County Councillor for Gartree
Kibworth Tip Re-opening?
LCC are still waiting for the permit to operate the site being issued after an inspection by the Environment Agency. I had hoped it could be re-opened late February but looks like being early – not late March!
New County Tree Nursery
As I said last month, the County Council has a planting target of 700,000 trees over the next 20 years or so. I was invited to a farm near Conkers at Moira to see a new tree nursery. This nursery has been developed by the Council in partnership with the National Forest Company. This trial project is aiming to produce 20,000 trees per year. With ambitions to inspire other communities to start up tree nurseries. Seeds will be collected and planted later this year.
New Climate and Nature Pact
Leicestershire County Council has teamed up with key partners and stakeholders from leading organisations. Drawing up an ambitious set of principles setting out Leicestershire’s commitment to tackle climate change, nature decline and carbon reduction.
The Leicestershire Climate and Nature Pact is based on the principles of the Glasgow Climate Pact, signed by UK Government in 2021. It supports national and international efforts to tackle climate change. Bringing together businesses and private sector, voluntary, community and social enterprises, universities, education and research sector, & public sector. Together with the people and communities of Leicestershire. The purpose is to drive local action and work towards a number of shared environmental aims.
The Pact was officially launched at a signing ceremony on Tuesday 28 February. Ceremony was attended by representatives from more than 40 organisations. Gathered to share their ideas on how to work together towards the common goal of making Leicestershire a net zero county by 2045. Contact netzero@leics.gov.uk to find out more. More at LCC Net Zero webpages.
New SEND School to be Built
The Department of Education has approved the County Council’s application for a 90-place school for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This will be built in Quorn once planning permission has been obtained.
This news is set against the backdrop of increasing demand in the county for SEND school places. I, and many fellow county councillors, are receiving requests for help from parents wanting school places for their children with SEND.
The school will have pupils from Key Stages 2-4 and specialise in helping to meet the communication and interaction needs of children. It is planned the school will also support pupils into post-16 progression.
Over the last four years, Leicestershire has experienced a 54 per cent increase in children and young people requiring an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). This is compared to the national average of 38 per cent.
Free Road Closures for Coronation
The County Council is offering free Road Closure Applications for street parties marking the Coronation of His Majesty the King later this year.
The Coronation is taking place on Saturday 6th May. Across the weekend, including Monday 8th May, there will be further opportunities for people to celebrate this historic occasion.
On Sunday, 7 May, the Coronation Big Lunch, at which neighbours and communities can come together to share food and fun, will take place across the country.
This decision will help support villages and communities who want to organise events.
The deadline for Road Closure Applications is Friday 31st March.
Rotary Club – March 2023
