Minutes:
Cllr Sheila Scott’s Report
The Council held a minutes silence in respect of Cllr David Jennings, who had passed away recently.
Phase 1 of the Council’s Civic area refurbishment has been completed. The new chamber is in use for meetings especially Planning Committee.
The first phase of Everards Meadows. The café is run by Jenno’s family business based in Blaby. Everards Meadow’s is an exciting addition to BDC providing Health and Leisure opportunities for our residents and from visitors further afield. The next phase of development is already on site and will see the completion of a brand new Everards brewery, beer hall and offices.
Volunteer Litter Picking Scheme
The scheme was a great success, so far over 80 individuals or community groups have signed up to the scheme and have litter picked over 450 bags from our roadside and open spaces.
Leisure Centre Investment Contract with SLM to refurbish both Enderby Leisure Centre and the Pavilion Leisure Centre at Huncote
Phase 1 of the capital works at Enderby Leisure Centre remain on time and on budget.
Improvements as part of phase 1 include;
New fitness suite
New spa facilities
New dry side changing rooms
New fitness – studio
New sports hall floor
New facilities open to the public 28 September 2019
Work at the Pavilion Huncote will commence in the coming months.
Other Activities and Events
Love parks was another successful year at Fosse Meadow, the event supported by partner organisations Menphys, Active Arts, Cyclone Works and others. Over 450 people attended raising over £800.00
Fall prevention classes started 1 October at Enderby Leisure Centre for seniors at risk of falling.
12 Steady Steps classes, offer classes within the district of Blaby. Booking in advance is always advised as there are waiting lists for these classes.
Summer Activity Programme.
BB19 youth workers have delivered activities in partnership with AMPACT part of the family and well being services at LCC.
Cllr Iain Hewson’s Report – Chairman of the Council
On the 28th September I held my Civic Walk from Kirby Muxloe to Glenfield and we raised £77.00 for the Charity Community First Responders.
On 3rd October I opened the Achievements Awards held at the Marriot Hotel Leicester. It was a fantastic evening, listening to the nominators why they had nominated the person or persons for Awards. Highlighting how they help their local community over several years. One lady had given 53 years of voluntary
service after she founded the Blaby and Glen Parva Community Service back in 1966.
On the 7th October I attended the Youth Council at the Council Offices. The debate was on Knife Crime. This was an excellent debate, which took two hours, a lot of investigation had taken place from when the first knife crime took place on 15 March 44BC when Julius Caeser was stabbed by conspirators, until the present day.
Also discussed was what was the maximum and minimum jail sentence for carrying a knife, and or for using a knife, and concluding how the youth of the day can try and prevent this type of crime.
County Cllr Maggie Wright’s Report
Some highlights taken from the Leaders Statement 25/09/19
The Chairman read out the following from the report:
No Deal EU Exit Preparations
The Council continues to work closely with partners through the Local Resilience Forum to ensure the County is prepared for a No Deal Exit, from the EU should this happen. The County is concerned about the inadequate funds allocated to the county which has to ensure effective traffic management in the area around East Midlands Airport.www.gov.uk/Brexit.
The Unitary Authority Business Case – has been prepared by Officers and will now be considered by Cabinet on 22 October and at a special meeting of the Scrutiny Commission on 30the October. The Cabinet on 22 November will then consider all comments. The final strategic business case will then be discussed at Full Council on 4th December 2019.
Climate Change – Leicestershire County Council was one of the earlier Council’s to declare a climate emergency back in May. Since then over half of the UK’s principal authorities have joined. LCC is taking forward ambitious projects to help meet the commitment (examples, investing in a 10MW solar farm at Quorn, having one of the first carbon neutral industrial estates, comprehensive tree planting programmes, developing a plan to reduce emissions from Council vehicles).
Views are being sought on major A511 improvements – People across the County can express their views on plans to upgrade the A511 growth corridor between Ashby and Coalville. The consultation, which runs until Wednesday 23 October is available to complete on line at:
www.leicestershire.gov.uk/A511 - consultation
The County Council has been awarded almost 1.5M in development funding for the growth corridor scheme.
School Keep Clear Scheme – A 146 schools have joined the initiative. Schools across the county are still being encouraged to sign-up to a scheme to combat the problems of inconsiderate parking. If schools want to be considered for future rounds of the School Keep Clear Scheme, they should email SKCProject@leicestershire.gov.uk
Businesses urged to apply for sustainable initiative funding – Businesses can now apply for funding of up to £5000 to help them implement active and sustainable travel initiatives in the workplace. The grants are available from the County Council and funded by the Department of Transport. The aim is to boost levels of activity amongst staff by promoting active and sustainable travel as part of everyday life. For information about these grants and how the Council’s “Choose How You Move Team” can help
business visit: www.choosehowyoumove.co.uk/forbusiness
Free Trees – The deadline to apply for free tree packs (mentioned previously) is 31 October 2019 and trees and hedges must be planted by mid – March 2020. Parish Councils can apply to www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/freetrees.
Dementia Plans – Innovative Plans to provide specialist dementia care facility in Coalville are to be considered. If approved the scheme would see accommodation for up to 36 people built, with the aim of supporting those with complex dementia to live as independently as possible.
SEND Plans – Plans to develop local provision for children with special educational needs (SEND) across the county are on track.
CONSULTATIONS – Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service Integrated Risk Management Plan Consultation closes on 25th November 2019.
Domestic abuse and sexual violence services consultation closes on 24th November 2019.
Leicestershire Schools admissions consultation for 2021 entry closes on 29th November 2019.
Any other Business
The Chairman reported that no planning application had been submitted for a Solar Power Farm – Lychgate Lane/ Burbage and that it would have to be considered by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council and Blaby District Council.
Green Acres- a number of people objected to this application but it was found that the application was invalid.
The Chairman said that he would talk to Blaby Council in respect of rubbish clearing on Smithy Lane.