Archive for category: Local News

Following discussions with the Sheepy Playing Fields Committee and the School, we are pleased to confirm that a small community orchard will be planted on Sheepy Playing Field. The orchard will comprise 10 fruit trees (apple and pear) that have been awarded to the school as a Tree Council Beacon School. The orchard will be located in the part of the open area of the playing field between the adult gym and children’s play area and adjacent to the Beech hedge (see plan below)). This site has been specifically chosen as it is ideal for tree growing, is accessible and safe, and will not restrict other playing field activities and maintenance requirements. The area covered by the tree planting is not large and the position of the trees will allow events such as the annual fireworks and bonfire event to continue. The height of the trees at maturity (10 years) will be around 4m (13ft). This is approximately the same height as the beech hedge when at its highest.

The planting will take place on Thursday March 21st during the last week of the school term to allow all students to be involved. We would also like to invite the wider community to join us. The Parish Council is happy to answer any questions (sheepyparish@gmail.com)

Council maintains one of the lowest council tax rates in the country

The Borough Council is to increase its council tax charge for 2024/25 by £5 following a decision of the full council at its budget-setting meeting on 22 February 2024. Councillors were informed that Hinckley & Bosworth is the third worst-off council of 164 district councils nationally for the amount it receives of core funding support from the Government.

This means the average Band D council tax (including the Special Expense Area) for Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council will increase to a charge of £154.87 for the 2024/25 financial year, the lowest in Leicestershire and anticipated to be the 14th lowest in England, and certainly within the lowest quartile.

This figure will be supplemented by the charges levied by Leicestershire County Council (£1,601.58), the Police and Crime Commissioner (£286.23) and the Fire Authority (£81.65).

Overall, this increase in council tax and the other measures set out in the council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy enable the council to plan with more certainty and to operate a balanced budget.

Residents are reminded they can pay their bill annually, half-yearly or monthly. In a full year, the monthly instalments will normally be paid from April to January, however residents can also opt to pay their council tax over 12 instalments if they prefer.

Councillor Keith Lynch, Executive Member for Finance, said “At this time when the country is suffering from a cost-of-living crisis and many individuals and families are suffering financial hardship, the last thing that this council wants to do is another increase in the council tax. However further reductions in government support grants have put yet more pressure on the council’s finances forcing us to raise the borough council tax by £5 a year (9.6p a week) to try to maintain our present level of public services.

“However, I am pleased to be able to say that, even after the increase, the Hinckley and Bosworth council tax will still be the lowest in Leicestershire and among the lowest in the country.”

To check your council tax visit: https://www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk/counciltaxbands

EMERGENCY PRESS RELEASE
23 February 2024

EMERGENCY TEMPORARY TRAFFIC REGULATION ORDER:

SHENTON LANE, SIBSON
SHEEPY

Leicestershire County Council Highways has agreed to a Temporary Traffic
Regulation Order at the above location.

An emergency road closure is required on Shenton Lane, Sibson on the 22nd
February 2024 for up to 21 days. The works are expected to be completed
within 6 days.

The Temporary Traffic Regulation Order will be implemented for public safety
for STW and their contractors to facilitate the repair of a burst water main.

The proposed alternative diversion route will be signed on site. Access to
properties will be maintained, however a short delay in gaining access may
occur whilst the area is made safe.

Contact Severn Trent Water:
https://www.stwater.co.uk/help-and-contact/contact-us/

The Countryside Alliance’s annual Countryside Clean-up initiative is back! Each year this event sees thousands of people fighting back against the rubbish blighting our countryside. This year our Countryside Clean-up will take place between Saturday 16 March and Monday 1 April.

The Countryside Alliance is encouraging everyone who can to devote a couple of hours helping to make a difference in a rural area by organising or joining a local clean-up operation.

Sign up following the link below:

https://www.countryside-alliance.org/clean-up-registration?utm_campaign=Weekly%20Newsletter&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=83310521&_hsenc=p2ANqtz–ddkUp_Ey9ErsRUTIR0zZ9lxMXpCmkp5qR-ciQ5s75yRI16KUUSE33PEePZO-GCZIU12IoiLQ-7MDdtLUEw746kbY_ww&utm_content=83310521&utm_source=hs_email

Please see the attached neighbourhood mental health newsletter that Jodine Legg the Neighbourhood Mental Health Lead has produced.

Hinckley Bosworth Neighbourhood Mental Health Newsletter February- 2024