NEWS

Proposal by O2(UK)Ltd to install a 15m High Telecommunications column with 3No. antennas and associated equipment

Following consultation with the Parish Council O2(UK) Ltd submitted a planning application to install a telecommunications mast on Parish Council owned land at the Sports ground, Winston Avenue Croft. The actual site is situated on unused ground adjacent to the Butler Fuel Distribution depot. O2(UK)Ltd have subsequently received planning permission for this proposal from Blaby District Council. During the Planning consultation residents from Windermere Drive both objected and raised a petition against the proposal. They have also lobbied the Parish Council to rescind its previous decision to allow the mast on Parish Council land.

Following the Elections in May the new Parish Council accepted the need to consult more widely than hitherto and the Parish Council is currently arranging the consultation process.

Before reaching its decision to accept the mast the previous Parish Council had sought advice from the Health and Safety Executive and the Health Protection Agency who both accept that there is no danger to Public health from these masts; however there is much public disquiet surrounding the siting of masts and the fear for the safety of the public.

There is however another concern that if the mast is not located on the Winston Avenue site that a mast could be located on a site much closer to more residents than the relatively small number of residents on Windermere Avenue.

The Parish Council leaflet regarding the Consultation Process has now been delivered to all households in Croft (20th July 2007).

A copy can be down loaded.

The Consultation Event will take place on 26th July 2007 from 4.00pm to 8.00pm at the Croft Church of England Primary School.

There was a good turnout for the Consultation Event and 75% of those who attended were against the installation of the mast on the Winston Avenue Sports Ground. The Parish Council at an Extra Ordinary Parish Council meeting held on 26th July received the findings of the village consultation and resolved to withdraw the Sports field site from a possible location for the Mast.

Parish Council Cemetery Project

The first phase of a two year Cemetery enhancement project has just been completed (February 2007). The works have been part funded by the Parish Council and by a Stepping Stones Countryside Management Grant.

The project consists of "laying" all of the boundary hedges of the cemetery and planting 8 No. Hedgerow trees and 3 No. Hawthorn bushes.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2007.

The objectives of the project are to enhance the environment and to promote and raise awareness of country crafts and skills.

Sport Ground Improvement Project

The dry stone wall is now completed and it is a credit to Greg Thurlow who constructed it. Many thanks also go to Aggregate Industries for their extremely generous donation of the granite stones. A new field gate and two disabled friendly kissing gates complete this elevation.

At the other entrances to the sports field, field gates and kissing gates have been fitted. The seats around the Cricket field have also been renovated.

The Parish Council wishes to thank both the Leicestershire County Council Shires Grant and FLAG for their contributions.

Official Opening of the New Noticeboards

The Chairman of Croft Parish Council, Mr W Law welcomed the Chairman of Blaby District Council, Mrs B Parkins to Croft. Mrs Parkin had been invited to officially unveil one of the new noticeboards at a ceremony held at the Bridle way footpath on Monday 18th September 2006. Mrs Parkin said that the new Noticeboards were a credit to the Parish Council.
After the unveiling ceremony the Official party took refreshments at the Croft C. of E. Primary School and Mrs Parkin was introduced to Mr A Gyles the Headteacher. The School had run a painting competition in conjunction with the provision of the new noticeboards. Mrs Parkin congratulated all of the young artists on the high standard achieved and especially that of the four winners.

All of the paintings which were entered in to the painting competition are currently being exhibited on all of the new noticeboards - and very colourful they look too!

Office Move Round & Computer Upgrading

Just to advise you that we shall be having an office move round and having Broadband installed. Hopefully the works will be carried out on Wednesday 22nd. & Thursday 23rd., of February and we will be off line probably until Thursday evening. Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause anyone. P. Jennings, Clerk to Croft Parish Council

Parish Council Noticeboards

The Parish Council has been successful in securing a grant of £1,966 from the Blaby District Council's Capital Challenge Fund for the replacement of all of the existing Noticeboards plus one new noticeboard (to be sited on The Bridle, next to the Fun Park). The new noticeboards are expected to be in place before the end of March.

The children of Croft Primary School have been invited to provide a picture for each of new noticeboards.

The Parish Council wishes to thank Blaby District Council, especially Rob Freer, for their assistance with this project.

Station Road Bridge Opening

The new bridge was officially opened on 3rd November 2005, by Councillor Ernie White. The need for repair works was evident and recent design requirements also meant that the footways needed to be capable of taking wheel loads from heavy goods vehicles that accidentally mounted the kerbs. The Parish Council and the County Council also became aware of drainage problems in the area. The outcome of the points mentioned led to a slight change in the vertical alignment of the road in the centre of the bridge which should alleviate the issues mentioned.

Also included in the works was the installation of an otter shelf to allow the passage of these protected animals during high flood levels.

The picnic area to the south east (the Sheepdip) has had a disabled friendly picnic bench added to replace the old damaged one and a ramp formed to ease access to the new bench.

The Parish Council would like to thank the Contractors,C.G. Godfrey, the Highways Department, Leicestershire County Council and everyone involved in the works and not forgetting the parishioners who suffered inconvenience whilst the work was in progress.

Station Road Bridge Works

The bridge works that commenced in July, that caused the closure of Station Road, is due to be completed by the end of October, approximately 2 weeks after the estimated completion date.

The new bridge should have the added benefit of improved drainage and reduction in flooding at the junction of Huncote Road.

As part of the works the old picnic table on the Sheep Dip will be replaced with a disabled type table and also a new pathway for wheelchair users is to be constructed.

The closure of the road has considerably reduced traffic movements through the village and has demonstrated the extent to which through traffic contributes to the level of traffic through the village.

Allotment Garden Presentation

To celebrate the completion of the Allotment Project, David Bill, Chairman of the County Council presented the Shire Grant plaque to David Freer, Allotment Committee Chairman. The project includes a car parking area for use by Allotment holders and the laying of boundary hedges which will rejuvenate them and benefit wildlife and improve visibility on entering and exiting the car park. At the ceremony were representatives from the County Highways Department, who had designed and constructed the Car Park, Greg Thurlow who had carried out the environmental improvement works, representatives from the Allotment Association, and members of the Parish Council. The Parish Council wishes to thank Andy Hayes from the Shire Grant Scheme for his support and assistance with this project.

New Parish Councillor

At the June Meeting of the Parish Council, Mrs Julie Wilkins was co-opted as a Member of the Parish Council.

No.1 on Hit List

Congratulations - our Website was voted No.1 in the below 2000 population category mosted visited Leicestershire Parish Council Websites, on Friday 18th March.

Liz Pizer of Leicestershire Rural Partnership presented the Clerk, Phil Jennings, with an umbrella at Leicestershire Parish Clerk's Network Event.

Braunstone Town was voted the No.1 in the above 2000 population category, congratulations to them.

A big thank you to all visitors to our website who made the above possible.

Bridge Closure

Leicestershire County Council, Highways Department, have informed the Parish Council that the Bridge over the River Soar, Station Road, Croft, is in need of major repair. They have advised the Parish Council that the works may take up to 2 months to complete. The County Council have agreed to meet the Parish Council to discuss the best way to carry out a Public Consultation Exercise. We will keep you fully informed of any further developments.

Parish Plan Report

Despite the awful weather the Launch of the Parish Plan was well attended. Attached is the final Report which was circulated to those attending the Launch and to Villagers.

Vacancy For a Parish Councillor

There is still a vacancy for a Parish Councillor, anyone interested please write to the Clerk, enclosing a brief C.V. (February 2005)

Parish Plan Launch Thursday 24 February 2005

The launch of the Report and resultant Action Plan developed from 600 Questionnaires completed and returned last autumn will take place on Thursday 24 February in the Main Hall at Croft Community Centre commencing at 7.30 p.m. The M.P. for Blaby, representatives from the County, District and Parish Councils plus the Community Safety Officer will be giving their responses to the Plan. Also the Questionnaire prize draw will take place. Please come along and help shape the future of Croft.

Completion of Environmental Improvements Works at the Allotments

The environmental improvement works at the Allotments have now been completed. A delighted Allotment Holder inspects the new car park. The works have been funded by the Leicestershire County Council, Shires Grant and the Parish Council.
19 February 2005

Thank You

The Clerk would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their kind regards and good wishes for a speedy recovery.

Parish Plan Questionnaire

Following many months of hard work by the Parish Plan Project Group, Questionnaires have now been developed and delivered throughout the village. Although The Parish Plan Exercise is NOT a Parish Council Initative, the Parish Council urges all Parishioners to complete and return the completed Questionnaires.

There are 3 separate Questionnaires, one for Adults, one for children/youths aged between 5 and 18 and one especially designed for local businesses.

The Post Office and village Co-op have kindly agreed to act as collection points for completed questionnaires.

The information collected from the questionnaires will be collated into a report and will form the basis of the Parish Plan.

The Report is expected to be completed by the end of the year and each household will then receive a summary report on the findings.

31 August 2004

Croft Lodge Boarding Kennels Planning Application

August 2004
Planning Application No.04/0320/1/PX
The above Application has been granted by Blaby District Council Development Control Committee. It is granted subject to 16 Conditions.

Planet Sameday Couriers Update

The Planning Inspector finally reported at the end of July that the Planning Appeal by Planet Sameday Couriers had been rejected.

The Chairman of the Parish Council said that the outcome was a success for all of the parties opposed to the Transport Depot.

Planet Sameday Couriers

June 2004
The Planning Inspector has finally inspected the site and the Parish Council understands that a decision is likely within the next month.

The state of the wooden boundary fence, on this site, has been reported to the District Council's Enforcement Officer. The railway works that had been planned and were proposing to use this site for plant storage has been cancelled. No works are currently scheduled, therefore the ownership of the wooden boundary fence and responsibility is unclear at this stage.

Croft Newsletter

Anti Social Behaviour Awareness Campaign
Attached is an advertisement highlighting the Anti Social Behaviour Awareness Campaign which has been launched by The Community Safety Team at Blaby District Council and they would like to bring to the attention of Croft Residents.

You can contact them for free and confidential advice on 0116 272 7677.

Planet Same Day Couriers
3rd January 2004
The Planning Application by Planet Same Day Couriers for a change of use to transport depot has been rejected by the Planning Committee at Blaby District Council.

The site however, is currently being used by Carillion Rail as storage and as a means of access to the railway works, presently being carried out. The Parish Council is closely monitoring the situation and is arranging a meeting with Carillion Rail to discuss the project and its impact on the village.

Planet - Same Day Couriers
9th November 2003
The Development Control Committee of Blaby District Council will be meeting on Thursday 13th. November at 4.30 p.m. at the Council Offices, Desford Road, Narborough, to discuss the Planning Application by Planet Sameday Couriers to develop land off Station Road, Croft, known locally as Pearce's Yard. Members of the public are invited to attend this meeting.

Parish Plan - Steering Group
7th November 2003
The next meeting of the Steering Group is to be held at The Community Room, Croft Primary School at 7.00 p.m. on the 24th November. Members of the public are cordially invited to attend and to participate.

Tennis Courts
5th November 2003
The tennis courts on Winston Avenue have had to be closed following Health & Safety advise until further notice.

The problem is regarding debris being deposited on the playing surface.

The Parish Council apologises for any inconvenience.

Parish Councillor Vacancy
25th October 2003
The statutory time for Electors to call for an Election to fill the vacancy has expired and the Parish Council now invites Electors to apply, with a short C.V., to the Parish Clerk by 6th. November 2003.

The vacancy will then be filled by interview.

Parish Plan
7th October 2003
The Parish Council has been successful in obtaining funding for this project. A Village Meeting was held in the Community Room at the School on the 24th September, following a Newletter distributed to all households.

Approximately 40 villagers attended the meeting and a Steering Group was formed to oversee the project.

The Parish Plan Project is NOT a Parish Council initiative and is the responsibility of village of Croft.

Miss Hannah Ferguson of the Rural Community Council is acting as consultant to the project and for further details please contact Hannah directly on Leicester 0116 266 2905.

It is hoped that the findings and actions produced by the project will be available to villagers within 1 year.

Parish Councillor Vacancy
7th October 2003
Following the resignation of Mr P.I. Lymbery from the Parish Council a vacancy has arisen.

The vacancy has been advertised on Parish Notice Boards and electors have had the opportunity to call for an Election to fill the vacancy. If no such request is received by the Election's Officer at Blaby District Council the vacancy will be filled by co-option.

Parish Plans
2nd August 2003
The Parish Council has registered its intent to produce a Parish Plan with the Countryside Agency. An application form bidding for funding for the project has also been made.

The Plan will provide an opportunity for the Community to set out their vision for the village to guide its future development.

It is hoped to call a Parish Meeting to discuss the project and to form a Project Team. This is of course subject to a successful application for funds.

Land Off Station Road
2nd August 2003
A Planning Application has been received from Blaby District Council for the development by Planet Sameday Couriers of land known as Pearce's Yard (the former railway goods yard).

The Newsletter recently circulated should by now have been delivered to all households in the village.

Mr Sutton will address the Parish Council Meeting on the 7th. August at 6.45 p.m. at The Pavilion, Winston Avenue, please note accommodation is very limited.

Sportsground Drainage
2nd August 2003
The Parish Council has been successful in receiving a substantial grant from Sport England for the drainage and pitch improvements of the Sportsfield, Winston Avenue.

The works are due to commence after the 10th. August.

The works do not include the current football pitch field.

Presentation of Certificates of Appreciation
10th July 2003
The Chairman of the Parish Council Mr. Bill Law, assisted by Councillor Mawby. presented members of the Croft Community Youth Club with Certificates of Achievement, in recognition of their efforts in the painting of the pavilion. Unwanted paint from the Community Paint Pot Scheme was used to decorate the pavilion.

Parish Council Elections - 8 May 2003
2nd July 2003
The names of the newly elected members for the Parish Council, following the Election held on 8 May are shown on section headed 'Parish Councillors'.

There was no actual need for an Election as the 8 nominations exactly matched the 8 vacancies, Councillors are to serve for a 4 year period.

Sports Pavilion Upgrade
2nd July 2003
The Parish Council has been successful in securing two grants, one from Blaby D.C. - Crime & Disorder Challenge Fund, in the sum of £4000 and the other Leicestershire County Council - Shires Grant for Community Safety, in the sum of £2850. The works will comprise of the installation of heating, security, additional and external storage and the relaying of the slabbed path to the pavilion.

The aim of the works is to improve facilities for groups such as the Youth Club to hold meetings in much improved surroundings.

Many thanks to Polly Hubbard of Blaby C.V.S. for her assistance in the obtaining the grants.

The works are to be completed by the end of July 2003.

Croft Fun Park Opens
18th October 2002
The new Playground on The Bridle, now called Croft Fun Park, was opened on the 18th. October by Leicester Tiger Star Graham Rowntree. The new name was the idea of Luke Houghton, a pupil of Croft Church of England School. The opening Ceremony was attended by many local dignitaries as well as pupils, staff of the village school, members of the community, Chuckles the Crown and Welford the Tiger's Mascot.

The refurbishment was made possible by the Parish Council obtaining a grant of £56,500 from the Countryside Agency's Aggregate Levy Sustainability Fund along with £5,600 from Aggregate Industries plus materials and assistance on the day. Contributions from the Village Community, Croft 2000 - £2,900 a CAFFY Grant (Senior Youth Group securing this grant), donations from local industries, individuals and the Parish Council contributing £10,000. The total contributions from the Village Community amounting to £25,000. Many thanks and well done to all parties concerned in fund raising and putting time and commitment inot making this day possible.

The play area is designed to meet all safety standards, with access for disabled visitors and is split into three areas for varying ages. Along The Bridle perimeter is a dog proof fence and the under six area is also fenced for safety purposes.

UPDATE RE CROFT RAILWAY STATION
1st October 2002
The Parish Clerk has been in touch with Mr R Dyer, Stakeholder Manager for Felixstowe - Nuneaton Freight Upgrade Project, who has been invited to the next Parish Council Meeting on 10 October. Mr Dyer is hopeful to attend but has yet to confirm his attendance.

During his discussion with the Parish Clerk, Mr Dyer disclosed that the Station Road railway bridge is likely to be closed for up to 4 weeks!

Mr Dyer also explained that his project excluded the signaling and track improvements which have yet to receive Strategic Rail Authority approvement, and it is these proposals which could jeopardise any future reopening of the passenger station at Croft.

UPDATE RE CHILDREN'S PLAYGROUND
1st October 2002
The works are proceeding on schedule and the new playground is beginning to take shape. Even at this stage the playground looks as if it will be a considerable asset to our community.

The opening is due to take place on Friday 18th October at 3.00 p.m. confirmation and details to be printed at a later date.

CROFT RAILWAY STATION
8th September 2002
The possibility of any future reopening of the former passenger station in the village may well be jeopardised by new Railtrack Proposals.

To cater for the upgrading of the Felixstowe to Nuneaton Railway to facilitate the new larger container wagons and associated works, Railtrack Consultants have proposed two passing loops on the former station site.

No official planning application have been received by either Leicestershire County Council or Blaby District Council, however the Parish Council is carrying out further enquiries and will continue to fight for the reopening of our passenger station.

PROPOSED NEW RUGBY AIRPORT
8th September 2002
Villagers may have already heard about the proposed new airport? Whilst its location is unlikely affect the village in terms of road and rail use the proposed siting on the runways could mean that Croft could well be on the flightpath of aircraft using the airport.

Whilst the Parish Council recognises that this proposal is at the very early planning stage, however, the Parish Council in co-operation with other local authorities in the area, will lobby to safeguard villagers interests.

TRAFFIC CALMING
1st September 2002
Two traffic calming entrances have been installed in the village, one on Arbor Road and the other on Broughton Road. The entrances will form part of comprehensive traffic calming measures for the village. The scheme is funded by 50% contribution from Blaby District Council and 50% from the Parish Council. The comprehensive scheme will be completed by the Leicestershire County Council when they have funds and resources available. Leicestershire County Council have designed and constructed the works.

It should be noted that the entrances are only part of the overall scheme, however, the Parish Council agreed to carry out this initial phase of the works to demonstrate their concern regarding traffic speeds within the village, and to attempt to address this issue.

NEW PARISH WEB SITE LAUNCHED
30th August 2002
Croft Parish Council joins Blaby District Council, Leicestershire County Council and Leicestershire Community Council to launch a new Web Site.

CHILDREN'S PLAYGROUND
30th August 2002
The Parish Council is extremely pleased to announce that the Children's Playground on The Bridle is to be completely refurbished.

The Parish Council, assisted by Blaby District Council has secured a substantial grant from the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund which has enabled the project to go forward.

The Parish Council is also indebted to Aggregate Industries, Croft 2000 and for many others who gave their financial support.

The Playground will be closed from Monday 9th September for approximately 4 weeks whilst the work is carried out. The Parish Council apologises for any inconvenience caused by the closure.

Watch this space for details of the Opening Ceremony.

NEW CEMETERY FEATURE
15th July 2002
A new park bench has been installed in the Parish Cemetery. This installation has been made possible by the kind donation by the Croft Wednesday Club. The Parish Council is very grateful for their support for the new Cemetery.

The new bench is lovely and useful addition to the Cemetery.

QUEEN'S GOLDEN JUBILEE MUG PRESENTATION
31st May 2002
Mr W.C. Law, Chairman of Croft Parish Council presented to a representative from each of the school's five classes, a commemorative mug, assisted by Mr J. George, Headmaster.

Each class gave a short presentation about one or more aspects of the Queen's 50 year reign.

*Photo by kind permission of Croft Village Website

PLANTER PRESENTED BY WEDNESDAY CLUB
3rd May 2002
This lovely two tiered planter was donated to the village by the Croft Wednesday Club and is situated on the grass verge just off Arbor Road in Croft. It looks colourful all year round.