mountsorrel post (34) mar 2011

Mountsorrel Post MARCH 2011 (34), page 1

MARCH 2011 ISSUE No. 34

MOUNTSORREL POSTY O U R C O M M U N I T Y N E W S P A P E RD e l i v e r e d t o M o u n t s o r r e l , f o u r t i m e s a y e a r

AN EMPTY Mountsorrel pub isbeing converted into a TescoExpress.

Work started on the conversion of the Stag& Pheasant, 109 Leicester Road, in February.Public houses can be converted into shopswithout requiring planning permission.

Because the building is within the Mount-sorrel Conservation Area, Tesco will have toseek planning permission to make any chang-

TWO LOCAL stores have helped provideprovisions for our forces serving in Af-ghanistan.

Customers at Budgens in Mountsorrelpledged either £5 of £10 which the storeused to buy and supply at cost small itemsfor servicemen and women to take out withthem on patrol.

63 tuck boxes were assembled and sentout by the Rothley and District Branch of theRoyal British Legion to named recipients whoare from the district.

Following the success of the tuck boxscheme, the troops were requesting hot waterbottles. Corts of Rothley were able to offerthem at less than cost price and as a result,40 bottles are now on their way to Afghani-stan.

Norman Pratt, one of the scheme organis-ers along with Diane Allen from Mountsorrel,said: “This action, following the hundreds of

Giftsfortroops

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TescoExpressstore

Pic: The Tesco Express in the Conservation Area in Olney

Continued on page 2


es to the front of the building. At the time ofgoing to press, Charnwood Borough Councilhad not received a planning application fromTesco.

Conservation Areas are designed to helppreserve and enhance the character and ap-pearance of an area, and Tesco will need toconvince the planners that any changes theymake are not detrimental. Tesco Expressstores exist in many Conservation Areasacross the country including Lyme Regis andOlney in Northamptonshire.

Bhavna Patel owns The Paper Shop at 79Leicester Road and has been contacting othervillage retailers to co-ordinate opposition toTesco’s plans. She said: “How can they dothis in a Conservation Area? Do we reallyneed another supermarket in the village? Thiswill be very detrimental to my business, weare both selling the same things and are notin the same league as Tesco. I am a lease-holder here and I’m worried I could end upnot just losing my business, but my home aswell.”

Michael Roberts of 85 Leicester Road hasbeen running his butcher’s shop for the last38 years. He said: “This will be absolutelydevastating for all the village shops. The pa-per shops and off licences will close and thispart of the village will be dead. What annoysme is Tesco’s are a supermarket, but nowthey want to be corner grocers as well. Theywent to control everything. At this rate ifwe’re not careful, there won’t be any smallshops left in this country at all.”

Mr Roberts’ shop has been a butcherssince 1860. “I don’t think it will hit me asmuch as some of the other shops” he said:“We have established a reputation that wehave managed to maintain and are still quitesuccessful.”

A Tesco Express opened on Sibson Road,Birstall in 2008. It is open 7am to 10pm,seven days a week.

No one at Tesco head office was availablefor comment despite repeated attempts tocontact them, but workers on the site con-firmed the plans for a Tesco Express.

last year the Cabinet agreed to use £264,175 ofSection 106 money provided by the developersof the Grange, Fowke Street, Rothley. It hadbeen allocated for affordable housing.

Section 106 monies are payments from de-velopers that are negotiated by the planningauthority as part of planning approval. They aredesigned to mitigate the impact of new develop-ment and are normally spent in the immediatelocal area.

Charnwood plans to build 250 affordablehomes in the Borough by 2012.

The remaining Section 106 monies associat-ed with the development of the Grange are:

tuck boxes sent out over the lastmonths through the kind offices ofBudgens store in Mountsorrel, hasbought many messages of apprecia-tion from the boys and girls per-forming their hazardous tasks outin the danger zone. Many, manythanks to all the generous localcontributors.”

Norman added: “Diane Allenhas, in her own right, collectedand dispatched a large number ofboxes in addition to those collectedat Budgens and is to be applaudedfor her dedication and efforts.” Pic: Norman Pratt with another load of boxes for the troops

NINE NEW homes will be the first councilhouses to be built in Charnwood for almost20 years.

The Borough Council are building nine af-fordable and energy efficient properties in Bar-row-upon-Soar, Thurmaston and Shepshed. Theywill be for rental only.

The £1.2million project will be part fundedby the Homes and Community Agency (HCA)which is providing £406,000.

The building was scheduled to start in August2010 but was stalled following the emergencybudget in June 2010. To enable the scheme tocontinue Charnwood had to find extra money:

Gifts continued from page 1

New Council homes

Tesco continued from page 1

The June issue of theMOUNTSORREL POST

will be published on May 28.The copy deadline is May 13.

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THE CONTRIBUTION of two people to thecommunity of Mountsorrel has been rec-ognised with the presentation of anaward.

Mountsorrel Parish Council has awardedcertificates of commendation to JuneWakeling and Alan Smith.

June received her award for her work fora period of over 30 years as a school cross-ing patrol, ensuring the safety of the village’sschoolchildren.

Alan Smith's award was for his contribu-tion and work over many years with theScouts, Boys' Brigade, Royal British Legionand other organisations within Mountsorrel.

Speaking about her work as a lollipoplady, June (74), of Market Place, said: "I'vereally enjoyed meeting the kids, we've had no

end of laughs and I've made a lot of friendsand heard a lot of gossip!”

Having only taken on the job with the in-tention of doing it 12 months, June has nowbeen helping children across the road for 35years. She will be retiring in May for healthreasons.

Alan Smith (83) has lived in Mountsorrelall his life, in the same house on Rothley

Road. He said: “I was very pleased to begiven this award, it was a surprise.” Alanjoined the Mountsorrel Scouts aged 12 andwas a Scout leader for many years, as well asbeing an instructor with the Boys’ Brigade.He said: “I tried to teach them to show someinitiative, do a good turn and help others.”

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Villageserviceaward

Pic: Award winners Alan Smith and June Wakeling


A LOW vision clinic has been launched atPilbeam Opticians in Mountsorrel.

The majority of us who have blurred visionsimply correct this by wearing spectacles or

contact lenses. However, when a person has re-duced vision in both eyes which cannot be im-proved with conventional spectacles or contactlenses, they may be described as having sight lossor low vision.

Anyone suffering from sight loss may benefit fromusing a specialist magnifier or Low Vision Aid.

Jane Macnaughton is an experienced optometristwith a specialist interest in rehabilitation of thevisually impaired. She trained at Moorfields EyeHospital, London and has spent many years workingand teaching in the practice of Low Vision. Janehas previously worked at Pilbeam Opticians, Mount-sorrel and together with Jonathan Pilbeam islaunching a new Low Vision Assessment Clinic.

“Most people with low vision need assistance inreading to continue leading an independent life”says Jane. “Magnification can assist most peoplesuffering from sight loss. However, choosing thecorrect level of magnification is important. Thereare no harmful effects of using the incorrect level ofmagnification, but it can avoid a lot of frustrationand disappointment.”

Jonathan said: “Jane’s experience in this area willadd a valuable new dimension to the services weoffer at Pilbeam Opticians and we are very excitedabout the benefits this will bring to our local com-munity.”

For further details contact Pilbeam Opticians on0116 237 5362

THIRTY FOUR per cent of councilhomes in Charnwood do not meeta ‘decent home’ standard, needingnew kitchens, bathrooms, insula-tion and boilers.

The Borough Council has put in abid for £17million of governmentmoney to make improvements. Thissum includes £7million needed forthe borough’s 300 PRC homes, 19 ofwhich are in Mountsorrel. These areconcrete homes that need majorrefurbishment.

There are 5835 council propertiesin Charnwood. 1831 do not meet thegovernment’s ‘decent home’ standard.

Advertisement

Low vision clinic

Pic: Jonathan Pilbeam with Jane Macnaughton

Bidforfunds


MOUNTSORREL’S NEW beat of-ficer is PC Glenn Spiby.

Glenn (45) joins PCSO Tom Joyce who hasbeen working in Mountsorrel since May2010.

Glenn has been in the Police force foreight years and was Principal Beat Officer inSileby for 12 months in 2007.

He said: “Our biggest concern in Mount-sorrel is road safety. I’ve issued more speed-ing tickets in the last two months than I havein my whole career.”

Glenn and Tom have been conductingspeed checks on Halstead Road, Walton Wayand Leicester Road. They have issued 30 fixedpenalty tickets, which means three points anda fine, and stopped more than 50 motoristsand issued an advice notice. Only three of

those stopped did not live in Mountsorrel.One motorist was doing 59mph on WaltonWay.

Glenn said: “My first month in Mountsorrelhas flown by and I have been out and abouton the beat addressing local residents’ con-cerns. I am actively seeking an office in thevillage due to the immanent closure ofQuorn police station which will mean that thePolice beat team are in the village and easilyaccessed most of the time. I look forward tomeeting more residents and making a differ-

ence to the community in a good way.”Police surgeries are held once a month at

Mountsorrel Methodist Church on Church HillRoad where you can raise any policing issueswith Glenn and Tom.

Contact PC Glenn Spiby 2041 or PCSO TomJoyce 6442 by voicemail on 0116 222 2222then enter their collar number to leave amessage. Or email:

[email protected]@leicestershire.pnn.police.uk

Pic: PCSO Tom Joyce (left) and PC Glenn Spiby

A THIEF stole money and cigarettes from acashier at a local supermarket.

The incident happened at around 8pm onThursday January 20 at the Budgens supermar-ket on Granite Way. The cashier was movinggoods from the petrol station to the supermar-ket which is next door. As she wheeled thetrolley over the forecourt, she noticed a silverFord Mondeo pull up which had no headlightson. A passenger got out of the car and askedthe cashier to step away from the trolley. Theman then stole a black container containing aquantity of cash, cigarettes and magazinesbefore getting back into the car which droveoff towards Quorn.

The passenger is described as white, be-tween 25 and 30 years old of a stocky buildand around 5’6” tall. He was wearing jeans, ahooded top and a scarf pulled over his face.He also spoke with a local accent. There is nodescription for the driver.

Det Constable Maria Pancholi, from NorthArea CID, said: “This incident has left thecashier feeling very shaken and afraid. Maybeyou were in the area of Granite Way and wit-nessed the incident? Or perhaps you saw twopeople in a silver Mondeo acting suspiciously?

“We are also particularly keen to speak to apossible witness in a dark coloured vehiclewhich pulled up at the forecourt at around8pm. Any information you have could assistour investigation so please get in touch.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident is askedto contact DC 4319 Maria Pancholi on 0116222 2222, follow the instructions to leave amessage for a police officer and when prompt-ed key in the officer’s identification number4319. Alternatively contact Crimestopperswhich is free and anonymous on 0800 555111.

Beatteam

Theft atBudgens


MOUNTSORREL’S YOUTH Café will be offi-cially opened on Saturday March 19.

Residents are being invited to the eventfrom 2.30 to 4.30pm. “You are very welcometo come and view the new interior, meet theyouth worker and the people who manage thisindependent project” said spokeswoman Les-lie Strange.

The Sorrel Youth Café is located on TheGreen, opposite the library. It is open toyoung people after school until 5.30pm and inthe evening from 6.30-8.30pm on Monday,Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

Leslie said: “It is a café rather than a youthclub and we provide a warm, comfortable,safe space which the young people of Mount-sorrel can call their own, a place where theycan meet their friends, eat, drink and talk.There are activities to do, games to play, com-puters to use and youth services to access.”

The funding for this independent venturehas come from variety of sources.Mountsorrel’s United Charities have fundedthe first year’s rent and the salary of the youthworker for one year has been met usinggrants from the County Council Area Forum,the Grace Charitable Trust and the Churchand Community Fund.

Lafarge Aggregates are largely responsiblefor funding the refit of the café. The JeanCope Trust and a bid to the Young PeopleFirst made by the young people themselvescompleted this.

To equip and furnish the café, funding hascome from Charnwood Borough Council’sPositive Activities for Young People and theCommunity Fund, the Andrew Martin Trust,Voluntary Action Charnwood, the Rotary Club,Clymac Smoke Alarms and The LoughboroughBuilding Society.

Leslie said: “Local businesses and residentsof Mountsorrel have made donations andsome individual benefactors make regulardonations. We urgently need more funding tokeep the café open in the future. If you canhelp by making funding bids on our behalfwe would like to hear from you.”

She added: “We are always looking formore volunteers to support the project. If youare able to engage with children and youngpeople, have a game of cards, teach themsomething, make or serve food we would liketo hear from you.

“This is for the young people of Mountsor-rel. They need you.”

www.sycafe.org

A NEW community group hasbeen formed: Mountsorrel Com-munity Action Group.

Spokeswoman Danae Chinnery said: “Theaims of the group are to improve local hous-ing conditions, services, environment, securityand quality of life for all residents of Mount-sorrel and to encourage a sense of communityand co-operation between residents of all agesand promote harmony within the surroundingcommunity.”

If you would like more information or wishto become a member please contact Danae on07919 256873.

The group’s next public meeting is onThursday March 24, 9.30am at MethodistChurch on Church Hill Road. The group in-tends to invite Mountsorrel’s Principal BeatOfficer, PC Glenn Spiby and Charnwood Neigh-bourhood Housing (CNH) to the meeting.

Danae said: “Please come along, everyoneis welcome! Perhaps you have a local issuethat you wish to raise, or a problem withhousing, transport or other local services. Oryou might have ideas about how we can im-prove the quality of life in the village.”

If you need help with childcare costs con-tact Sally Harbey (CNH) on 01509632556 oremail her on [email protected]. If pos-sible contact her at least a few days before themeeting to ensure of any financial help.

Youth café opens Communityactiongroup

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A NEW recycling and household waste siteopened in Mountsorrel in November.

It has been built by the County Council andwill replace the outdated facility in Sileby.Costing £1m to build, it enables residents torecycle a variety of items including cookingoil, Tetra Paks, batteries and yoghurt pots, aswell as dispose of household rubbish.

The Mountsorrel site has a modern designand offers ample parking space, clear signs,easy-to-access containers without steps andrecycling for a range of materials, helping tocut waste sent to landfill.

The centre is located at an industrial estateon Granite Way, just off the A6, nearBudgens.

Tony Kershaw, County Council cabinetmember for waste management, said: “Weare making it easier for residents by replac-ing an old-fashioned site with a state-of-the-art facility offering excellent access.

“Reducing the amount of rubbish sent tolandfill is a top priority. Leicestershire isalready the top county partnership for recy-cling but we’re keen to increase this further.”

The County Council runs 14 recycling andhousehold waste sites across Leicestershire.Over 72% of rubbish taken to the sites isrecycled.

For more information on recycling, please

visit the County Council’s website atwww.leics.gov.uk/waste or call 0116 3050001.

The new site at Mountsorrel will be open

seven days a week at the following times:Nov-Mar 8am to 6pmApr-Oct 8am to 8pm

Pic: (l-r): At the official opening are Matthew Lugg, County Council director of environment and transport,Tony Kershaw, County Council cabinet member for environment and transport, Brian Allard, Chairman ofMountsorrel Parish Council, and Holly Field, County Council assistant director for the environment.

Mountsorrel’s new waste site


A FULL meeting of Mountsorrel Par-ish Council was held on December13.

PC Paul Bird reported that this wouldbe his last council meeting as he wasmoving to force headquarters and thatPC Glenn Spiby would be taking over asbeat officer for Mountsorrel. PC Birdwas thanked for all he had done for thevillage and the Parish Council. Cllr SteveHaywood thanked him for all his helpwith the Mountsorrel Youth Develop-ment Group.

It was reported that four new dogbins had been sited in the village, twoclose to the school, one on Church HillRoad and one on Bond Lane.

It was agreed to donate £50 to theMountsorrel Railway Project.

A full meeting of Mountsorrel ParishCouncil was held on January 10.

PC Glen Spiby reported that crimewas down on the same period last year.The local beat team are looking forpremises in the village to use as a Po-lice office and asked the Parish Councilif they would consider making the roomabove the Parish office available. Chair-man Brian Allard said the matter would

have to be discussed by the Council at a laterdate.

Cllr Mick Lemon reported that he hadmade an official complaint to CharnwoodBorough Council about the person who inter-viewed him and handled the case against him,regarding the investigation into a complaintabout him that was investigated byCharnwood’s Standards Panel.

It was reported that the Parish Councilcarol concert had raised £216 for LOROS.

It was agreed to set a Parish precept of£174,126 for the year 2011/12. This is a£2000 increase on the previous year.

A full meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Coun-cil was held on February 14.

PC Spiby reported that there had been aspate of thefts from motor vehicles. Antisocialbehaviour is at a very low level. PC Spiby saidhe had been conducting speed checks in thevillage on Leicester Road, Walton Way andHalstead Road, spending one hour in eachlocation. He had stopped 26 motorists, issued16 fixed penalty notices and 10 advice notic-es. 24 of the 26 stopped lived in Mountsorrel.

Borough Councillor Richard Shepherdreported that a dust management plan for thevillage is being prepared. Cllr Tom Duffinreported his concerns to Cllr Shepherd that itwas difficult to speak to anyone at Charn-wood, to report blocked drains and thatwhen he did, no action was taken. He alsocommented that Charnwood’s Street Wardenswere never seen in the village, and that on-street parking restrictions were not beingenforced.

Cllr Steve Haywood reported that the Coun-ty Council’s Youth Service were expecting cutsof 50 per cent to their budget

The Council agreed not to permit the localPolice team to use the room above the Parishoffice, as it would not be practical.

The Council is to write to holders of largeallotment plots, asking if they would be pre-pared to give up some of their plot due to thehigh number of people on the waiting list.

NATURAL HISTORY photographers are beinginvited to enter a local photographic competi-tion.

The Mountsorrel Heritage Group are holding anexhibition in the Scout Hut to coincide with thisyear's Charity Fair on the Green on June 18. Aspart of the Group's main exhibition, villagers arebeing invited to submit entries for an open photo-graphic exhibition of Mountsorrel’s flora and fauna.

Exhibition Entry Rules are:• Entries must be a colour or black and white

photograph, mounted or unmounted but no largerin total size than 210mm x 297mm (A4 size)

• The subject matter must be an item of flora orfauna (plants/trees and animals/birds/insects) andhave been taken within the Parish boundary ofMountsorrel

• Each entry submitted must have a title and theentrant’s name and address noted on the back ofthe picture, and also indicate if the owner wishes itto be returned

Closing date is Tuesday May 31 with entriesdelivered to 1a Rothley Road Mounsorrel LE12 7JSin envelopes clearly marked ‘Mountsorrel HeritageGroup - Photographic Exhibition’.

We will be asking visitors to the exhibition tovote for the best entry.

Entries will be available for collection at theScout Hut immediately after the close of the exhibi-tion at 4pm on June 18.

THE MOUNTSORREL Post will be publishedin colour from June.

As well as being in colour, future issueswill be in a slightly larger format than thecurrent A4 page size. The paper used will beof the same quality.

Jerry Jackson, Editor of the MountsorrelPost, said: “I hope our readers and advertis-ers will enjoy our new colour editions andlarger format which will enable me tosqueeze even more of your news into thePost.”

Sister papers The Rothley Post and TheBirstall Post will also be published in thesame format.

Exhibition Parish Council notes

MOUNTSORREL POST

Colourfulfuture


A WASSAIL in a Rothley orchard aimed toensure a bumper harvest this autumn.

Guests, friends and customers of FarmerFear’s ‘Thirsty Farmer Cider’ enjoyed anevening of merriment with a serious, tradi-tional twist at the Thirsty Farmer orchard onTown Green Street in Rothley, on January 15.

A procession of invited guests left The BlueBell Inn in Rothley at dusk, led by LeicesterBorder Morris Dance Troupe ‘Bakanalia’ andby a Wassail Queen, Amy Gledhill ofLeicester. Upon reaching the or-chard the apple trees were‘wassailed’ by the gatheredgroup. Usually performed onthe old Twelfth Night thepurpose of wassailing is towake the apple trees fromtheir winter slumber andto scare away evil spirits toensure a good harvest offruit in the autumn.

A traditional incantationwas made to the trees of theorchard: “Here’s to thee goodapple tree, to bear and blowapples enow, this year, next year, andthe year after too; hats full, caps full, threebushel bags full, and pay the farmer well!”

The Wassail Queen then led everyonethrough the orchard weaving their way be-tween the planted rows, placing cider soakedtoast into the boughs of the trees whilst musicwas played and songs were sung by the pro-cession.

The assembled crowd were then encour-aged to make a lot of noise and a round ofgunshots were fired into the night skythrough the branches of the trees to makesure that no evil spirits remained.

Andrew Fear, the ‘Farmer Fear’ who pro-duces the award winning cider and owner ofBudgens, Mountsorrel, provided all the as-sembled guests with free cider and a BBQsupper.

He said: “The Morris men were wonderful!They provided us all with a great deal ofentertainment and joy. They also performedfor us several dances including Lord of theDance, Leominster, Black Pig & Wellyboot. Ican’t thank them enough and I can confirm

that they enjoyed them-selves as much as I did.”

Thirsty Farmer Cideris made locallyin Sutton Bon-nington, nearLoughboroughand is pro-duced from a

quality mix ofcider apples

from both theRothley Orchard

and Somerset. Therecipe for this pleasant mediumdry cider has been passed down

to Andrew Fear from his grandfather, MetfordFear who first sold it on a small commercialscale from the Pier at Weston Super Mare in1880.

The recipe remains a family secret, butdoes not contain any unnecessary ingredientsand is completely natural.

Andrew puts his recent win in CAMRA’sEast Midlands and Yorkshire Cider Competi-tion in October 2010 down to, in part, thesuccess of last year’s Wassail. Last autumn’sbountiful harvest produced an award winning

cider that I am very proud of!” hesaid.

Thirsty Farmer Cider can bebought from Farmer Fear’sBudgens, Granite Way, Mountsor-rel, Leicestershire LE12 7TZ andcosts £5.49 for a 2.5 litre Flagonor in larger bag in box quantitiesby request, visitwww.farmerfear.co.uk for moreinformation.Pics: Wassail Queen Amy Gledhilland top, Andrew Fear

Cider maker’s wassail


COFFEE MORNINGS held at MountsorrelBaptist church throughout 2010 raised£630 for LOROS.

Our picture shows Adrian Walker fromLOROS receiving a cheque from Janet Wright

DID YOU know Mountsorrel has a WI?“We have been established in the village

for a number of years and are always lookingto recruit new members” says MountsorrelWI President Alison Aldwinckle.

The aim of the WI is to bring togetherwomen of all ages and backgrounds to enjoya variety of new experiences.

Alison says: “You may have the mis-con-ception that the WI is all about knitting, bak-ing and jam making, and although they areall worthwhile pursuits we offer so muchmore - remember the calendar girls? Eachmonth we welcome speakers from all walksof life who come to either demonstrate ortalk about their passions, whether it is pup-peteers, musical concerts or a wonderfullocal charity.”

She added: “The fantastic thing about be-ing a WI member is having the opportunity toreally make a difference either in your localcommunity, county wide or nationwide. Thepowers that be feel that the WI has a voiceworth listening to, and our lobbying hashelped to change really important issuesfaced by the nation as a whole.

“I wanted to be able to join a local groupwith my mum, which would be interesting forboth of us. The WI caters for every age groupand we both enjoy the variety of activities

available. I myself have been very fortunate tohave the opportunity to be involved in there-recording of the WI Anthem ‘Jerusalem’with the Harmonies at Abbey Road Studios inLondon, which was a wonderful experience.We hope to welcome you as a new membersoon.”

The Mountsorrel WI meets on the secondThursday of every month at 7.30pm in TheParish Rooms, on Leicester Road.

For further information please contactAlison Aldwinckle on 0116 2106373.

BOROUGH COUNCILLORS have approvednew plans to create ‘NeighbourhoodAgreements’ in eight areas includingMountsorrel which tell residents whatservices they can expect to receive.

If agreed by Charnwood Borough Council’sfull council, those neighbourhoods would beguaranteed certain services such as multi-agency neighbourhood walks every sixmonths, special health clinic events, environ-mental action days and community events.

The agreements are designed to meet theaims of the Government’s Localism Bill whichseeks to empower communities as part of theBig Society agenda.

Councillor David Snartt, Charnwood Bor-ough Council’s cabinet member for communi-ty safety, said: “This agreement will letresidents in these areas know precisely whatthey can expect from us and our partners.More importantly it seeks input from resi-dents so we know how to fine tune what weprovide and can work with people to improvetheir communities. This is a fantastic way ofgiving residents the chance to take ownershipof their neighbourhoods and gives them apowerful voice. Working with communities,we have already seen excellent progress toreduce antisocial behaviour and this is anextension of that. This is a way of formalisingthe way we work.”

Council officers are now looking at whatother services can be provided to communi-ties under the neighbourhood agreements.

It is intended that, if approved, the Neigh-bourhood Agreements could be implementedthis summer.

• The areas covered are Mountsorrel,Thurmaston, Syston and five neighbourhoodsin Loughborough

P/11/0315/2: 32 Danvers Road – erection of two sto-rey extension to rear and side of dwellingP/11/0331/2: 139 Loughborough Road – erection ofbrick barn for storage of agricultural machineryP/11/0017/2: 30 Glebe Close – erection of first floorextension to front of dwellingP/11/2705/2: Waterside Drive, off LoughboroughRoad – construction of marina and associated parkingP/10/2845/2: 117 Boundary Road – erection of 5dwelling and 6 self-contained apartmentsP/10/2694/2: 53 Hawcliffe Road – erection of dormerextensions to front and rear of dwelling

Coffeemorningcash

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Planning


VOLUNTEERS WITH the Mountsorrel Rail-way Project have been restoring the BondLane bridge.

Spokesman Steve Cramp explains: “Back inearly 2009 local volunteers took on the resto-ration of the granite railway bridge at the farend of Halstead Road. The bridge requiredsections of the parapet wall to be rebuilt andboth road facing walls completely repointing.The distinct historical importance of thebridge made the restoration all the moredifficult, with the need to reuse the originalstones and to ensure that key stones all wentback in exactly the right places.

“The contractor quote for the work wasjust under £19,000, but our volunteers un-dertook the restoration ourselves, completingthe work to a very high standard at a cost ofonly £120! This was made possible thanks toa donation from Mountsorrel Parish Council,Lafarge who supplied some of the materials,and several people who donated. The worktook over 15 months to complete and manyvolunteers of all ages came from the commu-nity to help.

“Last summer, vegetation clearance aroundthe bridge at Bond Lane, revealed the parapetwalls to be in the same poor state of repair.It soon became clear we had another ambi-tious restoration on our hands! Our thanksgo again to Mountsorrel Parish Council forsharing our desire to preserve Mountsorrel'sheritage and making a further donation to-wards the cost of tools. We are also gratefulto Lafarge who have kindly agreed to providethe materials needed for the restoration.

“Exploratory work started last October withhelp from Loughborough University students.Work got underway properly in January withover 20 local volunteers descending on thebridge with hammers and chisels to removethe old mortar ready for repointing. Remark-ably this extraordinary number of volunteersenabled the entire south side of the bridge tobe chiselled out in only one day!

“Our volunteer stonemason has alreadymade a start on repointing the south side ofthe bridge. The collapsing end wall has beendismantled after careful numbering of thestones and our volunteers are currently in theprocess of rebuilding it.

“Work will continue over the comingmonths. The restoration is an example of howcommunity volunteers were able to cometogether with local industry and the councilto preserve our heritage. The "Big Society" inaction!

“If you'd like to come and help with thiswork we have volunteer sessions each Tues-day and Saturday. Please get in touch withSteve Cramp by [email protected]

“The project would also like to thankMountsorrel Post readers for their support inpurchasing the limited edition MountsorrelRailway water colour prints, which show solesurviving Mountsorrel Railway steam locoElizabeth running on the railway. Over £1000has so far been raised through their sale. Theprints are still available priced £15-£20 plus

a small charge for frames. If you would likefurther details please contact Steve Cramp onthe email address above.

• The Mountsorrel Railway Project aims torestore the Mountsorrel railway, built in 1896by Earl Lanesborough of Swithland Hall toserve the granite quarries around Mountsor-rel.

Bargainbridgerepairs

Pic: Volunteers working on the Bond Lane bridge


A FORMER RESTAURANT owner was or-dered to pay more than £1,000 by magis-trates after building waste from hisbusiness was dumped on a farm in Quorn.

Unfortunately for Farid Uddin, the farm wasowned by a former customer at his restaurantwho instantly recognised the ‘unique’ patternof carpet which had been dumped, along withother waste, on his land on January 15, 2010.

Charnwood Borough Council’s environmen-tal crime team investigated and traced thesource of the waste back to the newly reno-vated Mount Palace - formerly The Mint - inMountsorrel.

The restaurant now has a new owner whohas nothing to do with the offence.

Loughborough Magistrates’ Court heardUddin, of Lincoln Road, Leicester, pleadedguilty to a duty ofcare offence underthe EnvironmentalProtection Act afterpaying people todispose of thebuilding waste fol-lowing a renovationof the restaurant.

Uddin admittedhe had not asked tosee a waste carrier’s

licence authorising them to remove waste,even though he was aware of his obligation todo so, to ensure the men he hired were le-gally licensed waste carriers.

All occupiers are under a legal duty toensure that any waste disposed of by them viaa third party is only to people are authorisedto carry and dispose of waste. Failure to doso is a criminal offence.

Chris Cary, Charnwood Borough Council’ssenior environmental crime officer, said: “Wewere able to trace Mr Uddin because thecarpet which had been dumped was verydistinctive and the victim recognised it in-stantly as he used to be a regular at TheMint.

“We were also able to find the formerowner of the restaurant. He provided further

confirmationthat the carpetcame from thatparticularrestaurant ashe had origi-nally boughtit.”

CouncillorHilary Fryer,CharnwoodBorough

Council’s cabinet member for the environ-ment, said: “We take our obligation to protectthe environment very seriously and will lookto take action when waste has been dumpedillegally.

“There really is no excuse for businesseswhich fail to check the documentation ofpeople they pay to remove any type of waste.

“Let this case act as a reminder that ille-gally dumping waste will hit you in the pocket- so ensure you have made the necessarychecks and arrangements.”

Uddin was fined £300 and ordered to pay£521.85 costs, £176.25 compensation and£15 Victim Surcharge when he was sentencedon January 18, 2011.

If you have any information about a fly-tip,call Charnwood Borough Council’s environ-mental crime team on 01509 634559 oremail: [email protected]

THE COUNTY Council is proposing to make£8.2million worth of cuts over the nextfour years, lose 1,000 posts and changethe way many services are delivered.

The county says it will make £58million ofefficiency savings, which leaves £24millionthat will come from service cuts.

It says it will keep its pledge to freeze itsshare of the Council Tax for the next threeyear.

The cuts are necessary because of thegovernment’s reduction of 27% in real termsof the grant it makes to the County over thenext two years.

The County Council proposes to spend£347,700,000 in the year 2011/12. Its in-come will be £108,900,000 from Governmentgrant and £238,800,000 from Council Tax.

Some cuts are planned for:• Children and Young People services• Street lighting energy bills• A review of support for local bus services• A review of support for libraries, heritage

and arts services• Trading Standards• Public Relations• Debt advice servicesEfficiency savings will be made by sharing

back office functions with Nottingham CityCouncil, cutting management posts and ad-ministration and more efficient purchasing ofgoods and services.

All County Council staff will have a threeyear pay freeze.

The County Council is a Conservative ledadministration with 36 seats (Lib Dem 14,Lab 4, BNP 1). The next elections are in2013.

Man fined for fly tipping

CountyCouncilcuts


BEN JACKSON from BBCRadio Leicester was thespecial guest atMountsorrel’s Christmaslights switch on event.

Held on The Green, chil-dren from Mountsorrelschool sang Christmas musicat the event.Pic: Ben Jackson switches onMountsorrel’s Christmas lights

“Of galloping poet’s twitch”

“Oh no, not that” I cried with fear“Is there no hope at allTo rid me of this maladyThat drives me up the wall”

“I know a special clinic, whereThe therapy, they say,Is toasted Keats or ShelleyOr grilled Byron every day”

“You’re worse than I am” I replied“Completely off your truck”And grabbed him by the stethoscope,Then knotted it for luck

So next time if you see me,Just smile and say “Hello”,I’m getting better, by the way –This last verse doesn’t rhymeFrom Peggy Clarke

YOUR SAY...

The Mountsorrel Post welcomes yourviews and opinions on any subject. Letters,which must include your name and address,(though not necessarily for publication) canbe posted to: The Mountsorrel Post, Longs-lade College, Wanlip Lane, Birstall, LeicesterLE4 4GH, or handed in at Mountsorrel libraryor email:[email protected]

I don’t know how it happensBur mostly every timeI try to write down somethingIt always seems to rhyme

I’d like to write a thrillerThat had a wicked twistLike Roald Dahl or Ruth RendellDo you get my gist?

I thought I’d get it sortedSo to the doctor wentExplained my strange predicamentWhich nothing could prevent

He pursed his lips and frowned a bitThen, with a knowing nod,Said “You should get out more”And gave my chest a prod

He eyed me rather keenlyThen rose to scratch an itch“I’ve got it, my first case” he cried

From Bad to Verse

Noticeboardall details printed free

A NUMBER of crimes in the village in Janu-ary are being linked by Police to the sameoffender.

Houses on Otter Lane and Meadow Road were burgledafter their patio doors were forced. Electrical items andmoney were stolen following a tidy search.

Later in January there were four thefts from motorvehicles and a garage was broken into.

Police believe the crimes are linked and in investiga-tion is ongoing.

A CALL has gone out to offer artists throughoutCharnwood the chance to have their work dis-played at one of the town’s top visitor attrac-

tions.Artists are being urged to submit their workand showcase their talent at the Charnwood

Borough Council-run Queen’s Park Café GalleryFor more information about hiring the galleryplease contact Alex Gasson on 01509 233754

• • •

Craft FairOrganised by the Loughborough Lions Club

at Rawlins Community College, QuornSunday March 27

(just before Mothers Day)from 11am to 4pm

Refreshments availableAlso activities for the children

Cost £1 adults, 50p concessions & children un-der 5

For more info or to book a stall, please contactJean/David on 0116 2376154 or Ann 01509

232422• • •

Charity Bridge DriveOrganised by Loughborough Lions

Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, RothleyWednesday April 13 at 1.30pm

With afternoon tea provided at a cost of £6 per

Christmasswitch on

PH

OTO

S: C

LIV

E R

AS

IN

Burglaries

Continued on page 14

MOUNTSORREL’S PREMIER TREE SERVICEJust like the rest of your property, have youconsidered your trees require a littlemaintenance from time to time?

...UNSAFE, TOO TALL OR UNTIDY

...BLOCKING LIGHT FROM YOUR HOME,OR YOUR NEIGHBOUR’S HOME...LIKELY TO AFFECT YOUR PROPERTYSTRUCTURE

ARE YOUR TREES MAYBE?

With 20 years experience in all aspects of tree work wewould be pleased to offer you FREE expert advice & aFREE quotation without obligation

YOUR LOCALTREE SURGEON

PHONE NOW ON 0116 2505842

Tel: 0116 267 2583Mob: 07967 191975 Buy DELL products here


personTo book a table please contact Jackie on 0116

2303317 or Ann 01509 232422• • •

Loughborough Phoenix Di-vorced, Separated & Widowed

We meet every Monday from 8-11pmat The Brush Club,. 18 Fennel St, Loughbor-

ough LE11 1UQ, where we have a friendly chatand dance

We have Saturday dances at other venues andweekends away.

We are a branch of the NCDSW• • •

Syston Town Juniors FC

Girls Football AcademyGirls Like Football Too!

Wanted!Girls of all ages and ability interested

in playing footballPlease come along to STJFC free girls football

academyWhere? Memorial Playing Fields, (Donkey

Park), Necton Street, Syston, Leicester LE7 8HFWhen? Every Sat during football season, 10-

11.30amGoal! To enter teams into the Leicester City &County Girls Football League for season 2011

at all age groupsManager/Coaches

All managers/coaches are CRB checked and holdminimum FA Level 1 qualification

Some coaches hold FA Level 2/3/UEFA-B. Youth

Module 1 and level 2 Goalkeeping qualifica-tions

Please come along on the day or contact: Sa-mantha (Sam) Chambers STJFC (Chairperson)

Mobile 0777 6291355email:[email protected]

• • •

Rugby Players WantedBirstall RFC are recruiting players of all abili-ties to join their squad. We have two teamsplaying in the Leicestershire leagues. Either

call Chris on 07766011043 or come to trainingat Stonehill High School on Tuesdays at 7pm

• • •

Birstall LongsladeSwimming Pool

Early morning swim sessions Monday/Tuesday& Friday at 7-9am

Cost for adults £2.90, over 60s £1.70Also Sunday morning Adult swim 8-9.30am

There are also other swimming sessions availa-ble

Tel: 0116 2673461Website www.longslade.leics.sch.uk

• • •The Bark Foundation (charity no.1129762)Supporting HOTPEC Orphanage, Cameroon

Presents an afternoon of

Tai Chi Joint Exercises (22 forms)and Qi Gong (18 forms)Saturday March 26, 1.30-3.30pmat Birstall Methodist Church Hall

Tutor Sue Hon, student of a Tai Chi ‘Grand Mas-

ter’ in Hong KongCome and learn how to keep supple using exer-

cises of special benefit for joint movementSimple, gentle movement suitable for all ages

Tickets £7 (concessions £6)Places limited – book early

Tel: 0116 2677576Email: [email protected]

• • •The Great British Fish & Chips SupperSupporting Spinal Injuries Association

Friday May 20The Great British Fish and Chip Supper is all

about getting together, having fun and raisingmoney for the Spinal Injuries Association

To request a fundraising pack call 0845 0714350

Email: [email protected] www.spinal.co.uk.fishandchips

• • •

Crews WantedAre you up for a challenge?

Do you want to have a great day out with fami-ly and friends?

Do you want to learn a new skill?Do you want free training sessions?

If you have answered yes to the above then thisis for you, you need to sign up for this day of

fun and laughterOur charity is hosting its annual

Dragon Boat Festivalon Sunday May 29

at The Boat House, Bridge St,Barrow-upon-Soar

The festival will take place on the River Soarwith fun and competitive racing starting onceagain at the Boat House. The day is filled withactivities, fun and enjoyment for both crews

and spectators.To form a crew you need 8-10 people over theage of 12 and able to swim a little with a life-jacket [no other restrictions apply] You canhave more crew members as you can ‘taketurns’ in racing. We are offering free trainingsessions to all booked crews before the dayitself and all safety equipment is provided.

To form a boat crew and enter the challenge, orfor further information please contact Michele:01509 550317 or email [email protected]

• • •Birstall Birdwatching Club

presents

Songs for Summerby Nigel Slater

This is the time of the year when we are deter-mined to get to grips with bird song and Nigel

is going to show us how easy it isTuesday April 12 at 7.30pm

Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, RothleyVisitors welcome to all meetings £2

Contact Ken Goodrich 2674813• • •

Open Afternoonat Abbeyfield, Birstall, 33/35 Church Hill

Friday March 25, 2-4pmYou are invited to join us for tea/coffee and

cakeFor more info please call Nic on 0116 2674460

or Jenny on 0116 2671523• • •

Leicestershire & Rutland BranchMotor Neurone Disease Association

Charity Eveningat the Royal British Legion Club, Front St, Bir-

stall LE4 4DQWed March 23, 6.30pm for 7pm

3 Course Dinner

Continued from page 13


£15.50for tickets and your menu choice please tel:

0116 2674040Evening entertainment

James Selfridge Sings Sinatra & The Rat PackEra

www.franksinatramyway.co.uk• • •

Easter FairRichard Hill School, Thurcaston

Saturday April 91.30-4pm

Raffles, children’s Easter activities, stalls,cakes, refreshments

50p admission• • •

SOS Fashion Show and SaleSt Peter’s Church Centre, Glenfield

Tuesday March 29 at 7.30pmIn aid of LRFWI funds

This is a fun evening with the opportunity tobuy a bargain. Designer label clothes from

companies like M&S, Per Una, Principles, Wal-lis, Next, Gap, Monsoon and others will be

available at half price or less.Tickets £5 (inc tea/coffee and homemade cake)

can be obtained from Ruth Fenney 01162874114 or Pat Dickinson 0116 2872978

• • •

Comic ReliefZumbathon

Happening in a village near you onFriday March 18

Why not come along and help us raise a sub-stantial amount of money for Comic Relief,classes cost £3 with ALL proceeds going to

charity.Your nearest class is at Birstall Village Hall,

6.30-7pmBooking essential!

For more info or to book please contact theActive Together team on 01509 632535 oremail [email protected]

• • •

Flood FairTues March 29

Members Lounge, County Hall, Glenfieldopen to all, 3-6pm

Learn the risks of flooding, how to protect yourhome and purchase self-inflating ‘sandbags’

www.leicestershireprepared.org.uk• • •

Celebrating 20 years of HATSHighcliffe Amateur Theatrical Society

invites you to our forthcoming production of

Play OnA comedy drama by Rick Abbot

At Highcliffe Primary School, Greengate Lane,Birstall

on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, May 19th,20th, 21st at 7.30pm

Tickets £6 adult, £5 concess (disc for groupbookings)

Available from Box Office 0116 2128757 or07757854719

Email: [email protected]• • •

LOROS

One Big Bike Ride2011!

Sunday May 157, 8 or 15 mile sponsored bike rides from Rut-

land WaterBBQ, DMU Cheerleaders, penny farthing bike

To register call the fundraising department on0116 2318431

Registration fee: adults £5, children £2.50,family £10

• • •

A Concertby Highcliffe Harmony

an evening of light entertainment in support ofBirstall Playgroup for children with special

needs

Saturday April 9, at 7.30pmBirstall Methodist Church, Wanlip Lane, Birstall

Tickets £5Available on the door or phone 0116 2675007

• • •

Charity Quiz Eveningat Birstall Methodist Church

on Saturday April 2 at 7.30pmAll proceeds jointly to The Bark Foundation

(Reg Charity 1129762) and Action for Children(Reg Charity 1097940)

Tickets £8 each including hot supperPhone David on 2677576 or Eileen on 2929670

to book a place• • •

Saturday April 9, 10am to 12noon

Coffee Shopat Birstall Methodist Church

Jewellery stall, tombola and raffleFriday April 15, 7.30pm

Birstall Methodist Church HallSOS Fashion Show and Sale

High Street and Designer Clothes at bargainprices

Tickets £5 – please book in advanceTel: 2677576 or 2209462

Entry on the day without a ticket only if spaceis available

Proceeds to The Bark Foundation• • •

St Peter’s Church

Take a BreakCome along and enjoy a friendly break with tea,

Continued on page 16

Home CarersRequiredAre you a caring person?Like varied work & job satisfaction?Join our team of carers in the Mountsorrel,Cropston, Quorn, Sileby, Syston, Birstall &Wymeswold areas.Flexible shifts, 10-40 hrs per week, &mornings, evenings and weekends availa-ble.No experience required as all training willbe provided.Up to £7.25hr, plus travel expenses. Tele-phone essential. Ring Debbie between8.30am & 4.30pm for more information on0116 2696247 (quoting reference BP)


coffee and biscuits at St Peter’s Church on al-ternate Tuesdays at 2pm till 4pm

Dates for March are 1, 15 & 29, then April 12,26, May 10, 24

Annual Meeting Sunday April 17 after evensongin St Peter’s Church

For more details please contact Rev Kerry Em-mett 0116 2302235

• • •Christ Church

Cup ‘n’ ChatA new event, every Monday, meeting in the

Bower Room from 1-3pm, there will be an op-portunity for people to meet, irrespective ofage for a cuppa and a natter. Please come

along to meet new friends, renew friendshipsor just to get to know friends better and to

share our love for Jesus with people from out-side of the church who we hope will comealong. Feel free to bring along friends andneighbours who you feel would like to come.

• • •

Men’s FellowshipMonday April 4, 7.30pm in the Bower Room at

Christ ChurchThe Men’s Fellowship of Christ Church & StPeter’s Churches, Mountsorrel invite you tohear about prostrate cancer and how to be

aware of it. Out invited speaker will be StuartWatson who is an Awareness and Support Vol-

unteer with The Prostate Cancer Charity• • •

Marriage PreparationFor those who are planning to be married weare running a Marriage Preparation Course in

the Bower Room at Christ Church. The course ison five consecutive Fridays, starting on Friday

March 11• • •

Annual meeting Monday March 21 at 7.30pm inthe Bower Room at Christ Church

For more details of all these events please con-tact Rev Kerry Emmett 0116 2302235

• • •Mountsorrel

Neighbourhood Watch AreaCo-ordinator

This post becomes vacant from EasterAnyone interested in finding out more can con-

tact the NHW office at Loughborough PoliceStation 0116 2482542

• • •Syston Methodist Church Presents

Ian Tracey

Organ SpectacularProfessor Ian Tracey, Organist Titulaire at Liver-pool Anglican Cathedral is coming to give one of

his spectacular Organ Recitals atSyston Methodist Church (Leicestershire)

on the recently installedMakin Westmorland Custom Digital Organ

Thursday 19 May 2011 at 7.30pmBook now to ensure you get a seat!

Entry by ticket only - price £7.Tickets available from Trevor Solway on 0116

2606457 or [email protected]

MOUNTSORREL POSTYOUR INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Longslade College, Wanlip Lane,Birstall, Leicester LE4 4GH

Editor: Mr Jerry Jackson

Editorial/Advertising (Tel & Fax)

0116 2674213Correspondence, news etc can be handed in at:

Mountsorrel Library, Rothley Post Officeor to our office in the Youth Centre,

Longslade College, Birstall

[email protected]

THE MOUNTSORREL Post is delighted toreceive contributions from residents. Youcan send us:

Details of a community event such as arummage sale, fete or coffee morning for freepublication on our ‘Noticeboard’ page.

Items of news - we’re interested in every-thing: club and society news, prizewinners,charity events, church news, complaints,praise, new projects, new facilities, trips,sport, crime, anything that concerns or inter-ests you.

A letter for our letters page - we welcomeletters on any issue, local or national. All let-ters must include the sender’s name and ad-dress (though not necessarily for publication).

Photos - we particularly welcome old pho-tographs giving an insight into local history.

Small ads - you can sell items with a classi-fied ad for only 25p!How you can contact us:

Phone or Fax (0116) 267 4213Hand in your items at Mountsorrel Library,

Rothley Library or Birstall LibraryWrite to us at The Mountsorrel Post, Longs-

lade College, Wanlip Lane, Birstall, LeicesterLE4 4GH

Email: [email protected] Mountsorrel Post is an independentnewspaper

Contact us

Continued from page 15

AMLI DESIGN Architectural Consultancy.Plans drawn and submitted. Extensions,conversions, new build. David IvesB.Sc.(Hons) FBEng MCIOB 01162674395/07974807111www.amlidesign.co.uk

Small ads are 25p for the first 16 words.17-32 words: 50p. Enclosing payment, postyour ad to us or hand it in (inside an enve-lope) at Mountsorrel library.

Trade/business rates for small ads are 25p a word.You are liable for the trade/business rate if you areoffering a service for which you are asking for pay-ment, or if you are advertising new goods for sale. Alltext will be printed bold. Box outline £1 extra. Max50 words. Phone numbers count as one word.

Small Ads

mountsorrel post (34) mar 2011

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