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.