Oakham & Rutland News: January 2025

Leicestershire PCC Rupert Matthews Begins Search for New Leicestershire Chief Constable, Following the announcement of Chief Constable Rob Nixon's retirement after a 32-year career

Leicestershire PCC Begins Search for New Chief Constable

Following the announcement of Chief Constable Rob Nixon's retirement after a 32-year career, Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Rupert Matthews has initiated the search for a new leader for Leicestershire Police.

Mr. Matthews expressed his gratitude to Mr. Nixon for his dedicated service, stating, "On behalf of all our communities, I would like to thank Mr. Nixon for his longstanding commitment to policing and community safety in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland." He acknowledged Mr. Nixon's successful career and his decision to step down from his leadership role.

"This is a significant development for the force," Mr. Matthews emphasised. "Finding a worthy successor who can effectively lead Leicestershire Police and fulfill the objectives outlined in my Police and Crime Plan is crucial."

Mr. Matthews outlined the qualities he seeks in the new Chief Constable: "I am looking for a strong and courageous leader with the skills and determination to build upon the existing positive work, enhance public trust and confidence in policing, and effectively combat crime. Mr. Nixon leaves behind a significant legacy, and filling his shoes will be a considerable challenge."

The search for the new Chief Constable is now underway.

Rutland County Council Proposes Consultation on Ryhall Library Service

Rutland County Council is considering alternative options for library services in Ryhall following a review that revealed significant refurbishment costs.

The Council is proposing a public consultation to gather resident input on the future of library services in the area. This follows an assessment of the Ryhall Library building's condition, which identified necessary improvements exceeding the available budget.

"We understand the importance of Ryhall Library to the community," stated Councillor Christine Wise, Cabinet Member for Transport, Environment and Communities. "This consultation will allow residents to share their ideas and help us find a solution that ensures continued access to library services."

The Council will present this proposal to its Cabinet on January 14th. If approved, the Council will inform the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) Libraries team and initiate a public consultation to assess community needs and explore alternative service delivery models.

The Council emphasises that this consultation will focus on how library services can be delivered in the Ryhall community, not solely on keeping the current building open. A second consultation will occur before any changes are implemented.

The Council plans to collaborate with local communities and partners to find innovative solutions, drawing inspiration from successful models in other areas.

Landlady of Flooded Rutland Pub The White Lion Whissendine, Blasts Rutland County Council Inertia on Live TV

Landlady of Flooded Rutland Pub Blasts Inertia Rutland County Council on Live TV

Yolanda, the landlady of The White Lion Inn in Whissendine, appeared on the Jeremy Vine show this morning to discuss the devastating impact of recent flooding on her pub and home.

The pub, located in an area prone to flooding, experienced four separate flood events in 2024, leaving Yolanda and her community reeling. Despite the significant damage, insurance companies have refused to continue covering the mounting repair costs.

During the interview, Yolanda expressed frustration with the perceived inaction of Rutland County Council. "This area has always flooded, but not like it floods now," she stated, "Something has definitely changed."

Yolanda criticised the Council's apparent dismissive attitude, suggesting they believe the community has become accustomed to the flooding and should simply "clean up and get on with it." She further highlighted the establishment of an S19 group to address flooding concerns following the October storms, yet lamented the lack of tangible action resulting from these efforts.

The community has rallied around The White Lion Inn, with 20-30 residents volunteering their time to help clean up the mud and debris. Yolanda hopes to reopen the pub within the next week, acknowledging the challenges of removing sewage contamination and ensuring proper sanitation.

While grateful for the community support, Yolanda remains concerned about the possibility of future flooding events.

This incident underscores the urgent need for effective flood mitigation strategies in Rutland and highlights the frustration of those directly impacted by the devastating consequences of inaction.

whitelioninn.com

www.facebook.com/whitelionwhissendine

Rupert Matthews, Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicestershire & Rutland, New Year Message

Rupert Matthews, Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicestershire & Rutland, New Year Message

You don’t need me to tell you that Rutland is a beautiful county. Nor that is a wonderful place to live.

But that doesn’t mean that it is without its problems. There have been thefts of valuable farm equipment, car thefts and burglaries.

That is why the Leicestershire Police are here to help you. As your Police and Crime Commissioner I have ensured improvements to the call centre to ensure that your emergency calls are answered more quickly, and that officers are despatched as fast as possible – including to the far east of Rutland beyond the A1. I have also worked with the Rural Policing Unit to give the farms and villages of Rutland the support and protection they deserve.

But it is not only the police that I look after and fund. Crime Prevention and Community Safety also fall under my remit. That is why I give funds every year to the Rutland Community Safety Partnership and why I commission a wide range of services from charities, companies and authorities all of them targeted at keeping you safe and ensuring the Rutland remains the wonderful place to live that it is.

As we look forward to 2025 there are challenges ahead. The government has not given me the money that I need to cover the costs of inflation and the new duties that the government has laid on our police force. Criminals are becoming ever more sophisticated, using AI and other new technologies. But I can assure you that we are on top of the situation.

Katie Cardew to Close Oakham, Stamford and Lincoln Shops.

Local illustrated prints and homewares business Katie Cardew has announced plans to close its doors after 11 years of operation.

Directors Katie Cardew and Emma Marsh have made the decision to close the business, citing a desire to pursue other endeavors. Katie Cardew will focus on her successful interior design business, "Homes by Katie Cardew," which has recently taken on several prestigious contracts. Emma Marsh plans to travel and spend more time with her family.

The closure will impact all three Katie Cardew stores located in Lincoln, Stamford, and Oakham, as well as the company's website. The website is scheduled to close by the end of February.

https://www.katiecardew.com/

A closing down sale will commence on Saturday, January 11th, offering customers a final opportunity to purchase from the popular Katie Cardew collections. Stock is limited, so customers are encouraged to visit the stores soon.

Store Closing Dates:

Sincil Street, The Cornhill, Quarter Lincoln: Closes Sunday, February 2nd

St Mary’s Street Stamford: Closes Sunday, February 16th

Mill Street, Oakham: Closes late February

Katie Cardew is renowned for its beautiful illustrated prints featuring a variety of subjects, from blooming flowers to wildlife. The company's product range includes mugs, tote bags, luxury tableware sets, and fine art prints, all adorned with Katie Cardew's distinctive and charming designs.

The Katie Cardew team invites all loyal customers to visit the stores over the coming weeks to say goodbye and acquire a final memento of the beloved brand.

Local Pub Offers Free Accommodation to Flood-Affected Residents, The Rose & Crown in Tilton is offering free temporary accommodation to anyone who has been displaced from their homes due to recent flooding.

Local Pub Offers Free Accommodation to Flood-Affected Residents

The Rose & Crown in Tilton is offering free temporary accommodation to anyone who has been displaced from their homes due to recent flooding.

The pub, which is currently closed until Wednesday, has two self-contained Airbnb apartments above it. These apartments can be accessed independently via a keypad entry system, providing a safe and comfortable refuge for those in need.

"If anyone has been affected by flooding/water damage and needs to vacate their homes," said the pub owner, "I have two beautiful air bb”s above our pub which I can let you have (obviously free)."

Those affected by the flooding are encouraged to contact the pub owner directly on 07498 465488.

This act of kindness from the Rose & Crown is a testament to the spirit of community in times of crisis.

Rutland County Council Struggled to Fill Flood Officer Role After Storm Henk, a flood officer was appointed today.

Rutland County Council Struggled to Fill Flood Officer Role After Storm Henk, a flood officer was appointed today.

Rutland County Council has faced challenges in recruiting a dedicated flood officer following the devastating impacts of Storm Henk in January 2024.

The storm brought widespread flooding across the East Midlands, prompting the council to establish a scrutiny evidence panel to investigate and improve future flood response. One key recommendation was the appointment of a flood officer to enhance the county's preparedness.

However, as reported in November 2024, Cabinet Member for Environment, Christine Wise, acknowledged difficulties in filling the position. She attributed this to competitive salaries offered by other consultancies across the country.

"We have encountered challenges in attracting a suitable candidate for the flood officer role," stated Wise. "Unfortunately, other organisations are offering significantly higher salaries, making it difficult to compete."

Despite these setbacks, Rutland County Council has now successfully appointed a flood officer. Their first day on the job will undoubtedly be memorable, coinciding with another significant flooding event in the county.

This recent flooding incident underscores the critical need for a dedicated flood officer to lead and coordinate the county's response to these increasingly frequent events. The new appointee will play a crucial role in improving flood resilience, mitigating future risks, and supporting affected communities.

Major Incident Declared in Rutland and surrounding Leicestershire, due to Severe Flooding, 20 members of the public have been rescued by fire crews. All train services have been Cancelled

Major Incident Declared in Rutland Due to Severe Flooding

Oakham Station No Services Running

minor flooding at Oakham Station, the

track flooding is more severe elsewhere.

The water interferes with signalling and

safety equipment along the lines

Major Incident Declared in Rutland and surrounding Leicestershire, due to Severe Flooding, 20 members of the public have been rescued by fire crews. All train services have been Cancelled

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service has received over 200 calls since the major incident was declared at 7:45 AM. Crews are currently responding to numerous incidents, including vehicles stuck in floodwater, evacuations of flooded homes, and rising water levels. As of 1 PM, 20 members of the public have been rescued by fire crews.

Assistant Chief Fire and Rescue Officer Judi Beresford emphasised the serious risk posed by flooding. "Flooding poses a serious risk to lives and property, and we urge everyone to take these warnings seriously," she said. "Our Control room and crews are working tirelessly to assist those in need and to keep people safe."

Authorities are urging residents to avoid all non-essential travel and to never attempt to drive through floodwater.

Severe Flooding Chaos in Rutland: Roads Closed, Villages Cut Off, No Trains

Severe Flooding Chaos in Rutland: Roads Closed, Villages Cut Off

A person paddles to work through flooded Ashwell Village

Abandoned Car Ashwell Village

After a night of heavy rain and snow, severe flooding is wreaking havoc across Rutland, with numerous roads closed and several villages cut off. Schools have been forced to close due to staff being unable to reach their workplaces.

The village of Ashwell is experiencing its worst flooding on record, despite warnings. Despite the perilous conditions, some drivers are still attempting to navigate through deep floodwaters, posing a significant risk to themselves and exacerbating the flooding of nearby homes. One car has already been abandoned in one of the most severely flooded areas of the village.

Ashwell Garden Centre and Shopping Village has closed .

Motorists have found difficulty accessing the A1 at the Stretton Roundabout, Prison staff are parking outside the flooded area and mini buses are being used to get them to work.

Authorities are urging drivers to avoid flooded areas entirely, emphasising the dangers of driving through floodwater.

A6003 at Manton Bridge, near Manton – one side of the road is impassable. Two way lights are being installed by Thomas Bow to control flow of traffic.

A606 Barnsdale Hill, between Barnsdale and Oakham - badly flooded. Flood warning signs are being deployed by Thomas Bow.

A47 at Morcott – Leicestershire Police called to report flooding here and an RTC (minor vehicle shunt). Flood warning signs are being deployed at this location.

Melton Road A606 at Langham is Impassable. The highway is completely flooded as well as some properties. Road will be closed by Thomas Bow.

Whissendine Village – most roads impassable, including The Nook, Cow Lane, Main Street. Flood boards to be deployed.

Main Street, Lyddington is flooded causing access issues for pedestrians and vehicles. An inspector from Rutland County Council is en-route to site to assess and request action as needed.

All trains have been cancelled due to flooded tracks. Bus replacement services are unable to run, passengers have been stranded at Leicester station since early this morning.

For the latest updates on the evolving situation, residents are advised to listen to Rutland and Stamford Sound. https://www.rutlandandstamfordsound.co.uk/player/

Rutland Blanketed in Snow as First Fall of 2025 Causes Chaos

Saturday night saw the first snowfall of 2025 descend upon Rutland, bringing with it a blanket of snow and causing significant disruption to local roads.

The snowfall led to treacherous driving conditions, with many roads becoming impassable. Several roads were forced to close due to the hazardous conditions, leaving motorists stranded and causing significant delays.

However, amidst the chaos, the community spirit shone through. Volunteers from the Leicestershire & Rutland 4x4 Response played a crucial role in assisting stranded motorists and ensuring the safety of those affected by the snow. Their invaluable help was greatly appreciated by many drivers who found themselves in difficult situations.

www.facebook.com/LR4x4Response

This Sunday morning, Oakham awoke to a picturesque winter wonderland, with a light snow covering the ground and creating a serene atmosphere. Here are some photographs.

All Saints Church

Cutts Close

Buttercross

Cutts Close

Oakham Castle

Oakham C of E Primary School

Oakham School Chapel

Queen Elizabeth II Statue

The Admiral Hornblower

The Old Odd House Pub

Oakham War Memorial

All Saints Church

Cllr Gale Waller Leader of Rutland County Council New Year Message to Rutland Residents

Dear Residents of Rutland,

As we welcome 2025, I find it hard to believe we are already a quarter of the way through the 21st century, with vivid memories of the millennium still guiding our perspectives. This time of year prompts reflection, and I believe it is essential to look back at the past year for Rutland County Council (RCC), beginning with one of the most pressing topics: our budget. When I took over the reins of Council leadership in May 2023, I committed myself to restoring balance to RCC's finances. This task was particularly daunting, considering that the Council had been relying on its reserves to manage the budget—a practice that is unsustainable in the long term. A transformation program had already been initiated to reduce expenditures and maximize productivity, yet there were no guarantees that it would yield the desired results. Throughout the past year, we faced the tremendously difficult decision to not proceed with awarding a contract for the operation of Catmose Sports Centre. Choosing this route was not taken lightly. Allowing a contractor to take over would have meant that they would collect fees from users while charging RCC roughly £1 million over the lifespan of the contract. Additionally, we would have been liable for any unexpected costs, such as sudden increases in energy prices or staffing costs due to heightened national insurance contributions. Despite mass protests from the local community regarding the closure of Catmose Sports Centre, we ultimately could not justify the financial strain it would impose on our budget. Our income is predominantly derived from Council Tax, complemented by a small percentage—approximately 20%—from government grants. At the time we made the decision about the sports centre, we had uncertainty regarding future government grant allocations, which is a continued concern. The recent decision to abolish the Rural Services Delivery Grant next financial year will result in a further 10% reduction in RCC's national funding, forcing us to implement even tighter spending measures. Yet, amidst these challenges, there have been noteworthy developments. RCC has successfully secured Levelling Up funding from the previous government, primarily aimed at capital projects rather than day-to-day operational expenses. This funding has been instrumental in transforming our public transport system, allowing us to procure electric vehicles. This investment will lead to a more efficient and cost-effective bus service for our residents. By the end of 2025, we will roll out a new transport model that includes several fixed routes along with an on-demand service, significantly improving accessibility for residents in rural areas who have previously lacked bus services. As we move forward, we must also address the implications of recent changes in government policy. The revised National Planning Policy Framework mandates that RCC must now construct 264 houses each year—a significant rise from our established target of 123. This is a daunting task, especially given previous efforts to engage landowners for potential housing sites. While we received positive responses, even if every suggestion had been accepted, we still would not meet the new demand. I understand that many of you may be curious about sites like St George’s Barracks in Edith Weston and Woolfox, both of which could help fulfill these housing requirements. However, it's essential to acknowledge that these sites come with their unique obstacles. The military continues to occupy St George’s Barracks until 2026, necessitating a thorough decontamination process before any housing can be constructed. Likewise, Woolfox will require resolving access issues with National Highways before housing development can occur. Neither site offers an immediate resolution to our housing goals. Fortunately, there may be a glimmer of hope ahead. We are preparing to submit our Local Plan for inspection this Spring. Once the Independent Inspectorate approves it, we will be able to adhere to our established target of 123 houses per year rather than the newly mandated figure. The inspectorate generally takes approximately a year to evaluate submitted Local Plans; thus, while we aim to meet the larger target in the future, the approval of our current plan will provide us with the requisite time to strategize effectively. Another significant shift we’ve encountered is the government's push for devolution and the proposed restructuring of local authorities towards larger unitary councils. While RCC is already structured as a unitary authority and will not face imminent changes, the government expects new unitary councils to encompass populations of 500,000 or more and so it is inevitable that Government will eventually require RCC to amalgamate with other council areas. In light of this, I have initiated conversations with leaders of neighboring councils. It is imperative that we work collaboratively to influence these changes positively instead of reacting to imposed structures. As we embark on this new year, I assure everyone that the proactive approach we have taken with our budget will continue as we tackle these pressing issues. We will make decisions that prioritise Rutland's best interests, even when those decisions come with discomfort. Wishing you all a prosperous, fulfilling, and healthy New Year. May this coming year bring you joy and strength, fostering community spirit throughout Rutland. Warm regards, Cllr Gale Waller Leader of Rutland County Council

Leicestershire Police Reflect on a Landmark Year: 2024 in Force

Rob Nixon (left) Chief Constable Leicestershire Police

As we close the chapter on 2024, Leicestershire Police took a moment to reflect on a year marked by significant developments, challenges, and achievements. The landscape of policing has evolved quickly, necessitating a delicate balance between emerging crime trends and increasing public expectations. Yet, their unwavering goal remains: to ensure the safety and security of the communities they serve across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland. A Year in Numbers Throughout the year, the sheer volume of calls and reports underscores the vital role the police play in our communities. Leicestershire Police received over 190,000 urgent 999 calls and more than 275,000 non-urgent calls to 101. The online reporting platform also saw engagement soar, with over 50,000 reports filed. Their officers handled an extensive workload that included over 4,300 missing person reports, creating nearly 260,000 incidents, and recording close to 93,000 crimes, culminating in approximately 15,000 arrests. Additionally, the media's role in community engagement has been underscored, with officers responding to over 2,100 media inquiries. Chief Constable Rob Nixon remarked, "These numbers reflect the lives we touch, protect, and serve every single day." He further highlighted the importance of adaptability within the force, citing a year of significant organizational change where many stepped into leadership roles, affirming that the dedication of our officers and staff has been crucial for maintaining resilience and performance. Notable Moments of 2024 The year was not without its impactful moments, each showcasing the commitment of Leicestershire Police to uphold community values and enhance safety: January: The force gained national attention through the ITV documentary "TikTok: Murder Gone Viral," portraying the investigation into the tragic murders of Saqib Hussain and Mohammed Hashim Ijazuddin. The investigation led to the conviction of four individuals for murder. February: Leicestershire Police supported the national Stop, Think Fraud campaign, focusing on educating the public about financial safety. March: In a move to enhance community relations, a new neighbourhood police office opened in Lutterworth, ensuring that officers remain accessible to those they serve. April: The #HelpUsHelpYou campaign implemented changes that significantly reduced call waiting times, improving accessibility for those needing police assistance. June: Through the Safer Saffron campaign, the police tackled serious crime in the Saffron Lane Estate, resulting in 94 arrests linked to Operation Guarding, which focused on combating online child abuse. October: A partnership with Turning Point introduced Street Outreach workers, contributing to a remarkable 39% reduction in violent crime and antisocial behavior in the city center. December: The ongoing efforts to address violence in nightlife were renewed with the relaunch of the Walk Away campaign, just in time for the festive season.

Looking Ahead with Optimism

As we step into 2025, Chief Constable Nixon is filled with confidence. “Through collaboration and innovation, we will continue to deliver an outstanding service,” he said. The support and teamwork from our officers, staff, volunteers, and the community have been the pillars of our success, helping us to face challenges and ensure that everyone in our community feels safe and supported. In short, 2024 was a year of incredible experiences, growth, and teamwork. We're incredibly grateful for the trust you place in us and excited about what lies ahead! Together, we can keep our communities thriving and safe, and we look forward to serving you in the year to come!

Planning Your 2025 Wedding? Don't Miss the Normanton Church Wedding Fayre!

Are you dreaming of saying "I do" this year? If so, then you won't want to miss the upcoming Wedding Fayre at Normanton Church on the shores of Rutland Water.

This special event will take place on Sunday, 16th March 2025 from 11am to 3pm, offering couples a fantastic opportunity to meet with a range of local wedding suppliers.

Connect with talented wedding professionals, including photographers, videographers, florists, cake makers, musicians, and more.

Discover the beauty of Normanton Church and its surrounding areas as potential wedding venues.

Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to plan your dream wedding!

Victoria Hall Oakham Rutland to Host New Craft Fair Fridays

Victoria Hall Oakham Rutland is excited to announce a new event series:

Craft Fair Fridays! Starting on January 10th, 2025,

this event will provide a platform for local artisans to showcase and sell their handmade creations.

Dates: Every Friday, starting January 10th, 2025

Location: Victoria Hall Oakham Rutland

Table Fee: £20 per table

Booking Information

Tables can be booked by contacting bookings@victoriahall.org.

A Great Opportunity for Local Crafters

Craft Fair Fridays is a fantastic opportunity for local crafters to:

Showcase their work to a wide audience

Sell their products directly to customers

Network with other crafters

Grow their businesses

A Fun Day Out for Visitors

Craft Fair Fridays is also a great day out for visitors.

Attendees can expect to find a wide variety of handmade goods, including:

Jewellery

Pottery

Paintings

Sculptures

Clothing

Food products

And much more!

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