ashby - - moira

Community PLAN 2011– 2012

Community FOCUS ashby - measham - moira

Prepared by

Balwinder Bahia Community Focus Team Leader Ashby Measham & Moira North West District Council Council Offices LE67 3FJ [email protected] 01530 454567

April 2012

Contents District Overview...... 4

Ashby, Measham & Moira Overview...... 5

Appleby Magna...... 6

Ashby de la Zouch...... 8

Ashby Woulds...... 13

Chilcote...... 16

Measham...... 17

Normanton le heath...... 21

Oakthorpe, & ...... 22

Packington...... 25

Snarestone...... 26

Stretton le field...... 27

Swepstone...... 28

Funding analysis...... 30

Events in 2012...... 31

Community Focus...... 32

Compliments...... 33

District Overview The District covers an area of 27,933 hectares. It shares borders with and Bosworth, Charnwood, Rushcliffe, Erewash, South , and North district councils. In 2003, the population of the District was estimated to be 87,500 (Source: ONS mid year estimate). The largest proportion of the population live in the larger settlements of Coalville (32,987 people), Ashby (13,049 people), (6,086 people) and (5,621 people). (Source: 2001 Mid Year Population Estimates, Leicestershire County Council). northern parishes

District Data

Total district population 85,503 (Census 2001 Parish and Town Level)

Total no. of households in the district 35,394 (Census 2001 Parish and Town Level)

The district has 29 local councils inc. 2 town councils (Ashby de la Zouch & ), 21 parish councils and 6 parish meeting councils. Coalville is not a parished area.

The district is split into three forum areas: ashby - measham - moira coalville area

 Ashby, Measham & Moira Fourm Area  Coalville Fourm Area  Nothern Parishes Fourm Area

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Ashby Measham Moira Overview

The Ashby, Measham and Moira Forum area is located on the west side of the district. The main town in the forum area is Ashby de la Zouch with a number of residents travelling outside of the district for their shopping to or Burton on Trent. The District Council, Leicestershire County Council and the Police all follow the same boundaries of this forum area. The Leicestershire County Council hold a quarterly meeting in the forum area which provides local officers, councillors and residents an opportunity to raise local issues.

Ashby, Measham & Moira Data

Total AMM population is 26,409 (Census 2001 Parish and Town Level)

Total no. of households in the district is 10,923 (Census 2001 Parish and Town Level)

The AMM area has 8 local councils inc. 2 town councils (Ashby de la Zouch & Ashby Woulds) and 21 parish councils and 3 parish meeting:

 Parish Council:  Ashby de la Zouch Town: , Boundary, Shellbrook &  Ashby Woulds Town Council: , Boothorpe, Moira, Norris Hill & Spring Cottage  Parish Meeting  Measham Parish Council  Parish Meet  , Donisthorpe & Acresford Parish Council  Parish Council  Parish Council  Parish Meeting  Parish Council

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Appleby Magna - Appleby Magna - Appleby Parva -

The Appleby Parish is just located in the county of Leicestershire, within two miles of the borders of three other counties; Warwickshire, Derbyshire and , right in the heart of . The parish has three pubs, one post office/village shop, a village primary school (in Sir John Moore Foundation), a church, and a wealth of lovely buildings in the centre of the village, which all falls within a conservation area. The most historic private building is the Moat House, surrounded by trees and fields that gives a green heart to the centre of the village. The nearest town is Ashby de la Zouch. Tamworth is the next biggest town, 8 miles away and the closest city is 25 miles away.

Appleby Magna Data

Total population is 1,077 (Census 2001 Parish and Town Level) Measham

Total no. of households 454 (Census 2001 Parish and Town Level)

Appleby Parish Council Clerk details: Chilcote Lindsay Swinfield Stretton En Le Field

Barn 5, Home Farm

Church Street

Swepstone LE67 2SA 01530 273421 [email protected]

District Councillor is Richard Blunt (Conservative)

Parish Councillors are Paul Hemmerdinger, Marion Hemmerdinger, Deana Morris, Richard Butler, Peter Smith and Appleby Gerald Pott. Snaresto

The Neighbourhood PC’s are PC Adam Archer and PC Steve Harrison

Village Website: http://www.applebymagna.org.uk/index.html

Sir John Moore Foundation is a key community building which includes a primary school with many community facilities. www.sirjohnmoore.org.uk

6

activity 2011 - 2012

Date Query Outcome April 2011 Request from chairperson of Sir John Moore 1. Support provided through generating ideas on possible events/activities that could be Resolved Foundation for support in strengthening community held to get more of the community on board. members from within the parish to undertake 2. A plan was put in place to work on increasing community involvement. volunteering work within the foundation building. 3. Community involvement has increased, chairperson to make contact if they require further support on this query. Decem- After many years with no Village Gala, one is being 1. CF team joined the working group supporting them to achieve their aims by putting ber 2011 organised for the weekend of 6th of July 2012; together an action plan to enable the planning of the event. Ongoing support requested in the planning and organising of 2. CF team have made a financial contribution enabling the group to hire the NWLDC this event. mobile Skate Park which some of the young people involved have requested, allowing them to use the facility free of charge. . 3. Ongoing support will be provided up until the Gala weekend where some NWLDC presence will be available inc. street environment, police and fire service. priorities 2012 - 2013

Support in the organising of the Village Gala - ensuring appropriate agencies are present at the event on the weekend of the 6th of July.

Supporting the aims of the Sir John Moore Foundation through encouraging volunteering numbers for the community events.

Supporting in the improving of local services for the community.

Resolving of complex queries received to the district council.

Improving the perception of the district council within the community.

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Ashby de la Zouch - Ashby de la Zouch - Blackfordby - Boundary - Shellbrook - Willesley This ancient market town is situated on the borders of Leicestershire and Derbyshire where it has always been well placed in the centre of a web of roads leading to most of the principal towns and cities in the Midlands. It is an ideal place to settle down and become part of a lively community, or use as a temporary base to visit attractions such as Calke Abbey, House and Park, Discovery Park and explore the rapidly growing National Forest from ‘Conkers’ visitor centre. Market Street is the main commercial thoroughfare of the town. Old half timbered buildings stand side by Staunton Harold side with houses of modern design, small businesses and national institutions to make up a lively balance of retailing and financial transactions.

Ashby de la Zouch Data

Total population is 12,755 (Census 2001 Parish and Town Level)

Total no. of households 5,311 (Census 2001 Parish and Town Level)

The Ashby de la Zouch Town Council Clerk details: Jack Farghar - Ashby de la Zouch Legion House South Street Ashby de la Zouch LE65 1BQ Email: [email protected] Tel: 01530 416961 Ashby Town Council

The District Councillors are Geraint Jones (Conservative) and Jim Hoult (Conservative).

The Town Councillors are Castle ward - Mr J G Coxon, Mr N J Rushton, Mrs M Tuckey, Holywell ward - Mr G A Allman, Ms C Andrews, Mr R D Bayliss, Mr A W Badger, Mrs G Hoult, Mr S Ashby Woulds Whetton, Ivanhoe ward - Mr E Avins, R Bebbington, Mr R H Gough, Mr S J Hoult, D J G Jones, Mrs A Smith.

The Neighbourhood PC is Mark Arjoo.

Packington Ravenstone

Oakthorpe & Donisthorpe

Measham 8 Normanton Le Heath activity 2011 - 2012 Date Query Outcome April 2011 Ashby Street Pastors 1. Article to raise the profile of Ashby Street Pastors featured in the June Vision magazine. This resulted & ongoing On going support provided to group around in more enquires to the group from volunteers. funding, other general queries, promotion and 2. Information was sent through to group on free training courses that group members could benefit from. with an end result leading to expand Street Pas- As a result the group members successfully completed the Alcohol Awareness level one and two. tors into other areas. 3. Community Chest Grants information was sent to the group with support provided in completing the application form. This resulted in the group successfully obtaining the grant of £450. 4. The Street Pastor radio rentals funds were coming to an end which meant that they would not be able to communicate with the police as they have been doing. Funding provided for a total of £350 to cover the next twelve months of their rental, enabling the service to operate successfully. 5. Other funding sources are being explored and information on the Big Society Funding and Community Forum Budgets have been sent to the group.

June 2011 Portacabin in Willesley CF team attended a number of meetings involving members of the housing team, councillors and residents. Resolved The portacabin in the Willesley estate is over 30 CF team took a step back from this issue as at this stage there was no specific role to play as discussions until further years old. Some of the residents feel that this were underway about replacing or repairing of the portacabin. Offer was left that once this is done any contact. portacabin needs replacing as they feel it will community engagement about the usage of the portacabin or accessing of funding for community activities increase the usage enabling more community can be provided by CF team. activities to take place. The portacabin is on Ashby Town Council’s land but is owned by April 2012 - work is still being done on the portacabin renovation therefore no CF team requirement as of yet. NWLDC housing team. Resident involvement officer approach us for support. June 2011 Improvement to play equipment on the Funding opportunities were explored to identify funding available. Coalfields Regeneration Trust would be an Resolved Willesley estate appropriate funding source for this as they had up to £5,000 available for the Willesley area. It was decided until further This query was referred to CF team by Resident that until the portacabin issues were resolved it would be appropriate to wait on moving any plans forward contact. Involvement Officer as part of the above with the play area. portacanin query, April 2012 - Again no action to take until the portacabin renovation is resolved as above. August Play Equipment at Westfield’s Estate - Off 1. Meeting took place with resident, Ashby Town Clerk and Resident Involvement Officer to discuss 2011 Burton Road. taking this idea forward. Resolved Query sent through from Andy Wallace in the 2. Due to other commitments the resident was unable to continue working on this but will look into picking until further housing team, with Resident Involvement Officer this up in the near future. contact. Nick Jones leading on this. A resident wanted 3. In April another resident contacted the Resident Involvement Officer to continue with this project. A to explore the possibility of getting new play meeting was held on 11th April with three residents, Ashby Town Clerk, Police and Youth Service to equipment on the estate. discuss ways forward. 4. On 13th April consultation materials designed, printed and dropped to the residents to begin consulting. 5. Next step is to identify potential funding streams for the project.

September Apple Day & Vision consultation 1. Successful event held with lots of the community getting involved in the apple pressing. 2011 Apple Day event held at Ashby Farmers Market. 2. A good number of residents signed up to the free tree scheme. Resolved. Promotion of the Free Tree Scheme and a 3. Vision magazine consultation carried out to find out how residents feel about the magazine - results Vision magazine consultation was carried out. passed to the Communications Team for consideration. 9

activity 2011 - 2012

Date Query Outcome

September Resident concerns over the declining image of Response sent back through by 19th September 2011. 2011 - Ashby 1. Overgrown garden area - response sought from Ashby Tourist Information Centre. Garden is resolved Letter of complaint received 2nd September being cleared and redesigned by volunteers, new safer paths to be installed, a new bench and sharing concerns raised about the boarded up new double sided sign to replace existing faded one. windows at the Police station, littering issues, 2. Faded white markings at the pelican crossing - CF team contacted highways at LCC. Work overgrown gardens, faded lines on the pelican scheduled and markings applied on 15th September. crossing etc. Work is being done with the various 3. Boarded up windows at the Ashby Police Station - CF team contacted Sergeant Peter Sihota. services to try to get these issues resolved. Work was already scheduled and replacement done on 16th September. 4. Littering issues on A511, issue raised with Street Cleansing Team and litter cleared on the 7th September. As part of the A511 being referred to falls under falls under District Council, their Street Cleansing Team were also contacted and arrangements made to clear up the litter. 5. A thank you call received from resident to say “in all the years he has sent through these types of complaints he is very pleased to receive a letter that resolves all his queries at such a prompt speed, with faith restored back into the council”.

November Lewis Charlton School - recognition for children CF researched other awards recognition and provided this information for the school to progress. 2011 - School applied for a Respect Awards but was Ongoing unsuccessful. Wanted support in identifying other Awards where the children could be recognised for what they are achieving within the community.

February Tree Planting at North Street Car Park CF team through discussions established that this is something that the Civic Society have been trying 2012 - Ashby Civic Society approached Urban Designer to get in place over a period of five years: Ongoing who passed the query to CF team because they 1. CF team arranged for a feasibility study has been carried out at the site (16th March by LCC) to wanted to improve the image of the North Street determine if tree planting can take place. The results show that some of the proposed trees Car Park and make it more green through the cannot be planted as they will interfere with the utilities that run underground. planting of trees. 2. CF team organised a meeting (28th March) held with LCC highways, Town Council Clerk and Ashby Civic Society to discuss the outcomes of the feasibility study and to discuss ways forward. 3. National Forest Company has been contacted to see if the scheme fits into any grants that they offer, which it does. An application will be submitted once all costs have been received. 4. Meeting taking place on 27th April to discuss landscaping report results.

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activity 2011 - 2012

Date Query Outcome

March 2012 - Royal Hotel Development, Ashby 1. CF team arranged a meeting to be held with developer on 28th March. A discussion took place ongoing Planning officers forwarded developers details around how best to consult members of the community. Key contacts, events and methods regarding a proposal at the Royal Hotel and discussed for a public exhibition to take place around May. A website will also be set up where surrounding Bath Grounds to discuss public plans and comments can be viewed and made. consultation ideas. 2. Developer required key contacts in Ashby to invite to exhibition. Contacts were sent through enabling maximum community engagement.

April 2012 Blackfordby School - building at the back of the 1. Scout leader contacted to discuss possibility of relocating to another location. Ongoing school 2. Other locations identified as youth Club Building, two churches, vacant land owned by the Town The school has a small building which is occupied Council and the District Council - options to be discussed with scout leader to consider moving by the scouts which the school would like to use for from current location. other activities.

April 2012 Electric Charging Point in Ashby 1. Query raised with Street Environment Manager who needs to check the logistics of this project Ongoing Ashby 2020 have made contact to look at the actually taking place. Issues to consider are the loss of two parking spaces, where the electricity possibility of getting a electrical car charging point will be used from and how it will be reimbursed to the council. in Ashby, potentially the North Street Car Park. 2. Response from Street Environment Manager, that North Street car park is a prime location for car parking so may be better placed to have the charging point in the leisure centre car park. Response forwarded to Ashby 2020, awaiting response. April 2012 Access issues to the memorial gardens of 1. Query has been raised with the Street Environment Manager to see if there is anything that can Ongoing Market Street in Ashby be done to resolve this problem. Currently a parking bay is blocking access to the 2. Response back from Street Environment team is that due to the limited car parking that is memorial gardens off Brook Street. A number of available in Ashby it would not be possible to lose the parking bay that is being referred to. complaints have been received by the Ashby Town 3. Response has been sent back to Ashby Town Clerk—awaiting response from this. Council over the years and the maintenance staff are finding it difficult to access the gardens to carry out maintenance work.

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priorities 2012 - 2013

Supporting the Town Council and residents through the Neighbourhood Planning Process.

Liaising with developers from the Royal Hotel to maximise community consultation.

Completion of landscaping at North Street Car Park.

Supporting through the process of obtaining play equipment at Westfields Park.

Supporting in the improving of local services for the community.

Resolving of complex queries received to the district council.

Improving the perception of the district council within the community

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Ashby Woulds - Albert Village - Ashby Woulds - Boothorpe - Moira - Norris Hill - Spring Cottage

The village includes many attractive features such as The Moira Furnace, Canal and Lakes to Lime Kilns, Parks and Woodland which adds to the desirability of living in this area. The main villages in this parish are Albert Village and Moira each with their own schools including Albert Village Community Primary School and Moira Primary School. For Moira Primary School it is a big year as they are now fully fledged Primary School and the new building are well on their way to completion.

Ashby Woulds Data

Total population is 3,500 (Census 2001 Parish and Town Level)

Total no. of households 1,447 (Census 2001 Parish and Town Level)

Ashby Woulds Town Council Clerk details: Andrea Robinson - Council Offices 17 Ashby Road Moira Swadlincote Derbyshire DE12 6DJ Tel: 01283 552784 Email: [email protected]

The District Councillors are Annette and John Bridges (both Ashby Woulds Conservative).

The Town Councillors are (Albert Village ward) - Sue McKendrick (Deputy Mayor and John Perry. (Moira Ward) - Tony Allan (Mayor), Joanne Cooper, Lawrence Ordish, Tony Temple, Pat Thomas, Bryan Weston and Colin Wood.

Ashby Woulds Community Newsletter is a good source to find local information.

A Parish Plan was carried out a few years ago which is a good source to identify issues surrounding the community.

The Neighbourhood PC’s are PC Adam Archer and PC Steve Harrison.

Oakthorpe & Donisthorpe 13

0600 1,200 2,400 North West Leicestershire District Council - Pla n ´ Meters Reproduction from Ordnance Survey 1:1,250 mapping with per activity 2011 - 2012

Date Query Outcome

June 2011 Cuts to bus service in Moira CF team contacted Simon Parry at LCC who was able to provide full details of the bus services Resolved Cllr Pat Thomas raised the issue of the cuts to the operating in the area as well as a Demand Responsive Transport service that is available. Although no bus service in Moira and the lack of information changes to what was being offered, residents were fully aware of what services were available to available around the issue. them.

July 2011 Allotments Association in Albert Village CF team contacted the Allotments Association who had already managed to obtain £8,000 from the Resolved Cllr Sue McKendrick at a meeting raised the setting Shire Grants and some funding from the National Forest. CF team made the group aware of support up of allotments association in Albert Village. and advice available to them.

October Play area and Multi Usage Game Area at Village 1. CF set up a working group including the town councillors, village hall representative and 2011 Hall residents. Resolved The Parish Plan that had been carried out in 2005 2. As the parish plan was carried out a number of years ago it was decided that another until further had identified a need for a Play area in the grounds of consultation exercise would need to be carried out to find out if residents still identified a need contact the village hall; support requested from town council for the play area. in taking this idea forward. 3. An application was made to the community forums to cover the costs of this consultation. However it was unsuccessful. Other funding sources were identified and the group have decided to consider what other work may be required at the village hall before they pursue funding.

January Moira Youth Club Building 1. Ongoing support is being provided to increase the usage of the building including, flyer design 2012 Youth club and site manager made contact via a and printing, open day and coffee mornings to help to get more people using the building. Ongoing referral through VAL. Both wanted to see an increase 2. Discussions taking place to relocate the Blackfordby scouts into this location thus helping to in the usage of the building. resolve queries for both the scouts and the youth club.

March 2012 Proposed development in Moira 1. CF organised a meeting held at Ashby Woulds Replan involving the town councillors and Contact details provided by planning to get in touch developers. Throughout March residents were made aware of the proposed development ready with developers to see what plans can be put in place for a consultation day that will be held on the 18th of April. in terms of community consultation. 2. Exhibition held by the developers which had a good turnout. Promotion of the event was done by the CF team.

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priorities 2012 - 2013

Supporting the Town Council and residents through the Neighbourhood Planning Process.

Liaising with developers from the Measham Road development in Moira to maximise community consultation.

Supporting the village hall with their plan in to develop a new play area.

Assisting the Moira Youth Club to increase usage of their building.

Supporting in the improving of local services for the community.

Resolving of complex queries received to the district council.

Improving the perception of the district council within the community

15

Chilcote

Chilcote is a small village which borders Derbyshire, Warwickshire and Staffordshire. It is a rural parish Oakthorpe & Donisthorpe bordered by No Mans Heath to the South, to the West, to the North and Acresford to the East. The land within the parish is utilised as farmland with a small number of residents who really care for the surrounding area and preserving the natural beauty that they enjoy.

Chilcote Data

Total population is 108 (Census 2001 Parish and Town Level)

Total no. of households 38 (Census 2001 Parish and Town Level)

Chilcote Parish Meeting Clerk details: Rick Hockney Mayfield Cottage Netherseal Road Chilcote Swadlincote Chilcote DE12 8DQ Tel: 01827 373623 Email: [email protected]

The District Councillor is Richard Blunt (Conservative)

The Neighbourhood PC’s are PC Adam Archer and PC Steve Harrison.

Stretton En Le Field priorities 2012 - 2013

Supporting in the improving of local services for the community.

Appleby Resolving of complex queries received to the district council.

Improving the perception of the district council within the community. 16 0320 640 1,280 North West Leicestershire District Council - Spatial Planning - Licence No.: 100019329 Scale Meters Reproduction from Ordnance Survey 1:1,250 mapping with permission of the Controller of HMSO Crown Copyright. ´ Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. 1:11,177 Ashby Woulds Measham Ashby Town Council

Measham is near to Staffordshire and Derbyshire border, located just off the A42 and just south of Ashby de la Zouch and falls within the National Forest. The name Measham means the homestead of the . Measham is a village with many active residents and Community Groups. Each year the village hosts an annual event known as the Heart of the Forest Festival which attracts residents from Measham and surroundingOakthorpe villages. & DonisthorpeHigh Street Packington is the main shopping area in the village with Bosworth Road being a key hotspot for ASB incidents.

Measham Data

Total population is 4,855 (Census 2001 Parish and Town Level)

Total no. of households 1,971 (Census 2001 Parish and Town Level)

Measham Parish Clerk details Dawn Roach Measham Measham Community Office 56 High Street Measham Derbyshire DE12 7HZ Email: [email protected] Swepstone Tel: 01530 271833

The District Councillors are Tom Neilson and Sean Sheahan (both Labour).

The Parish Councillors are Glenys Banton, John Bricknell, Malcolm Hurd, Colin Manifold, Robert Oakes, Frederick Denis Pallett, Jason Summerfield and Michael Williams.

The Neighbourhood PC is Sean Lockley.

Appleby

Snarestone 17

activity 2011 - 2012

Date Query Outcome June Polish Community Action Plan A working group was put together by CF team including community safety and the police with the following 2011 & A number of issues (high levels of domestic actions put together. ongoing violence, alcohol reliance, bullying at school 1. Emergency/useful contacts cards designed and distributed in different languages to enable ethnic and buses, unfair treatment in workplaces) had minorities of key contacts that they should be aware of - not taken any further as would be unequal to other been raised through local schools, community ethnic minorities and would become out of date. safety and the local police team relating to 2. Advice surgery was held as part of the Well Families Clinic in June with a polish interpreter available to issues facing the ethnic minorities in Measham provide advice on health, benefits, domestic violence. particularly the Polish community. An action 3. A successful joint bid was made for RESPECT funding to enable to hold a ‘Planet Measham’ day at St plan was put together involving all those Charles Primary School in Measham. The day was a huge success as children and teachers learnt about concerned with various ways to approach the different cultures and preconceived perceptions they may have. As a result this project will be replicated in issues that were there. The Community Safety other schools around the district. team approached CF team to get involved in 4. Neighbourhood PC has been using the school buses to reduce incidents of bullying and has made the bus this project. drivers aware of the issues that are taking place. 5. Reports of unfair treatment of employees in some workplaces, Neighbourhood PC has held lunch time sessions at some workplaces where complaints have been received about unfair treatment with the aim of reducing these incidents. We are unsure if incidents have reduced as it is difficult to find out. 6. Neighbourhood PC has attended Measham Car Boot sale where there is high numbers of the Polish Community providing opportunities for more dialogue between the two. 7. Work will continue on this action plan however with the change in the Neighbourhood PC a meeting will need to be scheduled with the replacement PC with a briefing on what has been done so far. Meeting to be scheduled.

June Littering issues in millennium gardens. 1. CF team sourced a litter bin from the Street Cleansing department and agreement made that it will be 2011 Query raised by Parish Clerk re Millennium maintained by the parish council. The situation will be monitored to see if this improves the littering issues Gardens as a hotspot for littering. in the gardens. 2. This has substantially reduced the litter that was being thrown on the ground.

July Pilot advice surgery 1. The pilot advice surgery was a success judging by the numbers of advice queries received. Other joint 2011 CF took forward an idea to hold a pilot joint surgeries have taken place in Coalville and the Northern Parishes areas since. advice surgery as part of the Well Families 2. In total, advice was provided from: Clinic to be able to provide information and - Revenues and Benefits team resulting in one resident who was not aware of benefits that were available advice on local services available to local to her, successfully gaining benefits of £500 a month. residents. - Housing team a total of eight residents - Domestic violence team took queries from two residents - Police had queries from a total of 20 residents 3. These were beneficial as they provided advice on issues that some residents would be reluctant to seek independently.

18

activity 2011 - 2012

Date Query Outcome

August Increasing usage of Robin Nest, Riverside 1. Consultation boards designed and provided by CF team to capture the sorts of things that residents would 2011 Estate like to attend Robins Nest for. Over 50 residents took part in the consultation providing some clear results CF team contacted by the chairperson to get on what was needed/wanted in the building. involved in encouraging residents to use 2. The evidence from the consultation enabled the group to apply for Community Budget funding from LCC Robins Nest (Community Building) for more with the group successfully receiving a total of £3,000 towards new play equipment outside Robins Nest community activities as it is currently only used with the aim that this play equipment will increase the number of people using the building overall. a couple of times a week.

August DE12 SK8 1. Group were invited to LCC funding fair and Val funding fair where they had the opportunity to meet 2011 Chairperson approached CF team for support potential funders for their scheme. Ongo- with project. A group of keen skaters are 2. CF Team made referral to VAL to identify funding for the project. Support provided to submit an application ing working on a project to have a skate park in for the Community Forum budget from LCC where the group successfully gained £1,000 towards the Measham. The group is made up of skaters, consultation material for the skate park. parish clerk and district councillors. In total the 3. Financial support was provided through the Community Focus budget of £300 towards the planning costs project will cost around £300,000. that the group would occur. 4. As there are a number of groups across the district that are involved in skate/bmx a meeting has been set up for the 18th of April where all the groups can meet and discuss possible joint working opportunities.

Sept Heart of the Forest Festival 1. Meeting took place with group and Cultural Services Manager to discuss ways forward. 2011 Group approached CF team to establish a 2. CF team assisted the group through submitting an application for the Community Forum Budget where the Ongo- closer relationship with NWLDC and increasing group were successful in obtaining a total of £900 to cover their insurance costs for the event. ing officer presence at the festival. 3. Information sent through on funding fair held in Coalville which has put the group in touch with funders that they can access now and in the future. A two year funding plan is being put in place as a result. 4. Organising of officer presence at the Festival in July raising awareness of the services that are provided by the district council and improving its perception.

October Clockwise Credit Union 1. CF team organised an initial meeting where an action plan was drawn up with the aim of the launch of the 2011 CF team pursuing the idea of taking forward the Credit Union being held in June/July 2012. opening of a Clockwise Credit Union in 2. CF team invited Clockwise reps to Community Forum to raise further awareness about the proposal Measham. 3. CF team negotiated Measham Library for the first year as a base for Clockwise with financial contribution being made. 4. Press releases have been published in various methods to help raise awareness and the recruiting of more volunteers. This was done by the CF team in the Measham Messenger, Leicestershire Villages website and the Community Forum website. 5. Meeting scheduled at the end of April to finalise plans for the opening. 6. CF team is looking into debt advisors with the possibility of having them attend some of the sessions once clockwise are operating in Measham.

19

activity 2011 - 2012

Date Query Outcome

January Groundwork’s increasing provision 1. Meeting held with Groundwork’s Officer to discuss the proposed plans of them increasing their provision in 2012 Groundwork approached CF team as they NWL to have outreach staff to engage with young people, in the Measham area. CF team set up an initial would like to increase their provision in the meeting with all the key contacts in Measham to begin discussions of what is required in the area. Measham area.

Febru- Planet Measham 1. An application was submitted to Respect Awards jointly with the Police assisted by the CF team. ary As part of the wider Polish Community Action 2. LEBC company were recruited with this money to carry out similar events at the chosen school. 2012 Plan an application was successfully made for 3. The afternoon was organised separately on the same day with activities such as Indian dancing, food the Respect Awards to take place around a tasting and perceptions workshop. Community Cohesion day at St Charles C of E 4. Children, teachers and volunteers at St Charles School in Measham enjoyed a day of learning about School. different cultures, tasting food and dancing. The project was a big success and work will be done to replicate similar projects in other areas, helping those involved to learn about cultures around the world. priorities 2012 - 2013

Ensure that the Heart of the Forest Festival has NWLDC presence.

Support community groups such as the DE12 S8R to help them meet their need in getting a skate park in Measham.

Support the Credit Union launch in Measham and ensure that once they are operating continual support is provided to them.

Supporting in the improving of local services for the community.

Resolving of complex queries received to the district council.

Improving the perception of the district council within the community

20

Normanton le Heath Normanton le Heath is situated between the parishes of Packington, Ravenstone and Heather. There has been limited contact with the communities in this parish. The community organise a number of events all year round including a village fete, bonfire party and a village walk which takes place twice a year. Each month a book club is held to discuss and debate books that have been read by the members of the group. A campaign is currently under way to get faster broadband in the village allowing locals to connect to a faster internet service.

Facts & Figures

Total population is 131 (Census 2001 Parish and Town Level) Ashby Town Council

Total no. of households 53 (Census 2001 Parish and Town Level)

Normanton le Heath Parish Meeting details: Edgarton Main Street Packington Normanton le Heath

Coalville Raven Leicestershire LE67 2TB

The Neighbourhood PC is Sean Lockley.

Normanton Le Heath priorities 2012 - 2013

Supporting in the improving of local services for the community. Measham

Resolving of complex queries received to the district council. Heather Swepstone Improving the perception of the district council within the community.

0425 850 1,700 North West Leicestershire District Council - Planning Policy - Licence No Meters Reproduction from Ordnance Survey 1:1,250 mapping with permission of the Controller21 of HMS ´ Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proce

Oakthorpe, Donisthorpe & Acresford

Oakthorpe, Donisthorpe and Acresford are three separate villages that fall into the same parish. On the 2nd December 2008, the parish plan group launched their completed plan. The village has a number of active residents that form part of a number of community groups from youth clubs in each of the villages, to a group of mums who have got together to form a Playdon group who are trying to get play areas within Donisthorpe. The parish has their own publication; Three Views News which is written by residents and is a great tool to find out what is happening in the parish. An annual village gala event is held with other events taking place all year round such as Apple Day and the Barn Dance.Ashby The parishWoulds has a self sufficient community which simply asks for support when and if required; big society is definitely taking place within this parish.

Ashby Town Counc

Oakthorpe, Donisthorpe & Acresford Data

Total population is 2,338 (Census 2001 Parish and Town Level)

Total no. of households 969 (Census 2001 Parish and Town Level)

The Oakthorpe, Donisthorpe & Acresford Parish Clerk details: Lindsay Swinfield Barn 5 House Farm Church Street Swepstone Leicestershire LE67 2SA Oakthorpe & Donisthorpe [email protected]

The District Councillors is Lesley Messay (Labour).

The Parish Councillors are Chris Keeley (Chairman), Ray Merry, Mr J Greenbank, John Hair, Alan Ingle. Kelly Grove, Debbie Warren Ray Morris-Chapman.

The Neighbourhood PC is Sean Lockley.

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Measham

activity 2011 - 2012 Date Query Outcome June One Oakthorpe 1. A meeting held to see where the ‘One Oakthorpe’ group which was set up with the Neighbourhood 2011 CF team were asked to look at the redirection Manager was at. This group was set up to discuss issues involving housing, ASB and anything else. As of the ‘One Oakthorpe’ group to either give a there was no one focus it was a difficult meeting with little results. new purpose or bring the group to an end by 2. Conclusion was to disband the group. Contact details were provided for appropriate officers at the district the Head of Service as this was something that council so residents have a point of contact for the types of queries that were discussed within this group. the previous Neighbourhood Manager had set 3. However subgroups were formed to take forward current ideas that were raised including setting up of up. Youth Clubs.

June Setting up Youth Club in Donisthorpe and 1. A number of residents volunteered to take the youth club idea forward and elected a chairperson of the 2011 & Oakthorpe group. ongoing This was a sub group that came into place as a 2. CF team assisted the group to submit an application to Hands on Youth Service Support who have trained result of the above query. It was initially taken the volunteers in every aspect of running a youth club. forward by CF team as in 2008 the parish plan 3. Community Chest Grants information was sent to the group with support provided in completing the identified a need for youth provision in application form. This resulted in the group successful obtaining the grant. Donisthorpe. Initial meeting held with parish 4. Launch dates identified and a launch event held. CF team designed and printed promotional material, plan group to discuss how these aims can be press release. reached. 5. £200 financial support provided to the young people to purchase the essential equipment for the launch of the event. Advice on alcohol, drugs contacts identified and provided to group to make some of the sessions educational . 6. Other funding sources identified for the purchasing of equipment. 7. Locations for the two youth clubs were identified and negotiated. 8. Both youth clubs are now successfully operating with over 20 young people attending each one every week.

July Signs taken off unlawfully in Oakthorpe 1. CF team contacted the relevant department at LCC to find an appropriate officer to assist. The Highways 2011 A house owner had been advised by a council Department were then able to respond to the resident and resolve this issue to both parties satisfaction. officer to replace a sign they had taken off when rendering their property. The sign has white lettering and a blue background and stated ‘No Turning Point Ahead’. The owners are happy to put the sign back up but apparently the council officer had advised that it needs to be in an exact position which they are not sure about and have no contact details for the officer in question.

August Unmaintained shrub area behind School Query passed to the housing team who followed it up with a response from highways at LCC which then 2011 Street, Oakthorpe resolved this query. Cllr Merry reported a unmaintained shrub area behind school street. 23

activity 2011 - 2012

Date Query Outcomes

August Playdon Group in Donisthorpe 1. CF team designed and produced promotional/consultation material to raise awareness of the project in 2011 Playdon is a well organised group that has the village. The consultation was being carried out to find out exactly what residents want in the village. Ongoing been set up to improve the play facilities in 2. As the Playdon group are self sufficient they simply make contact when needed. Donisthorpe. The aim of the project is to install various play equipment in different phases. They contact CF to seek support in promotional material. October Apple Day CF team provided Apple press and free publicity alongside the district organised apple days events to support 2011 A community organised event attracting a good them. number of local residents. was a big success.

January Orchard Funding CF team assisted the group with a funding grant which was submitted to the National Forest which was 2012 Community group approached CF team for successful, enabling the group to purchase the equipment needed towards the orchard. support in Orchard project. Febru- Three Views News 1. A contribution of £400 was made to the Three Views News to purchase new IT equipment to enable the ary 2012 The IT equipment being used for the magazine parish to produce the community owned parish magazine. was in need of replacing. Approached CF team 2. The free magazine will continued to be published and delivered to every household in the district. for assistance. priorities 2012 - 2013

Supporting in the improving of local services for the community.

Resolving of complex queries received to the district council.

Improving the perception of the district council within the community.

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Packington Packington has a active community with a number of community groups. It has its own shop, which many villages lack, known as the Daybreak Services, a pub The Bull and Lion, a Village Hall, a church and a postal service. It has its own website www.packington.info which is ran by the community and packed with useful information about the village.

Packington Data Coleorton Total population is 742 (Census 2001 Parish and TownAshby Level)Woulds

Total no. of households 310 (Census 2001 Parish and Town Level) Ashby Town Council The Packington Parish Clerk is Ann MarshallAshby (no Woulds postal address available) Email: [email protected] Tel: 01283 760098

The District Councillor is Nigel Smith (conservative). Ravenstone

The Parish Councillors are Chirs Miles, Ian Dring, Claire

Bennion, Colin Goacher, Bob Martin and Alan Pearson. Packington

The Neighbourhood PC is Mark Arjoo. Oakthorpe & Donisthorpe

Normanton Le Heath priorities 2012 - 2013 Measham

Supporting in the improving of local services for the community.

Heather Resolving of complex queries received to the district council. Swepstone

0625 1,250 2,500 North West Leicestershire District Council - Planning Policy - Licence No.: 1 Improving the perception of the district council within the community. Meters Reproduction from Ordnance Survey 1:1,250 mapping with permission of the Controller of HMSO Cro ´ Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or25 civil proceeding

Snarestone Snarestone has got its own village website www.snarestone.org.uk which has got valuable village information. Snarestone has is own school , St. Bartholomews Church and a pub, The Globe Inn. They also have a active ‘Snarestone Pantomine Society’ which has been holding shows since 1997. The village also operates an active Neighbourhood Watch Scheme. They also organise a series of events throughout the year.

Snarestone Data

Total population is 298 (Census 2001 Parish and Town Level)

Total no. of households 120 (Census 2001 Parish and Town Measham Level)

Snarestone Parish Council Clerk details are: Mike Allen 73 Main Street Snarestone Swadlincote DE12 7DB Email: [email protected] Tel: 01530 272876 Snarestone

The Parish Councillors are Simon Boam, Jon Driffill, Appleby Chirs Miles and Mike Gee.

The Neighbourhood PC is Sean Lockley

priorities 2012 - 2013 Swepstone

Supporting in the improving of local services for the community.

Resolving of complex queries received to the district council.

Improving the perception of the district council within the community. 0465 930 1,860 North West Leicestershire District Council - Planning Policy - Licence N Meters Reproduction from Ordnance Survey 1:1,250 mapping with permission of the 26Controller of H M ´ Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil pro

Stretton en le Field

Stretton en le Field is a small village with a small population. It is about seven miles south-west of Ashby de la Zouch. Stretton Bridge carries the across the Oakthorpe & Donisthorp River Mease, which forms this small parish’s northern boundary. Stretton was part of Derbyshire historically.

Stretton en le field

Total population is 36 (Census 2001 Parish and Town Level)

Total no. of households 13 (Census 2001 Parish and Town Level)

Stretton en le Field Parish Meeting Clerk details: Mr J Feeney Oberon House Rectory Lane Chilcote Stretton en le Field Stretton En Le Field Swadlincote DE12 8AF Tel 01530 270894

The Parish Councillors are Simon Boam, Jon Driffill, Chirs Miles and Mike Gee.

Neighbourhood PC is Sean Lockley

priorities 2012 - 2013 Appleby

Supporting in the improving of local services for the community.

Resolving of complex queries received to the district council.

Improving the perception of the district council within the community. 27

Swepstone - Swepstone - -

Swepstone has an active community with a number of community groups. Swepstone is home to St Peter’s Church and carry out their own community litter picks. Plans are currently under way in organising the Diamond Jubilee event in June 2012. Newton Burgoland is home to The Belper Arms which is the oldest pub in Leicestershire. It has its own post office, shop and Primary School.

Packington

Normanton Le Heath Swepstone Data

Total population is 569 (Census 2001 Parish and Town Level) Measham

Total no. of households 237 (Census 2001 Parish and Town Level)

Swepstone Parish Council Parish Clerk details: Nicola Gary 8 Way Leicestershire LE67 2DB Heather Email: [email protected] Tel: 07855 565936

The Parish Councillor is David Gothard. Snarestone Swepstone Neighbourhood PC is Sean Lockley.

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activity 2011 - 2012

Date Query Outcome March Outdoor Fitness Equipment 1. Meeting held with Paul to discuss the ideas he has and where he currently is with the project. 2012 & Cllr Paul Pugsley has made contact to find 2. Consultation material designed and printed to get an idea of what residents want and need in the park. ongoing out how he would go about trying to get 3. Funding streams being identified for the project. outdoor play equipment installed in a park in Newton Burgoland. priorities 2012 - 2013

Supporting in the improving of local services for the community.

Resolving of complex queries received to the district council.

Improving the perception of the district council with the community.

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District Council Funding Funding Analysis Respect Awards £400 (Total 13 projects funded) 2011 - 2012  St Charles’ Catholic Primary School - Planet Measham  Groundwork and Leicestershire

One Off Grant (Total 29 projects funded)

 Ashby Canel Trust - £450  Ashby Street Pastors - £450  Ashby de la Zouch Museum £225  Chorus Theatre - £225  Measham Festival Group - £225  Measham Museum Society  Packington Post  Sir John Moore Foundation Leicestershire County Council Funding

Community Forums

 Boxing/Fitness Classes  Heart of the Forest Festival  Performance & Workshops at Ashby Bath Grounds  Pit Prop Wood Improvements  Play equipment at Riverway  Skate Park for Measham  Table Tennis Tables - Packington Youth Club  Youth Activities—Junction 11

Big Society Funding

 Sir John Moore Foundation - £15,000  Heart of the Forest Forum - £7,800  Donisthorpe Scout Group - £5,000  Appleby Magna Sports Club - £5,000

SHIRE Environmental Grant Community Climate Change Grant - No Entries SHIRE Village Hall Grant - No Entries

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Appleby Magna Parish  Jubilee Street Party, Appleby (3rd June)  Appleby Village Gala (7th to 8th July) Events in 2012

Ashby de la Zouch Town  Ashby Fake Festival (2nd June)  Ashby Arts Festival (1st to 4th June)  Jubilee Street Party, Ashby (4th June)  Ashby show, Heather ((15th July)  Ashby Statutes (14th to 18th September) Christmas in Ashby (December) 

Ashby Woulds Town  Moira Canal Festival (19th & 20th May)  National Forest Walking Festival (19th to 31st May)  National Forest Folk Festival (6th to 8th July)  Moira Folk Festival (17th to 19th August)

Chilcote Parish

Measham Parish  Planet Measham Day, St. Charles Catholic Primary School (9th Feb)  Jubilee Street Party, Measham Leisure Centre (2nd June)  Heart of the Forest Festival, Measham (23rd June)

Normanton le Heath Parish

Oakthorpe, Donisthorpe & Acresford  Donisthorpe Parish Gala (16th June)

Packington Parish

Snarestone Parish

Stretton en le Field Parish

Swepstone Parish  Jubilee Street Party (2nd June)

For further updated information on events, please visit our website at www.nwleics.gov.uk/ community_focus 31

Community Focus How we came about.

The Community Focus Team was established in April 2011, the team is part of the Stronger and Safer Communities Team within Planning and Engagement at the District Council. The team comprises of three Community Team Leaders who have responsibility for various areas of the district. The district has been divided into three areas, that relate to the work being done with community forums as follows:

 Ashby, Measham & Moira  Coalville  Northern Parishes

Who do we support?

We support individuals, community groups, Parish Councils, District Councillors and other Council departments. If the community have ideas they want developing, want to get their voice heard, funding for projects, questions about the services they receive or anything in their community, then the Community Focus Team will help wherever possible.

What have we been up to?

We have been very busy in our first year and have shared many successes. The Community Plans aim to give people a brief insight into some of the work carried out in the first year, whilst also identifying any gaps in our provision, aims for next year and ideas to provide a better service in 2012/13. Each of the forum areas has its own Community Team Leader for which a Community Plan has been carried out.

Who we are

Coalville - Tony MacRory-Smith Ashby Measham & Moira - Balwinder Bahia Northern Parishes - Wendy May [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 01530 454760 01530 454567 01530 454769

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Compliments

Just wanted to say thanks again for all your support with yesterday's Roadshow - its obvious that so many organisations/individuals came along thanks to your The team have been an excellent support to my beat, in promotion of the event, which helped to make the event so successful and well particular Balwinder Bahia. She has provided assistance to attended! I was really pleased with the turnout, as were my colleagues. Also, numerous activities in Measham which have helped towards you seem to have established a really positive reputation with local community an improvement in the community. groups in your area - well done and keep up the good work! PC 4630 Chloe Canning - Leicestershire Constabulary Noel Singh ‐ Policy & Partnerships Manager Leicestershire County Council

Great work thank you, Balwinder has been a great source of a true team effort, one You are a star!!! Glad to have you on board, I feel a lot more council !!!! knowledge and support to the Parish Council optimistic now, your help Balwinder is really is appreciated. and other various community groups within John Richardson - Measham. Councillor Chris Keeley - Oakthorpe, Donishtopre Parish Head of Community Dawn Roach - Measham Parish Clerk Services, NWLDC

A pleasure to work with on the Planet Measham Respect Project and also the Polish Community I am so pleased that the four year plan of having Youth Action Group – responsive, enthusiastic and Clubs in both Oakthorpe and Donisthorpe is becoming a reality. We could not have got this committed to the same outcomes. Looking far without the support of the Community Focus team at the District Council and the forward to doing more in the future! fantastic volunteers who have been so supportive in helping us set this project up. It is now up to the youth in the both villages to come along and get involved’. Gillian Haluch - Community Safety NWLDC Ade Evans - Chairperson Oakthorpe & Donisthorpe Youth Club. Article featured in Three Views News

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