THE BIRSTALL POST, DEC 2009
Parish Council notes A FULL meeting of Birstall Parish Council was held on November 9. Police Sergeant Ian Stone introduced himself to councillors, having replaced Sgt Marcus Lee. Issues reported by councillors included broken shop windows on Sibson road, bogus window cleaners and Sky television salesmen calling after 10pm. The council discussed introducing a dog ban on the School Lane playing field if the problem of dog waste does not improve. It was reported that following a spate of break-ins at the Kingsgate Avenue shops, negotiations are underway between the shopkeepers and landlords Jelsons to introduce CCTV, with the costs being shared 50/50. The CCTV is operational at the Sibson Road car park and on the School Lane playing field and the Parish Council, who own the equipment, are negotiating a monitoring contract with Charnwood Borough Council, who charge for providing a monitoring service. Councillors discussed a recommendation from the Estates & Recreation committee that a skateboard park be provided on the School lane playing field, next to the pavilion. Should sufficient grant funding be provided, a multi-use games area could also be provided. Cllr Patrick Cleere said that there had been a thorough discussion about the pros and cons and that he was persuaded the council should go ahead with this project. “We have to be positive and give young people a chance. It shows goodwill from the council and that we can act positively” he
Memories of Eric Moore
Impressive allotments THE MOST impressive allotment plots in Birstall were recognised with awards presented by Birstall Allotment Society. produced! This is an age when people are All plot holders were invited to vote and realising the value of growing their fruit and the winners were Alan Hurst, Brian Mills, veg and I hope to come along in the future Glynis Panter, Bruce Parry and Keith Bond. Chairman of Leicestershire County Council and get an allotment myself.” Pic: (l-r) Julian Howe ,Chairman of Birstall Roger Wilson presented the awards and was Allotment Society John Kitchen, John given a tour of the Meadow Lane allotments. He said: “It was the first time I’ve had a look Blount, Roger Wilson, Sheila Wilson, Ann Powell and Keith Bond at the allotments here – and what crops are
said. The proposed design of the skate park is similar to the one installed in Syston. Cllr Tony Fowler said: “There is no graffiti and no damage to the one in Syston and it would be well used in Birstall.” Chairman Stuart Jones said that he had concerns about the proposal. Clerk Steve Blackburn reported that the estimated cost for the skate park was £50,000 and the multi-use games area £28,000. He said the council could hopefully achieve £40,000 in grants. It was agreed that the clerk investigate what grants were available. Cllr Jim Garner reported that he had
Quilters’ ambulance cash BIRSTALL QUILTERS have presented £700 to the County Air Ambulance service. The group would like to thank all those who supported their fundraising coffee morning in October. Ivan Ball accepted the cheque on behalf of the Air Ambulance service, which has to raise £1.5million a year to keep operational. “This is a wonderful effort and is the second year running that Birstall Quilters have supported
Charity climb A CLIMB to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro by a former Birstall man will raise money for a children’s charity. James Leeson (27), who grew up in Birstall and was educated here, will be making the journey to the roof of Africa with girlfriend Claire Barham next February. The pair, pictured right, will be raising money for CHICKS, Country Holidays for Inner City Kids. It aims to provide disadvantaged and abused children with breaks in the countryside. The couple are funding the trip themselves and paying the administration costs associated with donating so that every penny donated will go directly to the charity. To make a donation go to www.justgiving.com/claireandjamesdokili
The January issue of
THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Jan 9. The copy deadline is Dec 18.
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us” he said. Raffle winners were Shirley Griffiths (quilt), Mrs Joyce Godney, Mike Allen, Betty Allcock, Christine Wekes, Betty Roberts, Barbara Antcliffe, Christine Wilson and Carol Penney Pic: Ivan Ball from the County Air Ambulance with members of Birstall Quilters
attended a meeting about the Ashton Green proposals. One of the architects had told him that if the problem of increased traffic on Greengate Lane was not satisfactorily resolved, the scheme could not go ahead. A County Council representative had also indicated that there was no possibility of any new junction on to the A46 to take pressure off the existing road network. It was reported that the angle of slope on the pavement outside the Greengate Medical Centre was so severe it presented a hazard to mobility scooters, and should be reported to the County Highways department. It was reported that an informal estimate of £7500 had been received for fencing of the Loughborough Road side of the School Lane playing fields. It was agreed to obtain further quotations with a view to proceeding. It was agreed to progress proposals and quotations for raising the height of the Estates Yard gates to prevent unauthorised access. It was agreed to write to residents of Orchard Road who had made an access point onto the Meadow Lane allotment stating that the access should be sealed off. It was reported that in recent weeks there had been a spate of attempts to start fires at the Cricket Club club house on the School Lane playing field, causing damage to the door and smoke to enter the building. It was agreed that the council contact the Police and that the front of the clubhouse could be fenced to discourage loitering.
NEIGHBOURS AND friends of a Birstall man who has died aged 101 have filled a book with their thoughts, memories and messages of condolence. Eric Moore of Windmill Avenue died on August 24. Neighbour Liz Mackley said: “Eric was such a wonderful man, he helped so many people, he was a gentleman and everyone loved him. So many people stopped me and said we should send his family in America some of our memories that I put a book in the shop, The Windmill, so they could write something.” The book has
now been sent to Eric’s son, also called Eric, in America. A collection of £175 has been donated to the Midlands group of the British Lung Foundation. Pic: Dipak and Varsha Dittani from the Windmill, on Windmill Avenue with the memory book and collection. Inset: Eric Moore