May 2021 Your Local Shepshed & Hathern

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Great Central Railway Back On Track

Give Hayfever The Heave-Ho

Still Time To Apply For Your Donation

Bake-Off Raises Funds For Shepshed Charity DESIGN & PRINT SOLUTIONS 01530 262020 info@norwoodpress.co.uk www.norwoodpress.co.uk NorwoodPress  @norwoodpress Norwood Press, Unit 1, Moore Road, South Leicester Industrial Estate, Ellistown, Leicestershire, LE67 1EU

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BGLC Peace Garden – GoFundMe Project Please can you help Brookvale Groby Learning Campus to transform this area into a 'Peace Garden' for our Students?

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We have written to local businesses, but would also like to ask for help from our local community in making our plan of a 'Peace Garden' in time for Mental Health week in May (10th-16th) a reality.

After the uncertain and unprecedented year we’ve had looking after our mental health has never been more important. Students have shown resilience in such an unpredictable time and we would like to create a space to aid in well-being. The theme for this year's Mental Health week is Nature and what better way to celebrate this than by providing our students with a safe space to reflect in at social times.

It will also give students an opportunity to get involved in extracurricular activities such as a gardening club which will be helpful for their well-being.

In addition to creating a peaceful place for students to spend their break and lunch times we plan to have an area containing a bench and plaque to commemorate one of our students Taran Singh Gill, who sadly passed away 5 years ago. He was a bright, friendly and well-loved member of the community, therefore this space will hold sentimental value to a lot of our community.

We are reaching out to you to ask for donations towards our Peace Garden.

We have set up a GoFundMe page; https://gofund.me/d892d9bf but would also appreciate any physical donations.

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Your donations, however big or small, will help us in achieving our goal to create a peaceful, safe and enriching environment for our students who thoroughly deserve it.

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Yours Faithfully, Youth Wellbeing Team & BGLC Students Email: Youthwellbeing@brookvalegroby.com

Deadline Date: Tuesday 25th May Delivery Date: Friday 4th June Deadline and delivery dates are subject to change without prior notice.

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Citizens Advice Charnwood - Now Able To Offer Face To Face Appointments For Those Who Need Them Article by Roxanne Hawkins

Chief Officer Ian Dennis said: ‘With the help of our volunteers we have continued to provide advice and support by telephone throughout the pandemic. But some people find this difficult. For example, filling in lengthy and complicated forms when applying for disability payments. We are therefore delighted that we can now resume face to face appointments as well as our ongoing telephone advice service.’

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Since the first lock down Citizens Advice Charnwood has helped over 300 people, with applications and appeals relating to disability payments, including Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and Attendance Allowance. Most help has been provided over the phone.

Volunteer Gill said: “People can find it difficult to put down in words how their health problems affect their daily lives and may be unable to fill in forms by themselves. Many are struggling to cope with both physical and mental health problems and are in danger of not applying for or renewing their claim and losing the money they rely on”.

For example: Wendy cares for her adult daughter, Emma, who has cognitive difficulties and depression following a head injury. Emma gets the enhanced rate of PIP. But Wendy’s own mental health has gone downhill during the pandemic so when she received a review form to complete on Emma’s behalf, she felt unable to cope. The country was in lockdown and Wendy was terrified that Emma would lose her PIP award and she would lose her Carers Allowance as a result. She eventually called our Local Enquiry line and got a phone appointment with an adviser who went through each section of the form with her. The adviser was able to record Wendy’s responses and type them up and post them to her so she could send off the review form. But it would have been much easier with a face-to-face appointment.

If you need help and wish to make an appointment contact Citizens Advice Charnwood on 01509 649605, Mondays and Thursdays 9.30 am – 3.00pm, Tuesday 9.30am – 12 noon. Information and advice can also be found on the website: www.charnwoodcab.org.uk

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Protecting Your Family’s Inheritance Article by Klara Hesling

Our frontline staff follow Government guidelines for visiting you in your home and they are in the vaccination program with second course completed. LevLaw Ltd remains here for you.

Most people hope that their estate will pass on to their children and grandchildren eventually.

Still Time To Apply For Your Donation Article by Norwood Press

After celebrating 70 years in business, local printers Norwood Press wanted to thank the local community for all their support and business over the years. They have decided to donate £700 to local groups and charities, with donations of between £50 and £250 available. If you are interested and would like to find out more send an email to info@norwoodpress.co.uk or call them on 01530 262020.

So far we have managed to help many groups and charities in the area.

We still have some funds left for anyone who needs any help in these challenging times.

But this will not happen for many, unless careful arrangements have been made to protect their assets from being taken towards the end of their life to pay for care home fees. The solution to help protect your estate is a Will incorporating a Property Protection Trust (PPT).

A testamentary PPT can only be executed whilst both partners remain alive. Upon death of the first partner, their Will specifies that their share of the property is placed into trust and names the ultimate beneficiary of this share, normally the children and grandchildren of the deceased. The surviving partner, under the terms of the trust, has the unequivocal right to remain living in the property for the rest of their life. On the death of the second partner the Trust comes to an end and the property passes to the beneficiaries.

Here are some of the groups we have helped so far: • Shepshed Litter Pickers - New equipment and Hi-Vis jackets • Ratby Band - New Junior / Beginner music • 1st Anstey Guides - Days Out and Camp • Passion Youth Project Shepshed - Contribution to a new waffle maker for their community cafe.

As the surviving partner does not own the deceased’s share of the property it is fully protected for the beneficiaries, so if the surviving partner requires care, or even remarries, this share of the children’s inheritance is protected. This last point can be particular interest to couples who have come together and have children with different partners.

"A big thank you to Norwood Press for their generous donation to 1st Anstey Guides. It will make a huge difference to our unit and enable us to continue our adventures outdoors, including camps and days out. It will also really help to support the girls who have found themselves in difficult circumstances, due to Covid-19. A massive thank you again to Norwood Press and we wish them many more years of successful business.”

A PPT can help each person in a relationship ensuring that their children inherit their share of the property, while giving their surviving partner the ability to live in the property for the rest of their life. If the surviving partner wants to move to another property, they can still sell the property and the proceeds to be used to purchase a new property, the terms of the Trust remain over the new property.

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The Charnwood Gardener Article by Peter Flood

Marsh marigold is a cheerful, easy to grow pond plant

The Charnwood Gardener Wa-ter Way To Garden!

There are a hundred good reasons to have a pond. Many of them are purely aesthetic - the sparkling surface of the water on a hot day, the lush foliage of a happy pond plant, the relaxing burble of a little fountain. Some are more pragmatic – a well-designed pond can add value to your home. But more vital than all of these is the simple fact that there is no life without water, and water is the key to bringing life into your garden.

It's often assumed that you need a big garden to have a pond, but even the smallest space can accommodate a dynamic, watery world.

And what a world it is! Bringing water into the garden immediately draws in creatures from far and wide, both of the aquatic and terrestrial varieties.

If you’re short on space, a tiny pond with a few plants will be quickly colonised by insect and amphibian life. What’s most essential is ensuring that the pond is a stable environment. A small pond should have a suitably deep part to make sure that it doesn’t empty during dry spells; a large plastic box (the kind you buy for storage) is ideal for sinking into the ground, but try to make sure that it’s at least 50cm deep.

Your first visitor may be a hot frog. Check on a warm day and you could see two partially submerged eyes staring back at you from a relieved amphibian. They’ll pay their way by eating slugs. Pond snails will arrive as if by magic, most likely carried on the legs of your hopping friends. They’re great houseguests, munching on watery weeds and keeping your pond clean. Then, as time passes, birds and mammals will discover your oasis, and soon you’ll have the most popular watering hole in town.

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Great Central Railway Back On Track Article by Michael Stokes

The Great Central Railway, one of Leicestershire’s most treasured and popular tourist attractions restarted steam train services on the 17th April and has already welcomed more than a thousand visitors in the two weekends since reopening. Their picturesque trackside cafes at Rothley and Quorn have also re-opened for takeaway and patio service at the weekends.

The Railway is now looking forward to the next phase of recovery from Covid measures which is the 21st May when first class dining services, on train afternoon teas and fish and chip trains can be re-started as well as the cafés opened for full service and to the 25th May when the summer midweek timetable recommences.

Commenting on the re-opening steps, the Railway’s Michael Gough said “We are so delighted to be running again and welcoming back our visitors.

Inevitably, ongoing restrictions and rules surrounding the pandemic continue to restrict the extent of our activities but these are the first few small steps to recovery and one thing that the pandemic has taught us, is to be grateful for “little wins”. Throughout the Summer we have a number of events planned including our post-lockdown steam gala in June, our Beer Festival and Vintage Fair in July, Villains and Superheroes and Animal Fun in August and our hugely-popular War Weekend in September.”

Pictured below is the Loughborough Member of Parliament, Jane Hunt unveiling their new welcome sign on the A6 approach road to Loughborough accompanied by the Railway’s Managing Director Michael Gough.

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Shepshed Slimmers Come Back Together After Months Of Virtual Slimming Article by Shepshed Slimming World Group

Slimmers from Shepshed are making a ‘comeback’ as their Slimming World group reopens, with Christina & Claire Lou local Slimming World Consultants saying they’re excited to be back helping members to lose weight and improve their health in person.

We are still operating as normal, but by phone only now.

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Slimming World has been supporting members virtually in online weekly groups since March, when lockdown closed all of the organisation’s community groups. Now, following the current easing of restrictions in many areas, real-life groups are beginning to reopen step-by-step.

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Christina & Claire Lou Slimming World Consultants in Shepshed are putting measures in place to ensure groups comply fully with government and local guidance and that their members can return safely to their much-loved Slimming World groups.

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Christina says: “I’m delighted to finally be back together with my members!

Our virtual groups have been a vital lifeline of support and I’m so, so proud of how my members have been there for each other through these difficult months and continued to lose weight and get more active. There’s nothing quite like the magic of our real-life groups, though, and research of our members during lockdown has shown that while our members have loved attending their virtual groups they’ve missed the motivational power and accountability of meeting in person each week.”

She says the health and safety of members has been the team’s top priority in planning the return of Shepshed Slimming World groups: “Members will find a few things have changed in our groups to ensure that everyone feels as safe, confident and comfortable as they possibly can. This includes appropriate social distancing, hygiene measures and shorter sessions, which we’ll be asking members to book in to before attending. What hasn’t changed is the gorgeous warm welcome, feeling of togetherness and the joy of being ‘in it together’ week on week.

“As well as looking forward to ‘that feeling’ of being back together with our existing Slimming World members, we can’t wait to welcome new members in Shepshed to our groups too. Obesity is a huge issue in the news at the moment with evidence showing that carrying extra weight makes it harder for the body to fight COVID-19, and the Government announcing brand-new plans to tackle obesity across the UK – which Slimming World are very proud be part of. Plus, we know many people’s routines were turned upside down by lockdown and lots of us have been feeling more worried or anxious than usual, all of which can have an impact on making healthy choices.”

Christina, who has lost 3 and a half stone herself, says: “I want anyone who’s worrying about their weight or health – especially if they’ve put on a few extra pounds during lockdown – to know that there will be absolutely no judgement at a Slimming World group – just lots of understanding and a very warm welcome. At Slimming World losing weight isn’t about going hungry – our eating plan is extra easy, very delicious and super generous.

And moving more doesn’t mean running marathons – unless you want to, of course.

“Our groups are hubs of recipe-swapping, idea-sharing and problem-solving activity. Through our weekly sessions, you’ll discover how to identify the stoppers and potential pitfalls that could send you off track – or that have maybe prevented you from reaching your weight-loss goals in the past – and learn to develop strategies to overcome them. The new healthy habits you’ll discover will soon become habits of a lifetime, and there really is no better time to start afresh when it comes to developing new lifelong healthy habits around food and activity because, as many of the members of my groups have seen, when you lose weight you’re already doing one of the very best things you can to future-proof your health.”

Shepshed Slimming World groups are open now.

For more information visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk www.slimmingworld.co.uk/blog/discover-keeping-you-safe

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Give Hayfever The Heave-Ho Article by Gary Trickett

Bake-Off Raises Funds For Shepshed Charity Article by Katy Widdowson

An allergic reaction such as hayfever can be explained as an excessive reaction to a normally harmless substance. The immune system identifies the harmless substance, in this instance pollen, as dangerous, and produces an antibody called IgE, which triggers the production of histamine. Histamine is an inflammatory chemical that causes an array of unpleasant symptoms, including a running nose and eyes, itching and burning in localised areas such as in the throat, nose and eyes, puffiness, swelling and mucus formation. Altogether, not much fun.

BUT if you are prone to hayfever, there are a number of measures you can take to stay one step ahead of your pollen-shaped foe.

Keep your body as toxin-free as possible by avoiding junk foods, caffeine and alcohol, and drink plenty of water.

Avoid dairy foods as they cause mucus formation that can exacerbate hayfever symptoms, and keep your intake of refined sugar low.

Do stock up on quercetin-rich foods. Found naturally in apples (with the skin on), red onions, capers and black tea, quercetin is well-documented for its antihistamine activity.

Luffa operculata taken twice daily two weeks before your usual symptoms begin can help with sneezing, blocked and runny noses. It is usually teamed with Galphimia glauca, which can be especially useful for reducing eye irritation. Pollinosan Hayfever Tablets from A.Vogel contain both and are non-drowsy so will not affect your ability to drive or use machinery. A nasal spray is also available for immediate relief. If your eyes are particularly sensitive, Euphrasia (in the form of eye drops) can help.

A kind-hearted girl called Eliza, from Ashby de la Zouch, decided that she would like to do something to raise money for a very special charity.

Eliza’s friend, Ethan, attends the STEPS centre in Shepshed, where a free service is available for children with conditions that affect their movement such as Down Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy.

Like all other charities, the pandemic has created many challenges for STEPS. Janet Russell, a manager at the centre, explained, “The running costs for the service that we provide amount to £220,000 every year. We rely on grants and funds raised by special events to ensure that we can continue to offer our unique service, called Conductive Education, free of charge.

The main STEPS fundraising events had to be cancelled with a loss of over £100,000. I was delighted to hear about Eliza’s bake sale and was very happy with the big bag of cakes that I bought from her stall!”

Eliza raised a grand total of £226 and many people turned up at her stall to buy some of her delicious cakes.

Although the centre has been closed since March 2020, the service is still being provided via Zoom for the children and their families who rely on the support that is given, especially during these uncertain times.

Check prevailing winds and pollen counts before venturing out, and remember that wind dried clothes can become pollen catchers; hang them inside instead.

One parent said, “STEPS is my lifeline. Without the continued support of the amazing practitioners and the other parents, I would have felt very alone during these dark days and months. I can’t thank everyone enough and I am looking forward to returning to the centre when it re-opens.”

Finally, treat yourself to a pot of local honey. It’s not a solution that works for everyone but many people swear by it, the theory being that the pollen that is naturally present has a desensitising effect.

Janet added, “If you would like to find out how you can help to raise funds, as Eliza did with her cake sale, or would like to know more about us, please go to the website www.stepscentre.org.uk

For further information visit Gary and his team at Healthy Route, 18 Silver Street, Leicester.

If you know someone who might need our help, all that they need to do is email info@stepscentre.org.uk or ring 01509 506878.”

Als Electronic Shepshed Experience Article by Allan Dobb

Well, that April packed away and dusted down, where is this year going I hear you cry, me too. It has been a very busy month on the Pod casting world of yours truly, In April I featured a Cancer Awareness fortnight over two weekends. I spoke with 3 Shepshodians, who were experiencing this terrible disease as carers and going through treatment presently.

Firstly to Kelly Salt whose Daughter Evie Mae went through a battle with Leukaemia. To raise awareness Kelly took part in ‘The Race for Life’ which was very different this year due to covid restrictions still in place when the race commenced. If you go to my group page you can still donate. On the Sunday Podshow I spoke with Lesley Ball who is currently receiving treatment and the process she went through.

As an Awareness also I featured 'The Shepshed Cancer Support Group’ which meets in the Shepshed Council offices once a month, hopefully that group can continue. The group is led by Marion Gibson, and is very informal, friendly and if you think you would benefit from coming along then please do.

Finally on Sunday April 25th I spoke with Bernard Ball who has become a carer to his wife Lesley. He gives to us a very honest appraisal of how he feels and what he had to go through. My own opinion is that not enough is done to support the carer, who may well feel as Bernard did, totally lost with no help available at source. I know the help is out there, but we need to know how to find it, a central, but local place to go.

All these features can still be listened to, just go to your own facebook page and type in the search engine; Al’s Electronic Shepshed Experience and join the gang.. more updates next month Al..

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Jane Hunt

Keith Harris

T: 01509 262723 E: jane.hunt.mp@parliament.uk

T: 01509 557701 E: cllr.keith.harris@charnwood.gov.uk

Member of Parliament

Sport plays a huge part in our lives; whether it’s taking part or watching, there have been several studies which show the benefits sport has in improving our physical and mental health. Improving the health and wellbeing of the nation is one of the Government’s top priorities. Indeed, even during the strictest of lockdowns last year, one of the very few permitted reasons to leave the house was to take part in some form of physical exercise. This underlines the importance the Government places on our health. Indeed, as the numbers of cases were beginning to fall last year, I was calling on the Government to reopen gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools in a Covid-secure way. For the elite athletes who train in Loughborough, getting back to proper training facilities was crucial, and I was championing this in the House last summer.

Sadly, due to the winter peak in cases, we have had a period where sports facilities were closed, reopened, then closed again. However, with the vaccination programme proceeding at pace, and the number of cases dropping, it has meant that our gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools are open once again. There is no better time to start thinking about our own health, and no matter what your level of physical fitness is, there are several ways to get started. I was delighted when grassroots sports returned earlier this year, so it’s now possible to take part in local team sports as well as golf and tennis. For those who want to start off with some gentler activity, Active Charnwood Alliance have just restarted their popular guided walks. These are an excellent way to burn some calories and meet new people. They also support other activities so it’s well worth having a look at their website: www.charnwoodsport.org.uk If you are thinking of lacing up your trainers or walking boots, why not consider raising some money for a local charity at the same time? I am walking 10,000 steps a day in May for Loughborough-based Rainbows as part of the Miles for Rainbows challenge. You can take part too by virtually travelling throughout the East Midlands in this distance challenge, either solo or as part of a team. There are two distance options available, from 10,000 step per day to a more challenging team distance. Find out about this, as well as other fundraising opportunities, on their website: www. rainbows.co.uk As well as taking part in sport and physical activity, I understand the importance of being able watch sports as a spectator. Currently trials are taking place to bring back crowds to sports stadia which, if successful, will be a huge step forward towards a return to normality. I have long called for testing to be used to allow larger events to take place and I hope this can happen. Being able to watch sports is not only good for our mental wellbeing, but it also encourages people to take up sports themselves.

As ever, if I can be of assistance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Hathern Parish Council Next Virtual Meeting via Zoom Monday 24th May 2021, 19:30 Meeting joining notes can be obtained by either emailing the clerk, or by visiting www.hathernparishcouncil.org.uk Once again, we encourage residents with any queries or comments to log on and ask them during the Public Participation section.

Clerk: Maureen Spencer Tel: 01509 842813 Email: clerk@hathernparishcouncil.org.uk www.hathernparishcouncil.org.uk Like us on Facebook: @hathernparish Councillor: Roy Dann rdann@hathernparishcouncil.org.uk Councillor: Peter Swift pswift@hathernparishcouncil.org.uk Councillor: John Boyes jboyes@hathernparishcouncil.org.uk Councillor: Ben Murdoch bmurdoch@hathernparishcouncil.org.uk Councillor: Martin Clayton mclayton@hathernparishcouncil.org.uk

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Borough Councillor for Hathern

William Davis planted all the required trees in Daisy Bank before the end of the season but only just. Murphy’s law was in full force in that we then got a drought. Cara Wild, the CBC officer in charge and I obtained an assurance that the trees will be monitored and watered. They were watered on April 20th. WD gave a further assurance that they would fix the remaining smaller issues. Cara was finally able to issue the preliminary certificate of completion. The parish council are going to discuss where they and WD go from here about adopting the site. Dave Neville and I were very concerned that some trees would die as they did last year but I am confident now that WD do not want to have to deal with that again.

The Hathern Wildlife Facebook page has exploded recently with lots of lovely photos of many types of birds and of hares and foxes. Pasture Lane has been a popular place and on one day a gaggle of twitchers descended to spot a rare species, looking like paparazzi with long range cameras and tripods. Do have a look to see the wealth of wildlife in and around the village.

The community library has now been open for 2 weeks (as I write for my 25th April deadline) with lots of new titles in adult fiction, non-fiction and children’s and members are trickling back. Please feel safe enough to come back to get some books. I was very sad to hear that one of our most frequent users, Mrs Norton, has passed away. She had read pretty much all the books we had in stock and so she used to come in with her lists of the complete works of her favourite authors and we used to search the catalogue to get books from all over the county for her.

Attention all parents with 0-3 year olds. You can enlist your child for the Bookstart Bear Club. Pick up a free membership pack and an activity sheet from the library and then get stamps, stickers and certificates every time you take books out and bring them back for exchange.

Is there a specific book you’ve wanted to read over lockdown? Leicslibraries are reintroducing their popular holds service which allows customers to request a specific title from all items held across their libraries. And you won’t have to pay the usual £1 fee for this until July 1st. You can find the books on the county library website at www.leicestershire.gov.uk/leisureand-community/libraries/find-a-library/loughborough-library. Scroll down the left hand side and the link you need is lurking under the rubric More quick library links. Then you search for a book and click the link to place a hold. You will need your pin number.

There are usually about 10 unsold tickets for the Community Library lottery.

They cost £2 and a £1 goes to library funds. The winning number is the National Lottery bonus ball on Saturdays and the winner takes all the other quids. If nobody has the bonus ball number, there is a rollover as this week, May 1st when you can win over £100. We have lost contributions from the Village Association due to lack of events and from not being able to run a sponsored walk. If you fancy a flutter, contact the organiser Martin Clayton and he will fix a number for you.

The vaccination centre in Southfields is settling down in its procedures now.

We are doing more second jabs now as in the rest of the country. In the unlikely event that you missed my last column, you enter by the door at the side of the building, which used to be the exit and all is done at one station now, unlike when you had your first jab. There have been some occasions when parking spaces have been harder to find and so don’t forget that there are some on Leicester Road and that access is easy from there to the entrance.

We are not doing any drop-in sessions anymore. I have guided many Hatherners round the system and look forward to seeing you next time.

We seem to have had some success in the issue of bins filling up with domestic waste. During my library shift on April 24th I inspected the bin opposite and it was nearly empty. Providing new bins is an extra expense for CBC, which is especially onerous during the period when Covid has left a black hole in the finances. I think that there are enough if they are only filled with small casual items like crisp packets and dog bags.

Please consider going out to vote to keep Betty Newton as your County Councillor. She has served the village well for some time as Borough before and County Councillor now and would love to continue doing so.

Hot off the press. The Hathern Village Association are planning a Wicked Hathern Fest live open-air party on August 21 with We Tried Kylie headlining and very special guests. Full details are coming soon. The irrepressible HVA are at it again. If this comes off, please get on down there to enjoy a great set from WTK and support your local festival heroes.

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Christine Radford Borough Councillor for Shepshed T: 01509 502974 M: 07796 544817 E: christine_radford@hotmail.com

We hope you are good and starting to feel a little more revived, seeing friends you’ve missed, feeling the spring sunshine on your face and appreciating every little flower and bud pushing its head out. Never before have the little things in life excited us so much and we are truly grateful for them all.

From April 12th pubs, restaurants, cafes and other venues with outdoor seating have been allowed to open their premises for the first time since the beginning of November.

It is great to see more businesses reopening, but we need to remember that this pandemic is far from over.

Businesses have worked hard to introduce new measures so they can reopen safely. But we still have to be careful.

Planning P21/0546/2 – 15 Smithy Way – erection of first floor side extension and two storey rear extension P/21/0241/2 – 70 Brick Kiln Lane – proposed new ancillary accommodation in replacement of previously approved garage structure (ref P/15/1622/2) on same foot print previously approved (New build part constructed) P/21/0296/2 – 17 Porlock Cl – the erection of a single storey rear extension extending beyond the rear wall of the original house by 3m with a maximum height of 3.2m and height to the eaves of 2.2m P21/0240/2 – 57 Ashby Road Central – proposed fist floor extension over existing accommodation wing at rear of care home to provide 10 additional bedrooms.

P/21/0439/2 – 57 Trueway Dr – erection of 2.5 metre high boundary wall to side of detached dwelling P/20/2412/2 – 218 Charnwood Rd – formation of vehicular access and dropped kerb to front of dwelling P/20/1952/2 – Land at Oakley Rd & Hallamford Rd – Full planning application for the development of 33 dwellings (Partial redesign of layout approved under reserved matters application P/17/0246/2 with addition of 4 plots (37 total) P/21/0502/2 – 14 Sandringham Rise – erection of a part 2 storey and part single storey extension to rear of existing dwelling.

P/21/0711/2 – Fenney Spring Barn, Charley Rd – proposed first floor extension to rear and insertion of dormer windows to side elevation of existing dwelling P21/0730/2 – 29 Lansdowne Road – erection of single storey extension to side and rear of semi detached dwelling.

P/21/0434/2 – 128 Trueway Drive South – Oak T30 raise canopy by removing heavy low limb and crown reduce by 1.2m P/21/0708/2 land off Tickow Lane – discharge of condition 3 of reserved matters approval reference P/19/0352/2 Planning applications granted subject to conditions P/20/1514/2 – Lindum Mill, Ashby Road East – Installation of two combined heat and power (CHP) engines, waste heat boiler and associated infrastructure P/21/0012/2 – 21 Kirkhill – The erection of a single storey rear extension extending beyond the rear wall of the original house by 6.0m, with a maximum height of 4.0m and height to the eaves of 3.0m P/20/1932/2 – 21 Pentland Ave – erection of detached garage P/20/1695/2 – 42 Brook St – display of internally illuminated fascia and projecting signs P/21/0039/2 – 19 Northwood Dr - erection of single storey extension to rear of house P/21/0332/2 – Suite 4, Field House 19-23 Field St – change of use from office (Use Class E (g)(i) to tattoo studio P/20/1843/2 – 53 Ashby Rd Central – change of use of Bed and Breakfast (Class 1) to Care Home (Class C2) including alterations to fenestrations, boiler room extension, alterations to access and erection of 1.8m high security fence and gates to front boundary.

P/20/2217/2 - 38 Charnwood Rd – change of use of residential institution (use class C2) to assisted living home (use class Sui Generis) including rear extensions and associated parking & landscaping scheme P/21/0296/2 – 17 Porlock Cl – the erection of a single storey rear extension extending beyond the rear wall of the original house by 3m.

Rear of 62 Iveshead Road – P/20/1347/2 Planning permission was given for the erection of 63 dwellings following the demolition of 62 Iveshead Road, to include associated vehicular access, open space, landscaping and drainage infrastructure (revised scheme P/17/1935/2 refers). Cllr Popley as ward Cllr spoke against this application, so did Cllr Joan Tassell who spoke on behalf of the residents together with

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the Chairman of the Town Council, Cllr Peter Grainger and Mr Beer who also represented the residents.

The main concerns raised were that the scheme did not comply with:Policy CS2 (High Quality design), the proposed properties all look like boxes with no resemblance to the character of the area., which is mainly bungalows.

Policy CS 11 (Landscape and Countryside) seeks to protect the character of the landscape and countryside.

The site is located outside of the defined limits of Shepshed and in the countryside as defined by saved policy ST/2. The proposal does not accord with the provisions of CT/1 in respect of development in the countryside, even so, the officers recommended approval and the vote to approve was unanimous.

The officer’s report stated that the site is predominantly level, anybody who has travelled up Iveshead Road will disagree with this statement.

As part of the S106 agreement, the Town Council has £60,101 towards the skate park, this will not be triggered until 40 houses have been built and occupied.

Cllr Radford has asked in the past that TPO’s are put on the Oak trees at the edge of the development, this was not forthcoming as officers were of the opinion that conditions put in place are sufficient to protect them.

In fact, over the 2 days of the plans committee which discussed 6 applications, each for considerable number of properties from 18 to over 200, everyone was approved with conditions.

Appeal Decision – Land adjacent to 6 Glenmore Ave The appeal was dismissed. The reasons given, the inspector concluded that the proposal would cause unacceptable harm to the character and appearance of the area, contrary to policy CS2 of the Charnwood Local Plan 2011-2028 (Core Strategy) and saved policy EV/1 of the Borough of Charnwood Local Plan 1991-2006 (Local Plan). These policies require the protection of the character and appearance of a locality through high quality design that respects local design features.

Local Plan There will be a meeting sometime towards the end of May beginning of June to bring the borough cllrs up to date regarding the Local Plan before the Cabinet briefing on Thursday 10th June before it goes to the full Council on 21st June.

New Charnwood Museum website launched A new website for Charnwood Museum has been launched thanks to Covid-19 recovery funding.

Charnwood Borough Council which operates the museum in partnership with Leicestershire County Council successfully applied for £10,000 of funding from the Museum Development East Midlands (MDEM) which supports the development of museums and heritage sites around the region.

Charnwood Museum has used its grant to develop a new website which showcases what it has to offer. Website visitors will be able to find out about collections and exhibitions currently on display as well as host a range of online activities for all ages. The site will also host a series of short videos badged ‘The Chronicles of Charnia’ which explore the history of some of the key objects and stories featured in Charnwood Museum.

As the Government eases restrictions in line with its roadmap, we’re hopeful the museum will be able to welcome visitors back safely this summer however until its safe for us to reopen; the website offers a new online experience for visitors.

The new website can be found at www.charnwoodmuseum.co.uk and for the latest updates and online activities, please visit the museum’s website or follow them on social media at @CharnwoodMuseum.

Market welcomes back non- essential and essential goods The Thursday and Saturday market in Loughborough started selling essential and non-essential goods from April 15th from 8am to 4 pm and the Friday market in Shepshed started from Friday April 16th.

The Friday vintage market in Loughborough returned on Friday April 16th and the farmers and craft market in Loughborough will operate on the second Wednesday of each month from May 12th.

Gary Bineker and friends arrive in the borough A new fleet of refuse and recycling vehicles in Charnwood have been officially named.

Charnwood Borough Council revealed the winning names of its Name That Wagon competition earlier this year and all the names have now been added to the lorries and sweepers.

There was over 150 competition entries from youngsters across the borough but only 24 could make it onto the list of final names.

The current fleet of bin lorries collects all refuse and recycling from the borough’s 75,000 homes as well as serving more than 30,000 customers of the Council’s garden waste service. The vehicles empty household bins around five million times a year.

Some of names uses are Binderell, Chitty Chitty Bin Bin, Gary Bineker, Greta Garbage Truckosaurus and for the Road Sweeper the names are Clean Machine, Dusty, Lightning clean and Sooty, Sweep and Sue. Collection of Contact Details Regulations As restrictions ease and venues reopen it is essential that the right tools are in place to help prevent transmission of Covid-19. To support outbreak management, venues in hospitality, the tourism and leisure industry, close contact services, community centres and village halls must comply with the Collection of Contact Details Regulations which require an NHS QR code poster to be displayed for customers and visitors to check in to the premises.

Compliance checks on venues commenced from 12th April (For those businesses able to reopen – and from May for all other venues).

The regulations were amended on March 29th and businesses must now request that every individual scan the NHS QR code or provide their contact details upon arrival, not just the lead member of the group.

Exemptions include children under the age of 16 and people entering the venue for drop off/takeaway only.

Scam Alert A scam alert has been issued over fraudulent letters being sent to businesses from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial strategy (BEIS) claiming they need to purchase air purifiers to comply with Covid-19 regulations. However, the letter is a scam and the claim is not true.

Litter picking equipment to help spring clean local communities Residents in Charnwood are being encouraged to get their free litter picking equipment ahead of the Great British Spring Clean.

Charnwood Borough Council has purchased additional equipment to help people who want to help give their local communities a spring clean or are planning to get involved in next month’s Great British Spring Clean.

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The campaign is organised by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy and will be held across the country between Friday May 28th and Sunday 13th June. However, residents are being encouraged to get a head of the game this year and safely start litter picking now if they wish.

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We are aware we already have a very active group in Shepshed.

The Council has bought an extra 100 hi-vis jackets and litter pickers and will also be providing colour coded bags to help identify rubbish which has been collected by litter picking groups.

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Equipment will be distributed on a first come first served basis and people are being urged to get in touch with the Council as soon as possible.

People can request equipment and provide details of their litter pick by emailing cleaner.greener@charnwood.gov.uk If you are going out and about litter picking, then share your photos with us at @CharnwoodBC on Twitter and Facebook.

Update re Sewerage leak bottom of Kirkhill Cllr Radford had a site meeting with STW and County highways on 22nd April to discuss when Kirkhill will be closed to enable STW to carry out works. Kirkhill will have to be closed for 4 days on the 8th May. Cllr Radford has asked that STW regularly wash down this area due to health risks.

Advance notice of temporary traffic regulation order (TTRO) A TTRO is to be made on Leicester Road or the purpose to allow County to safely undertake gully replacement works The duration of the restriction is not anticipated to exceed a period of 3 days commencing on 1st June 09.00 till 15.00 each day.

The works can be viewed on https://one.network/?tm=GB121899195 Councillor contact details Cllr.robin.popley@charnwood.gov.uk, 07909 447105cllr.john.savage@ charnmwood.gov.uk 550508(Shepshed East) cllr.christine.radford@charnwood.gov.uk 502974 cllr.joan.tassell@ charnwood.gov.uk 506661 (Shepshed West)

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