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LetterboxResidents’ newsletter published by Oadby & Wigston Borough Council
@Oadby_WigstonOadbyWigstonBCoadby-wigston.gov.uk
Spring 2018
Refuse and recycling bank holiday arrangements 2018No collections will be made on the following collection dates. Please refer to the revised collection dates to see when your next collection will be made.
Oadby & Wigston Borough Council, Station Road, Wigston, Leicestershire LE18 2DR T: 0116 288 8961 F: 0116 288 7828
COLLECTION DAY REVISED COLLECTION DAYSFriday 30 MarchGood Friday
Refuse and recycling - Friday 6 April*Garden waste will be collected on Thursday 29 March
Monday 7 MayMay Day
Refuse and recycling will not be affectedGarden waste will be collected between Tuesday 8 May and Friday 11 May
Monday 27 August Summer Bank Holiday
*Will be a double collection, which is six black bags and unlimited recycling bags.
Refuse and recycling will not be affectedGarden waste will be collected between Tuesday 28 August and Friday 31 August
Monday 2 AprilEaster Monday
Refuse and recycling will not be affectedGarden waste will be collected between Tuesday 3 April and Friday 6 April
Monday 28 MaySpring Bank Holiday
Refuse and recycling will not be affectedGarden waste will be collected between Tuesday 29 May and Friday 1 June
From 1 April 2018 Oadby & Wigston Borough Council will introduce changes to the way they collect your recycling and garden waste. Find out more information inside.
Changes to your recycling
2 CommunityNews
Fraud prevention
2018 will mark the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Wigston Civic Society, under the auspices of the former Civic Trust, now Civic Voice.
During the year the Society will be commemorating the founding of the Society in various ways. Keep your eye on the Civic Society Website for details as they are released.
www.wigstoncivicsociety.org.uk
Wigston Civic Society celebrate 40 years
For more information and a full list of FAQs please visit: www.oadby-wigston.gov.uk or contact Customer Services on 0116 288 8961.
What goes into the new clear recycling bag
Reporting hazardous hedgesIn the last issue of The Letterbox the Wigston Civic Society highlighted the serious problem of hedges overhanging on to pavements, making them a hazard to pedestrians. The Society has since received a good response from concerned residents in the form of emails, texts and phone calls.
All responses received were reported to the Highways Department of the Leicestershire County Council, who will be sending Enforcement Officers out to investigate the problems and issue notifications where necessary.
The Society would like to urge residents to keep reporting any issues, which will be reported to the LCC on your behalf. Email your concerns to [email protected] or call 0116 2884638.
Alternatively, you can now report any issues, such as overhanging hedges and many other concerns, directly to the LCC using the submission form on their website. There is a link to this on the home page of the Wigston Civic Society website at: www.wigstoncivicsociety.org.uk.
Oadby & Wigston Borough Council is under a duty to protect the public funds it administers, and to this end we may share information provided to us for the prevention and detection of fraud. We may also share this information through data matching with other bodies responsible for auditing and administering public funds for these purposes.
How does data matching work? Data matching involves comparing, matching and merging online data records from several databases. This is often personal information which has been provided to the Council. By data matching we can identify potentially fraudulent claims and payments. Where a match is found it may indicate that there is an inconsistency which requires further investigation.
No assumption can be made as to whether there is fraud, error or other explanation until an investigation is carried out.
Why does the Council do this? The Council are required to provide particular sets of data to the Minister for the Cabinet Office for matching for each exercise.
The use of data by the Cabinet Office in a data matching exercise is carried out with statutory authority under Part 6 of the Local Authority and Accountability Act 2014. It does not require the consent of the individuals concerned under the Data Protection Act 1998.
Where can I find out more? For further information on data matching at Oadby & Wigston Borough Council you can contact David Gill, Head of Law and Governance at: [email protected], or visit our website at: www.oadby-wigston.gov.uk/data_protection.
From 1 April 2018 you will no longer need to separate cans, plastics and glass when recycling. Instead, you can mix them all together in one clear recycling bag provided by the Council, making it even easier to recycle.
Your refuse and recycling will continue to be collected weekly and your collection days will stay the same. There is no limit on the number of Oadby and Wigston clear recycling bags you can place out for collection.
More information about these changes can be found in the Refuse and Recycling Guide and Calendar 2018-19, which will be delivered to each house. A roll of clear recycling bags will also be delivered before the new recycling collection begins.
What next?The Council has made these changes following a legal direction issued by Leicestershire County Council to all Borough and District Councils in Leicestershire, and will be using the enforcement as an opportunity to improve how refuse and recycling is collected and disposed of within the borough.
This is part of an ongoing review of how the Council delivers its refuse and recycling services which will be used to develop the best permanent solutions for the future of waste collection in Oadby and Wigston. As part of the review, the Council will be consulting with residents on proposed future collection options. This next-step consultation will be available in April – more information can be found on the Council website.
CommunityNews 3
Food and drinks cans Food cans, drinks cans, foil from roll, foil food dishes, aerosol cans (empty)
Cardboard Cardboard and corrugated boxes, cereal and washing powder boxes, milk or fruit juice cartons, egg boxes.
Glass Glass bottles of all colours, jars
Yes PleasePlastic bottles and tubs Milk bottles, pop bottles, water bottles, cleaning and beauty product bottles, margarine tubs, butter tubs, soft
cheese tubs, yoghurt pots, cream pots, white ready meal food trays, carrier bags
Newspapers and magazines Newspapers, magazines, junk mail, greetings cards, envelopes, wrapping paper, yellow pages, telephone directories, paperback books, writing paper, printing paper, shredded paper.
Food waste Nappies Clothes, bedding and shoes
Pet waste
Black bin liners Wood Garden waste
Toys Food wrappers Batteries and electrical items
Crisp packets and sweet wrappers Tupperware, pyrex or cookware Bubble wrap
Black food trays
Crockery
Polystyrene
Building materials
Bagged waste
Window glass, picture glass, drinking glasses and mirrors
Hardback books
No Thanks
If you enjoy gardening and would like to grow your own fresh fruit and vegetables then an allotment could be just what you’re looking for!
All kinds of people enjoy allotment gardening for lots of different reasons. It is a rewarding pastime which could make a massive contribution to your wellbeing and quality of life.
Apply for an allotmentThere are four allotment sites across the Borough;
• Brabazon Road, Oadby
• Wigston Road, Oadby
• Manchester Gardens, Wigston
• Aylestone Lane, Wigston.
We operate a waiting list for allocation of a plot but the wait for plots on the Aylestone Lane and Wigston Road sites is quite short at the moment and so you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
To apply for a plot at one of our four locations you can log on to www.oadby-wigston.gov.uk/allotments and complete the application form online, or telephone 0116 288 8961 and ask for a form to be sent to you by post or email.
Only residents living within Oadby, Wigston or South Wigston can apply for an allotment in the Borough. If you live outside of the Borough then please contact your local council about allotments in your area.
Bowling open daysWigston mens and Wigston womens bowling clubs are holding their annual open day events at Peace Memorial Park, Long Street, Wigston, LE18 2AJ. Everyone over the age of 12 is welcome, though under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. Equipment is provided and coaching available. Please bring flat shoes.
Wigston mens bowling clubOpen day: Saturday 7 April, 2018, from 11a.m. to 1p.m. For more information contact either:Nigel Denton: 0116 277 7841Ian Woods: 0116 288 4473
Wigston ladies bowling clubOpen day: Wednesday 11 April, 2018, from 2p.m. to 4p.m. For more information contact either: Rose Friend: 0116 292 3771Wendy Noble: 0116 288 1796
CommunityNews 5
Allotments in Oadbyand Wigston
Even though you might be feeling great, if you’re over forty you may be at risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, diabetes or dementia.
A FREE NHS Health Check can help you reduce these risks and make sure that you stay healthy.
Aged 40-74? Find out about our FREE NHS Health Check
Call your GP to make an appointment or visit www.leicestershire.gov.uk/healthchecks
In partnership with
Sport and physical activity sessionsActive Oadby and Wigston is looking to put on a variety of sport and physical activity sessions in the coming months. More information on these sessions, and regular updates on the work Active Oadby and Wigston do, can be found online at:
Website - https://www.activeoadbywigston.org.uk/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/activeoadbywigs/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ActiveOadbyWigs
The Active Oadby and Wigston website also provides information about the range of support services and health programmes available locally. These are based on the Oadby and Wigston Health and Wellbeing Board’s identified priorities.
Active Oadby and Wigston
Aware and Prepared - The bigger picture
4 CommunityNews
Would you be surprised to learn that the promotion of community resilience is part of the Government’s National Security Strategy?
This makes a lot of sense when you think about emergency scenarios linked to severe weather, affecting whole regions and thousands of households, disrupting schools, businesses and essential care services. When accompanied by flooding and power cuts these emergencies can force people from their homes, requiring shelter elsewhere. Emergency services, local authorities and utility providers work flat out at such times to assist those at risk and to keep services going, but their resources are limited.
That’s when resilient communities make all the difference.
As broadly defined on the government website (www.gov.uk), these are communities, businesses, and individuals empowered to harness local resources and expertise to help themselves and their communities to prepare for, respond to and recover from disruptive challenges, and in doing so identify and support those individuals amongst them who need help, in a way that complements the activity of the emergency responders.
‘Aware and Prepared’ is Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland’s community resilience programme. We are keen to encourage the completion of:
• Household Emergency Plans by all residents
• Business Continuity Plans by all local businesses
• Community Response Plans by all communities*
* there’s an incentive for those that do
Oadby & Wigston Borough Council is keen to support this programme. The Council is part of the Resilience Partnership which was set up by the ten local authorities of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to jointly undertake their statutory responsibilities for emergency planning under the Civil Contingencies Act (2004).
Visit www.llrprepared.org.uk for advice, toolkits and templates, and to find out more about the work of the Local Resilience Forum, LLR Prepared.
You can also contact the Resilience Partnership Team for advice and support on 0116 305 6101 or by email to [email protected].
6 CommunityNews
The eighth annual Oadby and Wigston Awards Evening was held on Wednesday, 22 November, with over 220 guests and 13 awards handed out to the shining lights of the borough.
The awards event began with the Mayor of Oadby and Wigston, Cllr Samia Haq, who spoke of the fantastic talent that we have on our doorstep, followed by “Moving Together”, an over 55’s dance group.
Police Inspector Mike Cawley was then welcomed on stage to present the “Grow Out Crime” Community Award before the host for the evening, Gaynor Nash, introduced several esteemed guests for the evening, including Tom Brady of the Leicester Tigers.
The winners of the 2017 awards were as follows:
• ‘Grow Out Crime’ Community Award – Lucas Wayman
• Junior Leader/Coach/Instructor of the Year – Mia Solanki
• Adult Coach/Instructor of the Year – Sara Davies
• Junior Team/Club/Group of the Year – RDC Cheerleaders
• Adult Team/Club/Group of the Year – RDC Supremacy
• ‘This Girl Can’ Award – Linda Bradshaw
• Physical Activity Participation Award – Maggie Howard
• Everyone Active Member of the Year – Tracy Clayton
• Junior Sportsman of the Year – Tom Derbyshire
• Junior Sportswoman of the Year – Lilia Boukikova
• Disabled Sportsman/woman of the Year – Haseeb Ahmad
• Sportsman/woman of the Year – Hope Warner
• Unsung Hero/Outstanding contribution to sport Award – Jo Hextall
Through these awards, the success of Oadby & Wigston Borough Council’s leisure partnership with Everyone Active was celebrated.
It was also realised that over 50% of the award winners had some form of affiliation with Parklands Leisure Centre, either through membership via the GO GOLD scheme or by basing their club or group at the leisure centre.
As the evening came to a close the winners of the raffle – kindly provided by Everyone Active – were announced and an excellent summary of the night’s celebrations were provided by the Leader of Oadby & Wigston Borough Council, Cllr John Boyce.
The Heritage Lottery Funded Natural Discovery Volunteer Project - giving opportunities for local people to volunteer and learn new skills whilst helping to improve the borough’s natural open spaces - reached its conclusion at the end of February.
With the support of The Conservation Volunteers (TCV), the planned programme of off-site conservation volunteering sessions have been successfully delivered. A number of volunteer groups have contributed, including the regular team of Brocks Hill Volunteers; corporate volunteers from Charnwood Foods; the Students of South Leicestershire College who, with the help of one of the lead volunteers, have and continue to manage the raised beds and grow vegetables; as well as all the individual volunteers who are devoted to surveying the flora and fauna of Brocks Hill and sharing in the upkeep of their local green spaces.
What comes next?Volunteering will continue at Brocks Hill and at the offsite locations - Fludes Lane and Pochin’s Bridge - with support provided by the Brocks Hill Park Warden. However, the schedule will change for the offsite locations and further details on volunteering at these sites will be available in the next edition of The Letterbox. If you are interested in volunteering please contact Customer Services.
Volunteers have given valuable feedback from this two-year funded project and this data will be analysed and used in the final evaluation report for the external funders, Heritage Lottery.
Lead volunteersKey to the success of the project has been the commitment and input from the five Lead Volunteers. These are local individuals who have given their time and taken on extra responsibility in order to supervise and support new and current volunteers. They have been provided with additional training so they are appropriately skilled to lead tasks now that the externally funded project has come to an end. This not only provides sustainability of the project, but continued engagement from the valued volunteers.
A Christmas lunch was held on December 20, 2017, to recognise all the volunteers that have given their time over the last year. Over 35 people were in attendance as well as staff from the Depot, Brocks Hill, the leisure team and TCV, all of whom have contributed to the improvements at the Country Park and the off-site locations.
All volunteers were thanked for their contribution and the five Lead Volunteers were highlighted and acknowledged during the event for their additional commitment and contribution over the last twelve months, and all were individually presented with a certificate.
It is encouraging to note the increase in volunteer hours given year-on-year: 3,280hrs in 2015, 3,570hrs in 2016 and 3,640hrs in 2017. The amount of valuable volunteer hours will continue to grow and will all help with the upkeep of the natural green spaces.
The Park Warden and the Health and Leisure Services team would like to thank everyone for their commitment to the volunteering project and look forward to their continued support in the future.
Winners announced at the Oadby and Wigston Awards Evening
Natural Discovery Volunteer Project
Oadby and Wigston Awards 2017
Two of our winners have also gone on to receive awards at the Leicester Mercury Sports Awards: Maggie Howard picked up the Active4Life Award while Hope Warner was hailed Young Sportswoman of the Year.
CommunityNews 7
Brocks Hill volunteering news
Parklands FUN CLIMB Washbrook Lane, Wigston Road, Oadby LE2 [email protected]
For more details, call us on
0116 272 0789
18 INDIVIDUAL FUN WALLS FOR VARYING ABILITIES FROM COMPLETE BEGINNER TO EXPERT FUN WALL CLIMBER.
Managed by Everyone Active working in partnership with Oadby and Wigston Borough Council.STRONGER TOGETHER
@eaParklands
eaPLCentre
ChallengePlayFun
at Parklands Leisure Centre
OPENING FEB 2018
10145_Parklands Fun Climb_A4 Poster.indd 1 08/01/2018 16:51
• Spider web climber• Snake forest• Punch bags• Drop slides• Ball pool• Fun brick house• Web crawl tunnel
• Multi-lane wave slide• Trampolines• Obstacles• Spiral slides• Bridges• Observatories
Parklands Play World Washbrook Lane, Wigston Road, Oadby LE2 [email protected]
0116 272 0789Everyone Active manages this facility in partnership with Oadby & Wigston Borough Council.
Play areas are suitable for children up to and including 12 years. All children must be supervised by a parent or adult over 18 years. Socks must be worn at all times. Last admission: 45 minutes before closing.
Wigston Road
B582
B582
B582
PLAYWORLDParklands Leisure
CentreWigs
ton
Road
Was
hbro
ok L
ane
Washbrook Lane
Was
hbro
ok L
ane
WHERE TO FIND US!
Opening Times Monday to Sunday 9:30am – 6pm
AGE RANGE
UP TO AND
INCLUDING
12 YEARS!
PLAY WORLD PARTIES AND EXCLUSIVE HIRE AVAILABLE!
@eaParklandseaPLCentreeveryoneactive.com/parklandsW
PLAYWORLD
Come and explore our amazing 4-tier structure with a host of fun activities for ages up to and including 12 years!
STRONGER TOGETHER
10145_Parklands Playworld_A4 Poster.indd 1 08/01/2018 16:51
To face the challenges we see in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland and to deliver our plans to meet them, health organisations have created Better Care Together - a Sustainability and Transformation Partnership (an STP). The partnership is working closely with local authorities too.
A rejuvenating exercise programme helping to develop strength and balance
Are you over 65?
Do you feel unsteady on your feet?
Have you previously
fallen or worry about falling?
Would you like to
improve your balance?
BOOKING IS ESSENTIALFor more information and to book your place please contact:
NAME
SESSION DETAILS
TELEPHONE
Steady Steps FREE OF CHARGE
www.lrsport.org/steadysteps
SESSION LENGTH: 1 hourDURATION: 24 weeks
Sara Davies
Parklands Leisure Centre, Washbrook Lane, Off Wigston Road, Oadby LE2 5QG Wednesdays 2.30 - 3.30pm Starting on Wednesday 14 February 2018 In addition there will be two new sessions starting in April, so if you are interested in those please get in touch
0777 595 0084
Parklands Women’s Running Club
“Thank you for believing in me Sara, you have given me hope, you lift my depression. I feel so proud to be known as a runner!”
Parklands women's running club was started in January 2016 with just 4 members, initially as a 12 week beginners running group, as there was a lack of this type of session available locally. Since then 152 ladies have attended the club, with over 70 running every week. “Proud of you being a super fit mummy”
Amazingly, 99% of the ladies had never run before and have now all completed a 5k run. Many of the runners have gone on to other events such as half
marathons, obstacle courses and park runs, all whilst raising money for charity. The club now delivers 3
weekly improver sessions and has held 6 beginners courses in the past 18 months.
“I’m blessed to be part of this wonderful group”
Due to demand, the club has trained two new run leaders and the original leader is now a fully qualified England Athletics Coach in Running Fitness. Most importantly the club provides a fantastic opportunity for ladies to improve their health, meet new people and, in many cases, overcome difficulties in their lives. For more details about the club please visit www.activeoadbywigston.org.uk
“I have lost 8 inches around my waist since I started running”
An exciting new Playworld facility is now open at Parklands Leisure Centre
Parklands Leisure Centre, which is operated by Everyone Active in partnership with Oadby and Wigston Borough Council, offers an extensive range of activities for all the family.
The latest offering at this fantastic centre is an exciting Playworld facility, which offers a whole host of activities for children of all ages.
The brand new soft play zone boasts a four tier multi-activity soft play structure, featuring slides, foam ball shooters and trampolines.
For the more adventurous children in the community, there are twenty different climbing walls, which offer a range climbing routes. The climbing centre offers individually themed climbing challenges that provide healthy, challenging fun for all ages and abilities.
The brand new Playworld facility forms part of a regeneration project between Oadby and Wigston Borough Council and Everyone Active to deliver improved leisure facilities to the local community.
In November last year, Everyone Active took over the management of Brocks Hill Centre. As part of the redevelopment project, Everyone Active and Oadby and Wigston Borough Council have extensively refurbished the existing site.
The renewed centre now hosts a large activity area with a wooden sprung floor which offers a fantastic space for a wide variety of activities. Including educational opportunities, conferences, parties and children’s activities. The centre also boasts a new conference and meeting room with the latest internet and technology available.
For more information about the wide-range of activities on offer at Parklands Leisure Centre, please call colleagues on: 0116 272 0789 or visit: www.everyoneactive.com/parklands-leisure-centre
Parklands Leisure Centre Washbrook Lane, Wigston Road, Oadby LE2 5QGwww.everyoneactive.com/parklands-leisure-centre
0116 272 0789
Everyone Active manages this facility in partnership with Oadby& Wigston Borough Council.
@eaParklandseaPLCentreeveryoneactive.com/parklandsW
STRONGER TOGETHER
10508_Council Ad_Parklands_A4.indd 1 15/01/2018 11:40
8 CommunityNews CommunityNews 9
Have your say on how Leicester and Leicestershire will grow
Manager of The Lawns, Sam Towse, sits with Rotary Community Officer, Tony Parr, on the garden bench
donated to the home by the Club.
Society and group news
Rotary Club develops their Community ProgrammeThe Rotary Club of Oadby Launde is developing their Community Programme with a range of new initiatives supplementing work from previous partnerships.
Supporting the environmentFor many years, the club has worked with the Oadby and Wigston Pride of the Borough group, completing annual bulb planting and additional environmental schemes.
Helping older residentsThe club also supports the Lawns Care Home with a series of talks and presentations made by members of the club. These are intended to be both informative and stimulating, which will enhance the lives of the residents.
Enhancing community facilitiesSupported by a grant from Oadby Launde Rotary club and the Rotary Foundation Charity, the volunteer library at Great Glen has been able to develop a recreational area for users of the library.
People are being asked to have their say on a plan setting out how Leicester and Leicestershire will grow in the future.
A draft Strategic Growth Plan is being developed by a partnership formed of Leicester City and Leicestershire County councils, the seven local borough and district authorities and the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP).
What is a Strategic Growth Plan?The plan puts forward proposals for the new housing and transport improvements that would be needed to attract jobs and investment to Leicester and Leicestershire from now until 2050. The final version of the plan will provide strategic direction and help shape the Local Plans that the city, borough and district councils are, or will be, preparing or reviewing.
It will also be used to support bids for Government funding to deliver the infrastructure needed to support growth.
Now, people are invited to comment on the plan by taking part in a county-wide consultation, which runs until 5 April 2018.
What do I need to know?The plan estimates that Leicester and Leicestershire needs 96,580 new homes and 367-423 hectares of employment land from 2011-2031. Some of these homes have already been built or have planning permission.
Beyond 2031, the plan identifies the need for a further 90,500 homes and additional employment land. Local Plans will deal with the detailed allocation of which sites will be brought forward.
Draft proposals put forward in the Strategic Growth Plan include major infrastructure improvements on which new growth is dependent. These include a new link road – the A46 Expressway – running from the M69 and the M1 to the A46 north of the city.
The A5 and A42 would also be upgraded to expressway status, supporting growth in these areas. Rail improvements are also proposed.
It is hoped these road and rail improvements will relieve congestion pressures along the M1 and more widely across the Midlands. It would also potentially unlock land for the required housing and employment.
Key areas for potential growth are the city of Leicester and the corridor of land around the proposed new road. Secondary areas for growth are identified in the north and the south of the county – there would be a ‘northern
gateway’ close to East Midlands Airport, and a ‘southern gateway’, close to Magna Park.
Growth is also proposed for Melton and Lutterworth, where it would support transport improvements and relieve congestion in the towns. New housing would be built closer to where people work, to minimise congestion from commuters.
Cllr John Boyce, Leader of Oadby & Wigston Borough Council, welcomed the draft Strategic Growth Plan: “The challenge for Leicester and Leicestershire is to build enough housing for our children and grandchildren. The plan sets out a strategic approach to this challenge. A properly planned approach will protect the Borough whilst ensuring the challenge is met. I look forward to receiving the views of our residents.”
Cllr Trevor Pendleton, chair of the Strategic Growth Plan Members’ Advisory Group, added:
“This is a long-term overall plan for the city and county, looking at how we can best accommodate investment and growth. We need national funding, particularly for infrastructure, so that we can grow and prosper – this is why we need this plan.
“We’re asking people whether they agree with the priorities the Government is asking us to deliver, such as delivering new housing, focusing growth in key areas and identifying essential transport infrastructure that will be needed in the future.
“It’s important to stress that no decisions have yet been made, but we do have to plan ahead and identify areas for future growth, which would then be built into our Local Plans at the appropriate time.
“We know that some of these proposals will be controversial, but that’s why we’re having this consultation – to gather people’s views.”
Your local libraryLeicestershire County Council is considering a proposal for a major change in the way our local libraries in Oadby and Wigston operate: libraries will have longer and more standardised opening hours, but will only be staffed for up to 22 hours per week. When unstaffed, users can gain access using a personal swipe card. This proposal follows a three month pilot study and survey at Syston Library in spring, 2017.
Users in Syston found both advantages and drawbacks to the new Library+ scheme. Users liked the greater flexibility and convenience of longer opening times, but some missed the help of friendly staff. However there were concerns about possible vandalism and difficulties if equipment, such as computers, photocopiers and printers were not working.
Wigston Civic Society discussed this proposal and raised some other issues. For example, children under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult, but this could be problematic for teenagers who want to use the facilities of the library for homework. In the event of a power cut, how would users get out of the building?
There is a brief summary of the main points of the pilot study on the Wigston Civic Society website: www.wigstoncivicsociety.org.uk and the Society welcomes your comments on this issue. Please email: [email protected].
CommunityNews 1110 CommunityNews
To view the draft Strategic Growth Plan and respond to the consultation, please visit: www.llstrategicgrowthplan.org.uk. A Consultation Day will be held in the borough on Wednesday 21 March. Planning Officers will be available to talk to residents about the plans during a drop-in session between 11a.m. and 4p.m. at the Council’s Customer Service Centre, Bell Street, Wigston.
Residents are also invited to attend a meeting at 7p.m. on Wednesday 21 March at the Council Offices, Station Road, Wigston to discuss the Strategic Growth Plan. It would be helpful if you could register your interest to attend by email to [email protected].
Society and group news
Significant buildings walk, 2018Last year the Wigston Civic Society organised a walk of Wigston Magna to cover the newly published Significant Buildings list and the history of the Conservation Areas and Blue Plaques. The walk was so well supported that attendees had to be split in to two groups!
In 2018 the Society intends to organise the second part of the walk to cover the area of South Wigston. This will take place on Sunday 6 May, 2018, at 2p.m. Keep your eye on the society website www.wigstoncivicsociety.org.uk for details, or to register your interest, email: [email protected] or call 0116 288 4638.
Nominations open for Citizen of the Year
Christmas afternoon teaIn December, the Rotary Club of Oadby hosted 25 members of the St Peter’s Luncheon Club to a Christmas afternoon tea at Aigburth House. The Club were fortunate to be able to transport guests to and from the event as snow had led to the cancellation of the Memory Café party earlier that week. Guests were entertained by a professional singer and enjoyed singing along to the classics before tucking into a festive tea.
Wigston Civic Society Annual meetingWigston Civic Society will be holding its AGM and talk on Wednesday 9 May at 7p.m. at Age UK Oadby and Wigston in Paddock Street. Members of the public are very welcome to come along and see what the Society does. After a short business meeting there will be an illustrated talk about the historic Meres Walk through Wigston and beyond.
In addition, Wigston Civic Society will be making presentations to owners of new and recently renovated buildings that have enhanced the area of Wigston Magna, South Wigston and Kilby Bridge. If you are aware of any building (domestic, commercial or industrial) which you feel should be honoured please email the name of the owner and the address to [email protected], or call 07813 782 899.
Society newslettersArchived copies of the Greater Wigston Historical Society bulletins since 1980, and the Civic Society newsletter “Wigstons’ Voice” from Spring 2015, are available on the following websites:www.wigstonhistoricalsociety.co.uk/Bulletins.html www.wigstoncivicsociety.org.uk/Newsletter.html
Greater Wigston Historical Society monthly meetingsThe next meetings of the GWHS will be on:
Date: March 21, 2018Information: ‘Leicester City Football Club part 2’ (with Wigston connections), by John Hutchinson, LCFC archivist.
Date: April 18, 2018Information: ‘Some wind and water mills of Leicestershire’, by Dr. Susan Tebby.
Date: May 16, 2018Information: ‘Queen Eleanor of Castile’, by Julie Ede.
Meetings are held At: Age UK, Paddock Street, Wigston, Leicester LE18 2AN at 7:30p.m. Visitors are always welcome (for a small donation). Details of all the GWHS meetings for 2018 are available on their website at: www.wigstonhistoricalsociety.co.uk/Meetings.html.
Membership details can be found at: www.wigstonhistoricalsociety.co.uk/Membership.html.
Christmas collectionOver two Saturdays in December members of the Wigston Rotary Club stood outside Tesco South Wigston and on Bell Street, Wigston for its annual Christmas collections. A total of £860 was raised, mostly benefiting Menphys and Bridge Leicester. Wigston Rotary Club is grateful to all those who contributed for their support which made it all worthwhile.
Wigston Library Heritage Groups notice boardThe notice board in Wigston library, used for local Heritage Groups such as Greater Wigston Historical Society, Wigston Civic Society and Wigston Framework Knitters Museum, has recently been relocated within the library.
Next time you are using the library, have a look for information about these organisations and their current events.
12 CommunityNews
Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year Awards
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
OADBY & WIGSTON BOROGH COUNCIL
CommunityNews 13
YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
OADBY & WIGSTON BOROGH COUNCIL
Oadby & Wigston Borough Council are appealing for nominations for the Citizen of the Year 2018, the annual awards ceremony for those residents who go out of their way to make a positive contribution to the local community or environment. Candidates can be nominated by anyone who thinks that they deserve recognition for their notable impact on the community, be it socially, environmentally or of family benefit. Winners will receive a personalised silver plate and an invitation to attend functions throughout the year, alongside the Mayor of Oadby and Wigston. To find out more or to make a nomination for Citizen of the Year, complete an application form available from the Oadby & Wigston Borough Council website at www.oadby-wigston.gov.uk/pages/citizen_of_the_year and send it via email to [email protected] with the subject line “Citizen of the Year 2018”.
Young Citizen of the Year 2018Nominations are also open for the Young Citizen of the Year, which is aimed at those residents under 20 years (25 years for those with learning or physical disabilities). The winner of the Young Citizen of the Year will win a £100 voucher, a certificate and plate, along with an invitation to attend the 2018 ‘Mayor Making’ event. To find out more or to make a nomination for the Young Citizen of the Year, complete an application form at www.oadby-wigston.gov.uk/pages/young_citizen_of_the_year and send it via email to [email protected] with the subject line “Young Citizen of the Year 2018”.
Full details on both awards can be found on the Council’s website.
Closing date for nominations is April 20, 2018.
Last year’s Citizen of the Year: Carl Walter
Last year’s Young Citizen of the Year: Devina Amliwala
Fundraising in the borough
Generous shoppers of OadbyThe Rotary Club of Oadby would like to offer their thanks to the local supermarkets and shoppers of Oadby for their continued help and generous giving over the festive period. Collections held over Christmas raised an impressive £2,899.70 - a truly amazing achievement surpassing all expectations. And so, on behalf of the local Children’s Charities, the members of the Rotary Club of Oadby send their grateful thanks to all who contributed. The funds raised will be added to the final amount raised at a ‘Fashion Show’ held in the Autumn, with the main beneficiaries being ‘Rainbows’ and ‘The Laura Centre’.
New Pest Control Services
14 CommunityNews
Pest Control Services now available for residents and business The Council’s Pest Control Service is expanding its coverage. A new vehicle purchased in January 2018 allows services to be offered to both domestic and commercial customers in the borough and also extends the service to Blaby District residents and businesses. The Council continues to offer excellent pest control services to residents and has recently expanded to provide the same high-quality service to business customers.
Business customersIf you are a new business customer and are interested in using these services please contact the Customer Contact Centre on 0116 288 8961 to book your free quote from the Pest Control Team, or email: [email protected].
Domestic customersPrices for domestic services are given below. Bookings can be made through the Council’s Customer Service Centre on 0116 288 8961. Time slots are allocated to suit you - services are punctual and deliver results.
Stronger Together Pest Control Services
TREATMENTS PRICES FROM JULY 2017
RATS AND MICE £90 inc. three treatments.
BEDBUGS £180 inc. three treatments. Additional visits will be charged at £60 per visit.
FLEAS £80 inc. two visits. Additional visits will be charged at £40 per visit.
SQUIRRELS £90 inc. three treatments. Additional visits will be charged at £45 per visit.
WASPS £66 for one nest. Additional nests will be charged at £45 per visit.
COCKROACHES £200 inc. three treatments. Additional visits will be charged at £35 per visit.
IDENTIFICATION OF PESTS £70
CommunityNews 15
Oadby fundraising achieves over £1,500Last November the Oadby & Wigston Muslim Association helped the British Red Cross in Leicester raise an amazing £1,559.32 for the International Myanmar Appeal for the Rohingya refugee crisis.
A fundraising event was held at the Oadby Community Centre in Sandhurst Street, Oadby, attended by the newly inaugurated Mayor of Oadby & Wigston, Cllr Mrs Samia Haq, who presented prizes to the winners of the ‘Bake Off’ competition.
Twelve children aged 8 to 15 years and six adults presented an amazing array of individual home-made cakes which saw the winning cakes auctioned after a professional judging process.
Refreshments and other stalls contributed to the effort and the occasion was well attended. It was the first time the two organisations had collaborated together and O&WMA presented BRC with a cheque for £1,368.51 being the amount initially achieved at the community centre.
The British Red Cross would like to offer an enormous thank you to the local community for their generous support and donations, which will assist the International Red Cross and Red Crescent movements which, alongside other relief charities, are working to save lives and give hope to hundreds and thousands of people in severe crisis.
Lions on the hunt in Fairfield Estate, WigstonEven the snow and cold could not deter the Oadby & Wigston Lions from hunting out the bags of food left by kind and thoughtful residents on the Fairfield Estate, Wigston.
This annual collection allows the Lions Club to make up food parcels which are then delivered to individuals and families who need extra help with their food supply over the Christmas period.
Christmas lights switch onOadby & Wigston Lions Club took on the task of organising the switch-on of the Christmas lights on Bell Street, Wigston. With fairground rides, food and craft stalls, live music, carol singing and a school choir, the event proved a great day out for all who came along.
The lights were switched on by the Mayor of Oadby & Wigston, Cllr Samia Haq, supported by ‘Leo the Lion’, Richard Darlaston Club President, and Father Christmas!
Festive thanks to Elmhurst Systems Ltd.Over Christmas, employees from Elmhurst Energy Systems Ltd. in Lutterworth decided to turn the idea of the advent calendar on its head, for a good cause! Instead of opening a ‘door’ and receiving a gift each day, each team member donated an item of food to ‘The Foodbank Box’ in their reception.
This was then handed over to the Oadby & Wigston Lions Club to be included in the Christmas Foodbank bags.
Take pride and put a stop to litterLitter continues to be a blight throughout the borough despite Pride of the Borough’s campaign now entering its third year. Early successes with schools and businesses and ongoing litter picking by local groups and numerous individuals have all helped but the problem remains.
The aim is still to make the borough renowned for a community united in eliminating litter. You can play a part by talking to friends and family about the campaign or by joining one of PotB’s Saturday morning litter picks. If you would prefer to do some clearing up in your immediate neighbourhood then please let PotB know, so that they may build up a picture of activity around the borough. Contact details can be found on page 17. Your name and address can remain confidential if you prefer.
16 CommunityNews
A catch up with the Lions Club
Floral display competitionEntries are now open for this year’s Floral Display Competition. The categories remain the same and include favourites, such as “Best Front Garden” and “Best Container”, (including categories for children). Last year the winner of the “Most Unusual Container” was a walking frame! The best gardens can have a mixture of seasonal and permanent planting and, if you prefer a more wildlife friendly garden, we also have a “Most Environmentally Friendly Front Garden” category. Please either fill in the entry form, or visit your local library or the Council Customer Service Centre on Bell Street in Wigston. Alternatively, download the entry form online at www.prideoftheborough.org.
Pride of the Borough
Notice of Pride of the Borough AGMThe Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Pride of the Borough will be held on Monday 14 May 2018, commencing at 5p.m and is open to all members. The meeting will be held in the upstairs room at Brocks Hill Environment Centre. Membership of PotB is considered to be anyone who holds a current (2018) PotB Membership Card. This is the card that gives access to discounts at various shops and business premises across the borough (more information on page 18). Any member wishing to submit a motion for debate at the AGM is to submit it in writing to the Secretary no later than 4 May 2018. Submissions by email, with AGM Motion as part of the subject heading may be sent to: [email protected]. Or by post to: Pride of the Borough, Brocks Hill Country Park & Centre, Washbrook Lane, Oadby, Leicester, LE2 5JJ Nominations for membership of the Management Committee are also to be submitted in writing to the Secretary no later than 4 May 2018.
CommunityNews 17
Pride of the Borough Floral Competitions Entry Form 2018Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms
Name Surname
Address
Contact Telephone Number
I wish to enter the competition in category:
A. Best Front Garden B. Best Container B1. Young Persons Container (Under 10/10-14/15-18)
Age of young person (if applicable)
Postcode
PLEASE PRINT
C. Most unusual Container D1. Best Large Business Floral Display
D2. Best Small Business Floral Display E. Most Environmentally Friendly Front Garden
F. Best School Garden
I have read and agree to abide by the Competition Rules.Signed
Nominated by (this is not essential):
Name: Surname: Contact phone number:
Completed entry forms should be returned by 23 June 2018 to:Pride of the Borough, Brocks Hill Country Park & Centre, Washbrook Lane, Oadby, Leicestershire, LE2 5JJFor more information: Tel: 07874 228491
Membership Card 2018The Pride of the Borough Membership Card is a discount card which entitles residents and visitors to the borough to large discounts across 49 local businesses. In 2017 over 720 people who purchased the Membership Card benefitted from large savings on shopping and eating in Oadby and Wigston, with many buying it as a gift for friends or family. Cards cost £5 each and can be purchased and collected from the Council Service desk in Oadby Library, the Customer Service Centre in Bell Street and Brocks Hill Visitor Centre. A leaflet containing all offers can also be found at these locations. The 2018 card is now available for purchase and can then be used immediately. Restrictions may apply to all offers.
Membership discountsWhen dining in Oadby, Grange Farm give 25% and Paul’s Kitchen 20% off the total bill, Monday to Thursday. Cheikhos give 2 for 1 on mains on weekdays, while Goodwins offer 20% off the total bill and Swatlands give 15% off their à la carte menu from Sunday to Thursday. When dining in Wigston, Cuisine of India give 2 for 1 on mains from Monday to Thursday and Two Steeples give 20% off the total bill, Monday to Friday. El Café and Rockies Dessert House gives 10% off the total bill all week. Popular with our members are Henry Smith & Hamylton Ltd who give 15% off complete spectacles and Ken Bailey at Wistow who gives 10% off all goods. Edinburgh Woolen Mill, Ponden Home Interiors and many Oadby DIY shops are giving 10% off, as are Wigston DIY when you spend over £10. Motorists can get discounts at K.Tee Motor Centre in South Wigston and at Epic Accessories in Oadby.
Other businesses offering discounts are:
Oadby: Avon Cosmetics, Brocks Hill Cafe, Chestnuts Coffee Shop, Leics. Chauffeurs, Mobility, Newton Fallowell, Osbornes Stationers, Parklands Cafe, The Cafe and Zeph’s.
Wigston: Fins, Furs & Feathers, Floors by Design, Kids & Totz, John Heath Seafood, Mercury News, Mr. Beanbags, Navigation Inn, Pennywise, Health Store, Ramada Stage.
South Wigston: Home Power DiY, Hunter’s Estate agents, Lord’s Electrical, Treehouse Café, Venture into Vintage.
18 CommunityNews
Pride of the Borough
Pride of the Borough Membership Application Form (please �ll in CAPITAL letters)
Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms Name Surname
Address
Post Code Telephone Number
I enclose £5 membership fee signed
Cheques made payable to Pride of the Borough (Oadby & Wigston)Please send your completed form with payment to:PotB Membership, Brocks Hill Country Park & Centre, Washbrook Lane, Oadby, Leicester, LE2 5JJ
Chestnuts Coffee Shop, Oadby
Ken Bailey at Wistow
Pennywise, Wigston
Important changes to the collection ofgarden waste
At its meeting on 5 December 2017, Oadby & Wigston Borough Council approved proposals to charge for the garden waste service provided to local households. From April 2018, residents who wish to receive the service will be asked to pay £35 per year which works out at around £1.35 per collection.
For households that require more than one bin, there will be a supplementary charge of £20 per additional bin.
The level of charges agreed for Oadby and Wigston are about the average among other East Midland local authorities that already charge their residents for garden waste services.
The decision to introduce charges for the collection of garden waste forms part of the Council’s wider plans to protect and improve services to local residents.
The current service level is being enhanced, with fortnightly collection all year round.
The enhanced service commences at the beginning of April 2018 and any household that wishes to have their garden waste collected from 1 April will need to register and pay the fee ahead of that date.
To register and pay, please visit the Council’s website: www.oadby-wigston.gov.uk/garden_waste_service. Alternatively, please contact the Council’s Customer Service Team on 0116 288 8961 or visit our Customer Service Centre at 40 Bell Street, Wigston, LE18 1AD.
The Council would stress that joining the scheme is not compulsory. If you do not wish to subscribe to the scheme or have a large amount of garden waste you can take it to the local Recycling Household Waste Site on Wigston Road, Oadby, LE2 5JE. Alternatively you could try home composting. For more information on home composting please visit: www.leics.getcomposting.com or telephone 0844 571 444 where you can order and have a discounted home compost bin delivered to you direct.
Once signed up households will receive a self-adhesive permit (sticker) to put on their garden waste bin.
Further details of the terms and conditions and full FAQs about this new service can be found on the Council’s website: www.oadby-wigston.gov.uk/garden_waste_service.
CommunityNews 19
Customer Service Centre: 40 Bell Street, Wigston, Leicestershire LE18 1AD Postal Address: Council Offices, Station Road, Wigston, Leicestershire LE18 2DR Tel: (0116) 288 8961 Fax: (0116) 288 7828
W www.oadby-wigston.gov.uk OadbyWigstonBC @Oadby_Wigston
Subscribe today to ensure your garden waste will be collected after 1 April 2018
Garden WasteService
Apply by phone or in person using the contact details below. Alternatively, apply online with a debit or credit card at: www.oadby-wigston.gov.uk/garden_waste_service
• One-off payment of £35 (that’s just £1.35 per collection)
• Year round collection - including the winter months
• Option of additional bins for only £20
Have you signed up to the new Garden
Waste Service?The hassle-free way to dispose of your garden waste
Customer Service Centre: 40 Bell Street, Wigston, Leicestershire LE18 1ADPostal Address: Council Offices, Station Road, Wigston, Leicestershire LE18 2DR Tel: (0116) 288 8961 Fax: (0116) 288 7828
W oadby-wigston.gov.uk
OadbyWigstonBC
@Oadby_Wigston
Full terms & conditions and FAQs for the
Garden Waste Service are
available online
Apply online with debit/credit card: oadby-wigston.gov.uk/garden_waste_service
Apply by phone:0116 288 8961
Apply in person:Customer Service Centre, Bell Street, Wigston, LE18 1AD(payment by card only – sorry we cannot take cash or cheque)
W
SIGNING UP WAS SUPER EASY!
FORTNIGHTLY COLLECTIONS – including winter
months
CHOICE OFBIN SIZES
ANDADDITIONAL
BINS WERE ONLY
£20
ONLY
£35 PER YEAR
THAT’S JUST
£1.35PER COLLECTION
