Lindsay Cooper Appointed Uppingham Town Mayor

Lindsay Cooper Appointed Uppingham Town Mayor
By Local Democracy Reporter

Town Mayor & Chairman: Lindsay Cooper

Deputy Mayor & Deputy Chair: Charles Pilcher

Uppingham Town Council has officially entered a new civic year with the appointment of Lindsay Cooper as the Town Mayor and Chairman for the 2026/27 term.

The appointment was confirmed during the council’s annual meeting, marking a fresh chapter for the Rutland market town. Councillor Cooper, a well-known figure in the local community, takes over the chains of office with a mandate to lead the council's proceedings and represent the town at formal engagements over the coming twelve months.

Supporting the new Mayor in the role of Deputy Mayor and Deputy Chair is Charles Pilcher. Together, the pair will oversee the council’s ambitious agenda for the year ahead, balancing the town’s rich heritage with the evolving needs of its residents.

Civic Contact Information

For residents wishing to contact their new representatives or invite the Mayor to local events, here are the following official contact details:

Town Mayor & Chairman: Lindsay Cooper

Address: 58 Leicester Road, Uppingham, Rutland, LE15 9SD

Phone: 01572 822434

Email: lindsay.cooper.cllr@gmail.com

Deputy Mayor & Deputy Chair: Charles Pilcher

Address: c/o Town Hall, 49 High Street East, Uppingham, Rutland, LE15 9PY

Phone: 01572 822681

The Mayor serves as the "first citizen" of Uppingham, acting as a non-political representative of the town at civic functions, while the Chairman's role is pivotal in presiding over full council meetings to ensure local governance remains transparent and effective.

For more local news, community updates, and what's on in the area, 

visit: Oakham and Rutland News.

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Braunston’s Community Spirit Shines Through the Clouds at Successful May Fayre, Photos

Braunston’s Community Spirit Shines Through the Clouds at Successful May Fayre

The grey skies over Braunston did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of residents this past weekend, as the annual May Fayre proved that community spirit is entirely weather-proof. Despite the lack of sunshine that Rutland enjoyed on Saturday, the event was a resounding success, drawing impressive crowds who traded sunglasses for light jackets to celebrate one of the most anticipated dates on the local calendar.

From the early morning setup, there was a palpable sense of "carrying on" as volunteers and vendors arranged stalls and stages under the muted May light. The absence of heat meant the village stayed bustling throughout the day, with attendees staying active and engaged rather than seeking shade, creating a constant, vibrant hum of activity across the village.

The main stage remained the heart of the celebration, where local performers brought a much-needed splash of colour to the afternoon. Primary school choirs and neighborhood dance troupes performed to packed audiences. The artisan market also saw heavy footfall, as visitors took their time browsing handmade crafts and bespoke jewelry. 

The traditional dog show always a highlight of the Fayre saw a record number of entries, with hardy pups and their owners undeterred by the lack of sun as they competed for the top prizes under the watchful eyes of the crowd.

Perhaps most importantly, the event succeeded in its mission to unite the neighborhood and raise vital funds for local initiatives. It was clear that the success of the Braunston May Fayre isn't dependent on the forecast, but on the warmth of the people who call the area home. It was a day that proved Braunston doesn't need a clear sky to shine.

For more local news, community updates, and what's on in the area, 

visit Oakham and Rutland News.

Leicestershire Police Say, Know Your Rights Navigating the Surge in Doorstep Sellers Across Rutland

Leicestershire Police Say, Know Your Rights Navigating the Surge in Doorstep Sellers Across Rutland

Following a recent increase in reports of doorstep sellers and cold callers in South Rutland, local authorities are moving to ensure residents are armed with more than just a firm "no." PC McKinnon recently issued a briefing clarifying that while the act of uninvited calling is not inherently illegal, the tactics often employed by these traders frequently cross the line into criminal territory.

The primary shield for homeowners is The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024. Under this legislation, the moment a resident asks a trader to leave, that trader’s right to remain on the property vanishes. If they ignore a request to depart or return despite being told not to, they are committing a criminal offense. Similarly, the law takes a dim view of psychological "hard sell" tactics. Any trader who creates a false sense of urgency claiming a "today only" price or insisting a decision must be made on the spot is breaking the law.

Financial protection for the consumer is also more robust than many realise. For any transaction exceeding £42, a mandatory fourteen-day cooling-off period applies. This means that even if you have signed a contract or handed over a deposit, you have two weeks to change your mind and receive a full refund. Crucially, the trader is legally obligated to provide written notice of these cancellation rights at the time of the agreement. If they fail to provide this paperwork, the contract becomes legally unenforceable, and the trader may face prosecution.

While those selling physical goods are required to carry a Pedlar’s Certificate issued by the Police, PC McKinnon warns that this document should not be mistaken for a badge of quality or a government endorsement. It is merely a permit to trade, not a guarantee of the salesperson's integrity.

The guidance from Rutland Police remains straightforward: if you do not want the service, simply state, "No thank you please leave," and close the door immediately. There is no social obligation to engage in a debate. If a caller refuses to move on, mentioning a report to Trading Standards often provides the necessary incentive for them to depart. In instances where a resident feels truly threatened or in danger, the advice is clear: contact the Police on 101, or dial 999 in an emergency.

For more local news, community updates, and what's on in the area, visit Oakham and Rutland News.

Council Set to Pull Plug on Sea Dragon Exhibit as Inflation Bites into £55m Investment Plan

By Local Democracy Reporter ldreporter@post.com

Council Set to Pull Plug on Sea Dragon Exhibit as Inflation Bites into £55m Investment Plan.

Rutland County Council is considering a dramatic scale-back of its multi-million-pound investment plans, with the world-famous "Rutland Sea Dragon" likely to be the highest-profile casualty of a worsening economic climate.

A comprehensive financial "health check" of the council’s £55 million capital programme has revealed that while the vast majority of infrastructure projects remain deliverable, the "rapid" doubling of inflation in just two months has made certain flagship schemes unsustainable. The review was triggered following the February 2026 budget approval, as soaring energy costs and construction prices forced local authorities nationwide to tighten their belts.

Councillor Andrew Johnson, Cabinet Member for Governance and Resources, has warned that the council cannot ignore the global economic disruption if it intends to remain financially stable. He pointed out that the budget was originally set with a 2% inflation forecast, but that figure has already surged to 4%, placing "significant pressure" on service delivery and supply chains.

While long-term investments in highways and community infrastructure are expected to proceed through "value engineering" and careful timing, the redevelopment of the Rutland County Museum into a new Cultural Centre is facing a major downgrade. The report recommends that the council shelve its ambitious plans to acquire and conserve the record-breaking ichthyosaur fossil, which gained international fame upon its discovery.

The specialised conservation requirements and the need for a climate-controlled environment are projected to drive the project at least £1 million over budget. To mitigate this financial risk, the council is looking to revert to its original Levelling Up proposal, which would see the museum transformed into a visitor attraction through digital experiences and virtual reality, rather than housing the physical 10-metre skeleton.

Under this proposed shift, the "Sea Dragon" would exist only as a high-tech augmented reality display. This would allow the council to avoid the "extreme" costs of a physical extension while still utilising existing Levelling Up funds for the broader enhancement of the museum and other treasures, such as the Ketton Roman Mosaic.

Not all major projects are under threat, however. The Oakham Enterprise Park’s medical innovation centre, or "Medi Tech" scheme, is currently deemed viable despite the new cost pressures. The council believes that through funding adjustments and more efficient design, the project’s health and employment benefits can still be realised.

Councillor Johnson described the ability to protect the bulk of the capital programme as "extremely positive" in a period of heightened uncertainty. He maintained that the proposed cuts are necessary steps to ensure value for public money while still delivering on the council’s core investment promises.

The fate of the physical Sea Dragon remains a significant question mark. Currently owned by Anglian Water, the fossil lacks a permanent home under the revised council plans. Without a local solution, the specimen could potentially remain in storage indefinitely or be offered to a national institution like the Natural History Museum.

The findings of the Capital Programme Review will be formally considered by the Cabinet at its meeting on Tuesday, 12 May 2026.

https://rutlandcounty.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=133&MId=3121

For more local news, community updates, and what's on in the area, visit Oakham and Rutland News.