening hours • support communities to run 36 local libraries • provide a 24/7 online library service and a mobile library service. In 2013/14, Rothley library had 10,000 visits and there were 22,628 items borrowed. There are 831 active users. The net costs of running the library in 2013/14 were £27,580 of which £16,718 were salaries. If you wish to register your interest in volunteering contact Rothley Parish Council clerk Robin Dent: clerk@rothleyparishcouncil.org.uk or 0116 2374544
Thurcaston & Cropston gardening club THE 2014 gardening year has been very good for the Club. We held eight Club nights at the Thurcaston village hall and a summer programme away from the hall that included a visit to the RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park and two evening visits to gardens in the National Gardens Scheme in Earl Shilton and Belton. In July we held a Club BBQ evening and it proved to be a hat-trick of successes, thanks to everyone who helped make it a very enjoyable and successful evening. Our Annual Show in September was another success story. It was our second year at the Richard Hill Primary School and once again we had more exhibitors than ever before in both the adult and children’s classes and there were big increases in both the vegetables and the flower and floral art sections. Over the last few years the Club has seen a year on year increase in members, largely due to a strong programme of events. We structure our programme of events so that we have something for
everyone. What’s more, it is excellent value! The committee is mindful of keeping the Club affordable. So the fee for the last few years has been £12 for full membership and £3 for visitors - and remains the same for 2015. Fees are on a pro rata basis after the first 3 months. And, if you would like to come as a visitor (to give it a try) and then you decide to join, your visitor fee will be refunded! So, if you are interested in gardening - come and give the Club a try. For more information, please call Dave Haddon on (0116) 235 9758 Programme of Events for 2015 14 Jan Women’s Farm and Garden Association Annette Spurr and Sarah Ferrier, preceded by AGM (15 to 20 mins) 11 Feb Saving Seeds; Saving Money: Pauline Pears 11 March Tulip Time: John Gibson
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Pic: Members at the last event of the year; our Christmas social evening and quiz night. From Thurcaston and Cropston Gardening Club
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8 April Healthy Eating with Fruit and Veg: David Thornton 13 May Wildlife: The Environment and Organic Gardening : Simon Gulliver 10 June Evening visit to Mountain Ash garden, Newtown Linford 11 July Trip to Waterperry Gardens, nr Wheatley, Oxfordshire 12 Aug ‘A Van Full of Colour’: Ady Dayman 5 Sept 32nd Annual Garden, Craft and Produce Show (Open to All) To be held at The Richard Hill Primary School, Thurcaston 14 Oct The History of Hidcote Manor: Kate Ward 11 Nov Hostas and Other Shade Loving Plants: Mick Eaton 9 Dec Christmas Social Event Meetings are held at the Thurcaston and Cropston Memorial Hall and start at 7.45 pm on the second Wednesday of each month (unless otherwise stated).
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