Martin Court
We were dismayed that the Charnwood Borough Council Cabinet voted to sell Martin Court. On a Cabinet meeting held on 12th March under an exempt item (so not held in public), the cabinet voted to support the recommendation to sell Martin Court.
This complex has been under review for many years. The last time we were consulted about this, there were discussions being held to sell one block and use that funding to renew the second block to self-contained flats for our elderly residents.
We have not been consulted about this decision, we have not been informed that this was to be decided, and we certainly are not aware of any consultation being held with our residents.
We have asked the council, how this decision was made, the reasons why and why we were not part of the discussion. We have reached out to our residents living in Martin Court to support them and will be asking the council to consider other options for Martin Court going forward. The residents living there should be made to feel welcome and safe in Anstey, not to have their home sold from under their feet.
Please share your views with our survey us here: www.bradgateconservatives.org.uk/news/proposed-sale-martin-court-anstey
Garden Waste Bins
On Monday 24th February, the Labour Group at the Council brought forward their budget proposals. This included a £5 increase in the yearly cost of a garden bin, breaking a manifesto promise made in the Charnwood Labour Group manifesto 2023-2027. The Labour manifesto promised to freeze the brown bin garden waste collection charge – a promise now well and truly broken.
Not only does this misrepresent what Charnwood residents voted Labour for, but it may prevent some residents from being able to continue to afford a garden waste bin. The risk then is that recycling rates may reduce, as residents will put garden waste in their black bin instead to avoid the charges altogether or dump it in the countryside.
The Conservative Group brought forward an amendment to remove the £5 increase from the budget. This was voted down by the Labour administration, supported by their coalition partners in the Green Party. Cynically, both the Greens and Labour said, “it was mainly the rich who have brown garden bins anyway,” inferring that they can afford the rise in fees, which was quite shocking to hear.
Charnwood Conservative Group Leader, Cllr Jenny Bokor said “Residents are being let down by the Labour/Green Coalition running Charnwood Borough Council. Their broken promises indicate their sheer contempt for the Charnwood people. They just said whatever they could to get into power. Now Charnwood residents will have to pay the price for their broken promises.”
The Future of Local Design
Charnwood Borough Council is asking residents, businesses, and stakeholders to share their views on the design of buildings, streets, and public spaces across the borough. As part of its emerging Local Plan, the Council is developing a new Design Code to help guide future development and ensure high-quality design in the area.
The Design Code will set clear expectations for new developments. It aims to enhance the quality of new buildings and public spaces while streamlining the planning process.
To help shape this document, the Council is seeking input from local communities through an interactive website and a series of in-person engagement sessions.
Residents can contribute their ideas and feedback by visiting www.shapingcharnwood.co.uk before Wednesday, 30 April 2025. The website allows users to drop a ‘pin,’ share comments, and even upload photographs to highlight areas they admire or believe could be improved.
The Council is also hosting two drop-in sessions on Thursday, 17 April 2025, where attendees can learn more about the Design Code, use the website, and speak with Council officers:
- 10am until 1pm – Sock Gallery @ Loughborough Town Hall, 39-40 Market Place, Loughborough LE11 3EB
- 3pm until 5pm – Brookside Suite @ Syston Town Council, Community Centre, School Street, Syston, LE7 1HN
Events
A series of events are due to take place this year in Charnwood for residents and visitors to enjoy. Many of the events are being operated by Charnwood Borough Council in partnership with a variety of partners and other agencies.
A number of specialist markets will take place throughout the year alongside the weekly retail and vintage offerings in Loughborough.
Southfields Park in Loughborough will be hosting several events in 2025 with Pinders Circus returning over the Easter weekend. The open space in the centre of Loughborough will also play host to the May Day Bank Holiday Fair and a summer music festival featuring local artists and tribute acts.
Musical groups from across the borough will perform in the bandstand in Queen’s Park throughout the summer.
The year will once again be rounded off by the historic Loughborough Fair and the annual Christmas Lights Switch-on.
A full list of events can be found on the website: www.charnwood.gov.uk or contact either of us if you do not have access to the internet.
Working at the Elections
The Electoral Services department at Charnwood Borough Council is looking for expressions of interest to work at elections in the borough. We are currently making staffing arrangements for the Leicestershire County Council Election on Thursday 1 May 2025.
There are a variety of election roles, ranging from opening postal votes, working in the polling station to counting votes after the close of poll, from Polling Station staff, Presiding Officers, Poll Clerk, Postal Vote Opener, and count staff to name a few of the roles.
Although these roles last for a very short period of time, ranging from a few hours to a few days at most, commitment to each role is essential to the successful delivery of an election. Therefore, although most of the roles do not require experience, they do require commitment and all roles are paid.
All appointed staff are required to sign an agreement to maintain the secrecy of the ballot and must not work on behalf of a candidate during an election campaign or be related to a prospective candidate.
To express an interest for any of the roles, please complete the online form on the website: www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/apply_to_work_at_local_elections
If you have any issues or concerns, we are here to help.
