An Update From Kirby Muxloe

Parish Council

Article by Bettina Atkinson

Vote of thanks to two departing Councillors

Both Norma Beck and Ros Ford will be stepping down from their work on the Parish Council after May. Norma and Ros have made an enormous and highly-valued contribution to the work of the Parish Council over the years. Norma has been on the Parish Council for almost eight years and has contributed to every committee and also liaised with local groups such as the Lubbesthorpe Impact Group and the Local History Group, in her work to have part of Kirby Muxloe designated a Conservation Area. Ros has made an invaluable contribution to the Planning Committee and has always taken an active role in the organisation of the Christmas Lights Switch-On event, ensuring the safety of the general public. Both Councillors will be sorely missed and we would like to extend a heartfelt vote of thanks to them, for the work they have carried out for the community over the years.

The Tennis Courts

As of the 1st of April 2023, residents wishing to play tennis on the Kirby Muxloe Parish Council tennis courts must first book the courts using the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association) online booking system. Before you are able to book a court, you must apply for an annual Tennis Pass. This is provided completely free of charge to all residents of Kirby Muxloe. To access the application visit: www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/KirbyMuxloeTennisCourts/Membership

Once you have obtained a Tennis Pass, you will be able to book courts for free and up to a week in advance, using the court booking page. Non-residents of Kirby Muxloe have the option of playing on the courts for a one-off fee of £25 for an annual Tennis Pass, or by booking the courts on a pay and play basis.

It is hoped that the introduction of a booking system will help to manage the use of the courts and everybody will be guaranteed their time on court. If you do not have access to the internet at home, then you have the option of visiting Kirby Muxloe Library where free internet access is available, in order to sign in and book your court.

Kirby Meadows

The process of transferring ownership of the Kirby Meadows amenity land from Taylor Wimpey to Kirby Muxloe Parish Council is continuing in a timely manner. As with all of these transactions, there are a great deal of legal contracts etc, which are being dealt with by Blaby District Council's legal department. Kirby Muxloe Parish Council should be in a position to take on ownership and stewardship of the land within the next 12 - 18 months. The contractors replaced a number of dead saplings in early spring of 2022. Unfortunately, the replanting was followed by a period of drought and intense heat (summer of 2022) - not ideal conditions for young trees which have yet to become established. Sadly, some trees will have to be replaced yet again. However, many have survived, thanks to the stalwart efforts of Councillors John and Atkinson who watered the young trees during the hot dry weather.

The Parish Precept

Kirby Muxloe Parish Council precept for the financial year of 2023 - 2024 is set to increase by 7.98%. It was deemed necessary by the Council to increase the precept in order to cover costs which have risen in line with inflation. In fact, when compared to many villages in Blaby District, 7.98% is quite a modest increase; many other villages such as Glenfield, Huncote and Blaby have increased their precepts by 15% (the maximum).

The Christmas Lights Switch-On

Although it was a few months ago now, it is still worth mentioning the Parish Council Christmas Event. It was another super occasion: very well-attended and appreciated by all. The performances in the Village Hall of the dance troupe and the Kirby Muxloe Primary School Choir were lovely and something which the children should be really proud of. Kirby Muxloe Library and Community Hub joined in the festivities with singing, delicious home-made cakes and Santa's Grotto (always a favourite). Best of all was the visit from the reindeer, beloved by children and adults alike.

The Coronation of King Charles III

To celebrate and mark the Coronation of King Charles III, the Parish Council had commemorative coins minted, which display the Parish Council's logo on one side and a tribute to the Coronation on the reverse. Every child who attends Kirby Muxloe Primary School received one of these commemorative coins, as a gift from Kirby Muxloe Parish Council in order to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III and Camilla which took place on Saturday 6th of May 2023.