Syston Town Council News

STN report on the full meeting of July 2009
Crime report - Community events - Barkby Road Calming Scheme - Deville Park
Council Reserves -Management Committee for August recess

The monthly meeting was held on Tuesday 28th July with the chairman asking for any matters to be raised by the public present; only four members of the public were present.  None were raised so the council proceeded with the agenda. Councillor Howard Midgley, Chairman of the council commenced with the announcement that Alan Clarke, formally of Charnwood Council, would take over from Ian Macdonald in October 2009 when Ian retires from his position as Town Manager.  Mr Clarke was present and was introduced to the council, who welcomed him into the position. The chairman then explained that Mr Barry Bedford had tendered his resignation and had now left the employment of the Syston Town council and they wished him well.
Councillor Midgely went on to explain a change of date for the Civic Reception from December to Friday 26th March 2010. He reminded all councillors of the importance of the work of the committees and panels and asked that if they were unable to attend, to let the committee know as soon as possible so that apologies could be recorded.
Communications had been received which included the topping out ceremony at the new South Charnwood Leisure Centre on Wednesday 29th July. East Midlands in Bloom presentation which will be held in Cleethorpes in September to which Councillor T Griffiths indicated he would be available to represent the council along with the chair of the Syston in Bloom committee and a member of the Town council staff M Bent who is involved with the Syston in Bloom activities. A meeting had been arranged about the repositioning of the recycling bins on Melton Road, Mr I MacDonald would be meeting with Mr Hayes from Charnwood Borough Council to discuss alternatives.
Police report stated that all crime was down on the previous month with two burglaries of dwellings, although there was no pattern to these events and five burglaries on non-dwellings, some of which are still under investigation. Criminal damage was down with nine reports, five of which were vehicles. There had been 34 calls about antisocial behaviour, which was less than the previous month in which they received 61 calls. They had increased the number of regular patrols of the park that had lead to a reduction in groups of young people congregating and alcohol had been confiscated when found. They had not received any more complaints from Necton Street since the park gates have been closed on a Friday evening.
Councillor H. Screaton raised a question to the council about their interpretation of the meaning of what constituted a community event, as he had concerns that the Syston Carnival, which gave a lot to the community but was not given council support as in other events such as the Egyptian day and Jurassic Park day. After an in depth discussion a proposal was made that the Syston Town Council would support the Syston Carnival committee in providing an annual Carnival for the Town and that they would write to the committee asking them to formally put in writing what additional support they require from the Syston Town Council in the future.
Barkby Traffic calming scheme, the county council have requested an agreement from the Syston Town Council for the formal consultation to proceed with public consultations, this the council agreed. Deville Park play equipment is now being removed and a fence has been erected to prevent anyone entering during this time. Councillor Hampson asked why it had taken such a long time to get this done as it is now the summer holiday when families would want to use the area and are now unable to do so.  After another lengthy discussion it was agreed that the town manager should arrange a meeting with all parties involved and set out a timescale and deadlines in order to complete the project as soon as possible.
The council agreed to invest the reserves of £150,000 for six months into the Alliance & Leicester, now part of the Santander Bank, as they believed this was the best rate of interest and had the least risk attached.
The Town Council does not meet in August so management committee, made up of the Council Chairman, chairs of the committees and vice chairs if needed, would deal with any concerns, this was agreed. The County Council report was given by County Councillor D Houseman, who firstly gave Mike Preston’s apologies for absence and then followed by explaining that lottery funding gained for the links between Syston and Watermead Park would be between Meadow Lane and Memorial Park. This would mean crossing the Fosse Way and that there may be some funding for a Zebra crossing should it go ahead. It will be put before Syston Town Council for their approval if it does get the County approval. He was also campaigning to get lighting put in place between Fosse Way and Memorial Park and was awaiting an outcome on this matter. The flood alleviation scheme underneath the bridge on High Street had met some technical problems and so the road would need to be closed. This should take place week commencing 3rd August. Any money left over will be used on the Fosse Way.
Borough councillors reported the following items: South Charnwood Leisure centre is due to open on 7th September 2009, bookings for gym membership open from 27th July. Charnwood Sports awards are asking for nominations to be in by 11th September 2009. Antisocial Behaviour event will be present at the Syston Carnival on 5th September. Charnwood Summer events details available from the Syston Library with a lot of activities available for children on holiday from school.  The license for the Corner House had been revoked and the owners of the pub would be under scrutiny to prove themselves if they are to gain a new license from the Charnwood licensing panel. Taxi’s in Syston are above the standard required by the licensing body and only four have not reach the required level, they have now gone to appeal.