Oakham Welcome Signs Get a Makeover New Welcome Boards Arrive "Out with the Crap"

Oakham Welcome Signs Get a Makeover New Welcome Boards Arrive
By Local Democracy Reporter

Signs in parts of Oakham’s town centre have received a significant upgrade this week as Rutland County Council began the installation of brand-new visitor welcome and information boards.

The initiative, aimed at boosting tourism and improving navigation for visitors, marks the end of what some have described as a "dreadful" era for the town’s signage.

The new boards serve as high-quality portals to the area, featuring curated information provided by Discover Rutland. The project has been made possible through central government backing, specifically funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The modern designs replace the aging, wooden structures that had become a point of contention for many locals due to their weathered appearance and deteriorating quality.

"Out with the Crap"

The upgrade has been met with a mix of praise and a "call to arms" regarding the state of the surrounding environment. Oakham Town Councillor Martin Brookes did not mince words when discussing the transition from the old signage to the new.

"They are very smart and I am pleased to see the pretty crap ones have finally been removed," Cllr Brookes said. "They looked awful untreated wooden ones cladded with dreadful plastic information boards."

While the Councillor welcomed the aesthetic improvement of the signs themselves, he issued a challenge to the County Council to ensure the rest of the town matches this new standard.

"Now all the County Council has to do is clean up the surrounding streets," Cllr Brookes added. "Otherwise, the new signs will look so out of place."

The installation is part of a wider effort to revitalise Rutland’s market towns and encourage footfall in the wake of shifting high street trends. By providing clear, professional, and attractive information, the Council hopes to better showcase Oakham’s unique heritage and local businesses.

A spokesperson for the Council noted that the investment represents a commitment to maintaining Rutland's reputation as a premier destination for visitors. However, for residents like Cllr Brookes, the success of the new boards will be measured not just by their design, but by the cleanliness of the areas they sit on.

For More News, Jobs, What's On, Discover Oakham and More Visit: https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/ 

Rutland Woman Sentenced Following Fatal Collision Near Carlby Lincolnshire

Rutland Woman Sentenced Following Fatal Collision Near Carlby

A Greetham woman has received a suspended prison sentence following a fatal road traffic collision that claimed the life of a 61-year-old motorcyclist last year.

Lucy Bentley, of Begy Gardens, appeared at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court yesterday for sentencing after pleading guilty to causing death by careless driving.

The court heard that shortly after midday on Sunday, March 9, 2025, Bentley was traveling east on Elm Avenue, heading from Witham on the Hill toward the junction with the A6121. Her intention was to proceed straight across the crossroads toward Manthorpe.

At the same time, Gary Skellett, 61, was riding his Suzuki GSF Bandit motorcycle southbound on the A6121 toward Carlby.

Evidence presented in court detailed that Bentley reached the junction and came to a halt at the give-way line. However, she then pulled out into the path of Mr. Skellett. Investigations revealed she had failed to see him approaching, despite Mr. Skellett being the second of two motorcycles noted by witnesses in the area at the time.

Tragically, Mr. Skellett sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Following what was described as an "extensive investigation" by Lincolnshire Police’s Serious and Forensic Collision Investigation Units, Bentley was charged with a single count of causing death by careless driving.

Presiding over the case, the court handed down the following sentence:

Imprisonment: Eight months, suspended for 18 months.

Rehabilitation: 20 days of mandatory community rehabilitation activities.

Driving Ban: A total disqualification from driving for two years.

Requirements: Bentley must complete an extended re-test before she is permitted to hold a driver's license again in the future.

"This case serves as a somber reminder of the devastating consequences that a momentary lapse in concentration at a junction can have on families and the local community," noted investigators following the proceedings.

 For More News, Jobs, What's On, Discover Oakham and More Visit: https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/ 

Celebrating a Century Rutland to Mark the 100th Birthday of Her Late Queen Elizabeth II, Tuesday, April 21st, 2026

Celebrating a Century Rutland to Mark the 100th Birthday of Her Late Queen Elizabeth II

Residents of Rutland are invited to gather for a occasion this April as the county pays tribute to the enduring legacy of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. To celebrate what would have been her 100th birthday, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland, Dr. Sarah Furness PhD, will host a commemorative ceremony in the heart of Oakham.

The ceremony will be a brief but poignant reflection on the life and service of the late monarch, held at the site of the UK's first permanent memorial to her.

Date: Tuesday, April 21st, 2026

Time: 11:45 AM

Location: The Queen Elizabeth II Statue, Library Gardens, Oakham

The choice of location is particularly significant. The statue in Oakham’s Library Gardens, commissioned by Dr. Furness and funded through public donations, depicts a young Queen Elizabeth II in her robes of state, accompanied by her beloved corgis. It has quickly become a landmark of local pride and a symbol of the deep affection the people of Rutland held for the late Queen.

Dr. Sarah Furness has served as the personal representative of the Monarch in Rutland since 2018. As Lord-Lieutenant, she bridges the gap between the Crown and the community, supporting local charities, businesses, and civic life.

Her PhD and background in academia bring a thoughtful, measured approach to her role, which she has used to champion several community initiatives, most notably the creation of the memorial where this centenary celebration will take place.

Members of the public are encouraged to attend the short ceremony to share in this historic milestone. No formal tickets are required for the gathering at the gardens.

For further information or inquiries regarding the Lord-Lieutenancy’s work, you may contact the office at:

Office of the Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland, The Old Vicarage, Station Road, Whissendine, RUTLAND LE15 7HG

Email: rutlandlordlieutenant@gmail.com

For More News, Jobs, What's On, Discover Oakham and More Visit: https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/ 

QD Oakham is Hiring

QD Oakham is Hiring

Are you looking for a rewarding role in the heart of Oakham? 

QD (Quality Discounts) on Church Street is expanding its team and looking for motivated individuals to join their "family-run" retail environment. 

Whether you are looking for a steady part-time weekday schedule or a focused weekend role, there are currently two key opportunities available.

QD is currently recruiting for two distinct Sales Assistant roles to help maintain their high standards of customer service and store presentation.

Sales Assistant 16 Hours p/week 1:45pm – 5:45pm Monday – Saturday

Sunday Sales Assistant 6 Hours p/week 9:45am – 4:15pm Every Sunday

As a Sales Assistant at QD, you won't just be behind a till; you'll be an essential part of the store’s daily operations. Key responsibilities include:

Assisting shoppers to ensure they have a great experience.

Keeping the shelves full and the store looking its best.

Handling transactions efficiently and with a friendly smile.

QD emphasise a "Join our family" culture, perfect for those who have a passion for retail and enjoy working in a collaborative team environment.

While the posters focus on the local Oakham branch, QD as a company is known for offering competitive benefits, including:

Staff Discounts, saving you money on your own shopping.

Training, full on-the-job training is provided, so prior retail experience while helpful isn't always a dealbreaker.

Shift patterns designed to help maintain a healthy work-life balance.

If you’re ready to jump into a vibrant retail role in Oakham, don't wait

Visit qdstores.co.uk to view full details and submit your application.

You can also visit the store located at 8 Church St, Oakham, LE15 6AA to speak with the team or check for any additional local application instructions.

The Oakham store is conveniently located in the town center, making it an ideal spot for local residents or students looking for afternoon and weekend work.

For More News, Jobs, What's On, Discover Oakham and More Visit: https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/