After the Christmas celebration comes the New Year hangover Norman Griffiths looks at the Bloors planning decision More than a few glasses must have clinked in Groby as the news circulated that on December 22nd Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council had refused planning permission for 133 new homes on land opposite Groby Community College. It had been a protracted battle which started months earlier with an application for 140 homes, but this was withdrawn before it was considered by the Council.
The applications brought an unprecedented negative response from a village that in 2009 had seen sites named as the preferred location not only for new homes but also travellers sites. By the time Councillors had to consider the second application officers were able to report that nearly 2000 letters of objection had been received from Groby and Ratby in addition to representations made by the two Parish Councils, their consultants and other organisations. Residents maintained that • the application should be determined in accordance with current local policy, • the site is too close to the motorway which would result in unacceptable noise levels for
GAS MAIN WORK
Information caravan postponed due to weather and safety concerns Due to the weather conditions and the safety of Groby residents, the visit of the M1 Corridor gas alliance information caravan was postponed for 6th / 7th January and we hope to have the caravan come to Groby on the 27th /28th January instead. Weather permitting. If anyone does have any questions about gas works in Groby they can contact the information line on 0845 6000320.
NATIONAL GRID
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Groby votes for its favourite carols
On a cold crisp December evening over 500 people gathered on the Stamford Arms car park to sing carols ‘round the tree. The Ratby Band was in its usual good form and there was some fine carolling from those who came along to support the carol singing event.
This year, Churches Together in Groby, who organise the annual event decided it would be a good idea if the villagers themselves chose the carols they wished to sing. During the first week of December forms were taken out to many of the village shops, organisations and businesses, but it wasn’t always clear what was expected and some forms inevitably finished up in the recycle bin! However, sufficient forms were returned to ascertain Groby’s Top Ten. SILENT NIGHT was voted the People’s Choice, Groby’s top carol for 2009 receiving over 60 votes. The Garden Society, Deja Vu, Mrs Bell’s Nursery and Beeston-Clarke Solutions all voted it as their number one choice. LITTLE DONKEY came second with over 50 votes and was the favourite of Classic Cuts and Noah’s Ark. In third place was AWAY IN A MANGER with over 40 votes and was the favourite choice of Catch, Mes Enfants, Flint and the Beavers representing Groby Scouting. Jim and Tina from the Stamford Arms kindly supplied delicious hot punch free of charge and Churches Together, as is the custom, distributed mince pies with some folk lucky enough to get a homemade one. The rest of the hit parade was made up of: 4. Once in royal David’s City: 5. Calypso Carol: 6. O Come all ye Faithful: 7. Ding Dong Merrily on High: 8. Hark the Herald Angels Sing: 9. In the Bleak Midwinter: 10. Come & Join the Celebration. Churches Together in Groby wish to thank all who took part including: Groby W.I., Martinshaw Primary School, Fair Cuppa, Groby Community College, Hazel’s Walking Group, Green’s Deli, Slimming World, Wilsons Newsagents, Barclays Bank, Groby Library, Urban Saints, GE Druck Ltd, Groby Guides, the Chemist, Groby Kitchens and Pricegate. See you again to sing in Christmas 2010 or possibly before when we deliver the carol questionnaires.
Nex t issue out on 13th February • Article/Advert Deadline: 29th January