Be a Councillor event to be held in Narborough

Civic, News

Be a Councillor
An event showcasing the role of a councillor for prospective candidates in the run up to next year’s district elections is taking place at the end of October.

Blaby District Council, holding the first event in partnership with North West Leicestershire District Council, Oadby & Wigston Borough Council and Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council as part of the nationwide initiative to encourage potential community leaders in standing as a councillor.

The Prospective Councillor Event takes place on Saturday 27 October from 10am-12pm at Blaby District Council offices, Desford Road, Narborough, LE19 2EP

The event is designed to find out what it takes to become a local councillor. Councillors come from all walks of life, age groups and backgrounds, and play a key role in shaping the future of their local communities.

Anyone with a genuine interest in what happens in Blaby District, and who want to represent their local community is welcome to come along to find out more. There is no requirement to be a member of a political party to attend.

With District Elections for the 2019-2023 term on Thursday 02 May 2019, residents will have the opportunity to find out more about all aspects of being a Councillor including

  • The nomination process and standing for election
  • The role of a Councillor – what is expected
  • Support available from the Council, including allowances and training

Councillor Terry Richardson, Leader of Blaby District Council, said: “This event, including the ones being held around the County will provide an ideal opportunity for those interested in representing their community as a local councillor.

“We will highlight what life as a councillor is like and the positive difference you can make to your community, and we look forward to welcoming you to the event.”

Additional events will be held across the County and in early 2019 for anyone unable to attend the 27 October event.

For more information, including the full programme of events, visit www.blaby.gov.uk/councillor-event. or contact Melanie Long on 01530 454511 or email melanie.long@nwleicestershire.gov.uk.

Further events being held across the County:
Tuesday 6th November 2018, 6pm – 8pm at Melton Borough Council, Parkside, Station Approach, Burton Street, Melton Mowbray, LE13 1GH
Saturday 10th November 2018, 10am – 12pm or 12:30pm – 2:30pm at the Council Chamber, Rutland County Council, Catmose, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6HP
Saturday 17th November 2018, 10am – 12pm, Charnwood Borough Council – Council Offices, Southfield Road, LE11 2TX

[Source: Blaby District Council Communications]

District leaders pledge to continue to work together

Civic, News

Blaby District Council logo

The leaders of all seven district councils have today unanimously agreed to continue working together to review the current model of local government in Leicestershire.

The leaders of Blaby, Charnwood, Melton, Oadby and Wigston, North West Leicestershire, Harborough and Hinckley and Bosworth councils, said in a joint statement: “The district councils are continuing to work together to look at future service delivery in Leicestershire to ensure it is lean, effective and in touch with residents.

“Any potential changes need to be based on a thorough assessment of all options and backed by evidence and communities.

“The district councils will ensure residents, partners and stakeholders are involved in the conversation and fully consulted. The needs of our residents will be put first.”

[Source: Blaby District Council Communications]

Eight finalists honoured at fifteenth Outstanding Achievement Awards

Civic, News

Outstanding Achievement Awards winners and runners up on stage

Blaby District Council’s fifteenth celebration to recognise individuals and groups from District of Blaby for their selfless work within their communities took place on Thursday 5th  October.

Eight finalists and their families joined special guests and sponsors to enjoy the evening and honour the unsung heroes. BBC East Midlands Today’s Maurice Flynn hosted the ceremony.

Finalists included the inspirational 13-year-old Emma McCarron of Narborough, whose father is battling cancer, who took Young Achiever of the Year for her work raising over £5,000 for the charity Hope Against Cancer.

Thorpe Astley resident Michaela Garfield won Good Friend/Good Neighbour after being the backbone of her street, offering support and friendship to neighbours suffering illness and going through hard times for over 15 years.

Blaby Scout Leader Betty Saunders won Volunteer of the Year after serving her local scout group for 37 years, whilst Commbus took the title of Best Community Group/Achievement for their work in helping elderly and disabled residents maintain their independence through the voluntary transport service.

Councillor Terry Richardson, Leader of Blaby District Council, said: “I am so proud as leader to see us host these awards for the fifteenth consecutive year. The Judging Panel and I had an extremely hard task of whittling the 43 nominees down to the eight we saw honoured on the night.

“All of those nominated deserve praise for the selfless work they do in their local community. We know that thousands of volunteers are what make this dirstrict a great place to live.

“We would like to thank every person that has taken time to submit nominations and put forward their district heroes and I am consistently in awe of the incredible work we get to hear about.

“I want to congratulate all the finalists and to personally thank our sponsors who make this event possible.

Our awards are funded entirely through the incredibly generous sponsorship of businesses who contribute to the economic viability of our District”

Davidsons Homes are the main sponsors of the awards, along with category sponsors Fosse, Marriott Leicester, Ford and Slater and Countryside Properties.

Full list of winners and runners up:

Good Friend/Good Neighbour – Winner: Michaela Garfield (Thorpe Astley),
Runner-up: Janet Chapman (Croft)
Volunteer of the Year – Winner: Betty Saunders (Blaby),
Runner-up: Josie Sharp (Enderby)
Young Achiever of Year – Winner: Emma McCarron (Narborough),
Runner-up: Jack Wheeler (Thorpe Astley)
Best Community Group/Community Achievement – Winner: Commbus Community Transport,
Runner Up: Thurlaston Carnival Committee

For more information on all of the finalists visit www.blaby.gov.uk/awards email public.relations@blaby.gov.uk or call 0116 272 7577.

View more photos! (Album on Flickr)

[Source and images: Blaby District Council Communications]

Fatal collision on M1 motorway – appeal for witnesses

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Police Vest and Equipment

Officers are appealing for witnesses following a fatal collision on the M1 motorway just after junction 20.

Police were called at around 3am this morning (4th October) to a report of a woman in the carriageway of the M1 northbound.

Officers attended the scene to find that the woman had been struck by a white Peugeot van. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The motorway northbound was closed while emergency services were at the scene.

Diversions were in place all morning and traffic left the M1, coming off at J20. The closure caused congestion as vehicles were diverted using the A4304. the A5 and the M69….also the A426 towards Dunton Bassett’ with substantial delays to journeys.

The road was reopened around 11am and officers would like to thank motorists for their patience and assistance during this time.

Due to recent police contact with the woman, the force will be making a mandatory referral to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) for their consideration.

DC 1395 Michael Woods from the force’s serious collision investigation unit, said: “We would like to speak to anyone who was travelling on the motorway in the early hours of this morning.

“I appreciate it was very dark and you may have been travelling at speed, but we are working to establish the exact movements of the woman before the collision occurred.

“Did you see a pedestrian on the side of the northbound carriageway? Did you see anything that you thought was odd as you travelled between junction 20 and 21? If so we would like to speak to you.”

Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to contact police on 101 quoting incident 44 of 04 October.

If you have information in response to this appeal please contact us on 101.

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Your personal details won’t be taken, information isn’t traced or recorded and you will not be required to go to court.

[Source and photo credit: Leicestershire Constabulary]

New faces wanted for custody welfare scheme

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independent custody visiting

New volunteers are being sought for Leicestershire Police and Crime Commissioner Lord Willy Bach’s custody welfare scheme to help maintain standards of police detention processes.

The PCC has launched a new campaign to recruit fresh volunteers to his Independent Custody Visiting Scheme (ICVS) which monitors the standards of custody facilities and the welfare of detainees.

The scheme is part of the PCC’s statutory duties and sees volunteers visiting Leicestershire’s three custody suites at Beaumont Leys, Euston Street and Keyham Lane in pairs to report on cell conditions and the welfare of those in police custody.

As part of a drive to become more representative of the public, the PCC is particularly interested to recruit more young adults to the scheme for their different perspectives and experiences.

“I’m very proud of the work of our ICVs who work at all hours of the night to ensure the standards of Leicestershire’s custody facilities meet legal guidelines,” said Willy Bach.

“We already have a number of volunteers donating their time each month, but new roles are now available for those interested in giving something back to their communities.

“No prior experience is necessary, and volunteers will be recruited from all walks of life. However, on this occasion we are particularly keen to attract younger people to the role in a bid to create a more diverse panel of representatives.

PCC Lord Willy Bach
PCC Lord Willy Bach

“ICVs hold responsible positions and provide accountability and transparency to the public. Their visits help identify problems which warrant attention and ensure all detainees are treated fairly and appropriately, according to their rights.

“I’m well aware this scheme involves an ambitious programme of visits – not all of which take place in sociable hours. However, it is a highly rewarding role and one that provides great personal satisfaction.”

During 2017-18, ICVs carried out 152 visits in Leicestershire compared to 145 visits the previous year. To ensure inspections remain unpredictable and irregular, the visits take place across 35 timeslots in any 24-hour period.

During visits, ICVs speak to detainees to ensure they are being treated fairly, ensure the detainees receive their rights and entitlements and also examine the conditions of cells and the custody suite as a whole, bringing any issues to the attention of the Custody Sergeant before a full report is sent to the PCC.

ICVs must be over 18 but there is no upper age limit and they will receive full training for the role. The deadline for applications is 14 October 2018.

For more information and to apply, visit: https://www.leics.pcc.police.uk/About-Us/Vacancies-and-Tenders/Vacancies/Independent-Custody-Visitors.aspx.