Ratby Parish Council

Article by Merle B Joyce

THERE ARE 3 VACANCIES FOR COUNCILLORS AT THIS PARISH. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED, PLEASE SEND A LETTER OR EMAIL STATING WHAT SKILLS/EXPERIENCE YOU COULD BRING TO THIS ROLE.

The Annual Parish Meeting was held on Wednesday 24th May and the Chairman's Report is as follows:

The Parish Council has had another busy year working on behalf of residents to provide amenities and facilities for the community.

Grass Cutting

The Council is still undertaking grass cutting formerly carried out by Leicestershire County Council. Safety is always a priority and Council would ask that if cutting of grass is taking place in large areas i.e., Ferndale Park and Burroughs Recreation Ground, if dog owners are present at that time would they please keep their animals under control and out of the way of the mowers.

Dog Fouling

The amount of dog fouling on play areas has increased dramatically and the Parish Council has made the decision to put notices in the parks to ask that dog owners keep their animals on the lead and not allow them to run free unattended.

Dog Waste Service

Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council still carries out the emptying of the dog waste bins. However, there have been several incidents of the dog waste bins being vandalised, particularly along the Ivanhoe Trail.

New Play Equipment

The Sputnick and the See-saw at Ferndale Park have been replaced with new equipment. It will also be noted that two Monkey Challenge pieces have been installed- one at Ferndale Park and the other at Burroughs Recreation Ground.

Burroughs Recreation Ground

The Parish Council does not own this land, which is leased to Council by Lagan Homes. Lagan Homes very kindly waived the fee which was previously paid by the Parish Council. However, the Junior swings have been replaced. The reason for not putting too much play equipment at Burroughs is because the current lease allows the owner to give 12 months' notice to the Council to vacate the area. Replacement of the roundabout surfacing is in hand and will be carried out as soon as possible.

Ferndale Park

The teen Tower platform had to be replaced during the last year since a fire was lit on it. This was an expensive repair. As already mentioned both the Sputnick and See-saw have been replaced.

Remembrance Day

The Remembrance Day Service was again held at the War Memorial site with a shorter parade taking place. The Parish Council would like to thank all those involved,.

Flower Baskets

Hinckley & Borough Council have again been asked to provide the floral display for the village. The remaining containers will be planted in-house.

Village Wardens

The Council's grateful thanks must be extended to:

Neil Glenister Archaeology

Jean Harrison Badgers

Iris Hannaford & Neil Harris Trees

The Parish Council is still without Footpath Wardens and a Flood Warden. Anyone interested undertaking these roles please contact the Parish Council Office - Tel: 0116 23 9 0167 or Email: ratbypcouncil@btconnect.com

Ratby Library

Ratby Library is still serving the residents of the village and the Council's thanks to the volunteers should be noted.

The Village Sign

The village sign has been taken down for health & safety reasons. A new sign will be erected and it is the Council's intention to incorporate as much of the original design as possible.

Rooting for Ratby

This new community group is a very welcome addition to the village and to-date has held several successful events. The Council's grateful thanks should also be given to those residents who regularly litter pick the village, helping to keep it looking clean and tidy.

Two new businesses in Ratby

MEG-A-CAKES on Main Street-lots of residents may know Megan from the Railway Inn - the cakes all look delicious!

STANLEY - has recently rented the ground floor of Pabaris Newsagents and opened a small Hardware Store. The Council wishes every success to these new enterprises. Please Note: future Parish Council meetings will take place at the Library, Main Street at 7pm on the second Tuesday of each month.

Parish Councillor Vacancies

There are at present 3 vacancies for Councillors. Anyone interested in taking on a Parish Councillor's role should write to the Parish Council office, or email, detailing their experience and stating what skills etc., they could bring to the organisation.

Finally, the Parish Council appreciates your support and will continue to work on your behalf to make Ratby a village to be proud of.

Merle B Joyce

Chairman- Ratby Parish Council

Ratby Parish Council, 13 Station Road, Ratby, Leicestershire LE6 0JQ Tel: 01162 239 0167 Email: ratbypcouncil@btconnect.com