Police Report

In July there were four crimes committed in Wymeswold: Between the 20/6 and the 4/7 damage was caused to a wire fence on Far Street, between the 7/7 and the 8/7 a farm building was broken into on Wide Lane and property stolen was stolen. On the 22/7 youths were caught riding a motor bike along Storkit Lane and between the 28/7 & 29/7 diesel fuel was stolen from a parked lorry.

In August there were two crimes committed: on the 16/8 there was criminal damage to motor vehicle on Trinity Crescent and on 19/8 a shed on Rempstone Road was broken into and items were stolen.

PC Melody also reported that Quorn Police station has now closed, however the telephone numbers to report a crime still remain the same – 0116 2222222 or if doubt call 999.

Reports from the County and Borough Councillors

County Cllr R Shepherd has requested a detailed update on the developments of the A6006 since the site meeting with LCC highways in June. Once he has received this he will report back to the Parish Council. He is also investigating the use of satellite navigation systems in the HGV’s and is going to contact MP Nicky Morgan to see if it is possible for all HGV drivers to be requested to have the most up to date navigational systems to avoid cutting through the narrow village roads such as Church Street.

Borough Councillor Jenny Bokor reported that rural broadband funding has now been rolled out and £3.88 million has been allocated to Leicestershire. The aim is to have all areas running on a more efficient broadband by 2015. It was also reported that Charnwood Borough Council are responsible for cleaning and sweeping the civic paths running from East Road to Brook Street and the path between Church Street and The Stockwell. Leicestershire County Highways are responsible for maintaining them in terms of cutting back undergrowth on the verges (which is growing from the public verges not private gardens) and cutting back overhanging growth and any complaints will be reported directly to them.

St Mary’s Clock and Cemetery Update

You will have noticed that after the electricity power failure in July the clock on St Mary’s Church stopped. When the electricity came back on the power surge damaged the autowind unit which has now been removed and sent away for repair. This is unfortunately a lengthy and costly exercise and we hope you can bear with us whilst the repairs take place.

On a brighter note the cemetery wall on Rempstone Road has now been fully restored and the second phase of the work on the cemetery which includes the paths starts mid September.

The Queens Diamond Jubilee

To commemorate the Queens Diamond Jubilee the Parish Council is investigating the possibility of having a village sign made stand on The Stockwell. The Parish Council would like to invite your thoughts on this and any suggestions as to which particular village themes should be included on the sign. If you have any ideas please either e-mail me at the address below or ring 881664.

Police Report

PC Melody could not attend this month’s meeting however a crime report for September was submitted. During September there were three reports of homes in the village having eggs thrown at them: two on Hoton Road and one on The Nook. PC Geeson had been in touch with the residents, but without witnesses he was unfortunately unable to find the culprits. The incidents took place between 5th and th September. On the 2nd September a theft was reported from Farriers Close, where a parcel left in a porch was stolen.

Reports from the County and Borough Councillors

Borough Councillor Jenny Bokor reported that the new recycling bins have now been delivered to all homes in Wymeswold and the new scheme is now fully operational. Charnwood Borough Council is hoping to increase the rate of recycling in the borough with the introduction of these bins. It was also reported that it was ‘Customer Services Week’ at Charnwood Borough Council and they are striving for an excellent level of service to the public.

Cemetery Update

The second phase of the cemetery renovation is now complete. The top surface of all the pathways were removed and re-laid with granite chippings. The strip edging along the paths has also been repaired and the damaged sections have been replaced. The Garden of Remembrance has also been cleared of weeds and vegetation. The overall effect including the renovation of the wall and the repainting of the railings earlier in the year means that we now have a much improved and smarter cemetery which we can be proud of.

Far Street Pedestrian Crossing

The feasibility report on the pedestrian crossing on Far Street has been returned. It was determined that the best way forward would be to continue with the plans to implement a safe crossing point across the A6006 between The Stockwell and Church Street. The next step will be to seek safety audit comments to establish if this can be taken forward.

A new Youth Group in Wymeswold?

The Parish Council have been contacted by an organisation called ‘Go-Gettas’ that come into communities and set up youth groups. They have set up a successful group in Birstall and a new group in Barrow has just been formed. The Parish Council is aware that volunteers have set up youth groups in the past but they have not been well attended and have subsequently folded. It is, however, an area in which we are lacking in the village, but whether we have enough young people in the village to support a youth group is another question. A representative from the group has been invited to give a short presentation at the next Parish Council meeting and we would like to invite any interested parishioners to come along. If you cannot attend the meeting we would be interested to hear your views, good or bad, so please contact me using the details below.

Police Report

PC Melody could not attend this month’s meeting, however a crime report for October was submitted. During October 2011 there were three crimes reported in the Parish. Between the 13th and 14th of October there was a burglary to a dwelling on Home Leys Way. Between the 26th and 27th of October there was a burglary on Appleton Drive and on the 28th of October there was a burglary on Rempstone Road. PC Melody has also passed on details of a neighbourhood link website, https://www.neighbourhoodlink.co.uk , which contains local news for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Reports from the County and Borough Councillors

County Councillor Richard Shepherd submitted the following update on the feasibility of a pedestrian crossing on Far Street:
“The safety audit has flagged that forward visibility of the crossing from the eastbound approach is an issue as it is on the limit, however, it is felt that a Pelican crossing could be provided with a Vehicle Activated Sign placed in advance to reduce approach speeds.
To improve visibility the street furniture at the Far Street/The Stockwell junction could also be moved and or rationalised. The street lighting team are due to replace a number of lighting columns along the A6006 through Wymeswold in the near future. It has been requested that the lighting column be moved closer to the right hand side of the Far Street nameplate if possible, as this will improve the situation for any future pedestrian crossing at no additional cost. 
With regard to the possibility of Capital funding for a crossing, this request will remain on the list of aspirations and we now know that in principle a crossing is feasible. However, when and if this scheme would come forward for funding will depend on what and where our priorities lie as directed by the Local Transport Plan”.

Airfield Liaison Meeting

Cllrs Shaw and Cooke attended a meeting of the Wymeswold Airfield Liaison Group and reported that plans are due to be submitted by the Caravan Club to establish a touring caravan site on the airfield, close to Hoton. A demonstration was also given to show the effectiveness of the modified car exhausts and there was found to be a significant decrease in noise. There are also plans to increase non-motorised events on the former Airfield such as cycling and running.

A new Youth Group in Wymeswold?

At the last meeting of the Parish Council two representatives from Go Gettas gave a short presentation to explain how they come into communities and set up youth groups. The Parish Council will be visiting the projects that have already been set up in Birstall and Barrow upon Soar to see if this is something that the youth of Wymeswold would benefit from. We are still interested to hear your views so please don’t hesitate to contact me using the details below.

Memorial Hall Grant

The existing gas cooker in the hall’s kitchen has been condemned due to safety issues, so the Memorial Hall Committee has had to purchase a replacement electric oven. The Parish Council has able to make a grant towards to cost of the new equipment.

Olympic Torch

On Monday 7th November it was announced that the Olympic Torch will be coming to Wymeswold as part of its journey across the UK. The date is Tuesday 3rd July 2012 and although full details of the route and timings are not yet available, the Parish Council hopes that this historic day can be marked by an event to welcome the flame to the village. Should anyone have any ideas on how we can celebrate the day, or would like to get involved with helping to organise the event, then please get in touch.

And finally….a polite message to horse riders

Please be reminded that it is an offence to ride horses on pavements and footpaths. It is a hazard to pedestrians and horse manure deposited on public footpaths, apart from being unpleasant, is also a health hazard.

Leicestershire Street Lighting Energy Reduction Project

At the meeting of the Parish Council in December Mr Paul Gibson presented LCC’s proposals for a part -night lighting scheme for Wymeswold. Leicestershire County Council are currently undertaking a project to reduce street lighting levels in the County in order to make savings on energy costs, reduce carbon emissions and reduce light pollution. Street lights which are in crucial positions highlighting safety issues or road junctions will remain lit throughout the night, however in areas which are deemed low risk the lights will be partly lit from midnight to 5:30. The plans will be put onto the LCC’s website and will be available at www.leics.gov.uk/lighting . If you have any concerns or would like any more information regarding the part night lighting scheme please do not hesitate to contact me.

Reports from the County and Borough Councillors

County Councillor Richard Shepherd followed up a complaint that has been submitted regarding the new street lighting on Far Street. After some investigation he confirmed that it is the county’s policy to install lights that are most cost effective even though it is within a conservation area. He reported that heritage lights are available, however they come at a cost of an extra £1,800 per column plus a one off maintenance charge of £278 for each heritage light installed. This cost would have had to be met by the Parish Council and it became clear that as eleven new lights have been installed unfortunately heritage columns would not have been an option.

County Councillor Richard Shepherd reported that it has been confirmed that the 30mph sign on Burton Lane is going to be moved further up the road beyond the Scout Hut. This will hopefully encourage vehicles to slow down as they enter the village making it safer for people using the Scout Hut and Sports Pavilion.

A new Youth Group in Wymeswold?

Two representatives from the Parish Council have visited the Go Getta youth group in Barrow upon Soar. It has been decided to also visit the project in Birstall to get a better overall picture in order to make a decision on whether to take a similar project in Wymeswold further. We are still interested to hear your views so please don’t hesitate to contact me using the details below.

Budget 2012 -2013

The proposed budget for 2012/13 was presented at the December meeting. It was concluded that the Parish Council could achieve all of its goals with the precept remaining at £18,700. There will therefore not be an increase next year for the parishioners of Wymeswold.

2012 – Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic Flame

The Parish Council is still considering ways the village can mark the Diamond Jubilee and the arrival of the Olympic Flame in the village on 3rd July 2012. One proposal is to commemorate the year with a decorative village sign and a small sub-group of interested parties has already met to investigate costs. It is proposed that, should the project go ahead, the sign will be placed on Queen’s Park in the Stockwell and unveiled at a short ceremony with the Olympic Flame on 3rd July. The sign would include a pictorial design featuring different aspects of the village, and suggestions on which aspects of village life should appear would be welcomed. The Parish Council is looking to make a final decision whether to proceed with this project at its meeting on 9th January, and any feedback before then would be welcomed.

Police Report

There was only one crime reported in Wymeswold in January. The date of the next Police beat surgery is yet to be finalised, but this will be updated in the ‘Neighbourhood Policing’ section of the Leicestershire Constabulary website (www.leics.police.uk). In addition to surgeries held at Barrow Parish Council office, the Police are also hoping to hold a beat surgery in Wymeswold and/or Burton on the Wolds in the near future. The Force website will be updated with the details. Please feel free to come along, your neighbourhood team will be happy to meet you and talk about issues in your area.

If you need to contact the Police in non-emergency situations, please dial 101. You can contact your local Neighbourhood Policing team directly – PC 2983 Richard Gosling and PCSO 6438 Stu Venables – by telephoning 101, selecting option 2 and when prompted, tap in identification numbers 2983 or 6438 to leave a message.  The Police beat team will get back to you as soon as possible.  You can also send an e-mail by logging onto the website at www.leics.police.uk and clicking on the ‘Neighbourhood Policing’ icon. Alternatively, if you wish to prove information and remain anonymous then you can contact Crime stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Reports from the County and Borough Councillors

County Councillor Richard Shepherd reported that he had asked MP Nicky Morgan to enquire of the Transport Minister if there could be a request nationally for HGV’s to be fitted with Satellite Navigational systems which would help to avoid HGV’s getting stuck on narrow lanes and roads. He has now received a response and unfortunately there are currently no plans to take this idea further.

Borough Cllr Bokor has also asked for an update on Holly Lodge Farm to ascertain the situation regarding planning permission, and also reported that there is a proposed plan to install a Solar Farm on Wymeswold Airfield.

Proposal to install a pedestrian crossing on Far Street.

On Saturday 4thFebruary Cllr Ling, Borough Cllr Bokor , County Cllr Shepherd and MP Nicky Morgan had a meeting to establish how plans can be taken forward to install a pedestrian crossing on Far Street. Cllr Shepherd has contacted lead cabinet member Lesley Pendleton to see if there is any Section 106 money available that could be used towards the cost of the pedestrian crossing, however this was met with a negative response.

Other funding possibilities can be looked into such as lottery funding or private funding and Cllr Bokor is researching other funding streams that are designated to help and support rural communities.

County Councillor Shepherd will continue to campaign for the crossing referring to the LTP3 document, the fact that LCC have established the crossing is feasible and that the vehicle count shows that the traffic coming through the village warrants the installation of a pedestrian crossing.

Cllr Ling reported that a survey to establish if there is a need for a crossing patrol person for the A6006 has been undertaken and the figures showed over and above that the A6006 does indeed qualify for a crossing patrol person.

Cllr Shaw concluded the discussion establishing that the way forward is to contact LCC to find out how the Parish Council would take this project further should the Council agree to approach private companies and invite them to tender for the work.

2012 – Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic Flame

Cllr Shaw presented further developments on the plans to install a village sign on Queens Park.  A small sub-committee has been formed to take this project further and plans are running smoothly. There has been a site meeting and it has been confirmed that the planned location for the sign has been approved. It has also been agreed to create some floral displays on The Stockwell to help with the celebrations.

We have had some great ideas coming through from parishioners and we still would welcome your views and ideas of scenes to be included on the sign.

Community Speedwatch Campaign

The idea of a Community Speedwatch scheme has again been raised and we would be interested in hearing your views and asking if anyone would be prepared to volunteer for the campaign.

The next meeting of Wymeswold Parish Council will held on Monday 5th of March 2012 in the Jubilee Room, Wymeswold Memorial Hall, Clay Street, Wymeswold, starting at 7:15pm. All parishioners are welcome to attend.

Alice Gardam
Clerk to Wymeswold Parish Council
wymeswoldpc@hotmail.co.uk

Police Report

There were four crimes reported in the month of February as follows: 13/2/12 – burglary (non-dwelling) on Far Street, 17/2/12 – vehicle interference on London Lane, 24/2/12 – criminal damage to a motor vehicle on London Lane, and 27/2/12 criminal damage to stables on Wysall Lane.

If you need to contact the Police in non-emergency situations, please dial 101. You can contact your local Neighbourhood Policing team directly – PC 2983 Richard Gosling and PCSO 6438 Stu Venables – by telephoning 101, selecting option 2 and when prompted, tap in identification numbers 2983 or 6438 to leave a message.  The Police beat team will get back to you as soon as possible.  You can also send an e-mail by logging onto the website at www.leics.police.uk and clicking on the ‘Neighbourhood Policing’ icon. Alternatively, if you wish to prove information and remain anonymous then you can contact Crime stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Reports from the County and Borough Councillors

County Councillor Richard Shepherd reported that he has circulated an update on Broadband speeds in the area. There is also a link in this report to a business/household survey which he encouraged people to complete. Cllr Bokor agreed to include this in the next issue of the Link.

Borough Cllr Jenny Bokor reported that following queries from members of the public over changes to a property on Wysall Lane, Charnwood’s Planning Enforcement Officers had visited the property to investigate any potential  breaches of planning and highways regulations.

Update on proposal for a pedestrian crossing on Far Street between the Stockwell and Wysall Lane junctions

The Parish Council was again pleased to welcome many parishioners to the meeting to discuss this topic and County Cllr R Shepherd updated on developments since the last meeting. Leics CC Highways had been in contact and proposed to re-investigate the proposed location of the crossing as the current location may create a false sense of security. Cllr Shepherd suggested that the PC take time to pause and reflect on their response to Leics CC Highways and to consider this suggestion.

Cllr Shaw then invited comments from the public and the parishioners present felt that the current suggested location was, in their opinion, unsafe due to the speeds of vehicles coming through the village at that point. In addition, they felt that the visibility splays, the insufficient braking distance and the necessity to widen the pavements on both sides of the suggested location would create a narrower carriageway and increase the risk of accidents. It was, however, felt by some parishioners that the village would benefit from the creation of a safer crossing point.

Cllr Shaw summarised by thanking everyone for attending and appreciated their input. Cllr Shepherd will respond to LCC Highways to consider their offer and the PC will continue to collect responses to the flyer that had been circulated.

2012 – Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic Flame

Plans for this project are now in full swing and you will all hopefully have received your flyers regarding the decorative village sign and returned them with your own ideas of images of Wymeswold which could be included on the sign. Various village clubs have also been involved and each class at Wymeswold School will be designing a poster with their ideas. The application for an ‘Awards for All’ grant has been submitted and, if successful, would cover the majority of the costs of the sign.

It is proposed to unveil the sign as the centrepiece of a community event on the Stockwell on Tuesday 3^rd July to welcome the Olympic Flame to the village.

Charnwood Borough Council has also been in contact regarding the practice run of the Torch Relay team which is being held on the 20^th April. A meeting to discuss arrangements for both the practice leg in April and the Olympic Flame event on 3^rd July has been agreed with Charnwood.

Community Speedwatch Campaign

The idea of a Community Speedwatch scheme is still under discussion. The Parish Council would be interested in hearing your views and asking if anyone would be prepared to volunteer for the campaign.

The next meeting of Wymeswold Parish Council will held on Monday 2^nd of April 2012 in the Jubilee Room, Wymeswold Memorial Hall, Clay Street, Wymeswold, starting at 7:15pm. All parishioners are welcome to attend.

Alice Gardam
Clerk to Wymeswold Parish Council
wymeswoldpc@hotmail.co.uk