Allotments

Having received a formal written request from a group of residents (Whetstone Allotment Committee), Council must formally consider (Allotments Acts') provision of land for allotments.
The Allotment committee suggested a strip of land, (known locally as the ragwort field), located off The Dicken in front of the Avon Drive Bungalows, currently owned by Blaby District Council.
In principal the Environment Agency and Blaby District Council have no objections to allotments on this site.The Parish Council applied for and was granted full planning permission by Blaby District Council in January 2008. A lease was received from Blaby District Council, the solicitors drew up a back to back type of agreement with the Allotment society which was agreed and signed by Full Council on the 19th March 2009. .
Thanks to a lot of dedication, hard work, passion and compliance with the rukes and regulations required, Whetstone now has Allotments.
Chair of Whetstone Allotment Association, Eileen Jackson, was instrumental and the driving force behind this well much neede and required addition to Whetstone facilities.
The Allotment holders were able to commence planting in the spring and an official open day was held on the 12th September.

Chair of Whetstone Allotment Association, Eileen Jackson seen here in brown top and white skirt, officially opens the Allotments on 12th September 2009.

Elliot Close and Winchester Avenue Open Spaces

These open spaces belong to David Wilson Homes. Parishoners should contact David Wilson Homes, Customer Liaison Department:- telephone 01530 276700 if they have any maintenance problems or enquiries regarding the open spaces.
Lee Breckon, Clerk of the Council met with Ken Yardley of David Wilson Homes in May 2008 to discuss the Elliott Close open space and any works required before the possibility of this Council adopting it. Council agreed that a meeting of the POS & Cemetery Working Party needed to be called to look at the way ahead, this took place on Wednesday 23rd July.
At the Full Council meeting of the 18th September the matter was discussed with a recommendation made that Blaby District Council should complete any planning enforcement matters they originally had on the land. On several occasions this Council have chased Blaby regarding this matter, however,as at 1st December 2009, Blaby District Council have still not actioned this matter.

Playground Facilities

Last Summer the vandals were out and about; all our playgrounds were subject to forms of vandalism.
Consequences of this action means that repairs and replacements not budgeted for have to be done which will have a knock on effect on any planned new equipment or updating. Please if you see or know of those responsible report it to the relevant people as high lighted below.
The Parish Council are always reassessing playground facilities and welcome input from all residents, young and old, yes there is play equipment available on the market that is specifically for those of us that are young at heart.
If you have any suggestions let us know.

Trinity Road Park
Funds to provide the new Multi Sports Goal Wall, completed July 2008, was a collaboration between the then Whetstone Youth Council and Whetstone Parish Council. The Whetstone Youth Council obtained a grant of £5000 from the Youth Opportunity Fund and the Parish Council provided the rest.
Whetstone Parish Council provided funds to install a Climbing Wall and a Space Net in the Autumn of 2008.
Having had numerous requests from parishioners and after elongated negotiations with Blaby District Council a new seat, with a back rest was installed Thursday 14th May 2009.

Trinity Road Recreation Ground and Playing Equipment 24th March 2009

Trinity Park is owned by Blaby District Council, the Parish Council on behalf of the parishioners of Whetstone own the Play Equipment and lease the land which the Play Equipment is installed upon.–Have Your Say! There are issues with this park that urgently need addressing: -
Dog Fouling, Vandalism and Litter. Ongoing anti-social behavioural problems spoil everyone’s enjoyment, and is the main reason for lack of investment in the past. We have to work together to tackle these problems and ensure that in 2009 and beyond the parks and equipment remains clean, presentable and usable for all. . Incidents must be reported to the police 999 (for emergencies only) or 2222222 and Blaby District Council Community Safety Team (0116 272 7677),dog warden (0116 272 7515) or parish council (0116 2751987). You can remain anonymous if you fear reprisals. The District & County council will prosecute!

Don’t let inconsiderate youth, litter louts and dog owners run the parks. These are your parks – Take them Back!

Oliver Park
Fencing maintenance is ongoing. Safety surfaces were renewed in April 2008 and a vandalised safety surface renewed in July. A new springer was installed late summer 2008.
The Public Open Spaces and Cemetery Working Party are to make recommendations to full Council for further youth provision on this park for 2009/10.

Warwick Road Recreation Ground
Also suffering from vandalism and Anti Social Behaviour problems. The safety surface under the swings was destroyed by vandals in June 2008 necessitating removal of the swings whilst the surface was replaced.
It has been agreed by Council to discontinue plans for a Pavillion on this sight, however the Public Open Spaces and Cemetery Working Party are to investigate the possibility of improved facilities and more play equipment.

Shelduck Public Open Space

Responsibility of the P.O.S. belongs to Bloor Homes. Any queries or maintenance problems should be referred to Ian Wymark, Bloor Homes Ltd. Telephone 01604 684400 E.mail ian.wymark@bloorhomes.com
A meeting was held with a Mr. Winkler of Bloor Homes at the site in September, 2006 to discuss problems about the site and the possibility of transfer of ownership of the land to the Parish Council. Lee Breckon, Clerk of the Council, and Alex Winkler met again in August 2007. Mr. Winkler advised on that occasion he would confer with Blaby District Council regarding responsibility of the bund. The Parish Council have not heard any news on the subject since. Mr. Winkler has since left Bloor Homes and the new contact is as above.

Traffic Calming

TRAFFIC CALMING

Despite the road safety measures taken throughout our village viz road humps and speed limit signs, speeding motorists are still exceeding legal limits, taking risks with their own and pedestrians safety.

Speed limit signs state the absolute maximum permitted speed but inappropriate speed means driving too fast for prevailing road conditions. Therefore, speed limits are not a right neither are they targets to be reached at all costs!

Consult Department of Transports, March, 2006 leaflet, Speed: Know Your Limits which can be found on the web at http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_rdsafety/documents/page/dft_rdsafety_610336.pdf
It is well worth a read. After all, the life you save could be your own. Or in the words of a road safety poster seen many years ago

BETTER BE LATE THAN THE LATE

In the June 2008 issue of the Duckpaddle News a Pledge of Support was requested from all parishioners for a Community Speed Watch project. Despite there being nearly 3000 households in Whetstone as at 23rd December only 180 parishioners had signed the pledge - NOT ENOUGH TO PROCEED WITH THE PROJECT. So if you are concerned about speeding traffic in your village contact Whetstone Parish Council and sign that pledge.

Village Green

Village Green Flower Bed Spring 2009

Another sight continually hit by vandalism, the wall had to be repaired several times and over the weekend of 26th/27th & 28th September 2008 it was knocked down again. After careful consideration it was decided not to repair and replace the wall. A circular tree seat was installed at the beginning of March 2009.