SPOTLIGHT – THE JOURNAL OF SYSTON TOWN COUNCIL AUTUMN 2015

Remembrance Sunday, is an important opportunity for us all to ensure that those who served and sacrificed to protect the freedoms we enjoy today are never forgotten.
The Commemorative Parade, on Sunday 8th November, will begin from Melton Road car park meeting at 10.30am, then moving off at 10.45am towards the Memorial in Central Park.
East Midlands in Bloom
Congratulations and a huge thank you to Syston in Bloom and our own Grounds Staff for achieving the Silver Award for Syston in the East Midlands in Bloom Competition 2015; special commendation for Archdale Street Playground for its imaginative design and layout. The picture above shows: Vice Chair of Amenities, Cllr Josie Branston receiving the Silver Award from Syston in Bloom Chairman, Cllr Howard Midgley.
Thank also to all the shopkeepers participating in the hanging basket scheme and helping to make Syston an attractive town centre of choice for both locals and visitors. Another area in the town that is noticeably improved is Syston Railway Station. Assisted by Syston in Bloom, East Midlands Trains have worked hard to clean up the station and enhance the platform with a variety of tubs and planters. The next stage is to make improvements to the entrance and parking areas of the station. This will provide long term improvement to the station in terms of a better environment and improved cleanliness. If you haven’t been to the railway station recently, then it really is worth taking a look.
Allotments
It is always a pleasure to visit Syston Allotments and see such a diverse range of projects taking place. A huge range of vegetables, fruit trees, flowers and even chickens can be found there. It is also delightful to see many allotments being worked on as a family project. As well as being educational, allotments are a healthy way of reducing the carbon footprint of food miles and the manufacture of food packaging. In Syston, it is also wonderful to see the excellent recycling initiatives taking place.
This year I was privileged to attend the Annual Allotment Awards and was invited to judge the best produce and best use of produce categories.
If you are interested in taking on an allotment, there is currently a small waiting list, please contact Syston Town Council office or Richard Thorpe at Syston Allotments for further information.
Syston Carnival
The sun shone for the Annual Syston Carnival in Central Park in September, which was attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of Charnwood. The theme this year was The Vintage Years. The day was a huge success with numerous stalls and attractions, a fancy dress parade, raffle and a shop window competition.
Chairman’s Official Visits
Syston Town Council Chairman, Cllr Ken Pacey has officiated at the following events:Presentation of Cheque to Syston Volunteer Centre; Attendance at Leicestershire Apprenticeship Graduation Ceremony (Vice Chair); Wreake Valley Academy – Oliver Taylor Award; Attendance at the East Midlands in Bloom Prize Announcement; Attendance at the Civic Service for the Mayor of Charnwood in Mountsorrel; Presenting the Best Front Garden Competition for East Midlands in Bloom see picture courtesy of Stn showing Ken presenting Zoe with her award. Official Opening of Salty’s.
If you would like Cllr Pacey to attend your special event, please contact Syston Town Council office or use the booking form on the Syston Town Council website.
Skate Park and BMX Track
Approval has now been granted for the extension of the Skate Park in Central Park and for a new BMX track in De Ville Park. Funding is now being applied for before further consultation with the local users is arranged.
New Cemetery
The Cemetery Panel is now meeting on a regular basis as the new Cemetery plans are discussed and scheduled with the builders.
Trees in Syston
An extensive survey of the trees in Syston will have been completed by the time of this publication. It will result in a record being produced of each tree’s condition and if necessary, recommended remedial actions. Syston Town Council have also recently adopted a Tree Policy which provides guidance to residents of the Council’s strategy towards trees and related complaints. The Policy is available for viewing on the Syston Town Council website or alternatively you can request to see it at the Council Office.
Town/Park Warden and Flood Warden
I expect that many of you will have seen Maree Hodgson, pictured left, patrolling the Syston parks and streets offering advice regarding responsible dog ownership. A reminder to residents, that if you know of any areas where dog bins are over-flowing or where there are particular areas in the town that are being used as a dog toilet then please let the Council know in the usual way via mailbox@systontc.org.uk and Council Officers will inform Maree.
Maree also carries dog waste bags with her to offer to those that need them.
LRALC Executive Committee
Congratulations to Syston Town Councillor, Cllr Sue Gerrard, (representing Charnwood) on her recent election to the Executive Committee of Leicestershire and Rutland Association of Local Councils.
Civic Reception
Chairman, Cllr Ken Pacey has resurrected the Civic Reception for Syston; this is to be held on 15 April 2016. Further details will follow next year.
Save the Date! The Bowjangles – A Christmas Carol on Thursday 17th December
The Bowjangles are a very energetic string quartet whom play, sing, dance, joke and juggle their way through their performance. This show emits huge amounts of energy and is suitable for the whole family.
The price of Show is £8.00 for adults (£10 on the door) and £5.00 for concessions. Refreshments will be served as well as a licensed bar. Tickets are available from Syston Town Council Office. (this is a Centre Stage Event).
Facebook
Please remember to join up to our FaceBook page which will be regularly updated with Council news and events happening in Syston – please take a look, ‘like’ us and share with your friends. social@systontc.org.uk. Syston Town Council is also on Twitter, please follow us – @Syston_TC
Contacting Your Council
Merton Ward 
Cllr Paul HenryCllr Renata JonesCllr Ken Pacey – Chairman of the
Council
Cllr Harold Screaton
Cllr Paul Turner
New Barkby Ward
Cllr  Hanif Asmal
Cllr Claire Dolan – Vice Chair of Development and General Purposes Committee
Cllr Janet Midgley – Chair of Amenities Committee
Cllr  Howard Midgley – Vice Chair of Resources Committee
Cllr  Eric Vardy – Chair of Development and General Purposes
St. Peter’s East Ward
Cllr Susan Gerrard
Cllr  Stephen Hampson
Cllr  Maureen Pacey
Cllr  David Pepper
Cllr Pat Wright
St. Peter’s West Ward
Cllr Kirti Asmal
Cllr  Tom Barkley – Vice Chair of the Council and Chair of Resources Committee
Cllr Josie Branston – Vice Chair of Amenities Committee
Cllr  Mal Carnall
Cllr John Lillie
All councillors can be contacted atThe Community Centre,School Street, Syston. LE7 1HN
email: mailbox@syston.co.uk
Tel: 0116 260 7150.
Council Meeting Dates
November 2015
3rd Development
10th Amenities
17th Resources
24th Full Council
December 2015
1st Dec 7.00pm Development
1st Dec 7.30pm Amenities
8th Dec Resources
15th Dec Full Council
January 2016
5th Jan Development
12th Jan Amenities
19th Jan Resources
26th Jan Full Council
All meetings take place in the Brookside Suite at the Community Centre at 7.30pm.