Oakham Residents and Traders Grow Frustrated with Brooke Road Crossing Closure

Oakham Residents and Traders Grow Frustrated with Brooke Road Closure

The ongoing closure of Brooke Road in Oakham, Rutland, has sparked growing anger and frustration among residents and local businesses. The road and level crossing have been closed since July, and this week, Rutland County Council announced a further delay in reopening until November 30th.

Residents and traders have expressed concerns about the lack of communication and support from both Oakham South Rutland County Councillors and Burmor Construction Ltd. Despite numerous attempts to contact them, residents claim their correspondence has been ignored.

Nearby retailers in Mill Street have reported a significant decline in trade due to the closure. The confusing diversion signs, particularly those at the top of Mill Street, have misled many people into believing that Mill Street itself is closed. This has deterred potential customers from visiting the area.

One Mill Street trader took to social media to express their frustration, stating that the closure has negatively impacted their shopping experience and sales. They urged residents to share their experiences and concerns with the local authority.

Debbie Oakes

Debbie Oakes, another Mill Street business owner, has been vocal about the situation, criticising the lack of empathy from the County Council and the inconvenience caused to residents and businesses. She has contacted the BBC to raise awareness of the issue and is calling for the community to make their voices heard. "The closure has also led to increased traffic congestion in the town, with journey times significantly extended. Despite the growing discontent, the local MP has shown no interest in getting involved."

The situation has reached a boiling point, and residents and traders are demanding action from the authorities to address the ongoing closure and its negative consequences.

Editors Comment and Opinion: A Disappointing Lack of Accountability

The ongoing closure of Brooke Road in Oakham is a stark reminder of the often-overlooked consequences of development projects. While the Brooke Road Development may be relatively small in comparison to other projects in the area, its impact on residents and businesses has been disproportionately negative.

The closure has caused significant inconvenience to countless people, disrupting daily routines and negatively affecting local economies. The lack of communication and responsiveness from both Rutland County Council and the developer is a major disappointment. It is essential that those responsible for such projects take their obligations to the community seriously and provide timely updates and support.

Network Rail's clarification that they did not request the crossing closure further highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability from the local authorities and developers involved.

While MP Alicia Kearns' responded and agreed with my suggestion to assist those less able to get into town is a step in the right direction, it does not address the underlying issues of the closure and the lack of support for the community.

It is imperative that the authorities involved take swift action to reopen Brooke Road and mitigate the negative impacts of this prolonged closure. The community deserves better communication, transparency, and support from those responsible for these projects.

Brooke Road

Mill Street Oakham

Oakham Town Council Grants Victoria Hall £2800 to Avoid Closure

Oakham Town Council Grants Victoria Hall £2800 to Avoid Closure

    CC Bank of England

In a move designed to prevent the closure of a local landmark, Oakham Town Council has granted Victoria Hall £2800 to cover its immediate bills. The decision made at an extra meeting this Monday evening came after a grant application for £11,000 was submitted with insufficient accounting and inaccurate documentation.

While the full amount requested was not granted, the £2800 will provide a lifeline for Victoria Hall, a community hub that has faced financial difficulties in recent months. The council has instructed Victoria Hall to return next month with updated accounts and an explanation for how it has spent over £30,000 over the last financial year.

The decision to grant the partial funding has sparked debate within the community and among council members.  Councillor Paul Ainsley, speaking to Oakham and Rutland News, explained the delicate situation faced by the council: "We were in a difficult position. If Victoria Hall were to close, we would be seen as a heartless council. On the other hand, granting the full amount without proper scrutiny would be irresponsible."

The councillor's comments highlighted the tension between the council's desire to support local institutions and its obligation to ensure public funds are used appropriately.

A suggestion from a resident that Oakham Town Council become the main controlling trustee and move its offices back into Victoria Hall has garnered support among some councillors. This proposal could provide a more direct oversight of the hall's finances and operations, potentially alleviating concerns about accountability. This could also see the venue become more affordable for local charitable or community groups.

As Victoria Hall continues to navigate financial challenges, the decision by Oakham Town Council to provide partial funding offers a temporary solution. However, the future of this community hub will depend on the hall's ability to address its underlying financial issues and secure long-term sustainability.

Editor's Opinion: A New Beginning for Victoria Hall?

The recent decision by Oakham Town Council to grant Victoria Hall partial funding to avoid closure is a welcome step. However, the hall's long-term sustainability remains uncertain. A potential solution could be for the council to take a more active role in its management.

For too long, Victoria Hall has been underutilised, particularly during off-peak times. By assuming control, the council could transform the hall into a vibrant community venue. This would not only benefit local residents but also justify the public funds that have been invested in the building over the years.

One example of the hall's potential is the recently installed kitchen, (National Lottery funded) which is currently unused. By organising community events such as weekday coffee mornings and lunches, the council could put this asset to good use. Volunteers from a newly formed "Friends of Victoria Hall" group could play a crucial role in managing these activities, fostering a sense of ownership and community involvement.

Taking control of Victoria Hall would allow the council to implement a more strategic vision for the building. This could include partnering with local businesses, organisations, and individuals to offer a diverse range of activities and events. By doing so, the council could ensure that Victoria Hall remains a valuable asset to the community for generations to come.