How Rutland County Council Has Changed, The Rutland Way 1999
THE RUTLAND WAY
The following statements were approved by Rutland County Council at a meeting on 2 September 1999 as the values and aspirations underlying its work.
A RESPONSIBLE COUNCIL
providing services efficiently, effectively and in response to community needs
collecting and spending public money responsibly and prudently
demonstrating the highest standards of probity, professionalism and legality
acting as a good employer, valuing, supporting and developing staff
AN ENABLING COUNCIL
securing services that provide the best value in terms of quality, accountability and cost
forming partnerships with the statutory, voluntary and business sectors to extend the range and quality of services available
providing the impetus and co-ordination for activities which enhance life for individuals and the community
AN UNDERSTANDING COUNCIL
listening to and responding to the wishes of the community
communicating with and informing the whole community promptly, regularly and widely
employing staff and contractors who treat the public with courtesy and compassion, guiding individuals and groups sympathetically towards helpful solutions and looking beyond their immediate departmental responsibilities paying particular regard for the needs of the disadvantaged
A COMMUNITY LED COUNCIL
involving the people of Rutland in the formulation of the Council’s policies and service standards, and in monitoring performance
promoting interest and encouraging participation by all sections of the community in the local democratic process
AN OUTWARD-LOOKING COUNCIL
seeking locally, regionally, nationally and within Europe moral, material and financial support for Rutland, its people, environment and well-being as a sparsely populated rural area with special concerns
Rutland County Council respects the political views of Rutland people and Councillors. The majority of its members do not belong to formal political groups and externally present an all-Rutland case on all issues.
Only 4 Directors 1999
Mr Keith T Franklin
Chief Executive
Mr Phil G Trow
Director of Environmental Services
Carol Chambers
Mr Neil Taylor
Director of Resources
Vacancy
Director of Social Services & Housing
Cllrs 1999
Rutland Councillors, Wards and Parishes
The Council Offices 1999
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Rutland County Council is warning local businesses to be aware of their security after two walk-in thefts at the council offices last week (Wednesday 13 December 2007).
Two members of staff had purses stolen from their desk during Wednesday morning and attempts were made to use the stolen bank cards in Oakham and at other locations throughout Leicestershire.
One of those who fell victim to the opportunist theft was Carol Chambers. She said: 'It was a nasty shock to discover that somebody had entered the building and managed to walk into my office unnoticed. They took my purse which contained several bank cards and items of sentimental value. It just shows that you can never be too careful, and I would urge other businesses throughout Oakham to be on their guard.'
Ms. Chambers added, 'After reporting the matter to the local police, I was told that they believe Oakham is targeted on market day by criminal gangs who specialise in this type of activity. We have a security entry system at Catmose which is effective 99% of the time, but the fact that these people got through is an indication of their determination.'
Ms. Chambers went on to say: 'I would urge every organisation throughout Rutland to be aware of the potential for this kind of crime and that it can happen where and when you least expect it.'
For more information please contact Rutland County Council on 01572 722 577.
Vale of Catmose College (Thursday 29 June 2006)
A complete rebuild of the Vale of Catmose College in Oakham could now be completed by September 2009. (Thursday 29 June 2006)
Rutland County Council submitted an application for BSF (Building Schools for the Future) funding in December 2003. This funding stream is only available for secondary schools. However, after not being included in the early funding announcements, a date of 2011 was eventually given as a likely start date for schools in Rutland. Since then, the national programme has been moving backwards and recent indications were that Vale of Catmose was likely to be scheduled for 2013 at the earliest.
However, whilst announcing the latest ‘waves’ of funding (waves 4-6 out of a total of 15), the Government sprung a surprise by also including 25 offers of ‘pathfinder funding’ for one school only, to authorities (including Rutland) who were initially scheduled for later in the BSF programme.
Director of Children’s Services at Rutland County Council, Carol Chambers, says, 'You can imagine our surprise and delight when we discovered that the funding for Rutland was being brought forward. We were clear that we would have to wait until at least 2013 so this is a major boost not only for the council but also for Vale of Catmose College. Councillors must now decide (10 July) whether to accept this money and proceed with the rebuild of the college.'
Ms. Chambers added, 'Should Councillors decide to accept the money next month, it has to be targeted (as per the conditions of acceptance) to the secondary school that has ‘the poorest condition and suitability assessment’. In the case of Rutland, Vale of Catmose College in Oakham meets that criterion.'
Building Schools for the Future is a Government backed scheme that aims to rebuild every secondary school in England over a 10-15 year period.
Councillors will need to consider a number of detailed terms and conditions to which the council must agree before the funding is given final approval.
Councillor Alan Hodgkinson (responsible for Children and Young People’s Services) commented: 'The announcement that the funding has been brought forward has a major impact on a number of other important issues, such as our commitment to building a sports centre in that area of Oakham. This is still very new information so I am sure that the picture will become a lot clearer during the next few weeks.'
Mr. Hodgkinson added, 'We also have to think very carefully about what we want on the Vale of Catmose site once it is rebuilt. Whilst the easy option would be to rebuild what presently exists, we don’t want to miss an opportunity to add something better to the existing facilities. We need to look closely at the whole provision of 14-19 education in Rutland, particularly in vocational areas.'
Councillors will discuss the issue on Monday 10 July at the public meeting of Full Council. Members will be asked to decide whether to accept the funding to rebuild VCC.
If approved by Councillors, the opening date of a rebuilt Vale of Catmose College would most likely be September 2009 rather than 2011. The ‘substantial improvements’ to the other two colleges in Rutland, Uppingham Community College and Casterton Community College, remain scheduled for 2015.
For more information about Building Schools for the Future visit www.bsf.gov.uk
Princess Anne visits Rutland (Tuesday 6 June 2006)
Princess AnnePrincess Anne was warmly welcomed to Rutland (Monday 5 June) as she completed four engagements, including three official openings, around the county.
The sun was shining for the royal trip that included visits to the Rutland Care Village, Jules Youth Centre, Oakham Veterinary Hospital and Ashwell Prison.
HRH arrived by plane into RAF Cottesmore shortly after 11.30am. She was received by Dr. Laurence Howard (Lord Lieutenant of Rutland) and Keith Franklin (Chief Executive of Rutland County Council).
On arrival at the Rutland Care Village, Her Royal Highness was greeted by The High Sheriff of Rutland (Mrs. Miranda Hall), the Chairman of Rutland County Council (Mr. Vijay Dighe), the Mayor of Oakham (Councillor Hector Wolley) and the Chairman of Prime Life (Peter Van Herrewege).
During the visit, HRH was shown around the new development meeting residents, staff and those involved in the creation of the partnership (to build the new care home) between Rutland County Council and Prime Life.
Once at Jules One Stop, HRH met with representatives from Rutland County Council, Connexions Lincolnshire and Rutland, The Welland Partnership and the Welland Sub-Regional Strategic Partnership.
Her Royal Highness also spent time with Mrs. Jill Weight who was the founder of the original Jules, which she established in memory of her daughter who died at an early age.
Her Royal Highness arrived at Oakham Veterinary Hospital where the Lord-Lieutenant presented Mr William Bevin (Partner, Oakham Veterinary Hospital).
During this part of the visit, Her Royal Highness met members of staff and viewed the operating theatres and dental room.
The final leg of the trip was Ashwell Prison and HRH met the Governor (Mr. Chris Di Paolo), The Deputy Governor (Miss Deborah McGivern and The Principal Officer (Mr. Nigel Layton).
HRH then met with those involved (organisers and prisoners) in the Community Projects Team, before visiting the Potatopak Production Workshop. This gave the HRH an opportunity to meet prisoners engaged in the production of biodegradable packaging from potatoes.
Oakham Bypass Works (Tuesday 6 June 2006)
Oakham BypassThe Oakham Bypass team at Rutland County Council are planning to lift eleven beams (with a combined weight of nearly 900 tonnes!) into position within just 15 hours this weekend.
The challenging task is due to get underway at 21:00 on Saturday 10 June and will involve lifting the beams so that they form the basis for the new bridge that will eventually carry bypass traffic over the railway line.
Oakham Bypass Project Manager, David Mellor, says: 'We will do our best to keep disruption to an absolute minimum during the bridge works. Lifting these huge beams into place is a noisy process but it is something that we have to do at this stage to enable the bypass project to remain on schedule. I am hopeful that, weather permitting, we will get the job done this weekend and our backup dates later this month will not be required.'
Mr. Mellor added, 'I would like to thank everybody for their understanding in advance of the work being carried out. I would also ask that anybody who wants to watch the operation being carried out does so from the existing section of road for the obvious health and safety reasons.'
The eleven bridge beams will be lifted by an 800 tonne capacity crane and are over 27 metres long. For safety reasons, this work has to take place when the railway line is not being used and to avoid disruption to passengers, Network Rail will only allow us to do this overnight (materials will arrive during Saturday).
Bypass Officer, John Hall, says, 'We hope to get the work completed by midday on Sunday (11 June). However, high winds or heavy rain could cause a postponement, although the weather forecast is looking as good as it could do for this weekend. It is also worth bearing in mind that Network Rail can cancel our plans at any time for their operational reasons – we are not aware of any possibility of this happening.'
Two backup weekends have been provisionally booked – 17-18 June and 24-25 June. For more information please visit the Oakham Bypass website at www.rutland.gov.uk/bypass
Poop Scoop Week 2006
rutland dog mascot Rutty launches poopscoop weekRutland County Council Dog Warden, Barry Briggs, says he is delighted with the response he has received from Town Councils and Parish Councils for Poop Scoop Week (Monday 26 June) 2006.
Letters were sent out to the above groups earlier this month inviting them to take part.
Rutland Dog Warden Barry Briggs said, 'Dog waste is not only offensive but represents a serious health risk to people. The poop scoops we have handed out will hopefully make a real difference and I would like to thank the Town Councils and Parish Councils who have signed up to the scheme for their support.'
Barry added, 'It is hoped that by distributing the bags around Rutland, the small minority of dog owners who allow their pets to foul the pavement will stop doing so. The ‘poop scoop’ bags are available from selected outlets around Rutland and I would urge anyone who takes their dog ‘walkies’ to collect a bag before they set out.'
The Town Councils and Parish Councils taking part include:
* Town Councils – Oakham (poop scoops available from Victoria Hall) and Uppingham
* Parish Councils – Cottesmore, Ryhall, Exton, Edith Weston, Braunston, South Luffenham, and Ketton.
The Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 requires the dog owner to pick up the mess in the event of the dog fouling in a designated area. They should dispose of it at home or (if wrapped securely in a plastic bag) in a nearby litterbin. If people let their pets foul there is a £50 fixed penalty for an offence but, if taken to court, it could cost pet owners a maximum of £1,000.
Dog owners are being urged to follow the simple GRAB IT, BAG IT AND BIN IT plan to show how easy it is for dog owners to scoop that poopÂ…
1) GRAB IT – Always keep a supply of plastic bags near your dog’s lead so you don’t forget to take a poop scoop bag with you on every walk. Simply insert your hand in the plastic bag and pick up your dogs’ waste. It’s easy and not as bad as you think.
2) BAG IT – Carefully turn the plastic bag inside out and your dogs mess will then be ‘bagged’.
3) BIN IT – Dispose of your bag in a ‘Poop’ bin. Contrary to popular belief, dog waste can also be put into a public litterbin if a specific dog wastebin is not provided.
For those who live in an area not involved in the campaign, you can pick up ‘poop scoop’ bags from the Rutland County Council offices during working hours.
For more information please contact Rutland County Council on 01572 722 577.
Grants
Back in 2006 Rutland County Council and Not Oakham Town Council used to dish out grants to their friends.
Councillor Peter Jones presented four grant awards to members of the Rutland community earlier this month at Oakham Castle.
Oakham Festival (5000), Uppingham Fringe (1850), Bowmen of Rutland (250) and international angler Luke Shevlin (500) were the beneficiaries of the money from Rutland County Council.
Other grants were also awarded to organisations including:
* Colin Clews, CiCLE race organiser (250) (RCC still sponsor this event a little more than £250)
* Kathryn Birks, Athlete (100)
* George Cheetham, Athlete (250)
* Ridlington Cricket Club (250)
Arboretum Tree Planting 2006
Capt. DigheThe Chairman of Rutland County Council, Capt. Vijay Dighe has decided to remember his time in office by planting a new tree in the Catmose Arboretum.
Capt. Dighe this week (Thursday) planted a Scots Pine near to the Council Offices in Oakham. The young tree will eventually grow to around 80ft.
Capt. Dighe is currently enjoying his second year as Chairman of Rutland County Council
Steamy French Market
Rutland Morris MenThe Continental Market is visiting Oakham over the May Day Bank Holiday, Sunday 30 April and Monday 1 May from 10am until 4pm in Oakham Market Place and Castle grounds.
With the now familiar array of cheese, olives, and freshly baked bread maybe a picnic in Oakham Castle grounds or Cutts Close, is one of your pastimes over the weekend.
Adding to the event, local steam enthusiasts will be showcasing their engines including radio controlled boats and miniature traction engines.
Brooke Hill School and the Bourne Morris Men will be keeping alive the traditional May Day dancing with displays from around 12.30 until 2.30 on Monday afternoon.
This is the first in the 2006 programme of Oakham Sunday Fayres. The next one on Sunday 11 June will be the Oakham Plant and Garden Fayre. The Make A Wish Foundation working with Oakham Town Partnership will be hosting friends from outer Space for a second intergalactic day.
For more information please contact Stevie Jackson from the Oakham Town Partnership on 01572 725 990
Oakham Somerfield Site 2006 (Now Wilko)
In an attempt to avoid any confusion, Rutland County Council would like to make it clear that the future use of the Somerfield site in Oakham is the responsibility of the tenant not the County Council.
Recent weeks have seen a number of suggestions put forward from people who have their own ideas about what the site could be used for.
However, the council leased (over 20 years ago) the land to a property investment company (who had sub-leased to Somerfield) and under the terms of that contract they are responsible for the site, and therefore any new occupier.
Deputy Leader of Rutland County Council, Terry King, says, 'We are obviously pleased that so many local members of the community have shown such interest in the use of this site and the majority of the ideas put forward have been extremely good. However, the council does not choose who the new tenant will be so whilst these ideas should be commended, we cannot directly influence the future use of the site. The council will endeavour to offer guidance and assistance to any new user of the site in an attempt to ensure the site continues to play a key role in the area.'
Mr. King added, 'The Council has no indication at this time who the new tenant is likely to be.'
Affordable Housing Boost 2006
Affordable HousingThe provision of affordable housing in Rutland has been given a boost after the Housing Corporation awarded £3.4 million pounds to help build 80 new affordable homes in the county over the next two years.
The money has been awarded to local housing associations, with The Longhurst Group (who manage Rutland council houses through Spire Homes) the biggest beneficiary of the funding.
Director of Housing, Colin Foster, says, 'The housing associations submitted this bid six months ago in partnership with the council. We are obviously pleased to receive over three million pounds that will enable us to be able to provide more affordable homes. However, even 40 a year will not keep up with the need for affordable housing that we know exists in the County.'
Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Housing, Peter Golden, says, 'Rutland County Council already does extremely well when it comes to providing affordable homes and this funding will build on that success. But there remains a great need as Rutland house prices are the highest in the East Midlands at an average of some £250,000. We are always working with parish council and others to find suitable sites and have a number of success stories such as the former Cottesmore Hunt Kennels and Northbrook Close, Greetham.'
The money will be used to develop affordable homes in a number of locations around the county including Uppingham and several villages including Exton, Barrowden and Braunston.
The Housing Corporation is the Government Agency that funds and regulates over 1500 Housing Associations across England. More information about them is available at The Housing Coporation Website'
For more information about affordable housing please contact Rutland County Council on (01572) 722 577.
Bypass Earth Moving March 2006
Bypass Bridge WorksThe first stages of major earthmoving as part of the bypass project get underway shortly as the bridge that will carry traffic over the railway line begins to take shape.
Earth will be taken from the southern section of the bypass (between A606 Stamford and A6003 Uppingham) to form the embankments of the railway bridge near to Schofield Road.
Bypass Officer John Hall says: 'As we move into the spring season and the weather and ground conditions generally improve, we are able to start moving earth to the areas where we need it. This is scheduled to start in the next couple of weeks and will involve it being transported along the existing section of the bypass route during normal working hours. Any disruption will be kept to an absolute minimum.'
Mr. Hall added, 'Moving earth can be a messy business but we already have roadsweepers on standby to clear up (if required) when a lorry leaves the site and this practice will continue. I am confident that the majority of road users will see very little difference to the present situation.'
Mr. Hall went on to say, 'We will also have to transport a small quantity of earth to the western side of the railway bridge. This will involve lorries travelling through the town centre but again we will do everything we can to minimise disruption.'
For more information about the Oakham Bypass please visit the Oakham Bypass website
Dog Fouling Warning March 2006
Barry urges use of Poop Scoop BagsThe Rutland Dog Warden is warning pet owners not to allow their dogs to foul the pavements in Rutland – and warns them he we not hesitate to issue a £50 penalty if he catches them doing so.
Extra patrols are being mounted to combat the problem that seems to be worse during the winter months.
Dog Warden Barry Briggs says, 'It seems that dog owners use the cover of darkness to allow their pet to foul the pavement. When the evenings are lighter, I generally find that dog owners are better at picking up their pets mess when they know the neighbours can see them.'
Barry added, 'Over the next few weeks I will be mounting evening patrols on foot and in an unmarked vehicle to catch those responsible. I will not necessarily be in the marked dog van or wearing my uniform but I will produce identification if I have to confront somebody. Anyone discovered not clearing up their dogs mess will risk a court appearance or a fixed penalty fine of £50.'
Barry went on to say, 'This is not a problem particular to one area of Rutland. I think it is something that applies in most areas and this is unacceptable. I will be targeting well known problem areas in the hope of catching those responsible.'
If anybody wants to report a particular problem area they can contact Barry through Rutland County Council on 01572 722 577.
Customer Service Centre temporary closure January 2008
The Rutland County Council Customer Service Centre will be closed from 2:30pm on Friday 25th January for renovation work.
Normal opening hours will be resumed on Monday 28th of January.
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
If you have any queries regarding this closure please speak to one of our Customer Service Advisers on 01572 722577.
SECTION A – DEALING WITH THE PUBLIC
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