Hello everyone

November’s here, the smell of open fires in the air, leaves all over the garden and thoughts of what Christmas will be like this year in these very unusual times.

I wanted to start my note this month with a reminder to stay vigilant and safe during these continuing challenging times and to ask that we all be mindful of others within the community who may be struggling or need some support.
The ever changing rules and restrictions around Coronavirus make it difficult for us all to keep pace with what we should and should not do but please spare a thought and time for those in our parish who don’t understand, or who are vulnerable or just need a guiding hand at times.

Parish Council business continues, with meetings still being held in a virtual setting normally on the first Thursday of each month and the main areas of business are currently:

Conker Field:
Phase 2 of the tree works will begin prior to Christmas (weather permitting) and as part of the program we have agreed that some smaller branches from the horse chestnut which is being felled will be left at the side of the conker field for residents to help themselves for logs over the winter. I would at this stage however ask that people do not remove any logs or branches from the spinney area of the conker field as these have been deliberately left there for wildlife habitats.
The PC also intend to review and consider planting new trees within the field in an effort to possibly re-establish similar numbers to those seen recently on papers from the 1960’s/70’s.
The new sign for the Station Road entrance should be installed before Christmas as will other signage around the field.
The new hedge in front of the Station road fence has been approved and will be planted at the appropriate time but residents should be aware that this will not include the fenced triangle behind the layby area next to the entrance to the convent development as the builders have informed us they wish to landscape this area themselves.
We continue to chase the new waste bins.

The Neighbourhood Plan (NP):
Having raised this on several occasions over recent months we have had no response from parishioners wishing to get involved in the working group so the PC has decided to push forward with the support of a local organisation used to supporting councils with their NP’s.
Following a meeting in October we will now determine exactly where we are in the NP cycle and plan to push it to a conclusion over the coming weeks / months. We will of course review all of the original responses from interested parties and endeavour to keep everyone in the community up to date at each PC meeting and through the website.
We are extremely keen on getting this concluded especially in view of possible national planning changes coming forward from government.

Christmas:
With some uncertainty this year of what Christmas will be like for many families I can tell you that the PC is hoping to once again have the traditional Christmas tree and lights on the village green over the festive season, details will be discussed and confirmed at the December PC meeting.

Rearsby Village News website:
The website www.rearsbyvillagenews.co.uk continues to grow with news, information and stories being added regularly. You can also view information about Parish Council meetings and a summary of all the business covered at each meeting.
We would like to encourage residents to visit the website and give us feedback on the content and what other information / articles you would like to see.
If you have any information you would like us to add please let us know via email councillor5.rearsbypc@btconnect.com .

Dog Poo
Unfortunately, no real improvement so, again I appeal to all dog walkers to watch your dog, pick up its poo, bag it, bin it!
Please remember you can report dog fouling direct to Charnwood Borough Council online at www.charnwood.gov.uk or on 01509 634564.

Home Security:
Over recent months I have joined the neighbourhood alert link through Leicestershire Police which is extremely informative and well worth linking through your email.
One of the areas they focused on recently was making sure people secure their homes and leave a light on when out, especially as the nights get longer and the general crime rates such as burglaries increases.
So please be mindful of your home security and of your neighbours and any one in the parish who could be vulnerable to attack by unscrupulous individuals.

Footpaths, Cows and Railways:
An unusual header you may think but, I felt I needed to share my concern that on two separate occasions over the past few weeks I have witnessed individuals walking along the actual railway from the footpath / railway crossing point at the rear of Wreake drive down towards Station road I assume to avoid the cows in the field.
I appreciate cows have recently had some bad press locally and some people may be anxious about them when out walking but, walking along the railway is extremely dangerous if not illegal!

Don’t forget the next PC meetings (currently via ZOOM) are held on the 1st Thursday 7.30pm for more details see www.rearsbyvillagenews.co.uk or www.rearsbypc.org.uk

Thank you & please STAY SAFE
Martin Cooke (Parish Council Chair)