Welcome to the Oakham and Rutland News
The latest updates from the vibrant heart of Oakham and Rutland.
Our new local news website is your go-to source for comprehensive coverage of everything happening in our community. From breaking news and local events to community spotlights and personal reflections, we've got you covered.
Visitors to one of Rutland’s historic landmarks will need to adjust their walking routes for the foreseeable future. Rutland County Council has announced the temporary closure of the steps and surrounding area connecting Cutts Close to Oakham Castle following significant structural damage.
The closure comes after a recent incident left the pedestrian access route unstable and potentially dangerous for members of the public.
According to an official statement issued by Oakham Castle management, extensive damage has been identified along the steps. Crucially, the impact is not just limited to the modern walkway; the incident has also caused significant damage to the motte the historic earthwork mound upon which the castle’s original fortifications were built.
Because the ground has been rendered unstable, authorities have cordoned off the area to ensure public safety.
The steps and immediate surrounding area linking Cutts Close to Oakham Castle are temporarily closed to all pedestrian traffic until further notice.
Repairing a site of such immense historical value is far more complicated than a standard construction fix. Because Oakham Castle is a protected heritage site, Rutland County Council cannot simply move in with heavy machinery.
The council is currently in active discussions with English Heritage to determine the most sensitive and appropriate way forward. Experts must balance the urgent need to stabilise the ground with the strict preservation rules required to protect the ancient motte.
Because of these complex preservation factors, officials have warned that the process may take some time before a permanent solution is implemented.
While the loss of this popular access point is frustrating for locals and tourists alike, council officials are urging the public to respect the barriers for their own safety.
In the statement, Oakham Castle management expressed their gratitude to the community:
"We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding while specialist advice is sought and the safest, most appropriate solution is considered."
Alternative access routes to the castle grounds remain open, and visitors are encouraged to use these designated paths while heritage experts plan the delicate restoration work ahead.
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Leicestershire Fire and Rescue were called out to the pub in King Edwards Way at about 1pm.
No-one was injured in the blaze but a parrot belonging to the landlord, who lived above the pub, died in the blaze.
Fire crews from Oakham, Stamford, Corby, Melton and Wigston were called. The command support vehicle from Shepshed was also called and a logistical support unit from Uppingham.
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There is a brilliant new reason for families in Gretton to look forward to the weekend. A brand-new series of free football training sessions has officially launched, specifically designed to get the village’s youngest aspiring athletes moving, learning, and having fun.
Aimed at children under the age of six, these sessions offer a fantastic, pressure-free introduction to the beautiful game.
Finding engaging, active weekend programs for little ones can sometimes be a challenge—and a costly one at that. Gretton’s new initiative tackles both problems at once by keeping things simple, local, and completely free of charge.
The main focus of these Saturday morning gatherings isn't strict tactical drilling or intense competition. Instead, it is all about building confidence, developing basic motor skills like coordination and balance, and teaching the basics of teamwork through playful, football-themed games.
It is also a wonderful opportunity for local parents to get outdoors, connect with neighbors, and cheer on their kids as they take their very first steps into the sport.
The sessions are designed to fit perfectly into your weekend routine, operating on a relaxed "just turn up" basis. There are no complicated online registration forms or upfront fees to worry about.
When Every Saturday morning from 09:00 to 10:30
Season Run Weekly sessions now ongoing through Saturday, 26 September 2026
Where Gretton Recreation Ground (Accessed via Doctors Lane, just off Kirby Road, Gretton)
Cost100% Free
Getting involved couldn't be easier. On Saturday morning, simply lace up your child's trainers, head down to the Recreation Ground, and look for Dave Moffatt (affectionately known to everyone as 'Moff'). Dave will be on hand to welcome new families, introduce the youngsters to the group, and answer any questions you might have.
Whether your child is already obsessed with kicking a ball around the garden or has never even touched a football before, all skill levels are incredibly welcome. Grab a coffee, bring your energy, and come join the fun this Saturday
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In a major U-turn during last night’s Full Council meeting, Oakham Town Council voted to halt a contentious sports facilities redevelopment strategy that had sparked uncertainty for local sports groups.
The decision marks a significant victory for the Oakham Bowls Club and Oakham Tennis Club, both of which faced potential impacts under previous council plans.
The council voted to overturn a prior resolution regarding local sports infrastructure, opting instead to back a new proposal brought forward by Cllr Martin Brookes and Cllr Sally-Anne Wadsworth.
The approved motion effectively shelves the initial phases of a confidential master plan titled Sports Facilities Feasibility & Redevelopment Strategy. Under the newly resolved terms:
Feasibility Work Halted: The Council will not move forward with Phase 1 feasibility work outlined in the confidential strategy.
Funding Withdrawn: A total of £25,000 in earmarked funding has been clawed back. This includes £10,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and £15,000 from the council’s general reserves.
The withdrawn funds were originally intended to bankroll Phase 1 activities, which included site searches, valuations, development appraisals, planning feasibility, and associated professional advice. By blocking this funding, the council has effectively protected the immediate future of the historic bowls and tennis clubs at their current sites.
Rutland Lions Named as Mayor's Charity for 2026–2027
Beyond the intense debate over local sports infrastructure, the meeting also brought positive news for the local voluntary sector.
Oakham Town Council formally agreed that the official Mayor's Charity for the 2026–2027 civic year will be the Rutland Lions.
"I am pleased to share that Oakham Town Council has formally agreed to support the Rutland Lions," the Mayor stated following the meeting. "I look forward to supporting their excellent work in our community over the coming year."
The Rutland Lions are well-known throughout the region for their community service, fundraising efforts, and support of local causes. The official designation ensures they will be the primary beneficiary of the Mayor’s fundraising events over the next twelve months.
Oakham Town Council Welcomes Two Familiar Faces to Fill Council Vacancies
Oakham Town Council has officially expanded its ranks this week, successfully co-opting two experienced local figures to help steer the town’s future.
The council announced the appointment of David Romney and Ben Callaghan, both of whom bring a wealth of local government experience back to the chamber.
The two new co-opted members are far from strangers to the local political landscape:
David Romney, a well-known figure in the community, Dave Romney makes a return to the town council. As a former member and past Mayor of Oakham, his deep understanding of civic duties and local history is expected to provide immediate stability and insight.
Ben Callaghan, bringing invaluable top-tier local government experience, Ben Callaghan is a former Rutland County Councillor. His familiarity with wider county-level logistics and community advocacy will be a major asset to the town-level team.
The addition of both members is seen as a significant win for the council, injecting proven leadership into ongoing local initiatives.
Two Vacancies Remain, could It Be You?
While the arrival of Councillors Romney and Callaghan strengthens the team, Oakham Town Council's work is not yet done. Two vacancies still remain on the council.
If you have ever wanted to have a direct say in local parks, community events, planning consultations, and the overall wellbeing of Oakham, now is your chance. Co-option is an excellent route into local politics, bypassing a formal public election while still allowing you to serve as a fully functioning councillor.
How to Apply:
If you are interested in stepping up for your community and being co-opted into one of the remaining seats, please contact the Oakham Town Council directly to request an application form.
Rutland’s transition to a greener transport system is taking a significant step forward. Rutland County Council has announced a major expansion of its public electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, backed by freshly secured government funding. The council has secured £257,000 of capital funding through the Government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) programme. This new investment builds directly on the foundations laid by Rutland's initial LEVI pilot project, which launched in 2024.
To maximise the impact of the funding, Rutland is working regionally as part of the Fourth Midlands Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Consortium alongside Worcestershire, Warwickshire, and Leicestershire County Councils. By collaborating across borders, these local authorities aim to streamline infrastructure procurement, share best practices, and drastically improve public EV network coverage for drivers traveling through the heart of the region.
Following a competitive procurement process, the council has split its installation strategy between two specialized charge point operators to handle distinct driver needs. Connected Kerb has been awarded the contract to install 7kW standard chargers, guaranteeing the delivery of at least 70 new units across the county. These chargers are ideal for residents who leave their vehicles parked for longer periods or overnight. For drivers needing a quick top-up on the go, EZO has been contracted to install five 50kW rapid chargers at key locations.
The initiative specifically targets one of the most significant bottlenecks in electric vehicle adoption: providing reliable public facilities for residents, businesses, and visitors who do not have access to off-street parking or private driveways.
"This investment marks an important step forward in expanding Rutland’s EV charging network and supporting the transition to more sustainable transport," said Councillor Oliver Hemsley, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Transport. "By increasing the availability of public charge points across the county, we are helping to make electric vehicle ownership more practical and accessible for residents, businesses and visitors."
Industry partners share equal enthusiasm for the rollout. Chris Pateman‑Jones, CEO of Connected Kerb, noted that the key to switching to an electric vehicle starts with having a convenient place to charge where people live and park for longer periods of time. He emphasised that expanding on-street options gives residents greater peace of mind that an electric vehicle can realistically fit into everyday life.
Ollie Chatten, CEO of EZO, echoed this sentiment, emphasising that their focus will remain on providing reliable, user-friendly rapid charging options to give drivers traveling through the wider Midlands region ultimate confidence.
While the funding and operators have been finalised, exact installation maps and deployment timelines have not yet been made public. Rutland County Council has stated that specific location choices and delivery schedules will be officially announced in the near future.
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For a county with deep, historical roots tied to the Royal Air Force, Rutland holds a quiet but deeply significant place in Britain's aviation heritage. Yet, despite the generations of servicemen and women who have called this county home and the many who ultimately gave their lives Rutland currently lacks a dedicated public memorial to honor their sacrifices. Two local RAF veterans have now stepped forward on a personal mission to change that, launching a community-backed initiative to bring a permanent tribute to the heart of the county.
The campaign is spearheaded by Barry Swallow, an RAF veteran and the current Standard Bearer for the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) Rutland Branch, alongside Ian Reynolds, a fellow veteran and the branch’s Treasurer. While the pair are undertaking this project as independent individuals outside of their official RAFA roles, they carry the full enthusiastic backing of the Rutland Branch Committee and prominent local dignitaries, including the Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland, Dr. Sarah Furness, and the High Sheriff of Rutland, Susannah Fish.
Barry's Swallow’s inspiration for the project came from observing similar tributes across the country, noting that many other towns and villages have long possessed beautiful spaces dedicated to remembrance. Recognising the distinct lack of such a monument in Rutland, he realised how appropriate and deeply meaningful it would be for the local community to establish a landmark of its own.
To bring this vision to life, Barry Swallow and Ian Reynolds have partnered with the Roll & Scroll Company based in nearby Grantham, a specialist manufacturer renowned worldwide for crafting high-quality, lasting military memorials. The intended design centers on a striking, bespoke black metal memorial bench featuring intricate scrollwork, dedicated plaques, and the iconic RAF insignia. To make the tribute truly meaningful to the local area, Reynolds is currently conducting extensive research to ensure the final design incorporates distinct elements unique to Rutland’s specific aviation history.
The immediate goal of the campaign is to secure enough funding for a flagship bench to be placed in Oakham. However, the ambition doesn't stop there. If the fundraising drive exceeds its initial targets, the organisers hope to purchase multiple benches, potentially introducing a broader theme to honor the wider Armed Forces community across the county.
As a strictly private fundraiser, the organisers offer a total guarantee to the public that 100% of all donations will go directly toward the purchase, delivery, and secure installation of the benches on a suitable base. No administrative fees or overheads will look to diminish the community's generosity, ensuring every penny honors a legacy.
Ultimately, this bench is intended to be far more than just a place to sit—it is a long-overdue thank you to the personnel who shaped the region. By supporting this venture, the community will help secure the memory of all those RAF personnel who once, even temporarily, called Rutland home, including those who left the county to never return.
A routine community visit turned into a deeply moving moment of mutual appreciation this week at the Rutland Armed Forces Veterans’ Club coffee morning. The Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland, Sarah Furness, attended the gathering with the primary intention of supporting local veterans and presenting a well-deserved donation to the Royal British Legion. However, the tables were turned when the veteran community chose to honour her own steadfast dedication to their cause.
These coffee mornings serve as a vital lifeline for local ex-service members, offering much more than just a social hour. They provide a unique space where veterans can reconnect with the familiar camaraderie of military life, share peer support, and gain direct access to the welfare resources provided by organisations like the Royal British Legion.
The surprise presentation highlights the strong, symbiotic relationship between the Crown’s local representative and the community she serves. It serves as a poignant reminder that behind official titles and ceremonial duties, true community spirit is built on mutual respect, shared stories, and quiet gratitude over a cup of coffee.
