oadby and wigston borough council letterbox...friday 2 january friday 2 january oadby and wigston...
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Refuse, Recycling and Textiles Collection
Usual Collection Day Revised Collection Day
Monday 22 December Monday 22 December
Tuesday 23 December Tuesday 23 December
Wednesday 24 December Wednesday 31 December*
Thursday 25 December Monday 29 December*
Friday 26 December Friday 2 January*
Monday 29 December Monday 29 December
Tuesday 30 December Tuesday 30 December
Wednesday 31 December Wednesday 31 December
Thursday 1 January Thursday 8 January*
Friday 2 January Friday 2 January
Oadby and Wigston Borough CouncilStation Road, Wigston, Leicestershire LE18 2DR
T: 0116 288 8961 F: 0116 288 7828 www.oadby-wigston.gov.uk
LetterboxResidents’ newsletter published by Oadby and Wigston Borough Council
Winter 2014
Our Way to Better Customer Care
Refuse and Recycling Christmas Holiday and
New Year Collections 2014/15
Message from John Boyce - Leader of Oadby and Wigston Borough Council
Important changes to garden waste collections - please see page 2 for further details.
Dear Resident
I wanted to write to you to thank you for your continued patience and support this year as the Council is pushing forward with some big changes which most of you will be aware of.
These include:
• The closure and now demolition of Wigston Swimming Pool and the building of a new pool with a fitness suite on the same site.
• The full refurbishment of Parklands Leisure Centre which includes the building of a new swimming pool for Oadby at Parklands
• Major improvements to the Oadby and Wigston town centre public spaces, highways and pavements which should all hopefully be finished to coincide with the switching on of the new Christmas and Festive lights. I also want to reassure you that this work will not result in the loss of any of the Council’s car parking spaces or our promise to be one of the handful of councils to keep parking free of charge for shoppers.
• The completion of the refurbishment and major enhancements to Blaby Road Park in South Wigston
In addition, some further good news is in the near future you will also see a new fleet of modern refuse collection vehicles. These will be out on the roads in the spring of next year which will mean that we will be able to continue to be one of the fewer and fewer councils in the country still collecting refuse and recycling on a weekly basis.
Councillors all know that these are still hard times. I therefore also want to reassure you that the Council’s commitment to continue to improve its services does not mean that you will have to pay any more for them through your Council Tax. Next year will be the fourth year running that the Council will be freezing Council Tax so you will not have to pay anymore for Oadby & Wigston services than you did 5 years ago.
Thank you for your continued support and confidence
John BoyceLeader of Oadby & Wigston Borough Council
Glass and Cooking Oil Collection
Usual Collection Day Revised Collection Day
Monday 22 December Monday 22 December
Tuesday 23 December Tuesday 23 December
Wednesday 24 December Monday 22 December
Thursday 25 December Monday 22 December
Friday 26 December Monday 22 December
Monday 29 December Monday 29 December
Tuesday 30 December Tuesday 30 December
Wednesday 31 December Wednesday 31 December
Thursday 1 January Monday 29 December
Friday 2 January Friday 2 January
* Will be double collection which is 6 black bags and unlimited recycling bags
Please note: In the event of adverse weather conditions services may be suspended until the weather improves, for further details please visit out website: www.oadby-wigston.gov.uk
2 CurrentNews Printed on FSC material produced from sustainable sources using vegetable based inks.
Important Changes to Garden Waste CollectionsLeicestershire County Council is proposing to withdraw its funding towards the cost of the garden waste collections in the Borough however Oadby & Wigston are committed to continuing with this service. The Council therefore needs to make the service even more efficient so it can continue. One of the ways it will do this is by suspending the garden waste collections over the winter months.
The amount of garden waste collected over the winter drops dramatically compared to the summer months, due to this we will be suspending the garden waste collections from 1 December 2014 and will resume in the week commencing 16 February 2015. Please refer to the latest Refuse and Recycling Guide and Calendar when your first collection is due from 16 February 2015, or visit our website: www.oadby-wigston.gov.uk
We have left the collections as normal throughout November to give residents time to dispose of fallen leaves and other autumn garden waste.
Collection of your real Christmas tree can be arranged by contacting Operational Services on Leicester (0116) 288 8961 (option 2) alternatively, you can take it to the local Recycling and Household Waste Site located on Wigston Road, Oadby LE2 5JE which will also take any garden waste free of charge during the winter months while the garden waste collections are suspended.
Due to the proposed County Council cuts Oadby & Wigston Council will be consulting with residents as it reviews this service over the coming months in order to find even more efficiencies.
Contamination of Recycling BagsIf you have had a contaminated label placed on your recycling bag and it has not been taken then this indicates that the collectors have identified something inside your bag that is not on the list of recyclable items. Please identify and remove any unrecyclable item(s) and put your bag out for collection on your next scheduled collection day when it will be collected as normal.
What materials can I recycle?
Green Recycling BagYes please! No thanks! Rinsed cans and tins Carrier bagsClean plastic bottles Cling film Empty juice and milk cartons Glass Clean yoghurt pots and margarine tubs and crisps Foil packets for biscuitsEmpty aerosol cans, washed Plastic wrappingaluminium trays and containers Polystyrene Toys Wallpaper
BROwN Recycling Bag✓ Yes please! ✓ Yes please! ✗ No thanks! Flattened cardboard Clean clothes Carpets
Catalogues Bed sheets DuvetsDirectories Towels MattressesNewspapers Shoes (tied in pairs) PillowsMagazines Handbags RugsJunk mail BeltsEnvelopesCereal boxesPlease keep clothing and card/paper in separate bags
GREEN Recycling Bag✓ Yes please! ✗ No thanks! Rinsed cans and tins Carrier bags
Clean plastic bottles Cling film
Empty juice and milk cartons Glass
Clean yoghurt pots and margarine tubs and crisp packets Foil packets for biscuits
Empty aerosol cans Plastic wrapping
Washed aluminium trays and containers Polystyrene
Toys
Wallpaper
Christmas recycling Thank you to everyone who participated in recycling this year. To help you continue into the new year, here is some information on recycling more this Christmas and New Year.
• You can recycle wrapping paper, cards (without glitter) and cardboard food packaging by placing these in your brown recycling sacks. Remember, textiles can also be placed in your brown recycling bags, please keep textiles and paper/card in separate sacks.
• For your plastic bottles, cans, rinsed aluminium trays and empty juice and milk cartons please use your green recycling sacks.
• Glass bottles are collected fortnightly by placing them in your kerbside glass collection box, if you do not have a kerbside box for glass and would like to participate in the scheme, please contact Operational Services on Leicester (0116) 288 8961 (option 2).
October-March, 9am-4pm. Closed Thursday & Fridays
Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day
Oadby Recycling and Household Waste Site opening times
3CurrentNews
Festive Lights set to brighten the Christmas PeriodOadby, Wigston and South Wigston are set to glow with festive warmth this winter as all three towns get ready to switch their Christmas lights on.
With each town centre having their own different display installed by Oadby and Wigston Borough Council, each town is set to sparkle this winter.
Last year the three centres each chose new displays, with investment from both the Council and the trader groups in each town. This led to the best displays in the Borough in recent memory and this year each town will have even more to offer.
To celebrate the lights, each town will be holding its' very own lights switch on.
Oadby had their festive lights switch on ceremony on 1st November. The switch on was accompanied by additional activities which were
organised by the Oadby Town Centre Association. The Oadby traders decided to have the event at this time as it is close to Diwali and will look at getting the lights up in time for Diwali next year.
Wigston Business Group will follow on from the success of last year’s inaugural switch on event with an even bigger switch on this year. Not only will the fair be returning, Santa is also returning and will be in the town in a special Santa’s grotto just for the day. There will also be food and drink available as well as other activities. The event will be taking place on Saturday 29th November from 12pm and the lights will be officially switched on at 6pm on the corner of Bell Street and Leicester Road.
South Wigston Chamber of Trade and Commerce are holding their annual Christmas Capers event and will again be switching on the lights during the event. There will be a fun fair, Santa’s grotto, real animal nativity scene, children’s activities and late night shopping during the event. The event takes place this year on Saturday 6th December from 3pm to 7.30pm with the lights being switched on at 6pm. The event will take place along Blaby Road and Countesthorpe Road in South Wigston.
So come along to one or every light switch on event in the Borough of Oadby and Wigston and make you and your families’ festive period that bit brighter.
Oadby and Wigston residents should have received a letter from their Electoral Registration Officer recently informing them of the change to the electoral registration system – a move from the old ‘head of household’ registration system to Individual Electoral Registration.
Most residents have received a letter from the elections team to tell them that they have automatically moved onto the new registration system.
Around 5000 of local residents were not automatically transferred to the new electoral register and need to take further action. Anyone who received a letter telling them they were not transferred can visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote to register to vote online.
If you do not re-register you may lose your entitlement to vote in the future.
If you did not receive a letter contact the elections team by emailing [email protected] or telephone 0116 257 2722
Oadby & Wigston Borough Council
Traditional Christmas
Carol ServiceTo be held in the Council Chamber
Bushloe House, Station Road, Wigston
Wednesday 10th December 2014 at 7.00 p.m.
Water Leys Primary school choir will be in attendance with musical
accompaniment
Refreshments will be available
All welcome
4 CommunityNews
Creative Nature - Discovery SessionsBrocks Hill has launched a new, exciting programme of events for adults entitled, Creative Nature - Adult Discovery Sessions. As the ’home of natural history’ Brocks Hill offers opportunities to develop skills and creativity when exploring, celebrating and recording the natural environment. The new programme lists events until March 2015, with sessions each month focussing on ‘Wildlife & Natural History Identification’, ‘Countryside Skills & Crafts’ and ‘Arts & Creative Inspiration’. Local naturalists, wildlife enthusiasts and lovers of the great outdoors are being invited to sign up to join this new programme to share and explore their enthusiasm for the natural world and gain inspiration from our local natural history.
Local naturalists and experts have been volunteering to lead sessions and share their passion for wildlife, with events being planned on popular topics such as
fungi and tree identification. Outdoor sessions will also include popular day courses in traditional country crafts, such as hedge laying, woodland management, fruit tree pruning and recent sessions have included willow hurdle weaving. Local artists will be running creative events that take their inspiration from the natural world, with events including watercolour painting; Christmas wreath making and paper picture making.
The sessions include evening and weekend opportunities. Copies of the booklet with all events can be collected from Brocks Hill reception or the Council Offices.
For further information contact Brocks Hill Country Park and Centre Telephone: Leicester (0116) 257 2888, visit www.brockshill.co.uk or www.facebook.com/BrocksHillCountryPark or email: [email protected]
Christmas events and activities Thursday 27 November An evening illustrated talk (organised by The Friends of BHCP) with museum collections on ‘Christmas Past’ plus seasonal refreshments Times: 7:00pm to 9:00pm. Cost : £5.00 each £4.00 each for members of the Friends of BHCP
Sunday 14 December Where is the snow? A live musical Christmas story telling performance with crafts and face painting. Suitable for 3 to 8 year olds. £4.00 per child. 1 session: 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 December Festive Lucky Dip Crafts Within the price there will be up to 5 Christmas crafts to make and get messy with during these drop in sessions in the run up to Christmas. Suitable for age 3 years and over. £4.00 per child. 2 DROP IN sessions: 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on both days.
Monday 22 December Festive Reindeer Join us to make a festive hobby reindeer for you to ride on using craft materials and park resources. Suitable for age 7 years plus. Under 7’s welcome but will need a lot of help. £4.00 per child. 2 sessions: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday 23 December Seasonal Angels and Santas Beautiful Peg-doll Angels and Cone-based Santas. Suitable for age 3 years plus. £4.00 per child. 2 sessions: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Sunday 28 December Winter Wonderland-in-a-box Create a snow-filled countryside view in a box. Finish with little animal tracks in the snow! Suitable for age 5 years and over. Under 5’s welcome but will need a lot of help. £4.00 per child. 2 sessions: 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. or 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday 30 December A Winter Walk combined with Sculptures in the Country Park The session starts with a walk exploring the Country Park, focussing on some of the sculptures, and finishes with some sculpture building in the woods. Have a photograph taken with your sculpture. Suitable for age 5 years and over. £4.00 per child. 2 sessions: 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. or 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Brocks Hill’s Christmas Craft Fair
Saturday 22 November
from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Local crafters, Local charities, Children’s crafts,
Santa’s Grotto
Free entry
Free parking. For more information, please check the web site or our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/BrocksHillCountryPark); Ring Leicester (0116) 257 2888, email: [email protected] or ask at reception. Brocks Hill Country Park and Centre, Washbrook Lane, Oadby, Leicester, LE2 5JJ
5CommunityNews
The Friends of Brocks Hill Country Park (Friends of BHCP) was set up in 2010. It was agreed that the aim of the group was to “improve the green space generally known as Brocks Hill Country Park and to improve the Visitor Centre.” Since that time the Friends have held many events and raised funds for future activities and projects.
To date, the Friends group has managed to provide the sculptured Memorial Metal Tree/Bird Feeder in the Country Park. Not only is the feeder great for birds in winter, but people can sponsor a leaf in memory of a loved one. The Friends also funded the Donation Box at the front of the Centre which will help with on-going costs.
A butterfly sculpture has been commissioned next to the pond and talks are on-going about developing a sculpture trail across the site.
Several walks and talks on various subjects of interest have been organised and as a member of the Friends of Brocks Hill Country Park, a discount is given.
The latest triumph for the Friends is the Dog Walkers’ Shelter to the back of the Centre where both walkers and their dogs can finally enjoy a drink together, even in the rain! The shelter has been funded by a grant from Charnwood Foods whose staff also helped with its construction.
If you are interested in joining the group please leave your contact details at the Centre and we’ll be in touch. The new membership fee is only £4.00 per year which will entitle you to the Friends of BHCP’s newsletter, various discounts and the opportunity to meet up with other like-minded people. Those signing up can attend meetings and/or volunteer for specific tasks such as helping at an event. However, if you do not wish to take an active part in the group, just by subscribing, your support is shown and appreciated.
The Friends of Brocks Hill Country Park
Brocks Hill Country Park and Centre offers educational packages to schools and, with visits coming from the local borough and Leicestershire, between 1,200 and 1,500 pupils benefit from these experiences each year.
The site also offers low-cost, self-directed learning opportunities for schools within the Country Park. Schools in the borough benefit from a reduced rate for a school booking. Indeed, we are already taking bookings for next summer so to avoid disappointment it is advised that bookings are made well in advance.
Full information on educational activities, including booking forms, is available on Oadby and Wigston Borough Council’s website www.oadby-wigston.gov.uk/pages/educational_activities
Brocks Hill is currently developing two new educational activities centred on the theme of life cycles and seasonal changes in the new National Curriculum; Plant Life Cycles and Animal Life Cycles. These activities will be launched next spring and it is hoped they will encourage schools to
make repeat visits in different seasons to see the life cycle changes first-hand.
Schools often cover the life cycle of a butterfly or a frog so why not book a visit, or two, to see this actually taking place in the Country Park? In the new Animal Life Cycles children can also find out about the ladybird or dragonfly life cycles. Plants also have a life cycle and in that discovery session children will explore the Country Park looking at parts of a flower, and finish with a brief look at seed dispersal.
Brocks Hill School Visits and Outdoor LearningLower rates for local schools to visit Brocks Hill Country Park
6 CommunityNews
Giving the natural environment a helping handWildlife is being given a helping hand across the borough, with conservation projects taking place at Brocks Hill Country Park and Chicken Alley, with lots more planned for the autumn at other local wildlife sites.
A new seven hectare wildflower meadow has been sown at the top of Brocks Hill Country Park. The land was prepared in late spring and has been sown with a wildflower rich seed mix, as part of a demonstration habitat creation project supported by Leicestershire County Council’s Stepping Stones project.
Over the next two years, the field will transform to be bursting with colour and wildlife. It will be a great home for many species of insects, including bees and butterflies, which will all benefit from feeding on the wildflowers’ nectar. Birds will be helped from the increase in insects and flower seed heads.
This area of Brocks Hill Country Park has also had a new wetland scrape created at the top of the wildflower meadow. This encourages more birds to use the area. We have planted a small hazel copse which has been growing steadily over the summer.
Through working with “The Friends of Brocks Hill” and Charnwood Foods, Brocks Hill Country Park now has a covered outdoor seating area. This was funded by Charnwood Foods community grant scheme which was received by “The Friends of Brocks Hill”.
Through our corporate volunteer programme we have had a number of groups working on the Country Park, such as HSBC, British Gas and Charnwood Foods.
Volunteers have also been helping with wildlife surveys around Brocks Hill Country Park. The surveys of both butterflies and birds happen on a weekly basis and have shown many exciting species within the Country Park. Volunteers are also helping out with bee recording. All of this provides a valuable insight into how local wildlife is using the site.
Volunteers from the Rotary Club of Oadby Launde group are also now helping with conservation projects at Chicken Alley to maintain the area as a green corridor. At Fludes Lane, volunteers are collating wildlife sightings which will help inform the management plan for this important wildlife corridor.
If you feel inspired and would like to take part, Brocks Hill Country Park offers the opportunity to volunteer with the rangers or within the Centre.
Conservation volunteer groups run on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day.
If you would like to help with wildlife recording in the borough or conservation volunteering, please telephone the Brocks Hill Country Park office for more information on Leicester (0116) 257 2861.
Christmas and New Year Opening at Brocks Hill Country Park and CentreThe Country Park is open for access at all times.
Brocks Hill Centre will be closed over the Christmas holiday as follows:-
• Wednesday 24th December
• Thursday 25th December
• Friday 26th December
• Thursday 1st January
When the centre is open the cafe will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
7CurrentNews
Transforming the town centres updateAs most people will be aware, during the past few months public realm transformation works within both of the town centres of Oadby and Wigston have been taking place.
The works in both town centres will total an £830,000 investment made up of financial contributions from Oadby and Wigston Borough Council, Leicestershire County Council and match funding from the European Regional Development Fund.
At the time of writing, the work within both centres is still taking place, however by the time you read this both schemes should be very near completion as they are proposed to be complete during November 2014. Once the works are complete both centres will see a genuine transformation that further enhances the vibrancy and draw of each town. An official opening event is being planned for each town.
We are aware that there has been disruption over the past few months, however the cooperation and patience that has been shown by those involved, the public and the traders during the work has been greatly appreciated.
If you would like any further information regarding the schemes you can contact a member of the Leicestershire County Council Engineering Design Group on Leicester (0116) 305 0001 or the Oadby and Wigston Borough Council Planning Policy and Regeneration Team on Leicester (0116) 288 8961.
Charity Fund Raising EventThe event took place on 27 June 2014 at the Essential Cuts Hair Salon, Queens Drive, Wigston, where 17 year old Tonicha Thompson volunteered to have all her hair cut off to raise money for Cancer Research. Tonicha also donated her hair to the Prince’s Trust. Our Deputy Mayor (Latif Darr) attended this event. £200 was raised for Cancer Research. Well done Tonicha.
Pictured (left to right), are: Councillor Latif Darr (Deputy Mayor), Tonicha Thompson and Debbie (Proprietor of Essential Cuts).
Mayor Visits Oadby & Wigston Muslim Association (OWMA) Ladies Sub-committee Coffee MorningThe Mayor of Oadby & Wigston (Councillor Sarah Dickinson) attended a coffee morning in June 2014 which was organised by OWMA Ladies Sub-committee. The coffee morning raised £235 on the day and the total reached £575 with donations coming from families and friends. The money was raised for Wishes4Kids charity. Councillor Dickinson said “I am grateful to the OWMA Chair for the Ladies group, Sherbanoo Kidy, for organising this event and to the ladies who worked hard to provide the food and cakes for the coffee morning. It is a fantastic amount of money that was raised for the charity”.
The OWMA Coffee Morning group meets every second and fourth Wednesday of the month 10.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. (term time only) welcoming people from all walks of life. Various activities are organised including poetry readings, craft work and informative talks.
8 CommunityNews
Communities working togetherDuring the summer, communities around St. Thomas Church in South Wigston have been working together raising money in support of the foodbank.
The foodbank is held each 2nd Monday in the hall of the South Wigston Congregational Chuch staffed by members of the church and Oadby & Wigston Lions Club.
This working together started with The South Wigston Community Fayre at the St. Thomas’s Church Hall. Followed by various other events around the area, resulting in a cheque for £834 being presented to Oadby & Wigston Lions for the foodbank project.
Next years Community Fayre will be held on 6th June in the gardens of The Old Vicarage, the home of Mr. & Mrs. Hale.
Please contact us to confirm exact dates and opening times of the foodbank [email protected] or phone 07818 603699
Oadby & Wigston Lions Club
Peter Day, Vicar of St. Thomas’s South Wigston, and Andy Hale presenting a cheque for £834 to Chris Huscroft, Community Liaison Officer for the Oadby & Wigston Lions Club, for use on the foodbank project.
Getting the youngsters involved!Oadby & Wigston Lions Club started the South Wigston Foodbank more than a year ago. Every second Monday they hand out approx. 95 bags of food to help families and individuals in need.
This requires a constant input of food from many sources. Many of the churches in the area make regular donations along with the newly formed Leos Club collecting at Abington Acadamy during term time. One of the local scout groups, 61st Leicester (Meadows) Group, has also been involved in collecting food, and they came along during the school holidays and helped to sort and pack the bags.
The leaders reported their involvement ‘up the line’ resulting in the national Scout Magazine sending along a photographer. Later this year there will be a leading article in the Magazine showing how Scouts are helping the community and working along side members of the Oadby & Wigston Lions and the South Wigston Congregational Church on the foodbank project. Please contact us to confirm exact dates and opening times of the foodbank [email protected] or phone 07818 603699
Members of the 61st Leicester Scout Group with one of their leaders helping to pack the bags of food.
The Club has organised this event for over 30 years, raising a total of £138,500 for charity.
This year's event held on 4 October 2014 at the Oadby Swimming Baths brought in swimmers from all over the borough and of all ages.
And of course every swimmer was given a 'Lion' chocolate bar to help get back their energy.
Pictured: The Mayor of Oadby & Wigston, Sarah Dickinson, with Lions Chris Huscroft and Kevin Lloydall at the Oadby & Wigston Lions 34th annual Charity swim which raised over £1800, bringing the grand total since the first swim to £138,500. (Photograph by Neville Chadwick Photography, Wigston, Leicester)
What a great way of raising funds and staying healthy by taking part in the Oadby & Wigston Sponsored Swim.
9CommunityNews
Oadby and Wigston Borough Council is required by law to protect the public funds we administer. We may share information provided to us with other bodies responsible for auditing or administering public funds, in order to prevent and detect fraud.
The Audit Commission appoints the auditor to audit the accounts of the authority. It is also responsible for carrying out data matching exercises.
Data matching involves comparing computer records held by one body against any other computer records held by the same or another body to see how far they match. This is usually personal information. Computerised data matching allows potentially fraudulent claims and payments to be identified. 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.
The Audit Commission currently requires us to participate in a data matching exercise to assist in the prevention and detection of fraud. We are required to provide particular sets of data to the Audit Commission for matching for each exercise, and these are set out in the Audit Commission’s guidance, which can be found at www.audit-commission.gov.uk/nfi.
The use of data by the Audit Commission in a data matching exercise is carried out with statutory authority under its powers in Part 2A of the Audit Commission Act 1998. It does not require the consent of the individuals concerned under the Data Protection Act 1998.
For further information on the Audit Commission’s legal powers and the reasons why it matches particular information see http://www.audit-commission.gov.uk/fairprocessing
For further information on data matching at this authority contact Jacky Griffith, Welfare and Taxation Manager on 0116 288 8961 Option 4 or by email [email protected]
BEkO is sTill sEEkiNG sOmE OlDER mODEls Of BEkO, flavEl aND lEisURE Gas COOkERs ThaT CaN pRODUCE pOTENTiallY faTal lEvEls Of CaRBON mONOxiDE, if UsED iNCORRECTlY wiTh ThE GRill DOOR ClOsED.
If you have a gas cooker in your home then make sure you are not at risk by asking yourself the following questions.1. Is it a Beko, Flavel or Leisure?2. Does it have a separate oven and grill?3. Does the serial number begin 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08? (this
can be found on the cooker, as shown in the diagram)If the answer is yes to all 3 questions then urgently call us on 0800 917 2018 or go to www.beko.co.uk for further informationNote: this safety information is part of Bekos ongoing corrective action of old models, and does not affect any current appliance range.
Important safety warning for Residents
serial Number
Prevention and Detection of Fraud
10 CommunityNews
Our new, Pride of the Borough loyalty card received a notable, special award from the judges.
Can we make it a SIXTH GOLD in 2015? With your help, we believe we can.
We are all volunteers who believe that when a lot of us do small things, we can make a big difference in Oadby and Wigston, for example the 8,000 bulbs planted in verges this autumn by volunteers, Rotary Clubs, Girl Guides and local residents. So, if you would like to help
• Join one of our many volunteer, environmental groups;
• Enter into the fun of our floral display competitions in 2015;
• Subscribe £5 to our new Loyalty Card to support our work, trade with local businesses and you could quickly get your money back!
Black Dog 2 main meals for £12 Tues-Fri 12.00-8.00pmBrocks Hill Café show your loyalty card for a 10% discount” Cheikho’s 2 for 1 main meals Tues-Fri.Da Romi’s Italiano 15% off lunchtime food.Henry Smith & Hamylton Opticians Ltd 15% off complete spectacles.Maromme Cafe Free hot drink for each person who spends over £5.Mobility Buy 2 pairs of Padders shoes or sandals get 1 pair of Padders slippers free.Quality DIY & Hardware 10% off for all customers.Tippetts 15% off ‘Hand Tie of the week’Wok In Wok Out Noodle Bar 10% off collections or eating in.
Pride of the BoroughSomething to shout about!
At our annual Awards and Celebration Evening, Pride of the Borough volunteers, supporters and council staff met with winners of the Oadby & Wigston Floral Displays Competition to receive their awards
• Best Front Garden: Pat Beasley of South Wigston
• Best Container: Roger Wymer of Oadby
• Most Unusual Container: Wendy Robison of Oadby
• Best Large Commercial Display: Leicester Racecourse
• Best Small Retail Display: Penney’s Florists of Wigston
• Best School Garden: St John Fisher Academy
We are delighted with our success again in the regional East Midlands in Bloom Competition. For the fifth consecutive year we gained the coveted Gold Award; a tribute to the huge amount work by our volunteers, ably supported by staff from Oadby & Wigston Council.
In the regional ‘Specials’ category, the judges gave particular recognition to:
• Pat Beasley; Best Front garden: Silver Gilt Award
• Leicester Racecourse; Best Retail/Commercial: Silver Gilt Award
• St John Fisher Academy; Best School Garden: Silver Award
Hill Way
East Midlands in Bloom GOLD AWARD for the FIFTH year in a row!
Floral Entry
Canon Close
Saffron Road
In Oadby:
11CommunityNews
Pride of the BoroughSomething to shout about!
Branded 10% off non-sale clothing.
Cuisine of India 2 for 1 mains Sun-Thurs + free desserts.
Fins, Furs & Feathers 10 – 20% off many lines.
Fonehouse 10% off most accessories.
Hairitage Boutique 20% off all prices for first and all subsequent visits.
Henry Smith & Hamylton Ltd. 15% off all complete spectacles.
Lords Electrical 5% off all purchases.
Navigation Inn 10% off lunch & evening standard menus.
Patson News 10% off cards and other selected items.
Penney’s 15% off ‘Hand Tie of the Week’
Wigston Stage 30% off à la carte menu Sat-Sun evenings & Mon-Sun lunch.
Ken Bailey garden centre 5% off all purchases
(Conditions apply – for details, and latest offers, see our website: www.prideoftheborough.org)
Your membership starts as soon as you have your card and lasts until the end of December 2015. Just complete this application form and send it with your cheque to:
Pride of the Borough (Membership) Brocks Hill Country Park and Centre, Washbrook Lane, Oadby, Leicester LE2 5JJ
Ncounter Youth Volunteers
Rosemead Park
Pride of the Borough Membership Application Form(please fill in CAPITAL letters)
Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms ..................................................
Name .................................................................
Surname ............................................................
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Address ..............................................................
...........................................................................
...........................................................................
...........................................................................
...........................................................................
Post Code ..........................................................
Telephone Number .............................................
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Email ..................................................................
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I enclose £5.00 membership fee
Cheque payable to: Pride of the Borough (Oadby & Wigston)
You can also buy your card from the Council Service Desk in Oadby Library or the Reception Desks at Brocks Hill Environment Centre and the Wigston Council Offices.
SIGNED:
In Wigston:
In Wistow:
12 CommunityNews
FREE Fun, Food and Activity Group for Families
FLiC is an 8 week group for families keen to learn more about becoming
fit, healthy and managing their weight
FLiC groups start in January, May and October, to find your nearest group contact us [email protected] or 0116 222 7154
(you can leave a message on our voicemail)
We are a friendly and very approachable team
Did you know that 1 in 3 children are overweight
and 75% of parents do not realise this.We can help! Call the FLiC team to find out if your child is overweight or use the web link
for NHS Choices www.nhs.uk/tools and click on the BMI healthy weight calculator
For families with children aged 8-13 years
Want to Lose Weight... For Good?
FREE weight loss sessions at a venue near you
10 week course: Nutrition sessions with exercise classes
Friendly supportive environment
What is LEAP?LEAP is a completely FREE 10 week weight management programme for adults in Leicestershire. It combines nutrition sessions led by a registered dietitian followed by an exercise session with an activity instructor. If you are fed up of “dieting”, then this programme is for you. We have already helped hundreds of people across Leicestershire lose weight and keep it off.
L ifestyle
Eating and
Activity
ProgrammeLearn about topics such as:
Balanced eating
Portion sizes
How to read food labels
Eating out the healthy way
Emotional eating
Why “diets” don’t work
Which exercises suit you and your needs best
Leicestershire Nutritionand Dietetic Service
For more information call us on
0116 222 7154
Parklands Leisure Centre0116 272 0789Everyone Active manages this facility in partnership with Oadby and Wigston Borough Council.
NEW GYM
COMING
SOON
JOIN NOW
eaParklandsPARKLANDSeveryoneactive.com
13CommunityNews
Local Sport and Physical Activity sessionsA range of activities are taking place across the borough. Why not join in and ‘Get Active’? See below for list for activities, dates and times of local sessions. Alternatively visit the Active Oadby and Wigston website for further updates: www.activeoadbywigston.org.uk
Activity Day/Time Venue Price/Contact for more information
Adult Disability Multi - Sport Group
Thursdays 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Parklands Leisure Centre, Oadby
£3.00 Tel: Leicester (0116) 272 0789
Seated Exercise Class
Thursdays 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wigston Library £2.00
Tel: Leicester (0116) 288 7381
New Age Kurling Fridays 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Parklands Leisure Centre ,Oadby
£2.00 Tel: Leicester (0116) 272 0789
Free Health ChecksFirst Wednesday of every month 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Wigston LibraryFree Contact Liz Adams on 07962990283 [email protected]
Health WalkFirst Wednesday of every month 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Starts at Wigston Library
Free Contact Enid Khan on 07931932299
Zumba Gold Tuesdays 3:00 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
United Reform Church, Oadby
£3.50 Contact Kate Wilson on 07535691874
Shoot to the Future Basketball Project (age 14-25)
Fridays 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Guthlaxton College, Wigston
Free Tel: Leicester (0116) 255 8635 [email protected]
WomenToday Ladies Only Exercise Group
Tuesdays 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
The Elms (the old British legion) Bushloe End, Wigston
£3.00 Tel: Kriss Elliott on 07830407644
Oadby over 55’s Dance Class
Wednesdays 10:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
Oadby Baptist Church
£5.00 Tel: Emily on 07926004915
Parklands OadbyOpen Close Open Close
Monday 22 December 6:30 a.m. 11:00 p.m. 7:00 a.m. 9:30 p.m.Tuesday 23 December 6:30 a.m 11:00 p.m. 7:00 a.m. 9:30 p.m.Wednesday 24 December 6:30 a.m 1:00 p.m. 7:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m.Thursday 25 December
CLOSED CLOSEDFriday 26 DecemberSaturday 27 December 7:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. 7:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.Sunday 28 December 7:00 a.m. 8:00 p.m. 7:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
Christmas opening times for Parklands Leisure Centre and Oadby pool
Parklands OadbyOpen Close Open Close
Monday 29 December 6:30 a.m. 8:00 p.m. 7:00 a.m. 7:00 p.m.Tuesday 30 December 6:30 a.m. 8:00 p.m. 7:00 a.m. 7:00 p.m.Wednesday 31 December 6:30 a.m. 1:00 p.m. 7:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m.Thursday 01 January CLOSED CLOSEDFriday 02 January 6:30 a.m. 11:00 p.m. 7:00 a.m. 9:30 p.mSaturday 03 January 7:00 a.m. 10:00 p.m. 7:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m
KEY1 Entrance and reception2 Fitness changing rooms
and circulation3 Fitness suite /
Group exercise studio4 Pool changing rooms5 Pool hall6 Plant area7 Cedar suite8 Sports hall9 Café
14 CommunityNews
Leisure Facilities – New Build underway
Wigston Pool began its demolition phase on 12 September 2014
Parklands Leisure Centre refurbishment commenced on 22 September 2014. The design image below provides an insight into the new layout of the leisure centre which includes a 25m, six lane state of-the-art swimming pool.
The first areas to be complete will be the new gym, two new exercise studios, fitness changing rooms and Cedar (function) Suite toilet refurbishment. Although the completion of the new pool build will be the last area to finish, works on the pool will continue throughout all phases of the refurbishment programme.
During the refurbishment works the vast majority of activities will be accommodated in a combination of the large function suite, small function suite and the sports hall.
In the meantime, Oadby pool at Ellis Park, Brabazon Road is open and available to use until the new pool at Parklands is up and running. There are no plans at the
moment for the Oadby pool site once closed; options for the use of the site will be considered at a later date.
FREE activitiesWhilst the refurbishment of Wigston Pool is proceeding we are holding free multi-sports activities for children in the February half term. Ask at Parklands Leisure Centre (0116) 272 0789 for more information.
Also free in the school holidays is swimming for under 16’s at Oadby Pools. Please contact Oadby Pool (0116) 271 0386 for more information.
Supporting clubs in the community Everyone Active supports the development of clubs in the community through the Club Mark Accreditation process, by offering discounts for those clubs.
15CommunityNews
Emergencies can occur anywhere and often without warning leaving communities devastated and causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.
Oadby and Wigston Borough Council has the duty under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 to ensure that if and when an emergency does happen then the council are prepared to respond to support the communities affected.
The Council undertake Emergency Management as a member of the Resilience Partnership with the other 10 local authorities of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. By joining with other authorities we increase our capabilities and are better able to serve the communities of the borough.
Oadby and Wigston Borough Council regularly engages with members of the emergency services such as the Leicestershire Police, Fire and Rescue Service, NHS (National Health Service) health organisations and many more including some from the voluntary sector through the Local Resilience Forum. This ensures that there is a coordinated and integrated approach to protecting the communities.
If during an emergency you are displaced from your home the council has a responsibility to provide temporary accommodation in the form of an emergency centre. These are public buildings that have been prepared and will be staffed by trained council personnel and members of various voluntary agencies to cater for your immediate needs during an emergency. If you are advised to evacuate, you will be informed of the location of the nearest emergency centre.
For more advice and information about what you should do during an emergency please visit local resilience forum web site www.localresilienceforum.org.uk
Are you part of a sports club?If so, don’t miss out on our ‘Club Coach’ evening!
Active Oadby and Wigston will be holding a ‘Club Coach’ evening on Wednesday 11 February 2015 at the Oadby and Wigston Council Offices, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
This will be a fantastic opportunity for local sports clubs to receive information about the ‘Club Mark’ accreditation process; how to access funding; plus recruiting and training volunteers.
We know you are busy coaching or instructing in the evenings so drop in to the event whenever it suits you. There is no formal agenda and the specialist representatives will be available to talk to you at any time during the above time slot.
Prize Draw
Each sports club that attends the event will be put into a prize draw with the chance to win money for their club:
1st Prize: £100
2nd Prize: £50
3rd Prize: £25
For more information about the event and how to book please contact the council’s Leisure Development team on Leicester (0116) 2572672 or email [email protected] alternatively visit the website: www.activeoadbywigston.org.uk
New Year New You! 19 to 25 January 2015As part of Move More 4 Less county-wide week, Active Oadby and Wigston are coordinating and offering physical activity sessions at a low cost or FREE!
There will be a range of activities available for all the family. For more information about the activities please visit the Active Oadby and Wigston website: www.activeoadbywigston.org.uk
Physical Activity sessions to help you get active!
Community and Youth GrantsThe Oadby and Wigston Borough Council Community and Youth Grants scheme aims to provide financial assistance to local organisations, youth groups and in exceptional circumstances individuals in order to fund one-off projects.
The funding can be used to assist with travel, equipment or costs associated with the setting up of a new project, but will not support ‘every day’ expenditure such as rent or room hire.
Grants cannot be awarded retrospectively. All applications must be submitted in sufficient time to be assessed by the panel prior to the project start date. The scheme is unable to accept applications from educational establishments or commercial organisations.
Visit the council’s website for further information about the grant criteria and to access the application form: www.oadby-wigston.gov.uk/pages/community_grant_scheme
The next grant closing date is 9 February 2015.
16 CommunityNews
“Something to Do” Project Up and Running
Bad weather, coughs and sneezes, dark nights, and icy roads – it’s not always a winter wonderland so make sure you’re aware and prepared this season with these top tips from the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Local Resilience Forum.
With the thermostat turned up and a risk of frozen pipes it’s useful to know the location of water, gas and electricity supplies to your home and find out how to turn them off. You should also know your exit routes in case of a fire and test your smoke alarms regularly.
Winter storms can mean flooding so check if your home is in a flood zone. The Environment Agency has plenty of useful advice and you can sign up to their flood warning system.
Consider putting together a grab bag with essential items like insurance documents, passports, mobile phone chargers and spare clothes that you might need if you are asked to evacuate during an emergency. It’s not necessary to have this bag packed but you should know where to find the items in a hurry.
Aware & prepared this winter
After completing a consultation the message from young residents in the area that there was nothing to do! A pilot project funded by the lottery involving the Big Purple BB19 Youth bus was put on Maromme Square in Wigston for 4 weeks.The BB19 Youth Bus offers young people their space with qualified youth workers on hand to raise awareness of a variety of issues. Turns out young residents loved it!With the help of NHS and Lottery funding together with an Early Help Grant the “Something To Do Project” was extended to reach more young people in Oadby & Wigston. Young people designed the content of the BB19 sessions,they will monitor the project, evaluate and will give feedback to Jane Morris, the Community Inclusion Officer at Boulter Crescent.
“Something to Do” projectThe BIG PURPLE BB19 Youth Bus will be parking at Maromme Square every Wednesday 6 p.m. til 8 p.m. (15 weeks) 3rd September to 10th December
Its free to attend for all 11-19 year olds in the area. Supervised by youth workers there is lots to do on the BB19 bus - crafts, x box, TV DJ equipment and Health advice.
Jane says “This project gives young people a positive opportunity to attend a safe space on a regular day and time. The outreach workers are brilliant with the young people, they give lots of support, advice and information. The project is two fold and we have had sessions during the summer holidays for younger children by “Soft Touch”. Their outreach vehicle provides recording studios, music and arts for young people to get involved with.”
a Supersonic Success for Youth CouncilAfter months filled with many meetings the Oadby & Wigston Youth Council delivered the eleventh, and largest, Supersonic Boom.
Held on Blaby Road Park, South Wigston in August, Supersonic Boom showcased extremely talented acts from the Borough including dancers, bands and solo artists headlined by Martin Luke Brown.
The Youth Council also decided Supersonic Boom would support the Mayor’s nominated charities, Wishes4Kids and the Alzheimer’s Society, and raised a total amount of £414.74 in support of these causes.
Running the event was challenging and all members of the Youth Council worked tirelessly to make it happen. Luckily we are supported by Mark Smith (Oadby & Wigston Borough Council’s Young Persons Co-ordinator) who did the behind the scenes work for us so that we could concentrate on finding the right attractions.
On the day members of the Youth Council ran the event and spent time with visitors as well as promoting the Youth Council itself. Alongside this, and running our own stall, we also handed out wristbands promoting the Youth Council’s twitter account, ‘@OWYC’.
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive with many saying they would definitely come again!
If you want to get involved in youth events within the Borough, why not get involved with the Youth Council? We meet on the third Monday of every month at 7pm in the Borough Council Offices and any young people are welcome to join us. We will next be meeting on Monday, 15 December 2014 with more information on this meeting soon becoming available on our Jitty page (www.thejitty.com/groups/owyc). Alternatively contact Mark Smith on 0116 2572675 or email [email protected].
Watch this space for upcoming events and thank you for all of your support so far!
17CommunityNews
Boulter Community Flat66 Boulter Crescent, Wigston, Leicestershire. LE18 3WY
At Boulter Community Flat we offer a safe, supportive and welcoming place for residents to pop in. The community house provides local residents, tenants and young people with signposting advice and also direct access to services including Housing
Officers, Voluntary Action Leicestershire, Prospects, Police, Adult Education, Acorn Training, Healthwatch and Surestart. We run several projects and have resident groups and lots of activities that people of all ages can be involved in. We also offer advice relating to sexual health including a free condom service, in a responsible and caring environment.
Raising money for Good CausesResidents at Boulter Crescent have been busy baking and raising money for the great work of Macmillan Nurses and Autism Link.
A BIG well done to Tracey and Kayley for raising £150 for Autism Link, a local charity working with people with autism. This was done by holding a coffee morning, raffle and a bacon butty morning
Also a BIG well done goes to Elaine, Paul and Shartay for raising £126.33 by hosting a Macmillan coffee morning at Boulter Community Flat
Special thanks go out to EVERYONE who baked cakes & came to support us! especially Charlotte who sold £9 worth of cupcakes to the builders!
What a Busy Summer!Residents from Elizabeth Court, Maromme Square, Burgess Street, Junction Road and Boulter Crescent have been invited to lots of activities funded by the Boulter Crescent Community Flat Lottery project.
Activities such as skipping - double dutch included, making T-shirts, decorating bags, painting records with soft touch, loom bands, hama bead workshop, clay modelling, sports day and inflatable bungee runs have definitely kept the kids (and adults) entertained!
If you’re travelling anywhere leave plenty of time for your journey if there’s been snowfall or the roads are icy. Check traffic reports and make sure your vehicle is in good running order before you set out. Pack your vehicle with essentials like an ice scraper, torch, jump leads, blankets, boots and a shovel just in case you break down or get stuck. If you’re on foot, wrap up warm, wear shoes with plenty of grip and make sure you can be seen by other road users.
Tackle those winter bugs with a well-stocked medicine cabinet. Remember that most minor illnesses won’t need
treating with antibiotics and your local pharmacist can help you choose the best self-care treatments. If you do catch a bug wash your hands regularly and use tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze to help prevent it spreading.
If you’re in one of the at risk groups you might be eligible for a free flu vaccination. Pregnant women, young children, the over 65s and people with serious health conditions all qualify so speak to your GP.
Winter can also cause problems for businesses so make sure you have a
good business continuity plan in place so you can get back to normal as soon as possible. Think about the parts of your business you can’t afford to lose and how you might maintain these aspects if disruption occurs.
For more information to help you prepare for any emergency and for details of risks in your area visit www.localresilienceforum.org.uk
Look at our page on the Oadby & Wigston Website to find up to date activities and projects and if you have any questions please contact: Jane Morris, Community Inclusion Officer, Boulter Flat: 0116 288 7576 Work Mobile: 0782 446 2038www.oadby-wigston.gov.uk/pages/community_flat_66_boulter_crescent
18 CommunityNews
Helping Hands offers free, independent, confidential and professional advice, information, advocacy, assistance and support to the people of Oadby and Wigston.
We are a charity which relies on donations, fundraising and grant funding to keep us serving people in need in our area.
We resolve problems which have arisen from poverty, deprivation and poor health, housing, and education.
In particular we deal with most aspects of welfare benefits, debts, employment, domestic abuse and poor housing. We help with problems surrounding utility bills, consumer issues, government forms and family law.
Our main South Wigston centre is on Blaby Road, opposite the new college. It is open every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday morning from 9.30 to 1.00pm. Our outreach surgeries are held in the United Reformed Church on Long St in Wigston on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9.30 until 12.00 noon and at the Trinity Methodist church hall in Oadby on Monday and Friday mornings from 9.30 until 12.00 noon. We run a ‘drop in’ service, but, if you prefer, you can phone us on 278 2001 to make an appointment or we will help you over the phone.
The staff and volunteers at Helping Hands will assist with form filling, letter writing, and phone calls. If you are one of the many who doesn’t understand what is happening with your welfare benefits or tax credits, or if you don’t want to get deeper in
debt, then we will do our best to help you through your problems.
We have developed an outreach service which will help housebound people to access our support in their own homes.
You can find more information on our website www.helpinghandsadvice.co.uk/south-wigston/
Helping Hands
LeicesterShire Citizens Advice Bureau - South Wigston Branch
Whoever the person, whatever the problem, we:•Provide the advice people need
for the problems they face.
• Improve the policies and practices that affect peoples' lives.
•Value diversity, promote equality and challenge discrimination.
•Offer practical, up-to-date information and advice on a wide range of topics
Open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10.00am to 3.00 pm for drop-in service.
We follow a Gateway Assessment system whereby clients are given a 20 minute assessment; if the issue cannot be resolved within that time, an appointment is made for another day for further advice.
South Wigston office: Rear of LCC Social Services offices, Bassett Street, South Wigston, Leicestershire LE18 4PETelephone: 0300 330 1025Email: [email protected] site: www.leicscab.org.uk
In our next issue of LETTERBOX we will provide details of other voluntary advice available in the borough
Voluntary advice in the borough
19CommunityNews
City WatchOadby and Wigston Against CrimeA business crime reduction partnership has been launched in Oadby and Wigston to help prevent businesses from becoming victims of crime.
Several businesses have already signed up to the scheme: City Watch, Oadby and Wigston Against Crime, which will enable them to keep in touch via a radio link and pass information between each other about suspects, offenders and trouble makers.
Retailers in Oadby and Wigston have joined a Neighborhood Watch-style group which will link them to each other by radio. It will also provide them with daily information on crime trends, including photographs of thieves known to be in their area.
The Community Safety Partnership Chair Councillor Kevin Loydall, said: “As the Chairman of the Community Safety Partnership in Oadby and Wigston, I welcome the launch of City Watch, Oadby and Wigston Against Crime. Reducing crime in our borough is one of the main priorities of the Community Safety Partnership and by working with City Watch and other partners we will be able to support local businesses in their fight against crime, particularly in the areas of theft from shops and anti-social behaviour in and around our town centres.”
Keep Safe and Secure this ChristmasDo• Keep curtains closed at the rear of your property if
you’re going out – burglars will try to gain entry where they have less chance of being seen.
• Make sure any side gates & outbuildings such as sheds & garages are locked and secure.
• Always lock your doors and windows.• Use a timing device on lights if you won’t be back
before dark.• Leave a light or lights on if you go out in the evening.
Don’t• When you purchase large expensive items, such as
electrical items, don’t leave the cardboard boxes on show. This can be a sign of new expensive items in your house.
• Don’t leave Christmas presents wrapped under the tree where they can be seen through the window.
• Don’t leave items on show in your vehicle, even if you only leave it for a minute – thieves love window shopping and you may find your purchases missing on your return.
• Don’t leave your car running unattended on the driveway to defrost. Insurance companies are unlikely to compensate owners whose vehicles have been stolen while unattended with the keys in the ignition.
• Don’t drink and drive. You may not be aware of how long it takes for alcohol to leave your system. You could still be over the drink drive limit the morning after, even if you feel fine.
Registered Charity Number: 227523
Free microchipping from Dogs Trust
at a vet near you!Microchipping helps identify your dog if lost or
stolen and it will soon be a legal obligation for all dogs to be chipped* – so don’t miss out.
Call: 0330 123 0334 or visit www.chipmydog.org.uk for your nearest participating vet.
* By March 2015 in Wales and April 2016 in England
Don’t forget to keep your chip details up to date. Visit www.chipmydog.org.uk for more details
Each year the Oadby and Wigston Community Safety Partnership asks local people to share their concerns around crime and disorder and identify the priorities they would like the Partnership to focus on.Oadby and Wigston Community Safety Partnership wants to hear your views on crime and anti-social behaviour to help set priorities for next year in your Borough,
It brings together a number of partners including the Police, Probation Services, Fire and Rescue and Oadby and Wigston Borough Council, together with various voluntary partners to both reduce crime, anti-social behaviour and the fear of crime as well as looking at crime prevention to ensure that our Borough remains a safe place to live, work and visit.
Last year the partnership listened to the views of the public and produced a three year strategy for tackling crime in this Borough. This document is available at the Oadby & Wigston Borough Council website for your information.
The current priorities are; making communities safer, reducing offending and re-offending and supporting vulnerable victims.
The survey is available to complete online at the web address below. A paper copy can be obtained from our local council reception area or the local libraries. Follow us: @owcommsafety
Better working togetherSince September the Housing Options Team have been working more closely with Leicestershire County Council’s Children and Young Persons Service when faced with homeless 16 and 17 year old children.
The Council has signed up to a memorandum of understanding which gives a clear pathway for all professionals involved in providing care and support. Speaking at the launch, Mrs Pathak-Mould, Head of Community said ‘Oadby & Wigston Borough Council are committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for young people who present to us at risk of homelessness or in housing need. This new protocol will stop homeless children feeling as if they are being passed from pillar to post in their hour of need’.
If you have a spare room and want to consider providing a home for a homeless young person then Leicestershire Supported Lodgings may be right for you. Run by Stonham Housing the project places suitably vetted homeless 16-25 year olds in homes and provides the homeowner with ongoing support and payment. Further details are available from Jayne Marriott, Support Co-ordinator at Stonham on 02476 254598.
Oadby and Wigston Borough Council Customer services Opening times - Christmas and New Year 2014/2015
Station Road Offices and Brocks Hill Country Park and Centre
Oadby Library
It's time to have your say on crime and anti-social behaviour in our borough
http://forms.oadby-wigston/commsafety/community_safety_2013.htm
This publication can be made available in your language, in alternative formats such as Braille, large print, electronic and audio recording on request.
Monday 22 December 2014 Normal Opening Hours
Tuesday 23 December 2014 Normal Opening Hours
Wednesday 24 December 2014 Christmas Eve CLOSED
Thursday 25 December 2014 Christmas Day CLOSED
Friday 26 Dec Boxing Day CLOSED
Monday 29 December 2014 Normal Opening Hours
Tuesday 30 Dec December 2014 Normal Opening Hours
Wednesday 31 December 2014 New Years Eve Normal Opening Hours
Thursday 1 January 2015 New Years Day CLOSED
Friday 2 Jan 2015 Normal Opening Hours
Customer services staff from Oadby and Wigston Borough Council will be available at Oadby library during the following times. Please note for full opening times of Oadby library please contact Leicestershire County Council
Monday 22 December 2014 9.30 a.m. - 12.30 p.m.
Monday 29 December 2014 9.30 a.m. - 12.30 p.m.
Weds 31 December New Years Eve 9.30 a.m. - 1.00 p.m.
Friday 2 January 2015 9.30 a.m. - 1.00 p.m.