Oakham Rutland and Rutland News Martin Brookes

Tuesday, January 06, 2026

Oakham Debuts New 24/7 Digital Parcel Post Box

Oakham have just received a high-tech upgrade. In a move to modernise one of Britain’s most recognisable symbols, has transformed a traditional red post box in the town center into a "."

Equipped with a and a high-tech , this upgrade allows residents to bypass the Post Office counter entirely for small parcels, offering a 24/7 solution for the modern era of online shopping.

As online shopping and returns continue to rise, Royal Mail is repurposing its existing infrastructure to meet changing demands. By retrofitting the iconic red boxes with a larger drop-down hatch and smart technology, the company is making parcel shipping as easy as posting a letter.

The new design features a solar-powered cap, ensuring the internal electronics and scanners remain operational using . This allows the hatch to accommodate items up to 44x35x16cm—roughly the size of a standard shoebox.

How the New Digital Post Boxes Work

Shipping a parcel no longer requires waiting in line. The process is now fully integrated with the :

Buy & Print Postage: Purchase your label online via the Royal Mail website or app and fix it to your parcel.

Locate: Use the "" feature in the app to find the digital post box in Oakham.
Scan: Use the app to scan the 2D barcode on your parcel’s label.

Drop: Once scanned, the secure large-capacity hatch opens, allowing you to deposit your pre-paid parcel.

Confirm: You will receive instant digital proof of posting and tracking information directly within the app.

The Oakham installation is part of a major nationwide strategy to expand the Royal Mail network. By integrating digital technology into the physical landscape of UK towns, Royal Mail aims to provide a more flexible and convenient service for small businesses and consumers alike.

As thousands of these boxes are rolled out across the country, the sight of a resident scanning a parcel in the middle of the night may soon become as common as dropping off a letter.

The next Uppingham Town Council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, 7th January 2026, at 7:00 pm.

The meeting will be held at and is open to members of the council and the public

The agenda for the upcoming meeting includes several key items for discussion and decision.

The council will review bank accounts, including the , and building society accounts with Hinckley & Rugby, , and

. There are specific proposals to authorise payments exceeding £5,000, including significant investments in lighting and path improvements on

A variety of planning proposals are on the table, ranging from the conversion of a flat into two self-contained units on to the installation of an illuminated scoreboard at the

. Tree works are also scheduled for review at and

The council will receive updates and minutes from recent meetings of the and other sub-groups

Opportunities are provided for both the public and to speak and raise relevant local issues

This upcoming meeting follows a productive session on December 3rd, 2025, where the council addressed their : A budget of £271,698 was approved for the 2026/27 financial year, with a precept demand of £211,148 issued to

Decisions were made to adopt additional locations and to apply for a through the Police & Crime Commissioner

The status of as statutory land was confirmed, and the council authorised the Clerk to sign new leases for the local

.

Residents are encouraged to attend to stay informed about these local developments.

www.uppinghamtowncouncil.gov.uk/council-meetings

Rutland County Council Cabinet Budget Strategy and Waste Contracts Take Center Stage, Your Money, Your Services: Don’t Let the January 13th Budget Meeting Pass You By!

Rutland County Council Cabinet Budget Strategy and Waste Contracts Take Center Stage

Rutland County Council Cabinet is set to convene on Tuesday, 13th January 2026, for a pivotal session that will define the county’s financial trajectory and the future of its essential frontline services.

The meeting, held at the Council Chamber in Catmose, will focus on two heavyweight issues: the multi-year financial strategy and a high-stakes decision regarding waste and street scene services.

1. The Financial Blueprint: 2026-2029

The most significant item on the public agenda is Report No. 04/2026, the Draft Integrated Budget Plan and Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS).

Presented by the Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Governance and Resources, this plan outlines the council’s spending and saving priorities for the next three years. With local government funding under continued scrutiny, the MTFS serves as the council’s "financial compass." Key elements include

Directorate Ambitions: Detailed plans for how departments will deliver services while meeting "Key Lines of Enquiry" (KLOEs) for efficiency.
Fees and Charges: A reviewed policy (Appendix E) that determines how much residents pay for specific local services.
Grant Register: A transparent look at the external funding and central government grants the council relies upon to balance the books.

This budget sets the stage for the council's ability to maintain infrastructure, social care, and education through 2029.

2. Waste and Street Scene Services

Following the budget discussion, the Cabinet will pivot to Waste and Street Scene Services (Report No. 118/2025). This item covers the vital contracts for waste collection and disposal services that impact every household in the county.

Notably, a significant portion of this discussion may happen behind closed doors. The Cabinet is recommended to exclude the press and public under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972. This is due to the inclusion of "exempt information" regarding the financial or business affairs of specific parties, likely involving sensitive commercial bids or contract negotiations.

3. Oversight and Governance

The meeting will also address:

Scrutiny Reports: Feedback from the council’s scrutiny committees, ensuring that executive decisions are challenged and reviewed by non-cabinet members.
Minutes Review: Formal approval of decisions made during the November and December 2025 meetings.

Meeting Logistics

Date/Time: Tuesday, 13th January 2026, at 10:00 am.
Location: Council Chamber, Catmose, Oakham, LE15 6HP.
Public Access: Members of the public can attend the open sessions. However, Item 8 (Waste Contracts) is expected to move into a private session

(Appendix B)

The Budget Proposal tables for the 2026/27 financial year represent a critical balancing act for Rutland County Council. The figures highlight three main areas of focus:

Cost Pressures vs. Efficiencies: The tables detail "KLOEs" (Key Lines of Enquiry) which identify where the council plans to find savings without compromising statutory services. This involves a mix of administrative streamlining and service redesign.
Grant Reliance: Appendix D (The Grant Register) shows a continued reliance on specific central government grants to fund social care and infrastructure, making the local budget sensitive to national policy shifts.
Proposed Hikes in Fees & Charges: To offset inflation and rising operational costs, Appendix E suggests adjustments to discretionary fees. This likely includes parking, planning applications, and leisure services, aiming to shift the cost burden from the general taxpayer to the service user.

Your Money, Your Services: Don’t Let the January 13th Budget Meeting Pass You By!

Rutland County Council is about to set the financial roadmap for the next three years (2026–2029). From how often your bins are collected to how much it costs to park in Oakham or Uppingham, these decisions affect YOU.

The Cabinet meets on Tuesday, 13th January at 10:00 am, and the stakes are high: The Budget Plan: New proposals for spending on social care, roads, and schools. Waste Services: Future contract options for bin collections and street cleaning. Fees & Charges: Potential increases in costs for local services.

How to get involved:

https://rutlandcounty.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx

Read the Papers: The full "Integrated Budget Plan" is available online. Knowledge is power!
Contact Your Ward Councillor: Ask them how these budget variations will affect your specific neighborhood. You can find your councillor here: https://rutlandcounty.moderngov.co.uk/mgMemberIndex.aspx
Submit a Question: Residents can often submit questions for public participation (check the Council's standing orders for deadlines!).
Attend the Meeting: Head to the Council Chamber at Catmose to watch the debate in person.

Your voice matters. Make sure the Council knows your priorities before the 2026/27 budget is set in stone.

#Rutland #Oakham #Uppingham #LocalGovernment #RutlandBudget2026 #CommunityAction

Rutland County Council Opens Key Consultation Following Local Plan Examination Hearings

Rutland County Council has announced a significant milestone in the development of its future planning strategy. Following the independent Planning Inspector’s hearings held in September, the Council has launched a focused consultation on four critical technical documents designed to ensure the "soundness" of the Rutland Local Plan.

The consultation officially opened on January 5, 2026, and provides residents, developers, and stakeholders a final opportunity to comment on specific site assessments and sustainability reports before the Inspector concludes her examination.

The Focus of the Consultation

This stage of the process is specifically designed to address "action points" (identified as document RCC48 in the Examination Library) that arose during the public hearings. The Council is inviting feedback on the following four documents:

1. Supplementary Sites Consultation Document (August 2025) [RCC24]

This report corrects an administrative error by providing full sustainability assessments and "RAG" (red, amber, green) ratings for three sites that were inadvertently omitted from previous evaluations.

View Document: Supplementary Sites Consultation Document [RCC24]

2. Housing and Employment Site Assessment Report (January 2026) [RCC51 & RCC51a]

A comprehensive review of 73 potential sites. This includes reassessing sites that were previously discounted and evaluating locations where boundaries have changed since the original plan submission.

Access Evidence: Local Plan Housing Evidence Base

3. Supplementary Minerals Site Allocation Document (January 2026) [RCC52]

Following hearing discussions regarding the need for a steady supply of both building stone and crushed rock, the Council has proposed an additional minerals site at Hooby Lane North, Stretton (STR03) to ensure the plan meets industrial requirements.

4. Sustainability Appraisal (SA) Report Addendum (December 2025) [RCC53]

This vital document tests the sustainability of different housing growth targets, comparing the current plan of 123 dwellings per year against higher growth scenarios of 160 and 210 dwellings. It also revisits the potential for new settlements at locations such as Woolfox and Oakham South.

How to Have Your Say

The Council has emphasised that this consultation is strictly limited to the content of these four documents. Comments on other aspects of the Local Plan will not be considered at this stage.

Deadline: All responses must be received by 5:00 PM on Monday, February 16, 2026.
Email: Submit representations to localplan@rutland.gov.uk.
Post: Send written comments to: R. Ranson, Head of Planning, Rutland County Council, Catmose, Oakham, LE15 6HP.
In-Person: Documents are available for public viewing at the Customer Service area in Catmose House, Oakham.

Next Steps

Once the consultation closes, all representations will be forwarded directly to the Planning Inspector. These comments will play a decisive role in the Inspector’s final report, which will determine whether the Rutland Local Plan can be formally adopted.

For further details and to view the full Overview and Guidance Note [RCC54], visit the Rutland Local Plan Examination Library.

Monday, January 05, 2026

Community Speed Watch Sends Clear Message To Speeding Drivers In Rutland

Hundreds of motorists have been officially cautioned as the 2025 Community Speed Watch scheme draws to a close, sending a firm reminder that speeding will not be tolerated in the county’s rural villages.

The initiative, a joint effort between , , and the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Road Safety Partnership (LLRRSP), resulted in a total of 638 letters of caution being issued to drivers this year.

Throughout 2025, dedicated volunteers took to the roadside in five key locations to monitor traffic and record those flouting local limits:

(joint scheme)

Equipped with specialised training and monitoring gear, these residents submitted vehicle details directly to the police, who then issued warning letters to the registered keepers. These letters serve as a formal advisory, highlighting the dangers of speeding and the distress it causes within local communities.

Despite the success of the monitoring, officials expressed concern over the high volume of offences. , spokesperson for the LLRRSP, commented “While we are incredibly grateful to Community Speed Watch volunteers for their continued commitment, it remains disappointing that so many drivers continue to exceed speed limits in Rutland’s communities. Excessive speed significantly increases the risk of death and serious injury and has a negative impact on quality of life in our rural villages.”

The impact of the scheme extends beyond the letters sent. Councillor Christine Wise, Portfolio Holder for Transport, Environment and Communities, explained that the data collected by volunteers is vital for future planning. "What we hear from local volunteers helps us decide where further action is needed, including where are installed as part of ," Cllr Wise said. "This data can be vital in targeting our limited resources and having the most impact on reducing excessive speed."

While the 2025 scheme has concluded, the LLRRSP has confirmed that police presence on Rutland’s roads will remain high. Officers will continue to target not only speeding but also mobile phone use, seatbelt offences, and drink or drug driving as seasonal road conditions change.

Rutland County Council has extended its thanks to all parish volunteers for their dedication to making the county's roads safer.

Want to get involved?

Communities interested in participating in the 2026 Community Speed Watch activity are encouraged to contact the at transport@rutland.gov.uk.

Rutland County Council Steps Up Support for Rough Sleepers as Freezing Temperatures Hit Rutland

As winter tightens its grip on the county, Rutland County Council has issued an urgent reminder of the support available to those facing the life-threatening reality of sleeping rough in freezing conditions.

With temperatures forecast to drop significantly this week, the Council has mobilised its Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP). This protocol ensures that additional emergency accommodation is made available to anyone found sleeping on the streets, regardless of their usual eligibility for housing assistance.

Freezing conditions pose a severe risk to health, and the Council is calling on the local community to act as its "eyes and ears" to ensure no one is left out in the cold.

If you see someone sleeping rough in Oakham, Uppingham, or any of Rutland’s villages, the Council urges you to report it immediately. Your call could be a lifeline.

During Office Hours: Call the Housing Options Team on 01572 758157.
Evenings and Weekends: For urgent assistance outside of normal working hours, please call 01858 464 499.

Residents can also alert the Council to the location of a rough sleeper via StreetLink, the national service that connects people sleeping rough with local support providers.

The Council’s dedicated Housing Options Team works year-round alongside partners such as P3 (Rutland Floating Support) and the Rough Sleepers Initiative to provide more than just a bed.

“Our priority is to get people off the streets and into the warm as quickly as possible,” a spokesperson for the Council stated. “But it doesn't stop there. Once safe, we work with individuals to address the root causes of their homelessness—whether that’s financial advice, mental health support, or help finding a permanent home.”

If you are at risk of homelessness or want to learn more about the services available in the county, please visit the Council’s dedicated support page:

www.rutland.gov.uk/homeless

Choosing Compassion, Rutland Leader Gale Waller Shares Vision for 2026

In her latest column for the Rutland Times, Rutland County Council Leader Gale Waller (Lib Dem) has issued a poignant New Year’s message, calling for a transition from global "darkness" toward a local culture of compassion and shared humanity.

Reflecting on a year marked by international conflict and rising domestic tensions, Cllr Gale Waller urged residents to look beyond their differences as they enter 2026.

While the New Year is traditionally a time of celebration, Gale Waller’s message opened with a sobering reflection on the state of the world. She highlighted the ongoing war in Ukraine and the dire situation in Gaza as shadows over the global landscape.

Closer to home, she noted a troubling rise in Antisemitism and anti-immigration sentiment. Abuse directed at local politicians, both online and in person.

By acknowledging these "dark" realities, Gale Waller framed her message not just as a seasonal greeting, but as a call to action for civic decency.

Drawing on the diverse fabric of faith and tradition, Gale Waller noted that the "celebration of light" is a thread that connects almost every major world religion and philosophy during the winter months.

From the Christian celebration of the birth of Christ and the Jewish festival of Hanukkah to the Hindu, Sikh, and Jain traditions of Diwali and the pagan observance of the winter solstice, she argued that the desire for "light entering the world" is a universal human instinct.

"It is not just the physical light of the sun in these dark winter days that we need to celebrate, but the light of compassion, understanding and common humanity," Gale Waller wrote.

The core of the Leader’s message was a plea for empathy. She reminded residents that despite differences in food, clothing, or customs, the fundamental human desires—family, food, and a secure home—remain the same for everyone.

She encouraged the community to Step into the shoes of others rather than turning away from those who are different. Increase charitable giving and support for the less fortunate. Visit lonely neighbours to combat isolation.

As Rutland families gathered to relax and party, Gale Waller also took a moment to recognise those who do not have the luxury of a holiday break. She expressed "genuine sympathy and admiration" for the emergency services and essential staff who work through the festive period to keep the county running.

Gale Waller concluded her column with a hopeful outlook, wishing the people of Rutland a "profitable, joyous and kind 2026." Her message serves as a reminder that while local government manages the "bricks and mortar" of the county, the strength of Rutland lies in the kindness and resilience of its people.

End of an Era Barbara’s Store Empingham Rutland to Close After 58 Years

For nearly six decades, it has been the heartbeat of the village, a place for a morning paper, a quick pint of milk, and a friendly chat. But this week, the community of Empingham received the bittersweet news that Barbara’s Store will officially close its doors in June 2026.

The announcement marks the end of a remarkable 58-year legacy of service by Barbara and her family. In a heartfelt message to friends and customers, the family explained that the decision comes after a challenging period of lease negotiations and redevelopment plans for the site.

According to the family, the closure was triggered by a proposed lease renewal that would have seen the rent more than double. Additionally, the new terms offered by the landlord would have required the business to operate outside the protections of the Landlord and Tenant Act, creating significant uncertainty for the future.

While there were initial hopes that the shop could be sold as a "going concern" to a new owner, the family noted that the landlord and their agent opted to market the property themselves.

"We wanted to keep the shop open until a new owner was found and gave the agent many options for this to happen, but we had no response," said Barbara, Wendy, and Martyn in their joint statement.

The property is set to undergo a significant transformation. The landlord intends to redevelop the space into a larger retail unit featuring separate living accommodation.

Faced with these changes, the family reached an agreement to be released from the long-term lease, with Wendy and Martyn taking on a short-term lease to facilitate the final months of trading and oversee the winding down of the business.

Since the mid-1960s, Barbara’s Store has been more than just a retail space; it has been a cornerstone of village life. The news has already sparked a wave of nostalgia and gratitude among residents.

"We have made many friends over this time and hope the village gets its shop back soon," the family shared, reflecting on over half a century of memories.

While the exact closing date in June 2026 is yet to be finalised, the family has assured the community that it remains "business as usual" for the time being. Residents are encouraged to stop by, share their memories, and support the shop during its final chapters.

As the family prepares to move on to "pastures new," the village of Empingham prepares to say a long and fond farewell to a local institution that has served them faithfully since 1968.

Friday, January 02, 2026

Hundreds Take the Plunge for Annual New Year’s Day Dip at Rutland Water

While most of the county was nursing a post-celebration lie-in, nearly 400 brave souls gathered at Whitwell Creek on New Year’s Day morning to kick off 2026 with a literal splash.

The annual New Year’s Day Dip saw a record turnout this year, despite the biting wind and a water temperature that hovered at a bone-chilling 5°C. Participants gathered on the shore shortly before 10:00 AM, shedding layers of warm winter gear to reveal an eclectic mix of swimming attire.

The crowd was a vibrant mix of serious open-water swimmers and festive thrill-seekers. While many opted for the sensible protection of neoprene wetsuits, dozens of others faced the elements in nothing more than standard bathing costumes or swimming trunks.

Fancy dress remains a staple of the event, with the shoreline decorated by a parade of superheroes, penguins, and even seasonal fruit. Among them was Nicole, who stood out in a bright red strawberry costume.

"It’s definitely a shock to the system," Nicole laughed, shivering slightly as she dried off. "But the energy here is incredible. Everyone is cheering each other on—it’s just a great atmosphere and the best way to wake up for the new year."

Organisers and safety marshals were on hand to monitor the swimmers as they waded into the creek. Due to the low temperatures, participants were advised to stay in for only short bursts to avoid the risks of cold-water shock.

Despite the initial gasps as the water hit chest height, the mood remained jubilant. After the dip, swimmers quickly scrambled for towels and headed toward the cafe for much-needed hot chocolates and bacon rolls.

The event has grown steadily in popularity over the years, becoming a Rutland tradition that balances physical grit with community spirit. For the 400 people who braved the creek today, 2026 has certainly started on a high if slightly frozen note.