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Marks & Spencer for Thurmaston?

A planning application has been submitted to Charnwood Borough Council for a single storey extension to Unit 8 at Thurmaston Shopping Centre.

The application includes an extension to the ground floor at the rear of the store and the construction of a mezzanine floor to accommodate food storage and staff areas.

Until recently Unit 8 was occupied by Shoe Zone but current trading conditions has led to the closure of the store.

If the application is successful Marks & Spencer would like to trade their ‘Simply Food’ store at the shopping centre which would be opened by September 2010.

It is anticipated that the store would provide 10-14 full time and up to 60 part time jobs.

At their January meeting Thurmaston Parish Council voted to write to Charnwood Borough Council strongly opposing any more development in the area until the existing traffic problems were addressed.

Asda plans get go ahead

Despite objections from Thurmaston Parish Council and residents concerns about traffic congestion on Barkby Thorpe Lane and the A607 roundabout, the plans to extend Asda have been given the go ahead by Charnwood Borough Council.

The extension will house the customer cafe and toilets, relocated from their present positions and the additional sales area will allow for the store to be modernised and the internal layout to be reorganised generating around 10 new full and part time jobs.

The car park will be redesigned to allow for parking spaces for parent and child and disabled customers to be located at the store entrance. The amount of available car parking spaces will be reduced by one space to 542.

The application also proposes to enclose part of the service area at the rear of the store.

Borough Councillor Brenda Seaton said, “The application was discussed at Charnwood Borough Council’s February meeting and Councillors voted in favour of the application. The scheme will involve the widening of the exit road from the store from one to two lanes, the left lane for traffic turning left and going straight on into the shopping centre and the right lane for traffic to turn right onto Barkby Thorpe Lane. Keep clear road markings will be painted on the carriageway and the Barkby Thorpe Lane roundabout”.

New Council homes for Thurmaston

Charnwood Borough Council is to build its first council houses in 19 years.

The council, which received a total of £405,776 in grants for the housing, now has until March 2011 to complete the homes. Four will be built in Thurmaston; two on Redhill Lane and two on Charnwood Avenue, with four more in Shepshed and one in Barrow upon Soar.

Once available they will provide high quality affordable housing for people on the council’s housing register.

For more information about the scheme visit: www.communities.gov.uk/news/
housing/1429357

New pedestrian crossings

Following consultation with local residents the work to construct two Pedestrian crossings costing £182,000 is planned to take place in spring of this year.

In April 2008 the Charnwood Highways forum responded to a petition requesting the provision of two pedestrian crossings, one on the A607 Melton Road opposite the Manor Health Centre, the other on Humberstone Lane near its junction with Wayside Drive, however due to residents objections regarding the positioning of the Humberstone Lane crossing an alternative proposal was developed which sites the Toucan Crossing (a crossing point for both cyclists and pedestrians) on Humberstone Lane at the traffic lights away from any house and shop frontages.

New pathways will be constructed to link the bottom of the footbridge on Wayside Drive to the new pedestrian crossing at the bottom of Humberstone Lane and join the new crossing over Melton Road to Pinfold Road.

If a Sustran’s funding bid is successful these crossings could become part of a larger plan to incorporate a cycleway with a shared footpath to link the four schools in the area and Watermead Country Park.

Councillor Paul Harley who pushed for the scheme said, “The closure of the doctor’s surgery in the village created the need for new crossings in this area and following a lot of hard work by residents I am delighted that we have been able to secure the funding for the crossings. After discussion with the Parish Council and residents we were able to influence the Highways Department with their final plan. As a result we have two new pedestrian crossings which will make access to the doctor’s surgery, chemist and shops safer with the prospect of further work being progressed in the near future”.

Plea for help from Sandiacre Drive residents

Residents expressed their concerns about recent disturbances in the Sandiacre Drive area at the February Parish Council meeting.

Reports of broken bottles, litter and anti-social behaviour were given to the councillors. Residents said they felt intimidated by the large number of youths who have been gathering on Friday and Saturday evenings making them reluctant to leave their homes or call the police for fear of reprisals.

Parish Council Chairman, Mark Lowe advised anyone affected by anti-social behaviour to call the police every time there is an incident as calls would be logged highlighting problems in the area.

The Parish Council agreed to support the residents by contacting the police outlining their concerns.

Councillor Paul Harley said: “Following their success in other areas of Thurmaston I will make the Impact Team aware of the problems and ask them to focus their attention on Sandiacre Drive.”

Cllr. Brenda Seaton added, “Anti-social behaviour is a criminal offence if you have any worries you should dial 999.”
See page 2 for all police contact numbers.

Can you help trace graffiti vandals?

Around 3.30pm Friday 29th January 2010, police officers from Charnwood LPU responded to a call received from a member of the public in Thorpefield Drive Thurmaston after it was reported that three persons had been seen to cause damage in Thorpefield Drive.

Following a search officers stopped, searched and arrested three males after they were found to be in possession of spray paint and permanent black marker pens. All three were taken to Loughborough Police station and interviewed. They were later released on bail whilst investigations continue into incidents of graffiti in the area.

Police would like to appeal for anyone who witnessed persons causing damage in Thorpefield Drive Thurmaston at 3.30pm on Friday 29th January 2010 to get in touch with the officer leading the investigation, PS 4 Haines on 0116 222 2222 or anyone with information as the identity of the person using the ‘Ade’ graffiti tag to call the police or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

New bridge arrives in style

A new pedestrian and cycle bridge designed to improve access to Watermead Country Park is now in place.

The structure, known as the Backwater or Bywater Bridge, adds to the new bridge at Thurmaston Lock, built in July 2009. It crosses the River Soar close to the lock, off Mill Lane, Thurmaston.

Due to the size and shape of the bridge - it is 13.6m long and weighs 4.5 tonnes - it was delivered on a flatbed lorry which had its own crane to lift it into place and is specifically designed to carry and lift heavy loads.

Ernie White, County Council Cabinet Member for Country Parks, said: “The park is popular with visitors from all over the city and county. We want to make sure that the changes over the next five years will greatly improve accessibility into and around the park for all of these people.”

The £25,000 bridge, funded by Sustrans and British Waterways, complements the £1.4 million Lottery-funded Sustrans Connect2 Watermead Country Park project. In December 2007, people across the nation voted Connect2 the winner of a £50 million Big Lottery Fund People’s Millions grant. The initiative is creating new cycling and walking routes, improving local travel in 79 communities throughout the UK over the next five years.

To keep up to date with improvements in Watermead Country Park, visit www.leics.gov.uk/connect2

Stop the 5000 houses
For the latest news on the proposed development of 5000 houses east of Thurmaston and north of Hamilton, including online petitions visit www.babtag.co.uk

Thanksgiving for church donations

The parish Church of St. Michael and All Angels, Thurmaston had a special service of thanksgiving and dedication on Sunday 24th January 2010 to give thanks to God and celebrate the generous gifts recently donated by local people.

Floodlights were donated in 2004 by EMEC Ltd of Thurmaston and were used over the Christmas periods. When Raynsway properties generously offered to relay the Church path last year permanent cables were laid for the floodlights which can now be used to illuminate the church all year round.

The Church path has enhanced the appearance of both the church and the churchyard, and makes the walk up that little hill much easier for both those on foot and those in wheelchairs.

The service was led by the Venerable David Newman, the Archdeacon of Loughborough who led the people in prayer of thanks to God for the commitment of the people of Thurmaston to the church and community. The Archdeacon then dedicated to God the Church path in the memory of Mr Charlie Rayns, a new church carpet in memory of Mrs Nora Cooper and other gifts from the people of Thurmaston, including new boilers and heating. The vicar, Rev. Javaid Iqbal said, “It is great to see that in Thurmaston we have such a strong feeling of community and people support and look after each other. I am proud to be serving such a caring community”.

Report from Borough & County Councillor - Paul Harley
New Council Houses in Thurmaston
Charnwood Borough Council is to build its first council houses in 19 years following a successful funding bid. The council submitted proposals to build nine homes in five sites across the borough. The council, which received a total of £405,766 in grants for the housing have been able to invest some of their own capital in the scheme to make it achievable but the best news of all is that Thurmaston will have four of the new homes.

Reduction in crime
I was pleased to read the January police report which stated that incidents of antisocial behaviour have substantially reduced in the latter half of last year as a result of the Impact Team’s work in Thurmaston. The formation of a boxing club has given the bored youngsters something to focus their energies on but we must focus our attention on future provision not thinking that the job has been completed.

Traffic Calming

Following last year’s successes - the bridges over the River Soar and the work to secure the pedestrian crossings etc., I now have to focus my attention on areas that I must admit due to a lack of time I had neglected last year, one being the traffic calming campaign on Manor Road.

Recently part of Highway Road has been sign posted and marked as a ‘School Zone’ reducing the speed limit to 20mph at school times. Unfortunately the Eastfield School travel plan failed to identify the need for a proper light controlled crossing on Highway Road, therefore the opportunity for funding was missed.

Thurmaston - the place to be!
Thurmaston may be gaining another food store this year with the application from Charles Street Buildings for a small extension to the rear of the district centre. If successful this would accommodate a Marks and Spencer food store in Thurmaston. Whatever your views on the traffic congestion at peak times I see this as a testament to the confidence now shown in Thurmaston, to provide both the environment and employees to accommodate such a well known and respected retailer. With the diverse variety of high street shops we no longer stand in the shadow of Syston and Birstall but are the place to be in south Charnwood, indeed Leicestershire. (I am working on the traffic problem).

In conclusion I look forward to the New Year with optimism. I urge anyone to contact me if they have problems with any of the services provided by the councils. My first priority is Thurmaston and the residents within our borders.

Telephone 0116 230 3036,
email pharley@leics.gov.uk or cllrPaul.harley@charnwood.gov.uk

Report from Parish Council Chairman - Mark Lowe

ASDA PARK
The last report I put together focused on the use of Asda Park with the Council looking in to the Charnwood Forest Sports Association leasing the site and developing sports facilities for the community. The Council have resolved to pursue the Heads of Terms for the lease Agreement with Charnwood Forest Sports Association,

It is hoped that work will begin just after Easter to re-construct the football pitches.

VACANCY FOR COUNCILLOR
I am sorry to report that Councillor Stephen Campbell has decided to resign from the Parish Council, Cllr Campbell has been one of the longest serving councillors, having served the Council for over 30 years, this is an outstanding commitment to the Council and the community. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Councillor Campbell for his exceptional contributions which will be missed and to wish him every success in the future.

This now leaves an opening for cooption of a new Councillor; if you would like to join our team please get in touch with the Clerk or myself and we will inform you of the procedure.

MEMORIAL HALL REFURBISHMENT
The Memorial Hall on Melton Road is to benefit from a refurbishment program, including new doors, kitchen units, floor covering, and full decoration program. Work is due to commence during the February half term break and during the Easter Break.

DRAPES A SUCCESS
Elizabeth Park Sports Centre will also be refurbished in the near future including redecoration, fascia boards and refurbishment of changing lockers.

The bookings have increased at Elizabeth Park since the Parish Council purchased drapes for the walls and ceiling, if you have not seen the room have a look at our new website www.elizabethparkcentre.co.uk It is proving to be a very popular choice for weddings and parties.

We are again running a multi sports camp at Elizabeth Park during the Easter holidays, please see our website www.thurmastonpc.org.uk for further details or contact Elizabeth Park on
0116 260 2519.

COMMUNITY GRANTS
Village grants are available from the Parish Council and have proved to be very successful over the last year.

I would like to encourage local groups/organisations to apply for a small grant. Please contact me or the Clerk for further details or complete the application form on our website www.thurmastonpc.org.uk

One local group to benefit from a grant is Thurmaston Boxing Club. A small grant has enabled them to remain open for the next few weeks. Thurmaston Action Group is investigating sources of funding in an attempt to provide a permanent facility.

ALLOTMENTS
The Council are still investigating allotment provision in the Village. The land off Assured Drive/Melton Road that we have been investigating has proved to be unsuitable due to the flood issues. We are looking into another possible site and we will keep you informed.

SKATEBOARD PARK
Councillors are investigating possible funding for a skateboard park in Thurmaston, site still to be agreed.