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YOUR SAY...
The Birstall Post welcomes your views and opinions on any subject. Letters, which must include your name and address, (though not necessarily for publication) can be posted to: The Birstall Post, Unit 109, Greenacres, The Sidings, Leicester LE4 3BR, or handed in at Birstall library or email: editor@birstallpost.co.uk
Wanlip I noted with interest the article 'Smell from Wanlip' in November's edition of The Birstall Post. I was aware of Mr Sansome's views and petition, and had raised them for discussion at November 11th's Wanlip Parish Meeting. Whilst we sympathise with those who are experiencing the stench described, the unanimous view of the meeting was that the comments are no longer representative of Wanlip village. Indeed, in 2015 we worked with Severn Trent to identity odours that we were encountering. Five Severn Trent representatives attended our parish meeting to
discuss our concerns and, as a follow-up from this, we arranged for them to tour the village and for residents to visit the Severn Trent site. The local smells around the village were remedied by replacing all the manhole covers in the village and surrounding area. This was completed within a matter of weeks. During the visit to the treatment plant, we found a well-managed process and a staff determined to be a good neighbour. Overwhelmingly, we were astounded by how odour-free it was. As a village, we do occasionally experience a compost-like smell. The Severn Trent site also hosts Biffa Plc. which uses an anaerobic digester to decompose food and garden waste. We are currently discussing our concerns with Biffa. It would be helpful and neighbourly if Mr Sansome and those promoting the petition would double-check the source of the odours and, identify exactly where they are currently being encountered. Sadly, it seems to be areas of Birstall that are still experiencing strong smells; certainly not Wanlip. Given Seven Trent’s prompt response to our concerns, we strongly recommend a similar, direct approach from representatives from Birstall. Claire Myles Chair Wanlip Parish meeting
Parking I am writing to comment on the letter in last month’s Post about the bad parking. I have also witnessed the same. People ignore double yellow lines, park outside shops and I have even seen people, quite
able to walk, use the disabled places outside the bank, some even think if they leave their engines running it’s OK to park at bus stops! Name & address supplied
Vandalism Fantastic news at last progress has been made in erecting the long awaited for bus shelter on Wanlip Lane. I have seen the concrete base and this gives encouragement that things can be done all be it slowly. I have noticed the bus shelters erected on the A6 Loughborough Road in Birstall next to and opposite the Park and Ride (paid for out of the 106 agreement monies) have been vandalised since December 2015. These public amenities have been a useful amenity for residents at the Hallam Fields Estate, for those travelling by bus into Leicester and towards the Loughborough area. They have provided much needed shelter from road spray, wet or windy weather especially in the winter months. The vandalism was reported on the website FixMyStreet in December 2015 as the panes of glass were smashed. The response from FixMyStreet was that this had already been reported. However, as nothing seemed to have been done after several weeks this was reported again only to be informed the glass was on order and would take three weeks. Seeing no progress in February 2016 this raised the question on how long it would be to repair the bus shelters as further damage had occurred. The response given by Charnwood Borough Council was the Charnwood Borough Council no longer had a contract to repair these shelters. A complaint was sent to the Leader of
the Charnwood Borough Council of which no reply has been forwarded in 10 months. Recently on November 7, 2016 it was observed the bus shelters on the A6 near the Park and Ride remain damaged. One bus shelter has two panes of glass left and the other bus shelter has two panes of glass missing. Since no response has been given towards repairing the vandalised bus shelters, a referral was sent to our elected representatives for the Hallam Fields Estate. But no one has responded. Personally I feel it is shameful so much interest is put in to acquiring a new bus shelter when no interest is shown in repairing or maintenance of these is provided once they have been erected. This issue seems to set and example of how a public amenity can be destroyed so readily by vandals and a lack of civic pride in such facilities gives a poor example to residents living or working in Birstall. Let us hope action can be taken by someone soon, before the completion of the Wanlip Lane bus shelter becomes another target for vandalism. Concerned resident
Footpath At the time of writing (Nov 16) the city council is in the process of refurbishing the footbath which is at the side of Leicester Road going towards Thurcaston. Good for the pedestrians walking along it but when they turn into Greengate Lane to walk towards Birstall they gradually encounter a very unsatisfactory system of footpaths. For about 100 yds there is a proper footpath but when it ends there is a rather narrow verge of rough grass difficult to walk along especially where space is even narrower due to sections of overgrown hedge. In order to reach the further part of proper
Team DMH would like to thank all our clients for their support throughout the year, & take this opportunity to wish you all a very Don’t forget to ask your stylist for a mince pie & seasonal tipple throughout December x Do my Hair 1A Wanlip Avenue Birstall Leicester LE4 4JQ
0116 2672030 • Web: domyhair.rocks
THE BIRSTALL POST DEC 2016
Merry Christmas & prosperous 2017