Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service High-Level Rescue Engineer Stranded in Oakham

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service High-Level Rescue Engineer Stranded in Oakham

An afternoon of routine maintenance turned into a dramatic  rescue today in Oakham. A contractor working for Openreach was left stranded high in the air after his equipment suffered a mechanical failure on Willow Crescent.

The engineer was reportedly working from a "cherry picker" aerial platform when the machinery attached to his van malfunctioned, leaving him unable to return to the ground.

The incident occurred on what has been one of the colder days of the week. The engineer was stuck in the air for nearly two hours.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service arrived on the scene to assist. To reach the stranded worker, crews deployed one of their large hydraulic aerial ladder platform. Willow Crescent was closed to all through traffic to allow the heavy fire apparatus space.

A New Chapter for Rutland County Library in Oakham, Temporary Closure for Major Refurbishments

A New Chapter for Rutland County Library in Oakham, Temporary Closure for Major Refurbishments

Exciting changes are coming to Rutland’s library services. To ensure the next phase of modernisation is completed safely and efficiently, Oakham Library will temporarily close starting Monday, 12 January, for approximately two weeks.

This short-term closure is a pivotal step in the wider Living Well Rutland programme, aimed at transforming local libraries into vibrant, flexible community hubs that support learning, health, and wellbeing.

While the doors may be closed briefly, the result will be a significantly enhanced environment for all residents. Once reopened, the library will feature a new layout designed for comfort and accessibility. Key improvements include:

• A Dedicated Community Room: A versatile space for adult and children’s activities, community learning, and wellbeing events.

• Enhanced Children’s Area: A refreshed and engaging space designed to inspire young readers.

• Modern Technology: A suite of brand-new public computers and a more accessible reception desk.

• Youth & Family Support: Next door at the Family Hub, new spaces are being created for young people to meet, alongside a dedicated sensory room for babies and toddlers.

Rutland County Council is committed to minimising disruption. During the two-week closure, residents can still access the following resources

Collections and Returns

You can still return or collect books at a designated point within the Family Hub, located directly next to the library.

Alternative Spaces

The Rutland County Museum will be available for residents to use.

• Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday (10:00 am – 4:00 pm).

• Facilities: Local newspapers and soft seating in the Main Hall.

• Connectivity: While public computers are unavailable at the museum, free Wi-Fi is available for those using personal devices.

Partner Services

Services such as DWP appointments, the Bereavement Hub, and Age UK may be paused or moved to alternative venues. Please contact these providers directly for specific updates.

Library Services Across Rutland

Work is also progressing at other sites across the county:

• Uppingham Library: Services continue to operate successfully from the Town Hall.

• Ketton Library: Expected to reopen toward the end of January; book collections remain available at the Parish Council office.

• Ryhall Library: Remains open as usual.

A Word from the Council

"While we always aim to minimise disruption, the safety of our residents and staff must come first... Once complete, these works will allow our libraries to operate as safe, welcoming and flexible spaces that communities can enjoy for years to come." Councillor Christine Wise, Cabinet Member for Transport, Environment and Communities.

The Council thanks residents for their continued patience as these "Living Well" improvements bring Rutland’s libraries into the modern era.

Storm Goretti: Heavy Rain and Sleet Bring Rutland to a Standstill

Storm Goretti: Heavy Rain and Sleet Bring Rutland to a Standstill

This time 2018

Rutland has woke up to significant disruption this morning as Storm Goretti sweeps across the region. Overnight heavy rain and sleet have transformed local roads into hazards, leading to widespread cancellations of community events, school closures, and emergency response operations that have spanned the early hours.

The severe weather has forced several local staples to close their doors today. At All Saints Church, Oakham, the decision was made early this morning to cancel the 10:00 am service as well as the popular Oasis coffee group.

Additionally, Music Bugs Rutland, which usually brings families together in the All Saints Church Hall, has cancelled today's classes to ensure the safety of parents and children. Residents are advised to check social media pages for updates regarding weekend activities.

While most were tucked away from the storm, volunteers from the Leicestershire & Rutland 4x4 Response team have been working tirelessly. After transporting a doctor to Leicester, teams spent the early hours of Friday morning assisting drivers trapped in snow blocked roads on the Oakham side of Tilton Hill.

Conditions on the hill were reportedly treacherous; while many vehicles were successfully cleared, a number of cars were forced to be abandoned and remain in place until conditions improve.

To bolster local safety, Rutland Medical Solutions Ltd has announced the deployment of off-road vehicles staffed by professional Paramedics. This specialist service is designed to support the community in reaching essential destinations and to provide rapid assistance in medical emergencies where standard ambulances may struggle. Service Start: 08:30 hrs, Friday 9th January 2026, Service End: 09:00 hrs, Saturday 10th January 2026

Transport and Travel Updates

The impact on travel remains a mixed picture for the county:

Buses: Bland’s Buses are currently aiming to run all routes as normal. However, the 361 service for UCC is not running today as Uppingham Community College has confirmed it is closed.

Trains: Rail travel is severely impacted. Cross Country Trains have cancelled almost all services to and from Oakham. Passengers are urged not to travel by rail unless absolutely necessary.

View the Live Oakham Departure Board

www.nationalrail.co.uk/live-trains/departures/oakham/

Local Advice: If you must travel, please allow extra time for your journey and carry a winter emergency kit in your vehicle.

Vigilant Policing Leads to Arrest at Oakham B&M Bargains

Vigilant Policing Leads to Arrest at Oakham B&M Bargains

A routine patrol turned into a successful apprehension on Saturday, January 3, 2026, as the Rutland Safer Streets Team caught a known offender red-handed at the B&M Bargains store in Oakham.

The incident highlights the importance of officer intuition and the strong partnership between local law enforcement and retail staff.

The encounter began when PC Rob and PC Dave spotted a male while entering Oakham. The officers immediately recognised the individual from Melton Mowbray. Because the man was not known to frequent the Oakham area, his presence raised immediate red flags for the team.

Following their instincts, the officers observed the male heading toward the B&M store. Upon arrival at the premises, store staff confirmed the officers' suspicions, reporting that the individual was inside the store actively filling a bag with various electronic goods.

The Safer Streets Team moved quickly to secure the scene. PC Dave took up a tactical position outside the main entrance, waiting for the suspect to exit.

"The male was certainly not expecting the first person he would see upon leaving with a bag full of unpaid items to be a police officer," the team noted in a statement.

The suspect was intercepted and arrested on the spot. All stolen electronics were recovered and returned to the store immediately.

The individual has since been identified as Myles CARTER. Following his arrest, Myles Carter was officially charged in relation to the thefts.

This arrest serves as a firm reminder of the ongoing efforts by the Safer Streets Team to deter retail crime and keep Oakham’s shopping districts safe for both businesses and residents.