Autumn 2020 matters leicestershire.gov.uk LeicsCountyHall Leicestershire County Council Helping Leicestershire stay safe – and YOUR COUNCIL bounce back DELIVERING We’re working hard to control coronavirus rates, support businesses and keep Leicestershire YOUR moving – during unprecedented times. SERVICES
Pandemics can change course quickly run, travelling to work, in the office or making it safer to shop in town centres. and as we approach winter under tighter going out for a drink – to follow the latest Over £300,000 of Government money restrictions, our public health leads are guidance. has been invested so far – and we’re monitoring data, spotting trends and Giving businesses a helping hand and bidding for a further £1.2m to develop targeting hot spots. We’re deploying extra enabling people to travel safely are key more schemes soon. mobile testing units where needed, taking strands of managing this health crisis. And by putting on extra public enforcement action against premises which And millions of pounds of grants, ‘pop-up’ transport, and urging parents and pupils flout the rules, delivering leaflets to over cycle lanes and skills training are enabling to cycle, walk or even scoot to school, 130,000 homes, sending out text messages communities and businesses to get back over 90,000 Leicestershire children were to thousands of people and advising on their feet. able to return to the classroom in August. schools, care homes and work places. A huge £750,000 cash pot, supporting Council leader, Nick Rushton, said: Thanks to your help this has reduced small businesses to bounce back, has “These remain challenging times. And cases in hot spots but mirroring the already given out £300,000 to 50 we’re committed to doing everything we situation across the country, we’re taking companies, with more awarded every can to tackle the biggest health crisis action to try to prevent the need for week. Businesses from across the county we’ve seen in our lifetimes. It’s vital that further measures. in sectors covering agriculture, tourism, residents play their part – and I’d like to A campaign called ‘it’s down to us’, hospitality, creative and retail have thank people for their continued support. featuring local people and landmarks, benefited from grants – with much more “Balancing our response to the has been launched reminding people to be awarded over the next few months. pandemic and supporting businesses to that they play a big part in lowering ‘Pop-up’ cycle lanes, ‘park and cycle’ recover is important. Companies are going infection levels. You can read more about facilities at our park and ride sites and through a torrid time and I’m pleased the drive on pages 4 and 5 which urges wider pavements are boosting walking that our grant scheme is offering them a residents – whether they’re on the school and cycling across Leicestershire and welcome boost.”
Helping businesses recover from coronavirus Find out about business grants - page 12 Under Leicestershire Matters is sent 10 p to all residents Welcome to per copy in the county of Leicestershire. It costs under 10p to print Leicestershire Matters and deliver each copy. To help save money on Council leader, Nick Rushton, introduces our autumn edition the distribution, we work closely with Royal Mail. The next few months will pose many We’re getting ready for winter – and our We’re sorry if you receive challenges – and this edition of our residents’ gritting team is gearing up to work round-the- Leicestershire Matters just over the border in newsletter sets out how we’re keeping clock to keep the county moving when the a neighbouring county residents safe whilst delivering the day-to-day mercury plummets. – but by using standard services you depend on. And as well as working 24/7 to ensure postal routes we actually Clearly bringing down coronavirus rates is vulnerable people have the care they need, save £750 per issue. top of our list. We have a highly-skilled public we’re building new accommodation to boost health team – and by crunching the data, independence. A housing complex featuring Contact us they’re using their expertise to target hot spots self-contained bungalows – which residents leicestershire.gov.uk and key behaviours. This insight means we have helped design – is one of a number of Our website focuses on the can hone our response – generating better and new projects we’ve opened. most popular things that quicker results. Across the county, we’re investing to people want to do online. So Our economy is the bedrock of the county – create more school places for children with next time you need to find or do and it’s tough for businesses at the moment. special educational needs and disabilities – something with the council, go That’s why we’ve launched a £750,000 grant and more foster carers are joining our books, online at leicestershire.gov.uk scheme which is helping small firms to get transforming the lives of very vulnerable Email back on their feet. You can find out more children by offering them a stable home. [email protected] on page 12. Our newly-revamped Snibston During difficult times, it’s important to Twitter LeicsCountyHall Colliery Park opens its doors this month - and look to the future – I’d like to thank you is transforming the site into a vibrant place to for your support and for continuing to do Facebook LeicsCountyHall live and visit. The regeneration of the wider Leicestershire proud. Instagram LeicsCountyHall site will not only attract more visitors to the General enquiries area but also provide much-needed housing. Mon - Thur: 8.30am - 5pm Fri: 8.30am - 4.30pm NICK RUSHTON Telephone: 0116 232 3232 Post Communications Team, Room 400, County Hall, Reshaping local YOUR Glenfield, Leicester, LE3 8RA COUNCIL government DELIVERING YOUR by email A letter has been sent to the Government asking for an invitation to put forward unitary plans for Leicestershire. SERVICES sign up for the digital edition leicestershire.gov.uk/signup The move would help to pave Next steps hinge on the communities. The current set the way for an East Midlands Government’s expected White up is bureaucratic, expensive, devolution deal, boosting jobs, Paper setting out its plans for outdated and confusing – and If you would like the simplifying coronavirus recovery devolution and local government we must put residents first and information contained and increasing investment reorganisation. shake up the system. Exploring in this newsletter in an across the region. Council leader, Nick Rushton, unitary puts us in control of our alternative version such as Drawn up last year, a strategic said: “Now is the time for future and is our opportunity to large print, Braille or tape, or business case concluded that a change. We have a once-in- move Leicestershire forward. help with understanding it single unitary council – there is a-generation opportunity to “It also means we can unlock in your language, please call now a county council and seven simplify services, save over a devolution deal and put the 0116 305 6274 or email district councils – offered a great £30m a year and improve lives. East Midlands on the map. We [email protected] opportunity to save money, “Doing nothing isn’t an now need to wait to see the reduce duplication and protect option. Residents want easy contents of the White Paper.” 10 0% recycled front line services, whilst giving access to effective, joined- Keep up to date – sign up for When you have finished with a stronger role to town and up services – and be able to email updates at leicestershire. this leaflet please recycle it parish councils. shape decisions that affect their gov.uk/future-leicestershire FINANCIAL SPOTLIGHT Coronavirus compounds budget strain
Action to bring down the impact of coronavirus on our finances is working - Councillor Byron Rhodes but the pandemic will significantly push sets out our budget challenges
up the future budget gap. Coronavirus has closely with managers exacerbated an already to keep spending tightly Latest figures show the health non-essential recruitment and challenging financial controlled. crisis is forecast to generate £90m spend are also now in place. situation. I’m pleased Thanks to taking tough of financial pressure for the county You will have the chance to have that the measures we’re decisions since 2010, council, from extra costs and loss your say on our four-year budget taking are working but we’re in a better position of income. proposals which will be published the financial impact in than others – and not Government has provided in December – keep up to date at future years is even more about to run out of significant support but an £18m leicestershire.gov.uk/budget uncertain. money. And the action overspend is forecast this year Even without further we’ve taken recently to and we expect the budget gap lockdowns, it is vital curb spending means we The key that we continue to can manage the financial to increase from £39m to £50m coronavirus costs reduce this year’s gap position for now. by 2024. to avoid an impossible Government support We’re in a good position for the council: challenge building up has been significant but compared to other councils, several SUPPORTING in future. The financial not enough. Without of which are effectively about to VULNERABLE PEOPLE: difficulties experienced funding reform or run out of money. Supporting the recruitment of pre-pandemic, relating a major efficiency to demand for services initiative, more savings To manage our overspend new staff, paying social care we have furloughed staff and – and in particular for will be required including providers in advance, increasing special educational service reductions. reviewed capital projects and are fees to providers reflecting implementing short-term spending needs and disability The ever-changing additional costs. support – have not gone pandemic highlights how controls to ensure we’re focusing away and the mitigations precarious the situation on priorities and stopping spend KEEPING SERVICES GOING: have been disrupted by is – and the real risk where possible. Higher waste disposal, IT and construction costs. the crisis. of a return to greater This means we’re not at risk of This means that lockdowns that would being unable to balance the books LOST INCOME: focusing on our priorities have significant financial in the next few years. Reduction in Council Tax, is crucial. And that’s consequences. Controls to ensure we’re business rates and commercial why we’re working focusing on priorities and stopping income.
Autumn 2020 | Leicestershire Matters 3 KEEP THE SUPPORTING PEOPLE RATE DOWN IN LEICESTER LEICESTERSHIRE It’s down AND RUTLAND to us to COVID-19 control coronavirus Your actions are As we head towards winter, a new wide- • Delivering over 130,000 leaflets instrumental in limiting ranging campaign – backed by the NHS, to homes across the county the impact of a second local authorities and Leicestershire Police • Working with GPs to send out text – is calling on residents to stay safe and messages to thousands of people wave of coronavirus – drive down rates by following the latest – urging them to get tested if they and it’s important you guidance. have symptoms continue to play your part. The ‘it’s down to us’ drive encourages • Supporting NHS test and trace us all to change our behaviour during the – and successfully contacting 80 per pandemic. The artwork, featuring local cent of the 177 cases the national people and landmarks, underlines that the programme was unable to reach route out of this is in our control. • Taking enforcement action against Councillor Lee Breckon, businesses where there is a risk of cabinet member for health, a serious or imminent threat to said: “Through targeted public health action and behaviour We’ve ensured vulnerable people have change campaigns, we’re the support and care they need, including: Lee Breckon doing everything we can • Supporting people who have been to control the virus. We’re in this for the shielded with food parcels and care long haul and the clear message is that • Supporting schools to help them it’s up to us all to play our part.” re-open after the summer Since March, we’ve been working round-the-clock to support people, keep We also re-opened services our residents the services that residents depend on value and depend on, when it’s been safe running, take enforcement action and to do so, such as: “I keep my cab clean bring down infection rates. This includes: • Recycling and household waste sites • Analysing data on a daily basis to • Libraries and wear PPE. My pinpoint hot spots and trends – and • Registration offices priority is keeping publishing the local figures each week my passengers safe.” • Bringing in extra mobile testing units – in July in Oadby and Wigston, the YOUR Major Singh Gill, M&M Cabs COUNCIL KEEP testing rate was 12 times higher than DELIVERING THE the rest of the UK, helping cases to RATE DOWN plummet YOUR SERVICES
4 Leicestershire Matters | Autumn 2020 To protect 5,500 yourself and people went to our 200,000 others follow main libraries in August people have booked slots this guidance: at our recycling centres 82 per cent of residents said they ...That’s over 11,000 per week felt informed about coronavirus Hands and had the advice they needed Wash your hands regularly for at 95,000 least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer e-books and audiobooks 350,000 loaned since March Face people visited our country Always wear a face parks since March covering when on ...100,000 more than last year public transport or in any confined public space
Mike Sandys, our director of public health, sets out his views Space Keep two metres Well over six months in to a global approach across every aspect of our apart from people pandemic – and my mantra hasn’t lives. It’s human nature to perhaps outside of your changed. The key to getting this under find it easier to adopt social distancing household at all control is in all of our hands. in the workplace for instance – but times Your sterling work over the spring not be as diligent on the commute to helped to bring down rates – and I’d like work. Or to vehemently follow the rules to thank you for that. But this remains a on household mixing – but join in a long game and with stark warnings from crowded chat at the school gates. the Government’s chief medical and That’s why Get tested if you It’s down we’ve launched scientific officers, we need to remain to us have symptoms: Let’s shop safely to patient and resilient. I know this is easier help stop coronavirus our campaign – said than done and extremely tough Make use of hand sanitising stations to urge everyone when we’re all yearning for life to return Keep 2m apart from other shoppers to think about High Follow floor markings and one-way systems to normal. Please don’t shop in large groups social distancing, temperature For me, it’s about doing the right thing. Pay contactless – avoid using cash if you can wearing a face Bring your own shopping bags
And we’ve seen a great response from Wear a face covering mask, washing If you have coronavirus symptoms Continuous people in hot spot areas who’ve heeded book a test at nhs.uk or call 119 your hands and our advice – generating real results and U0446 adhering to the new cough driving down rates. rules 24/7. Or making it run throughout In some cases, the focus has been your life like the letters in a stick of rock. stepping up testing – and we’ve brought As winter draws nearer – and the Loss of smell in extra units to make this as easy as second wave appears to be here – it’s possible where we can. even more important we do everything In some instances, we’ve taken we can to reduce pressure on our NHS Loss of taste enforcement action. Where we believe colleagues. Get a flu jab, reduce your there is a serious and imminent risk, contacts, self-isolate when you need to we’ve worked with district councils to and avoid crowded areas. gather evidence of non-compliance and So whether you’re on the school run, issued orders and closure notices. travelling to work, in the office or going To keep up to date In others, it’s been about recognising out for a drink, please do the right thing. with local restrictions and the importance of changing our The route out of this is changing our behaviour. And embedding that behaviour. advice visit leicestershire. gov.uk/covidrestrictions
Autumn 2020 | Leicestershire Matters 5 CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE New SEND schools open their doors Plans to develop local provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are well underway – with some units and schools opening this autumn.
Foxfields School, built on the site of the Selected schools in towns such as need for specialised placements and are old Oakfield Short Stay School in Blaby, Shepshed, Loughborough, Hinckley continuing to try and meet that need as is due to open after October half term and Ashby are also either having best we can. and will create 50 new places for pupils existing space refurbished or extensions “We are aware that there are children with social, emotional and mental health built. Thorpe Acre Junior School in and young people currently supported needs. Loughborough has been extended to some way from where they live and we’re A new 80-place communication and provide a special unit for pupils with working hard to open more specialist interaction school in Barwell, Fusion communication and interaction needs. schools and units across Leicestershire to Academy, is also due to open in October. Existing schools, such as Maplewell place these young people closer to home.”
Building new units and refurbishing Hall, are expanding further and will offer More information on the council’s SEND others is all part of our commitment to new communication and interaction post provision at leicestershire.gov.uk/SEND invest £30m in SEND and create almost 16 specialist provision to 20 pupils. 700 extra places across Leicestershire. Councillor Deborah Taylor, cabinet Inside the new Fusion The Department for Education recently member for children and families, Academy in Barwell announced that Bowman Academy has said: “We are extremely been approved and is due to open in pleased that everything Shepshed in September 2023. The new is progressing really well school will be on the St Botolphs Primary and that we are seeing School site – with the primary school due more places opening up to be relocated to the adjacent Iveshead Deborah across Leicestershire. We site the year before. Taylor recognise the growing
YOUR COUNCIL DELIVERING YOUR SERVICES
6 Leicestershire Matters | Autumn 2020 SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITIES
YOUR Going COUNCIL DELIVERING YOUR for gold SERVICES We’ve received a national accolade from the Ministry of Defence for our support of the Armed Forces community in Leicestershire. The prestigious employer Christine Radford (centre-left) and Ruth recognition scheme gold (centre-right) visit the Markfield project with award recognises: Affinity Trust and JWF Group Midlands • Hosting public civic events to honour the Armed Forces Improving • Rehabilitation ‘taster’ work placements lives through • Creating an Armed Forces Councillor Christine Radford, Network, providing peer independence cabinet support member for support for our employees adult social care, visited the site • Displays of Armed Forces- Investing in adult social care this summer and said: “We are related creative projects is helping more people to live so pleased that Ruth has played • Continued support for the Christine such a key role in this project Royal British Legion Radford independently. from the start.” Councillor Over the past 12 months, around 90 people Councillor Richard Blunt, cabinet member Louise with long-term disabilities have moved into for adult social care, said: Richardson, supported living services from residential care. “We always aim to build the And a Leicestershire woman with a learning safest, most fit-for-purpose cabinet disability herself is helping to design a new homes for our residents and member for Louise communities development in Markfield. getting someone’s personal Richardson Ruth is putting her stamp on four self- experience to help guide the Richard and Armed Blunt contained bungalows which help people with build is truly priceless.” Forces champion, said: autism and other learning disabilities to leave Rachna Vyas, Executive Director of “We’re proud that our work hospital and live within communities. Integration and Transformation at NHS has been recognised. We Ruth said: “It made me feel really happy and Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Clinical are committed to growing positive. I’m glad the partnership is trying to Commissioning Groups, said: “Our patients are this programme of work make it perfect for other people, and I really at the heart of everything we do and Ruth’s role and look forward to lots hope that they love it.” in shaping the new facility is testament to our of exciting Since moving out of hospital into her own commitment to help improve the lives of local projects with supported home, Ruth has flourished and has people with learning disabilities.” our veterans, enjoyed walking and cycling and has also been Building work started in March and, despite reservists, on holiday for the first time. the coronavirus pandemic, is on schedule with cadets and The bungalows have a garden and round- the new residents due to move in next spring. forces families the-clock care from Affinity Trust and will be We’ve also invested over £1m in an in the coming specially adapted for people with learning independent living scheme at Great Glen years.” disabilities. which opened in August.
Autumn 2020 | Leicestershire Matters 7 WINTER WELLBEING
is coming Keeping the KEEP CYCLING SAFELY Whether you’ve recently Fingers and toes: Wearing roads safe discovered cycling or you’re a a thick pair of gloves will Although it’s still only autumn our highways teams hardened bike commuter, the make all the difference, but are preparing to keep the county moving over the change in weather can make make sure you can still use winter months ahead. it difficult to stay motivated. your brakes and gear shifters. When needed, our gritters and drivers spread roughly Follow these useful tips to And a good pair of waterproof 170 tonnes of rock salt across major roads and key keep on pedalling through the shoes or socks will help keep routes to ensure motorists can still get around. colder weather. your feet dry and your spirits And it’s not just our crews who go out gritting to Look after your bike: It will up. ensure a safer passage on the road network. Farmers get dirtier during winter so a Dress for the weather: Good also make a difference by clearing minor roads and bit of extra care will keep it quality breathable waterproofs rural routes with ploughs on their tractors – and a running smoothly. are worth the investment and network of volunteer snow wardens clear paths and layers are a good option, so spread rock salt on pavements for residents. Slippery when wet: Pay extra attention to your tyres. Good you can shed them if you get Check which roads are gritted by visiting hot and sweaty. And for those leicestershire.gov.uk/gritting tread will help prevent skidding in wet or icy conditions, and long dark nights make sure you’re visible with a good set We have 23 gritters in Leicestershire inflating them slightly less than usual will improve grip. of lights and hi-viz clothing. We have ordered 8,000 tonnes Safety first: Allow longer for of salt for the coming winter your journey in wet or very cold conditions, so you can We treat the roads on average 60 times each year take your time. If the weather – but depending on the weather this can be up to 110 is too bad, don’t put yourself We receive continuous weather forecasts at risk. and monitor road temperatures 24/7 In a night, our gritters cover around 1,300 miles of county roads There are 790 salt bins across Leicestershire to help residents clear slopes and footpaths More winter cycling tips at sustrans.org.uk
8 Leicestershire Matters | Autumn 2020 We’re here to help you stay well this winter
With the coronavirus Invitations have started to Fifty to 64 year olds not pandemic, it’s even more go out to eligible people: eligible under any of these is coming important to look after • Pregnant women criteria will be invited from your health this winter • People aged 65 or over November onwards. • People aged under 65 – and support friends, Children aged two and with long-term conditions family and neighbours. three, plus all primary • Carers Getting a flu jab is a simple school aged children • Shielded patients and step you can take to help and those in year seven, those in the same protect yourself, stop it will be offered the nasal household aged 18 spreading and reduce the spray vaccination. or over impact on the NHS and social care. Find out more www.nhs.uk/flu
is coming Keep warm at home The council’s Warm Homes first-time central heating to service helps vulnerable eligible homeowners and people to save hundreds tenants. Eligible residents of pounds on their fuel may be able to receive free bills. The service is run in insulation, energy efficiency YOUR partnership with E.ON and advice and financial advice. COUNCIL Age UK Leicester Shire and Find out more or apply Rutland. by calling 0116 305 4286, DELIVERING The project offers the or visit leicestershire.gov.uk/ YOUR fully funded installation of warm-homes-fund SERVICES
Autumn 2020 | Leicestershire Matters 9 COMMUNITIES Blake Pain (left) and Trevor Pendleton (right) with Fleckney Parish Councillors Janet Earwaker (left) and Tina McDonagh (right)
Building a green county – by working together Everyone can do something small to help our environment – and together we can make a big difference.
We’re investing over £16m to Communities Flower power tackle climate change. Solar panels, We’re committed to helping communities By leaving wildflowers to flourish LED street lights, carbon-neutral get on board – through projects such on roadside verges, we’re improving industrial estates, wildflower verges as the SHIRE Environment grant which biodiversity across Leicestershire. We have and more are already generating provides grants to communities to reduce worked with parish councils – including results. And we need your help. carbon emissions from community Fleckney – to manage their verges and Climate change buildings, reduce waste or enhance encourage native British wildflowers to biodiversity. bloom. Climate change is real and happening Tina McDonagh, Fleckney Parish now. We’re reducing our greenhouse Waste councillor, said: “We are keen to work gas emissions and have pledged to be a We need to reduce the amount of waste with residents to shape how our village carbon-neutral council by 2030. we produce – whether that’s through looks. These wildflowers will be a great Alongside the larger actions needed, more thoughtful buying, reusing things habitat for species such as insects and everyone can make some changes to the we’d usually throw away or recycling. hedgehogs.” way they live to help reach our ambition Councillor Blake Pain, deputy council of being a carbon-neutral county by Travel and transport leader, said: “We’re a green 2050. We’re encouraging people to walk, cycle council – and take our – or even scoot – where they can and climate and environmental Biodiversity reduce the number of times they travel responsibilities seriously. Across the country, our plants, animals in a car alone. This can also save money and wildlife habitats are in decline – These new, more natural and boost your health. Blake Pain because of the actions of humans – and verges will encourage the we have a responsibility to change this. Local economy growth of a range of wildflowers and And we want to conserve and enhance By buying local, you know where your provide habitats for wildlife to thrive.” Leicestershire’s distinct landscapes and food comes from, you’re supporting wildlife for everyone to enjoy and preserve Leicestershire’s economy and reducing To find out more visit leicestershire. habitats and biodiversity. the distance your food has to travel. gov.uk/environmentstrategy
10 Leicestershire Matters | Autumn 2020 Keeping people moving YOUR Government advice is to walk or cycle where you COUNCIL can to help control coronavirus – so we are working DELIVERING YOUR on projects throughout Leicestershire to make SERVICES walking and cycling safer and easier.
We’ve introduced temporary – The work has been enabled Also over the summer, and transport, said: “Since or ‘pop-up’ – cycle lanes and through a successful bid for over 300 people took the the beginning of lockdown in improved existing lanes in a around £300,000 of funding opportunity to drop in to our March there number of locations including: from the Government’s travel clinics and find has been a • Leicester Forest East – Emergency Active Travel Fund. out more about cycling or huge increase On the A47 we’ve extended We are now bidding for a walking to work and school. in people the existing cycle lanes in further £1.2m to develop more The free events, held in cycling, and schemes to encourage walking Syston, Leicester Forest East Trevor we want to both directions. Pendleton and cycling. and Market Harborough, support them. • Market Harborough – If you know of a street in featured travel advice, bike By making it easier for people Kettering Road’s existing the county that would benefit checks, security markings to walk or cycle safely, we’re cycle lanes are being from more space for walking or and electric bike trials. helping to make Leicestershire widened and temporary cycling you can add your ideas Councillor Trevor Pendleton, a greener, healthier and signals used to improve to the Widen My Path website cabinet member for highways happier place to live.” traffic flow. at widenmypath.com We’re also introducing ‘park and cycle’ facilities, allowing Electric bike trial at a travel clinic event you to leave your car and cycle into the city. The new facilities, at Enderby and Meynell’s Gorse park and ride sites and at County Hall in Glenfield, will include secure, overnight cycle storage.
Autumn 2020 | Leicestershire Matters 11 FINANCIAL SPOTLIGHT
Airfield Business Park, Market Harborough
AIRFIELD BUSINESS PARK MARKET HARBOROUGH Property investment Business Profile Thrift+, an eco-friendly firm selling boosts services unwanted clothes online, is hoping its new base at Frontline services are getting a multi-million-pound cash Airfield Business injection, thanks to our commercial property investments. Park is a good fit for the future. New figures show that we generated • Apollo Business Park in Coalville: Joe Metcalfe, who £7m over the last 12 months – an offering 40,000 sq. ft. industrial units started the company increase of just under three per cent. and creating 120 jobs. Eight units have in 2017, moved to The money will go towards fixing and been let, with another four under offer. expand the business. preventing potholes, delivering social care • Airfield Business Park in Market He said: “We are growing rapidly and for adults and children and other frontline Harborough: 80,000 sq. ft. of industrial needed more space. I also wanted it services, helping to mitigate some of the units to let, creating more than 200 jobs. to be a modern development to match demand pressures facing critical services. Eight out of the 12 units available have our own ethos as an innovative start-up. Councillor Byron Rhodes, cabinet been let, with two more under offer. So Airfield Business Park was perfect. member for finance and resources, said: “It was important to be close to a train “This continued good performance allows • Quorn solar farm: Plans to build station for those of us who live in London us to fund vital frontline services at this a 62-acre solar farm producing clean, and I was excited for our warehouse to particularly difficult time with coronavirus green energy alongside 45,500 sq. ft. be near Market Harborough for places to putting additional burdens on our of small business units have been go for team social events. finances. submitted for approval. “Our approach of bringing new life to old commercial sites and building new workspaces is creating hundreds of jobs and boosting the economy – and signals Leicestershire that LeicestershireLeicestershire is open for business.” HelpingLeicestershire businesses Land and unitsCounty are bought Council using County Council County Council one-off pots ofBUSINESS money. BUSINESS bounceBUSINESS back RECOVERY Our propertyRECOVERY portfolio includes: Our £750,000RECOVERY cash pot is offering a helping hand to small businesses through grants of up • A new 100,000 sq. ft. building at FUND to £10,000.F SoU far Nwe’veD awarded £300,000 LoughboroughF UniversityUND Science and Enterprise Park, creating a new HQ for to 50 businesses. And new awards are being tech firm The Access Group. It will create made every week. For more details visit 500 jobs when it opens in November. leicestershire.gov.uk/businessrecoveryfund
12 Leicestershire Matters | Autumn 2020
Leicestershire County Council BUSINESS RECOVERY FUND BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE Getting the foundations right Despite the pandemic, new homes and places of employment are taking shape – and we’re making sure the right schools and
roads are in place, and Deborah Taylor (front) with skills being developed, to (l-r) John Coxon and Nick Heath and help people secure jobs. Ryan Wilkes from Willmott Dixon
More than £210m is being ploughed into Investing in the transport projects development being built in the area. improving and maintaining Leicestershire’s above will also help the county council to Councillor Deborah Taylor, cabinet roads and transport network, making it a maximise the benefit of HS2 and support member for children and families, said: great place to live and work. major regeneration plans, helping to “Developing more school places is a key The work includes road and railway unlock thousands of new jobs. priority of the council and this exciting projects which help to reduce congestion, Councillor Blake Pain, deputy leader, new development will reduce pressure in improve air quality and contribute to the said: “It’s never been more important the Ashby area. We want children to have council’s aim to tackle climate change, to invest in Leicestershire’s future. access to first-class local schools and we and supporting growth across the county. And we’re doing just that. By shaping remain committed to creating more places These projects include: where new homes are built, focusing where there is growing demand.” on the environment, putting the right • Further work to improve journey infrastructure in place to speed up times and enable development along growth and generate employment – and Hear from the A512 and M1 junction 23 in supporting residents to get the skills they one of our Loughborough need to secure jobs – we’re building for • Work to develop junction and road apprentices tomorrow.” improvement schemes along the A511 James completed an apprenticeship More than £70m is being spent on with us in 2016 and now works as a between Ashby and Coalville new builds and extensions to schools senior administrator. He said: • Pushing for better rail lines and around the county where extra places I can only praise the services from Leicester to Coventry are needed. apprenticeship scheme at the and Birmingham – plus full That includes the creation of extra county council. As an apprentice, I electrification and improvements to places in Ashby and Shepshed with had many opportunities and experiences the Midland Main Line further new schemes in Castle Donington, that have helped me since, both in my career and personal life. One of those Boosting skills and creating jobs – Loughborough, Coalville, Lutterworth, opportunities was working in especially for young people – is at the Melton Mowbray and Market Harborough. Germany for a month, something heart of our approach. We’ve supported In Ashby, a ground-breaking ceremony I never thought I’d be able to do! over 430 apprentices since April 2017 has taken place to mark work on the and are working with Leicestershire’s Virtual 210-place Holywell Spring Farm Primary School to encourage our managers to School in Burton Road. The school is recruit young care leavers as apprentices. being created as part of a new 400-home
Autumn 2020 | Leicestershire Matters 13 LEISURE Find more at
County council-run Country Parks 1 Snibston Country Park Ashby Road, Coalville, LE67 3LN
2 Beacon Hill Country Park Woodhouse Eaves, LE12 8SP
3 Broombriggs Farm & Windmill Hill Leicestershire Woodhouse Eaves, LE12 8SR See the best of Leicestershire 4 Watermead Country Park Wanlip Road, Syston, LE7 1PD this autumn with places to explore and great days out 5 Market Bosworth Country Park Market Bosworth, CV13 0LP M1
6 Bosworth Battlefield Country Park Sutton Cheney, CV13 0AD
7 Donington Le Heath Country Park MELTON MOWBRAY 8 Jubilee Wood 15 LOUGHBOROUGH 9 Sheet Hedges Wood ASHBY DE LA ZOUCH 8 A607 11 10 Burrough Hill Country Park 17 16 COALVILLE 2 12 13 1 3 11 Sarah’s Wood A6 10 7 A50 12 Donisthorpe Woodlands 4 9 13 Saltersford Valley Picnic Areas 5 14 14 Bagworth Heath LEICESTER A47
15 New Lount Nature Reserve 6 A47 16 Oakthorpe Picnic Area
17 Ashby Woulds Heritage Trail M69 A6
18 Brampton Valley Way HINCKLEY
MARKET M1 A50 HARBOROUGH Snibston 18 LUTTERWORTH Colliery Park Coming soon This autumn we will see the reopening of Snibston Colliery Park following a major investment to develop the site. The new developments include heritage trails, for families, dog walkers and cyclists, it will also Visiting Beacon Hill? an environmentally-friendly café, outdoor play area, reconnect the site with the town. We want Snibston Rest and refresh picnic spots and a mountain bike cycling track. Colliery Park to be an asset for the community, at our café in the The revamp will transform the site into a vibrant which stays true to its mining heritage roots.” lower car park, place to visit – and create a direct route to and We’re working closely with the Snibston Heritage open Weds-Sun, from Coalville town centre making it easier for local Group to open up access to the colliery buildings 9.30am – 3.30pm. residents and visitors to explore the area. and tell the story of Coalville. Once complete, the site will also feature solar A new home has also been found for the old panels and electric vehicle charging points. railway track which is now being cared for by the Council leader, Nick Rushton, said: “Not only will Great Central Railway. this redevelopment make the park more attractive
14 Leicestershire Matters | Autumn 2020 LEISURE Find more at
County council-run Country Parks 1 Snibston Country Park Ashby Road, Coalville, LE67 3LN OurMuseums county museums and the record office offer you the 2 Beacon Hill Country Park Woodhouse Eaves, LE12 8SP Sutton Cheney, Leicestershire, CV13 0AD chance to open a window to the past to find out about your bosworthbattlefield.org.uk 3 Broombriggs Farm & Windmill Hill Leicestershire local history and heritage. Discover the Hallaton Treasure Woodhouse Eaves, LE12 8SR Tel: 01455 290429 See the best of Leicestershire Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre at Harborough Museum, see the famous two-headed boar Watermead Country Park 4 and Country Park is a unique day out for Wanlip Road, Syston, LE7 1PD this autumn with places to at Melton Carnegie Museum, join in the animal activities explore and great days out all the family. Re-live this famous turning at Charnwood Museum or unlock your own ancestry at the 5 Market Bosworth Country Park point in British history - the death of Market Bosworth, CV13 0LP M1 King Richard III and the birth of the Record Office for Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland. all-powerful Tudor dynasty. 6 Bosworth Battlefield Country Park Sutton Cheney, CV13 0AD Learn more about the Battle of 1485 with colourful displays in our award-winning 7 Donington Le Heath Country Park MELTON exhibition and then take a break at the MOWBRAY 8 Jubilee Wood 1485 Tithe Barn. 15 LOUGHBOROUGH Bosworth’s exhibition is open 9 Sheet Hedges Wood ASHBY DE LA ZOUCH 8 A607 Sat – Weds, 10.30am – 4pm. 11 10 Burrough Hill Country Park 17 16 COALVILLE 2 To help with social distancing, 12 13 1 3 tickets must be pre-booked Symington House, Adam and Eve St, 11 Sarah’s Wood A6 10 (including annual pass holders). Granby St, Loughborough, LE11 3DU 7 A50 Market Harborough, LE16 7LT Book your tickets for the exhibition on the charnwood.gov.uk/charnwood_museum 12 Donisthorpe Woodlands 4 harboroughmuseum.org.uk website or call 01455 290429. Tel: 01509 233754 9 0116 305 3627 13 Saltersford Valley Picnic Areas 14 Open Wednesday to Saturday: 10am – 1pm, 5 no booking necessary but further details can Opening times Wednesday to Friday 14 Bagworth Heath LEICESTER /1485TitheBarn A47 be found on our website 10am – 12.30pm and 2pm – 4.30pm Join us at the 1485 Tithe 15 New Lount Nature Reserve (final admission 3.30pm); 6 Barn for hot drinks and A47 Saturday 10am – 3.30pm 16 Oakthorpe Picnic Area refreshments in a setting like (final admission 2.30pm). no other. Dine in and enjoy 17 Ashby Woulds Heritage Trail M69 Pre-booking is essential. A6 the rustic charm of the barn Book your tickets and find out more on our 18 Brampton Valley Way or take away and explore the HINCKLEY website or by phoning 0116 305 3627 rolling hills of the countryside. MARKET Open Sat – Weds, 9.30am – 4pm. M1 Thorpe End, Melton Mowbray, LE13 1RB A50 HARBOROUGH meltonmuseum.org Snibston 18 Donington le Heath, Coalville 0116 305 3860 LUTTERWORTH 1620sHouse.org.uk Open Thursday to Saturday, 10am – 4.30pm. Colliery Park Coming soon Tel: 01455 290429 Pre-booking is essential. Book online or find Immerse yourself in our early 17th century out more by visiting our website or phone This autumn we will see the reopening of Snibston Colliery Park experience and take a walk back in time in 0116 305 3860 the wonderful, fully furnished house owned following a major investment to develop the site. by a family who are living in the shadow of The new developments include heritage trails, for families, dog walkers and cyclists, it will also the Gunpowder Plot. The Record Office for Visiting Beacon Hill? The 1620s House and Garden at Donington an environmentally-friendly café, outdoor play area, reconnect the site with the town. We want Snibston Rest and refresh le Heath is open Thursday – Saturday, Leicestershire, Leicester picnic spots and a mountain bike cycling track. Colliery Park to be an asset for the community, at our café in the between 10.30am – 4.30pm and to help and Rutland The revamp will transform the site into a vibrant which stays true to its mining heritage roots.” lower car park, with social distancing, visitors must place to visit – and create a direct route to and We’re working closely with the Snibston Heritage open Weds-Sun, book before attending the venue Open Tuesday to Thursday from Coalville town centre making it easier for local Group to open up access to the colliery buildings 9.30am – 3.30pm. (including annual pass holders). 9.30am – 12noon and 1.30pm – 4pm The Old Barn Coffee shop is also open Please telephone 0116 2571080 from Monday residents and visitors to explore the area. and tell the story of Coalville. Thursday to Saturday 11am – 3.30pm for - Thursday or email [email protected] to Once complete, the site will also feature solar A new home has also been found for the old booked in ticket holders. Book your tickets book a session, as these are currently limited. panels and electric vehicle charging points. railway track which is now being cared for by the on our website or call 01455 290429 Full details of our booking procedures are on Council leader, Nick Rushton, said: “Not only will Great Central Railway. our website recordoffice.org.uk this redevelopment make the park more attractive
14 Leicestershire Matters | Autumn 2020 Autumn 2020 | Leicestershire Matters 15 COMMUNITIES Supporting coronavirus recovery We’re helping Leicestershire to recover from coronavirus – and our support extends to residents, communities and businesses. Boosting our local economy is everyone needs to bounce back a key focus – and encouraging from the pandemic. people to buy local, extending This includes supporting the work clubs and promoting recently-launched Government Council leader, Nick Rushton, apprenticeships is at the heart of Kickstart apprenticeship scheme sets out the action we’re taking our work. offering work placements to Whether it’s building up digital 16-to-24-year-olds who are at risk skills to help residents secure jobs, of long-term unemployment. I’m very proud of the way economic bounce- the people of the county back is swift – and continuing to roll out broadband, And by working with partners, have come together to this means investing particularly to rural areas, or we’re exploring how we can tackle the impact of in apprenticeships and working with construction firms to extend this scheme to maximise coronavirus. getting people the skills bolster training, we’re drawing up the chances of young people Local government has and support that they plans to provide the opportunities securing long-term jobs. taken the leading role need in the tough times in keeping people safe, that lie ahead. delivering food parcels Local authorities like and shielding and Leicestershire can play £1.5 million given safeguarding vulnerable a vital role in supporting children and adults. small and medium-sized to support 160 groups We also reached out enterprises looking to to support businesses recruit, and I will work through the Leicestershire with the Leicester and Communities fund and we Leicestershire Enterprise 250 applications are expanding our support Partnership to progress to small businesses via this much needed the £750,000 business scheme. Grants of up to £25,000 support fund. We are also at the But we can and should forefront of supporting be going further. green and climate action The county council is projects and want to already a major player achieve carbon-neutrality in the local jobs and by 2030. procurement market, with Coronavirus is everyone’s considerable spending problem. But by working power. together we can and will I want to do all we overcome it and a brighter can to ensure that the future lies ahead. U0460