Page 4 - February 2016 Issue 301

4 THE NEW COUNTESTHORPE HERALD
PARISH COUNCIL
LOOKING FORWARD
The Parish Council is starting to consider what facilities could be provided for the village in the future and it is intending to consult with residents later this year. One important aspect is to strike the right balance between being ambitious and being realistic.
When the Council has conducted formal consultations exercises in the past one or two suggestions for things such as Swimming Pools or Cinemas have been put forward. Sadly these are likely to remain beyond what the Council can achieve.
At the same time, “simply” putting in new play equipment is relatively straightforward and some modest additions are already being planned.
It is some time since the Council built the current Village Hall and whilst a project of that size may be difficult to repeat, the Council does want to improve the level of facilities for all age groups within the village.
WATCH YOUR STEP
Right to roam campaigners warn that, as of 1 January 2016, walkers, horseriders and even those simply taking a short-cut to the shops entered a ten year countdown to register their right to do so if that right of way existed before 1949 and is not shown on official maps. The result could be locked gates, removed stiles and a long trudge to get to somewhere relatively close. 1 January 2026 could see the closure of well-worn footpaths and bridleways simply because they are not recorded on a definitive council map of such things.
A clause in the right-to-roam legislation of 2000 stated that any pre-1949 paths
must be recorded by 2026 to continue to carry public rights. 2000 seems a long time ago and 2026 a long time off but the process will almost certainly take an equally long time to enact.
Is this of concern to you? You may, for example, have a favourite dog walk you want to carry on using. If so this could involve getting a DMMO (Definitive Map Modification Order) which sounds formidable but there are people to help. Anyone wishing to register a right of way can seek advice from their local authority, the Open Spaces Society, Ramblers or the British Horse Society. The last three are building teams of volunteers to render assistance.
RAINBOW SHOP
This is a good time of year to browse in the Rainbow Shop where you are almost certain to find a bargain to suit you-maybe a book, maybe clothing or bric-a-brac and surely everyone needs to buy a card sometimes from our wide selection! You will probably have seen in the last edition of the Herald that if we can raise some £5000 in the next few years that would be matched 5:1 by the European Union for a project to improve the health and education of women and children in Ethiopia, so all support will be very welcome.
DIAMOND JUBILEE
Celebrations for Leicester Animal Aid We are delighted to be celebrating our 60th anniversary. Events are planned throughout the year as a way to celebrate the work undertaken at LAA and to thank everyone who has been involved with the charity over the years. These exciting events will include a special Tea Party on Saturday 18th June at our Centre in Huncote and a sponsored reunion walk at Burbage Common on Sunday 17th July
FEBRUARY 2016
inviting back all the supporters who have rehomed animals from Leicester Animal Aid over the years and all the friends of Leicester Animal Aid.
Supporters are also invited to host their own 60th anniversary celebrations and fundraising events. We are challenging people to find 60 different ways to raise £60! The Charity’s Treasurer, Ian Pritchard, is going to be taking to the skies in February as a ‘Dame in a Plane’. Ian is pictured with two of our dogs currently looking for a new home, Charlie Brown and Peanut. More details can be found on our Facebook
page www.facebook.com/ LeicesterAnimalAid and website www.leicesteranimalaid.org.uk
about how to get involved.
Keely Furborough, General Manager stated: “We are passionate about helping dogs and cats that, through no fault of their own, find themselves without a home. Our dedicated team provide individual care and attention and a safe, loving environment until a new home can be found. We are immensely appreciative of the support the charity has received over the years and continues to receive from the local community. It is because of this kindness and generosity that we can help around 500 dogs and cats each year. Leicester Animal Aid has been an integral part of the local and wider community over the past 60 years and events are in the calendar to commemorate the work that has been achieved at the centre and the people who have helped us along the way. These will be announced throughout the year, so please keep engaged with LAA as we would love to see everybody there”. Further details/contact Keely Furborough at Leicester Animal Aid 01455 888257.
Steve Wharton Gas Services
Mobile:
07802 680014
0116 2478658
Gas Safe Registration No. 168811
Telephone: