An update from Councillor Ian Ridley:

Several residents have asked for my views on this. The borough council are consulting on the sale of part of Oadby’s Reflection Park on London Road, following an offer from an individual.

Councillors have received legal advice that we cannot “pre-determine” our decision on this issues as this may leave their vote open to challenge. In short, the advice is that I cannot have a closed-mind on the issue – otherwise a committee decision might be overturned..

I can say that based on the information that I have assessed up to now, I do not agree with the sale although I will consider arguments from both sides when the report on the decision comes before councillors.

I encourage residents to have their say after reading the council’s statement on the consultation and the arguments put forward by local Liberal Democrat campaigners and other community groups.

Remembrance parades (details below) will return to the Borough this Sunday after a two-year pause due to the pandemic.

Can you help?

The parades need a few more volunteers to help with the road closures. If you can spare a few of hours of your time to help, please email communications@oadby-wigston.gov.uk

The timings this Sunday are:

9.45am – noon in Wigston

OR

1pm – 3pm in Oadby

Full details of Remembrance Parades and Church Services:

The parades and church services, which will take place on Remembrance Sunday (13 November), are a national opportunity to remember the service and sacrifice of all those that have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life.

There will also be a service, which will take place at 11am on Friday 11 November at Peace Memorial Park, Wigston, organised by Oadby and Wigston Borough Council. All are welcome to attend.

The events for Remembrance Sunday 13th November are :

10am – South Wigston Remembrance Service at St Thomas the Apostle Church followed by the Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial on Blaby Road at 10.55am

10.30am – Wigston parade from Elizabeth Court to All Saint’s Church – followed by Remembrance Service

2.15pm – Oadby parade from Rosemead Drive to St Peter’s Church – followed by Remembrance Service

Road closures will be in place around all Remembrance Sunday events, so motorists are being advised to plan their journeys accordingly.

Community groups or individuals who wish to participate in the parades should contact communications@oadby-wigston.gov.uk so that this can be arranged.

Councillor Bill Boulter, Chair of the OWBC Armed Forces Working Group, said: “We’re thrilled to be able to bring back the parades this year and I’d really encourage everyone to come out and support these parades and services where possible.

“It’s so important that we continue to remember and pay our respects to the fallen and show our support to those that take part in our parades.”

Energy prices rise tomorrow so it’s a good idea to submit a meter reading to make sure your bill is based on actual use and not an estimate. Money Saving Expert says that you don’t need to submit the reading on the day. Most firms let you backdate it, sometimes for up to a fortnight and give a firm-by-firm list of how long you have to put in a reading.

If you can give your reading after the likely rush of the next day or so, you may avoid delays and frustration as the energy firms will probably be very busy.

Oadby & Wigston Borough Council have put together a directory of information and advice about the cost of living crisis, to ensure you can get all the help that you are entitled to