New swimming pools for Oadby and Wigston

Over the next 18 months, the residents of Oadby and Wigston will witness the building of two brand new swimming pools and the substantial refurbishment of Parklands Leisure Centre.After completing a major tendering exercise, Oadby and Wigston Borough Council has awarded its new leisure contract to a national market leader, SLM Ltd.

The 20 year contract will start in April 2014. The existing Wigston Swimming Pool will be demolished and a brand new, state-of-the art six lane swimming pool with a new large fitness suite will be built in its place. In Oadby, Parklands Leisure Centre will be refurbished and extended to include a further six lane swimming pool. These will all be built by May 2015.

Councillor Sharon Morris, Chair of the committee that approved the decision said, “This is a fantastic result for everybody. The council is investing just over nine million pounds in these facilities, which is a million pounds less than we had expected to. The new contract will also save the council nearly £200,000 every year, which we will use to support the council’s other front line

services, such as keeping free shoppers’ car parking in the town centres.”

David Bibby, Managing Director of SLM said, “We are delighted to be working with Oadby and Wigston Borough Council to deliver improved leisure services to the area. Under our brand of ‘Everyone Active’ we will be bringing activities to the local community to encourage everyone to visit their local leisure centre.”

Oadby and Wigston Borough Council will provide a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on its website, and further updates when available: www.oadby-wigston.gov.uk

The council will be considering planning applications for these new developments at a future Development Control Committee meeting. Details of these applications (when submitted) can be found on the publicaccess pages on the council's website.

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

Spring 2014

Our Way to Better Customer Care

Refuse and Recycling Bank Holiday Arrangements Collection Day

Revised Collection Day

Friday 18 April Good Friday

No CollectionRefuse, Recycling and Textiles - Friday 25 April*

Glass and Cooking Oil – Thursday 17 April

Garden Waste – Thursday 17 April

Monday 21 April Easter Monday

No CollectionGlass and Cooking Oil – Tuesday 22 April

Garden Waste - will be collected between Tuesday 22 and Friday 25 April

Monday 5 May May Day

No CollectionGlass and Cooking Oil – Tuesday 6 May

Garden Waste – will be collected between Tuesday 6 May and Friday 9 May

Monday 26 May Spring Bank Holiday

No CollectionGlass and Cooking Oil – Tuesday 27 May

Garden Waste – will be collected between Tuesday 27 May and Friday 30 May

*Will be a double collection which is 6 black bags and unlimited recycling bags.

Message from John Boyce - Leader of Oadby and Wigston Borough Council

Oadby and Wigston Borough Council announces no Council Tax rise

"The council is delighted to state that we will not be raising our share of your Council Tax this year. Indeed, in these uncertain times, I am happy to announce we do not intend to raise it next year either. This will be five years in succession we have been able to freeze Council Tax. We will also continue to provide the front line services you have asked for, namely weekly refuse and recycling and free shoppers’ car parking. Thank you for your support."

Printed on FSC material produced from sustainable sources using vegetable based inks.2 CurrentNews

Oadby and Wigston Borough Council Annual Awards Evening

Oadby and Wigston Borough Council, in partnership with the Local Sport Alliance and LeicesterShire and Rutland Sport, held its joint Annual Awards Evening in November 2013 at Leicester Racecourse, Oadby.

The Mayor of Oadby and Wigston for 2013-14, Frank Broadley, formally opened the event and also presented the Community Awards. Leicestershire and England Cricketer Shiv Thakor presented the Sport and Physical Activity Awards.

In addition, The Mighty Creatives chose the event to formally launch ‘The Bank of TMC’. Please see page 13 for more information.

There were also dance performances by the winner of the South Wigston Supersonic Boom 2013, Leah McDonagh, with her Irish dance routine, and the winner of the Oadby Supersonic Boom 2013, ‘Recharge’, with their group performance.

Sport and Physical Activity Award winners:• Physical Activity Participation Award -

Jane L’Homme• Volunteer of the Year - Andy Jones • Junior Team of the Year - Oadby and

Wigston Inclusive Football Team• Club / Group of the Year - WomenToday

Cycling• Junior Sportsman of the Year -

Jacob Ward• Junior Sportswoman of the Year - Lisa Carr • Young / Junior Disabled Sportsman of

the Year - Alistair Jackson

• Inspiring Young Sports Person of the Year - Josh Wills

• Disabled Sportsman of the Year - Nitesh Chavda

• Adult Team of the Year - Wigston Town Cricket Club

• Coach of the Year - Hassan Khan• Outstanding Contribution to Physical

Activity - Jo Knight• Outstanding Contribution to Sport -

Chris Blackwell

Mayor’s Community Awards winners:• Mr John Dutton • Mr Neville Chadwick

Sport and physical activity winners and runners up

Shiv Thakor with 2012 Legacy Coordinator Gaynor Nash

Neville Chadwick, Mayor Frank Broadley, John Dutton and Shiv Thakor

Recycling contamination Residents in Oadby and Wigston are doing an excellent job recycling waste.Last year nearly 53 per cent of our waste was recycled. This is an outstanding achievement, however improvements can still be made by placing the correct items in the correct recycling bags. We often find items that cannot be recycled in the recycling bags – these items are called contamination.

The common items of contamination found in recycling bags include:

✗Plastic film

✗Carrier bags

✗Polystyrene

✗Salad and vegetable bags

✗Crisp packets

✗Pet food pouches

✗Children’s toys

✗Buckets

✗Nappies

✗Washing up bowls

This contamination is removed by hand, by staff working on the sorting line. Large items of contamination can also damage the sorting machine, which can lead to expensive repairs and downtime.

In your brown recycling bag you can place the following:✓Junk mail✓Envelopes✓Cereal boxes✓Flattened cardboard✓Magazines✓Catalogues✓Directories✓Newspapers

✓Bed sheets✓Towels ✓Shoes

(tied in pairs)✓Handbags✓Belts✓Clean clothes

However there are so many things you can put in your bags for us to recycle.In your green recycling bag you can place the following:✓Rinsed cans

and tins

✓Clean plastic bottles

✓Empty juice and milk cartons

✓Empty aerosol cans

✓Washed aluminium trays and containers

✓Clean yoghurt pots and margarine tubs

For further information please contact Operational Services on Leicester (0116) 288 8961 Option 2.

Please keep clothing and card/paper in separate brown bags.

3CurrentNews

Transforming the town centresDuring November 2013 Oadby and Wigston Borough Council and Leicestershire County Council were formally awarded a European Regional Development Fund contribution of £520,733 towards public realm regeneration schemes in Oadby and Wigston town centres.

These schemes will total an £830,000 investment in the towns when including match funding from the two councils. In conformity with Oadby and Wigston Borough Council’s Town Centres Area Action Plan 2013, the works are centred on Bell Street in Wigston and The Parade in Oadby and will not only make the areas more attractive to residents and visitors alike, but will enable the towns as a whole to continue to attract economic investment by strengthening the already diverse range of shops and facilities available.

Both schemes will incorporate new design standards and styles and will renew the paving, the street furniture (including benches and litter bins) and the planting, as well as create a small pocket park in Bell Street, Wigston and a town square in Oadby at the junction of The Parade and Chestnut Avenue.

Although there is to be significant works undertaken to the pavements and the roads through these schemes, traffic movement and bus routes will not be altered once complete. With any works that occur to roads and pavements, there will inevitably be an element of disruption, however every effort will be made to keep this to a minimum so that the towns and their businesses can function as normally as possible whilst the improvements are being carried out. Any disruptions or alternative routes required during the works will be publicised at the time.

The works in Oadby are programmed to start the week commencing 5 May 2014 with completion by the end of

November, to ensure that Christmas trading is not affected. The works in Wigston are due to start the week commencing 2 June 2014 and will run for an eight to ten week period over the summer months.

Information regarding the two schemes will be available in Oadby Library and Wigston Library until the end of March 2014 and on the websites of Oadby and Wigston Borough Council and Leicestershire County Council. You can also contact a member of the Oadby and Wigston Borough Council Planning Policy and Regeneration Team on Leicester (0116) 288 8961 or the Leicestershire County Council Engineering Design Group on Leicester (0116) 305 0001.

Please note - all photographs and illustrations are examples of the types of street furniture and paving that could be used within the new public realm schemes and may not necessarily be those used in reality.

4 CommunityNews

Grow your own fruit and vegetablesIf you enjoy gardening and would like to grow your own fresh fruit and vegetables then an allotment could be just what you are 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.

There are four allotment sites across the borough:

• Brabazon Road, Oadby

• Wigston Road, Oadby

• Manchester Gardens, Wigston

• Aylestone Lane, Wigston

Although there is currently a waiting list for a plot, do not let this put you off applying, as people’s circumstances often change and some people leave the list or no longer want a plot when offered one.

To apply to join the waiting list please log onto www.oadby-wigston.gov.uk/allotments and complete the application form or telephone Leicester (0116) 288 8961 Option 2 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 the borough then please contact your local council about allotments in your area.

Brocks Hill overrun with SantasOn Sunday 8 December 2013 Santa hats could be seen bobbing up and down around Brocks Hill Country Park and Environment Centre as the Mayor’s Santa Fun Run filled the site.

Entrants ran or walked the 1.2 mile route around the paths in the country park, wearing a fantastic array of Christmas fancy dress. On completing the two laps children were given a medal and certificate and much to the children’s delight, Santa popped in to give Christmas cheer and a gift.

The run was in support of charities chosen by the Mayor of Oadby and Wigston Borough Council 2013-14, Councillor Frank Broadley, and raised much-needed funds for Asthma UK

and Prostaid. The Mayor said, "A great fun time was had by all. We are hoping that this will be an annual event in the Mayoral calendar".

The Mayor would like to thank everyone who took part on the day to raise funds for his charities, and also the volunteers who helped make the event possible.

Fludes Lane WoodlandFludes Lane Woodland is an area of wildlife interest in Oadby and is one of the most important urban woodland areas in the borough.

Ash and oak are the main woodland trees, with an understory (the plant life beneath the tree canopy) of hawthorn, elder and field maple. Many woodland spring flowers, such as the lesser celandine, can be seen growing there. The site is a link between the A6 in Oadby and the wider countryside, forming an important corridor for both wildlife and people.

Recent works by Oadby and Wigston Borough Council’s Environmental Development and Operations Service have included safety and access improvements to one of the main bridges at the site that crosses the Washbrook.

In the early summer, the council’s Countryside Service will be inviting local people to come along and find out more about how they can get involved in the conservation of this wildlife site. Opportunities could include helping record wildlife and helping with conservation tasks. This will complement the work of the Friends of Fludes Lane, a group originally established a few years ago. If you want to find out more about this forthcoming project, please contact Carolyn Holmes, Country Parks and Environment Manager based at Brocks Hill Country Park and Environment Centre, on Leicester (0116) 257 2860.

The newly refurbished bridge over the Washbrook

5CommunityNews

The courses, which take place for two hours a week for five weeks, are ideal for people who have never been on a bike before, riders who want to improve their confidence and people who have not cycled for years.

Cycling is a great way to stay in shape, save money on the costs of running a car and an ideal way to explore the county.

Similar courses are taking place around the county and aim to help anybody over the age of 16 feel more confident on two wheels and make more journeys by bike.

For a full list of the adult cycling courses visit www.leics.gov.uk/cyclecourses to download the information leaflet.

To book your free place call us on Leicester (0116) 305 3179 or e-mail Oisin.Walker@leics.gov.uk

in Oadby and Wigston

Get cycling

cycling courses for over 16sFreeOadby, Brookside Primary School, Copse Close, LE2 4FUTuesdays 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 10, 17, 24 June and 1, 8 JulyThursdays 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 7, 14, 21, 28 August and 4 September

Wigston, Bushloe High School Campus, Station Road, LE18 2DTWednesdays 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 7, 14, 21, 28 May and 4 June

Reconnecting with nature at Brocks Hill Country Park and Environment Centre With the arrival of spring, an exciting new programme of events, activities and sessions is available at Brocks Hill Country Park and Environment Centre for all of our visitors. Adult art and craft events, natural history and countryside talks and walks will be joining our programme, with guest speakers and presenters to illuminate and inspire. We have already run several outdoor adult training courses on tree-pruning and hedge-laying, and there are more to follow throughout the year.

Once again, you will not be disappointed by the provision of activities for children. With such a fantastic resource as the country park, we will be running yet more sessions outdoors for young people and families, so be prepared to be fascinated by the wealth of variety and natural beauty found here at Brocks Hill.

We are also looking to plug the age gap with opportunities for the young adults of the borough, and beyond, to join us in positive conservation work and in recreational activities. Recently, the 77 Scout troop completed their Community Challenge Badge by dead-hedging around the den-building glade - a fantastic achievement for them and a lasting legacy within the country park.

More volunteering opportunities are available, with regular opportunities on a Wednesday and the second Sunday of most months. Tasks completed are varied, from tree-planting to hay-making. Local businesses are also getting active, with employee volunteering and team-building days based around the country park – all helping to develop new features and enhance existing resources. Telephone the Ranger team for more details on Leicester (0116) 257 2888.

All of our up-and-coming events and activities, including for the Easter holiday, can be found on our website www.brockshill.co.uk and in our newsletters, which come out every two months and can be emailed or posted out if requested.

For more information and booking details, please telephone Leicester (0116) 257 2888, email informationofficer@oadby-wigston.gov.uk or scan the QR code from your smartphone!

6 CommunityNews

7CommunityNews

After a long, wet and windy winter, now is the time for thoughts to turn to a warm spring and a hot sunny summer. Of course, it may not happen that way - after all, it would not be England if the weather was so predictable!

Luckily, the weather does not deter the fantastic gardeners in our borough, who will once again be planning some wonderful displays for their front gardens. Whether it is marigolds in the borders or petunias in the hanging baskets, we know that the results are admired and appreciated by all. Now is also the time for you to enter into Pride of the Borough’s Floral Display competitions, or alternatively why not recommend a neighbour?

Once again there are two main categories - Best Front Garden and Best Container. The Best Container category also includes age groups for young people, so all the family

can get involved. Or you could get imaginative and plant up an ‘Unusual Container.’ Anything can be used, as long as it holds compost for the plants, you can use it, so why not have a go and make your neighbours smile?

Of course, it is not just about bedding plants - you can also have borders of permanent planting, or a mixture of both, as long as the result is well-maintained and visible from the highway.

To take part, you can use the entry form shown here, or pick up a full entry form with more information and rules from sites around the borough, including Brocks Hill Country Park and Environment Centre, Oadby, the main Council Offices, Station Road, Wigston and Oadby, Wigston and South Wigston libraries.

Alternatively, visit our website www.prideoftheborough.org Good luck and happy gardening!

Pride of the Borough

Floral Display Competitions

Pride of the Borough Floral Competitions Entry Form 2014Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms PLEASE PRINT

Name: ...............................................................................

Surname: .........................................................................

Address: ...........................................................................

..............................................................................................

Post Code: ......................................................................

Contact telephone number:

..............................................................................................

I wish to enter the competition in category (please tick which apply)

❏ A. Best Front Garden

❏ B. Best Container

❏ B1. Young Person's Container ❏Under 10 ❏10-14 ❏15-18 Age of young person (if applicable) ................

❏ C. Most Unusual Container

❏ D. Best Retail or Commercial

❏ E. Best Floral Pub Display

❏ F. Best School Garden

❏ G. Artwork or Photographic (also see separate entry form)

I have read, and agree to abide by, the competition rules.

Signed: .............................................................................

Nominated by: (this is not essential)

Name: ...............................................................................

Telephone: ......................................................................

Completed entry forms should be returned by 23 June 2014 to: Pride of the Borough, Brocks Hill Country Park and Environment Centre, Washbrook Lane, Oadby, Leicester, LE2 5JJ

For more information: Telephone 07874 228491 Or visit our website www.prideoftheborough.org

8 CommunityNews

The Friends of Brocks Hill Country Park was set up in 2010 to establish a group of like-minded, passionate people who care about Brocks Hill and wanted to support developing the country park for wildlife and people.

Since its creation, the Friends have organised two Birds, Bees and Butterflies Days, with a wealth of stalls and activities to promote wildlife, entertain and educate visitors, and raise funds. Other fun, informative days organised by the group include Healthy Living Day, which encouraged fitness and well-being, and most recently a Food Fayre showcasing local produce. The experience, enthusiasm and dedication volunteered by the Friends contributed to the success of these events, and we want you to help us be even better. It could be that you simply have a few hours to spare to help run a stall, or maybe you have book-keeping, admin or fundraising expertise – whatever you can offer, we would love you to get involved and make a difference at Brocks Hill.

For example, a recent change to the country park which visitors will undoubtedly notice is the sculptured

‘Memorial Tree.’ This beautiful bird feeder was initiated and funded by the Friends and is a unique way to remember a loved one, with personalised engraved metal leaves available for sponsorship (please see below for details).

Inspired by the impact of the Memorial Tree, the group has already secured a grant for another sculpture, and is exploring the development of a sculpture trail within the country park. With future noteworthy projects including a programme of talks and short guided-walks around the site, the group is keen for new members to help make these exciting plans a reality.

You do not have to be involved in organising events if you do not have time - pledging your support by joining the Friends or attending events is a valuable contribution as this all helps raise funds for future public events and projects.

The Friends of Brocks Hill Country Park meets regularly to plan and deliver its wide range of activities, with a membership fee of just £4.00 per year and benefits including discounted offers for talk and walk tickets and subscription to the group’s newsletter. If you are interested in joining the group, or for more information about membership, helping out or sponsoring a leaf on the Memorial Tree for a loved one, please telephone the Brocks Hill Country Park team on Leicester (0116) 257 2888 or email The Friends via informationofficer@oadby-wigston.gov.uk and requests will be passed to the Friends Committee.

Get involved and make a difference by joining the Friends of Brocks Hill Country Park

Business Breakfast Tuesday 25 March 2014

Oadby and Wigston Borough Council in partnership with South Leicestershire College would like to invite all businesses in the borough to attend a Business Breakfast event at South Leicestershire College on Tuesday 25 March 2014.

The event will focus on the implications for businesses of the new Auto-Enrolment Pensions scheme. Solicitors Howes Percival will outline the legal implications and

pension providers Matteoli Woods will provide advice on how to set up a scheme.

The breakfast (comprising a hot and cold selection), registration and networking will start at 7:15 a.m. with presentations starting at 7:40 a.m. An opportunity to network with other businesses from

the borough will conclude the event. Booking is advisable by Friday 21 March 2014 via the South Leicestershire College website at

www.slcollege.ac.uk/oadby-wigston-business-breakfast

For more information please contact the council’s Economic Regeneration Team on Leicester (0116) 257 2651.

9CommunityNews

Owls Athletics Club proudly sport their medals, presented by Mayor Frank Broadley

Leicestershire Cross Country Championships at Brocks HillBrocks Hill Country Park and Environment Centre was host to the prestigious Leicestershire and Rutland Athletic Association Cross Country Championships 2014 on Saturday 4 January.

Tell us more… about youThe council is keen to monitor the diversity of the residents who make up our borough. If you are attending the main Council Offices, we would be grateful if you could take a couple of minutes to complete one of our Equalities Monitoring Forms, which are available on the Reception desk. By collecting this data, the council is better placed to promote equality in delivering services that meet the needs of our residents.

Free calendarWe have also created a desktop 2014 ‘Celebrating Diversity’ calendar which promotes the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010 and provides some interesting statistics about our borough. Please help yourself to a free calendar, available from Reception at the main Council Offices whilst stocks last.

Mayor Frank Broadley starting the first race

The Mayor for 2013-14, Councillor Frank Broadley, officially started one of the races and presented the trophies and medals to the winners and runners up.

Local athlete Amy Griffiths, from Wigston, became the youngest person to win the Senior Cross Country title. Owls Athletics Club also achieved honours, becoming the men’s team event champions, with team member Sam Stabler also winning the overall individual men’s event. In addition, local resident Julie Lamb from Wigston performed well to finish second in the Women's Masters race.

Amy Griffiths in action

CommunityNews10

The Change4Life team works in partnership with Oadby and Wigston Borough Council, Blaby District Council, Sure Start and the National Health Service to provide a wide range of physical activity sessions to keep your 0-5 year old active and healthy and help them achieve the guideline of three hours of physical activity a day.

Please contact the Change4Life Early Years Team to book your place on one of these sessions. You can telephone us on Leicester (0116) 272 7703 or email leisure@blaby.gov.uk

Day Session Age Venue Time Cost

Monday Katy Lou’s Baby Sing and Sign class

5 to 15 months

Parklands Leisure Centre, Oadby

11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

£2.00

Tuesday Toddler Town Walking to 3 years

Freer Centre, Wigston

10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

£2.00

Wednesday Melody Bear 2 to 5 years

Freer Centre, Wigston

1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.

£2.00

Wednesday Skills School 2 to 5 years

Kings Centre, Wigston

5:15 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

£2.00

Thursday Skills School 2 to 5 years

Bassett Centre, South Wigston

10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

£2.00

Thursday Katy Lou’s Music and Movement

2 to 5 years

Parklands Leisure Centre, Oadby

1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.

£2.00

Oadby and Wigston Borough Council is looking for clubs and groups to deliver the popular Sportivate Programme.Sportivate is a National Lottery-funded programme that gives young people access to different sports in order to learn a new sport or improve existing skills. This programme is part of Sport England's mass participation legacy from the London 2012 Olympics.

Sportivate is a series of weekly coaching sessions in a chosen sport lasting a minimum of six weeks and a maximum of eight weeks. Activities are targeted at participants aged 11 to 25 years who may not seek out sporting opportunities themselves, or those who are doing sport for a very limited amount of time.

There is an opportunity for local clubs to bid for funding to deliver programmes across the borough of Oadby and Wigston, in line with Sport England’s criteria. If your group or club would like an application form please contact Avril Lennox by email: avril.lennox@oadby-wigston.gov.uk

The deadline for return of completed application forms is the end of July 2014 for programme delivery from October 2014 to the end of March 2015.

Sibling discount: £1.00 for each participating sibling

11CommunityNews

Active Oadby and Wigston is a collection of organisations working together to provide and increase sport and physical activity opportunities in the borough of Oadby and Wigston.

Organisations involved with Active Oadby and Wigston include: Oadby and Wigston Borough Council, Active Together, Leicester-Shire & Rutland Sport, Learning South Leicestershire School Sports Partnership, Extended Services, Guthlaxton College, Sporting Change and Leicestershire and Rutland County Football Association.

To find out what sports and activities are happening locally for all ages, visit

www.activeoadby wigston.org.uk

Bowls in the boroughHave you ever been interested in trying bowls? Our borough is lucky enough to host four outdoor, friendly bowls clubs which are always welcoming new members. All are opening their doors to the public to come along and have a go at playing the game before the season starts. Anyone aged 12 and upwards is welcome to come and try, so why not make it a family day out? Experienced players and coaches will be on hand to show you how to play, and equipment will be provided.

Please wear flat shoes or trainers and casual clothing. Under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult. Refreshments are available at all clubs during or after sessions. If you are unable to attend the taster sessions listed below, please contact the relevant club, which will be happy to accommodate you another time.

Monthly walksWalking is a gentle, low-impact form of exercise that is easy, free and suitable for people of all ages and most abilities. Walk leader Enid Khan co-ordinates two monthly walks in the borough, so why not come along and join in? There is no need to book onto any of the walks, just turn up.

First Wednesday of the month Wigston Wanderers – One to two miles around Wigston. Meet at 10:30 a.m. at Wigston Library

First Saturday of the month Four to five mile ramble across a location in Leicestershire (please dress appropriately). Meet at 10:00 a.m. at Oadby Grange Pub to drive to the chosen location. To join the mailing list for this walk, please email leanne.plummer@oadby-wigston.gov.uk

Oadby Bowling Club Ellis Park, Oadby Sunday 13 April 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday 11 May 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please telephone Malcolm Moore on Leicester (0116) 271 7468 or John Fox on Leicester (0116) 271 5101.

Wigston Men's Bowls Club Peace Memorial Park, Long Street, Wigston For more information please telephone Nigel Denton on Leicester (0116) 277 7841.

Wigston Ladies Bowls Club Peace Memorial Park, Long Street, Wigston Saturday 5 April 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Wednesday 9 April 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please telephone Rose Friend on Leicester (0116) 292 3771.

Briarmeads Bowls Club Briarmeads, Oadby For more information, please telephone Joyce Armini on Leicester (0116) 212 5663.

South Wigston Bowls Club Blaby Road Park, South Wigston For more information, please telephone Val Herbert on Leicester (0116) 277 3861.

Now on Twitter! Follow us @activeoadbywigs

12 CommunityNews

One of these was a flat attached to a shop and when Environmental Health Officers visited they found the occupants, which included two young children, living without heating, hot water and lighting as the landlord had turned them off. He had been able to do this because the boiler and the electric controls were in the shop.

The officers told the landlord to turn the boiler and electrics back on immediately but decided that the flat was not suitable to be lived in if the tenants did not have access to the controls for them. The landlord was served with a prohibition order which meant that no one could live in the property until all the improvements had been completed. The works were completed a few months later and the property was re-let.

In a separate case a tenant was found living in a flat with no heating or hot water after having the gas supply cut off due to a gas leak inside her flat. Environmental Health Officers intervened to try and get the gas supply reinstated quickly but soon discovered that the property had been converted from a shop to a flat illegally, as the owner had not applied for planning permission or Building Regulations approval. A prohibition order was also served on this flat and as of January 2014 remained closed.

If you are a private tenant with concerns about the condition of your property you can contact Environmental Health on Leicester (0116) 257 2601. We also welcome calls from landlords who want advice on the standards required in private rented properties.

Council closes dangerous privately-rented homesIn 2013 Oadby and Wigston Borough Council’s Environmental Health team received nearly 90 complaints from private tenants about poor living conditions. The majority of these were resolved by negotiating with landlords and letting agents to carry out necessary repairs, but in two cases the properties were so poor that they were closed by the council.

Oadby and Wigston Borough Council confers Honorary AldermenAt a special meeting of Oadby and Wigston Borough Council the title of Honorary Alderman was conferred on leading former councillors Mrs Lesley Thornton and Mr Michael Griffiths

Mayor Frank Broadley with Mr Michael Griffiths and Mrs Lesley Thornton.

Between them, Mrs Thornton and Mr Griffiths were councillors for 50 years, the Mayor on three occasions, and both were Leader of the Council. At the full meeting of the council, which was also attended by guests, councillors praised their past and continuing hard work and commitment on behalf of the residents of the borough.

Both Mrs Thornton and Mr Griffiths said that they were honoured to be recognised in such a way and thanked the councillors.

The Mayor of Oadby and Wigston Borough Council for 2013-14, Councillor Frank Broadley, said

“The council overwhelmingly voted to confer the honour on both Lesley and Michael for their outstanding contribution to the council and the residents of the borough”.

13CommunityNews

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14 CommunityNews

Theft from motor vehiclesWith the resale value of tools, vans are often an easy target for thieves. Please take all steps to remove tools and expensive equipment from your vehicle.

Leicestershire Police can help - we have free stickers at Wigston Police Station that read “All tools are removed from this vehicle overnight.”

We also have tool marker pens, which are free of charge.

Theft of number plates The theft of a number plate can be a huge inconvenience to a motorist. Once the number plate is stolen, it can be used to disguise stolen vehicles, conceal the identity of vehicles used in criminal activity, such as the theft of petrol from forecourts, and evade fines for traffic offences such as speeding and illegal parking.

Anti-theft number plate screws are available free of charge for the residents of Oadby, Wigston and South Wigston by attending Wigston Police station.

Online webchatA joint Leicestershire Police and Oadby and Wigston Borough Council webchat is held on the first Thursday of each month from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Log onto www.leics.police.uk/oadbywebchat to take part.

Oadby and Wigston Community Safety Partnership SurveyIt is time to have your say on crime and anti-social behaviour in Oadby and Wigston.

The Community Safety Partnership believes that the way to create a safer, stronger community is by working in partnership with the council, police and other agencies. We are now giving residents in the borough the opportunity to have their say about how we tackle and prevent crime and disorder, substance misuse and anti-social behaviour.

The questions contained in our survey will help us understand the concerns that you have about your safety and the safety of others in the community. The results will be used to inform the priorities and actions that the Community Safety Partnership takes to improve the quality of life for everyone in the borough.

To complete the survey please log onto the council’s website www.oadby-wigston.gov.uk. Alternatively you can pick up a copy at the main Council Offices, Station Road, Wigston or at Wigston Police Station. If you would like to have a survey sent out to you please telephone the Community section on Leicester (0116) 288 7828.

Vehicle safety advice from Leicestershire Police

15CommunityNews

If a fire breaks out in your homeGet out, stay out and call 999www.gov.uk/firekills

TIME TO TEST You are at least four times more likely to die in a fire in your home if you have no working smoke alarmWhy not test your smoke alarms on the first of every month? Then you know that they are working and you can tick it off your ‘to do’ list – before it’s too late.

Over 200 people in England die each year in fires in their homes. These are often caused by smoking materials, cooking accidents, candles and faulty electrical appliances – especially heaters – and wiring.

Fit smoke alarms on every level of your home

Test them on the first of every month and never take out the batteries

Plan your escape route and make sure everyone knows it

Put cigarettes out – right out – and never smoke in bed

Take extra care in the kitchen and never leave cooking unattended

Make a bedtime check last thing at night to reduce fire risks – unplug heaters

Never try to tackle a fire yourself

These simple steps can reduce the risk of fire and keep everyone safer:

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This publication can be made available in your language, in alternative formats such as Braille, large print, electronic and audio recording on request.

Prize DrawIf you are a council tenant, then give yourself a chance to be entered into our free prize draw.

First prize: £100Two runner-up prizes of £25.00 eachAll you need to do is answer the three questions below correctly and make sure that your rent account is clear or in credit by the week ending 28 March 2014.

What is the full website address of Oadby and Wigston Borough Council which starts www…?

Which dates in the month can you pay your rent by direct debit?

How many rent-free weeks are there in the year?

Please send entries to: Community Department Oadby and Wigston Borough Council, Council Offices, Station Road, Wigston, Leicester, LE18 2DR

Name ................................................................................

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Address ..........................................................................

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Telephone: ...................................................................

Email: ...............................................................................

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Council Tax Support is changing for working-age peopleCouncil Tax Benefit was abolished by central government on 31 March 2013 and all councils had to replace it with a new local scheme from 1 April 2013. The new scheme was called Council Tax Support. The government gave councils less money to pay for their Council Tax Support schemes so some difficult decisions had to be made about how much Council Tax Support people could receive. These changes only affected working-age people.

Councils are facing further cuts in funding for 2014-15 and will again receive less money to pay for Council Tax Support schemes.

To develop our scheme for 2014-15 we consulted with local residents between 19 August 2013 and 27 September 2013.

Oadby and Wigston Borough Council’s Council Tax Support scheme is changing from 1 April 2014 and the following rules will apply for working-age people:

All working-age people will have to pay at least 15 per cent of their Council Tax billCharges for other adults called ‘non dependants’ will increase by 10 per cent

Pensioners are not affected by these changes.

We have given careful consideration to how we protect vulnerable people and we will have a local Discretionary Discount scheme. This scheme is there to help people who are experiencing severe financial hardship who need extra help to pay their Council Tax. You do not need to be in receipt of Council Tax Support to apply for Discretionary Council Tax Support.

If you wish to apply for Council Tax Support or Discretionary Council Tax Support or require further information, please contact the Benefit Team on Leicester (0116) 288 8961 Option 4. Alternatively you can collect a form from the Council Offices or download a form from our website www.oadby-wigston.gov.uk/pages/discretionary_council_tax_support