Agenda and minutes

None Received.

The Chair introduced himself to the residents. He also introduced the Council’s Communications Officer, Joe Harkin. Mr Harkin attended the meeting to take a series of photos to support an article for Letterbox. The article will be printed to encourage residents to attend the Forums.

A Commemorative seat and litterbin have been installed in Peace Park.

The Local Area Coordinator for Wigston, Sue Renton is working with Age UK on a Veterans Breakfast Club. The Police and Fire Service are included.

Page 1: The Commemorative Seat at St Thomas Church has been installed. The inauguration has taken place.

Page 3: The London Houses and Totem Pole proposal was passed by Policy Finance and Development Committee.

Page 5: Brocks Hill Centre is now officially managed by SLM (Sports and Leisure Management Ltd). This will save the Council £100,000 each year in maintenance costs. Brocks Hill Centre is used each evening and at weekends.

Page 5: Tree surveys are continuing.

Page 5: Garden Waste will be collected on Bank Holidays. A Round Optimisation has been completed. One example of this has been addressing changes to rounds for some collections.

The Council will closed between Christmas and New Year. Street cleansing and refuse collection will continue during the Christmas period. A resident suggested two bins are needed beyond Davenport Road near the grass, as bins become over full. Dog waste can be placed in all litterbins.

The Council does not collect cooking oil, Casepak will not take it away. Residents were reminded not to put glass into the black bags, as it is a potential hazard for cleansing staff.

Page 6: The County Council was contacted about accessing information concerning footpaths and their display. A response is awaited.

Page 6: Creating a two-way system on Paddock Street from Age UK to the by-pass is being considered. This is to coincide with Remembrance Day, for one day only.

The Lions Group is organising the Christmas Light Switch-on. This takes place on November 24 2018 at 6pm. New lights have also been purchased as part of the Switch-On, these have cost £5000.

Oadby and South Wigston have also received the same allocation. Bell Street will be closed.

For late night shopping all shops will remain open until 8.00p.m.

·         The Chair provided a brief update.

·         The next update should inform residents of the progress made with awards received for Britain in Bloom and work to take place in 2019.

·         For more information about Pride of the Borough click on the link provided https://www.prideoftheborough.org/.

·         Litter picking continues to take place across the Borough.

·         The Loyalty Card still costs £5.00 each year. The money raised purchases items such as bulbs for planting.

Litterbin on Barford Close off Durnford Road

The litterbin is now installed.

The Pinfold Project At Newgate End

The Trough has been installed. It is filled with flowers and herbal plants. Cromwell Cottage maintains the Trough. A bench and an interpretation board accompany the Trough.

Maromme Square benches and play equipment

A meeting took place last month.

Mobile play equipment was considered. An update is to come as to what action residents wish to take and what equipment they wish to buy.

The current Wigston Residents’ Forum budget stands at £49,454.

To mark World War 1 a request was made for £200 to be used to print leaflets and to advertise a concert, which is to be held on 10 November 2018. The venue is the United Reformed Church by Peace Park. Entry to the event is free.

One person proposed the request and there was unanimous agreement by all present. Donations will be appreciated; at least six different Acts are to perform.

An application was made for Ghost Tommies. These are life-sized figures made of aluminium.

Celebration to mark the end of World War 1

·         For celebrating the end of World War 1, young people in Brocks Hill at 19:00p.m will light a beacon, on November 11^th 2018. Brum Peak from London is organising this event.

·         Church bells will be rung with a special peal of bells throughout the Town.

·         A service will take place at 10.45a.m.

·         There will be no marshalling of the morning Parade by the Police this year. Assembling takes place in Bell Street.

·         A roll call will end the Parade Assembly.

·         Large poppies will be placed on lamp posts on the parade route. The Poppies will be removed the Monday following the event.

·         An event will be held in Peace Park this year at 12:15p.m.

·         Wreaths will be laid in Peace Park following the Remembrance Service.

Car Body Works and Vehicles Parked on Streets

In South Wigston some cars being parked on surrounding streets has led to complaints. Councillor Boulter has spoken to the County Council about this.

New Pavilion on Little Hill

The Building of the new Pavilion on Little Hill has now received planning permission. The Playgroup will continue to use a place adjacent to the current Pavilion whilst demolition takes place.

Trees along the Cemetery Layby

It was suggested that trees along the Cemetery Layby could fall and damage nearby houses. These have been checked by the Council`s Tree Officer. There is no immediate risk of trees falling on housing. These trees are privately owned.

Creation of a New Unitary Authority for Leicestershire

A new Unitary Authority for the whole of Leicestershire could be created.

The results of a survey held in 2014 showed residents wanted Boroughs and Districts to retain autonomy. The Chair reaffirmed this Council has a balanced budget. A Unitary Authority might mean a cut in services. This Council will be observing how County Council consults.

Defibrillator Training for Residents

Any residents wishing to attend a training session on how to use a Defibrillator please contact the Community Engagement Officer by emailing, Veronika.quintyne@oadby-wigston.gov.uk.

There were no suggestions for future agenda items. The Chair thanked residents for attending the meeting.

Wednesday 14 November 2018, at the Council Offices, Station Road, Wigston, LE18 2DR. It commences at 19:00 p.m.