Oakham Town Council has narrowly approved a feasibility study to explore the future of council-owned land at The Vale, a move that could potentially lead to the site being sold for housing development and Tennis and Bowls Club Relocated.

Oakham Town Council has narrowly approved a feasibility study to explore the future of council-owned land at The Vale, a move that could potentially lead to the site being sold for housing development and Tennis and Bowls Club Relocated.

By The Local Democracy Reporter. ldreporter@post.com

Oakham Tennis Club

Oakham Town Council has narrowly approved a feasibility study to explore the future of council-owned land at The Vale, a move that could potentially lead to the site being sold for housing development.

While no final decision to sell has been made, the proposal has sparked significant debate among councillors regarding financial transparency, the future of local sports clubs, and the council’s decision-making process.

The feasibility study is expected to cost several thousand pounds. Funding for the project will be drawn from two sources, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the council’s own reserves.

The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the viability of the site for residential use. However, the project also necessitates looking into the relocation of the Oakham Bowls Club and the Oakham Tennis Club, both of which currently occupy the land under "peppercorn" rent agreements.

The meeting, chaired by Deputy Chair Councillor Paul Ainsley in the absence of Chairman Chris Nix, revealed deep divisions within the council. The proposal ultimately passed only through the use of Cllr Ainsley’s casting vote, supported by Councillors Christopher Clark and John Harris.

Cllr Johnathon Nicolls says that the UK Prosperity Fund should be directed toward general town improvements rather than a housing feasibility study. Cllr Sally-Anne Wadsworth expressed concerns over the use of "dwindling reserves" and cited a history of unfinished projects, such as Princess Avenue and Victoria Hall.

Concerns were raised regarding the displacement of long-standing clubs. Cllr Wadsworth highlighted recent investments made by the Bowls Club to improve accessibility. Cllr Martin Brookes questioned the logic of the move, noting the council’s ongoing difficulty in finding land for a skate park: "How are we going to find the land to house new sport facilities?" he asked.

Some members have said that the initial paperwork did not explicitly state housing as the "end goal," a detail that only emerged during questioning of Cllr Ainsley during the meeting.

The study also brings the current state of the Tennis Club into focus. Reports indicate that while the club’s lease mandates, they are responsible for all maintenance and repairs, the building has fallen into disrepair.

Questions have also been raised regarding the legitimacy of a 15-year lease previously agreed upon by a former council member. This agreement reportedly removed a "free-to-use" court covenant for residents a move the club had long sought. Despite the lease terms, the club recently approached the council seeking taxpayer funding for repairs, a request that has been met with resistance.

In light of the narrow vote, Cllr Martin Brookes expressed frustration that such significant decisions could be made by a small number of members, renewing calls for the council to co-opt additional members to ensure broader representation.

Residents who wish to voice their opinions on the plans for The Vale are encouraged to attend the upcoming Town Meeting.

Meeting Details:

Location: Long Row, Oakham

Date: Tuesday, 12th May 2026

Time: 6:00 pm

Oakham Bowls Club

Editors Note: In accordance with the Local Government Act, details regarding the exact cost of phase one and the name of the contracted company may be withheld by the Council at this stage.

Oakham Town Council Sets New Course for HR and Summer Events in Extraordinary Meeting, 29th April Meeting Video

Oakham Town Council Sets New Course for HR and Summer Events in Extraordinary Meeting

by The Local Democracy Reporter,  ldreporter@post.com

Oakham Town Council convened an extraordinary meeting last night to address a series of pressing administrative and financial matters. The session, called by Councillors Sally-Anne Wadsworth and Martin Brookes, saw a quorum of six members gather alongside the Clerk and Acting Deputy Clerk to stabilise the council’s operational framework. While Chairman Chris Nix and Councillor Andrew Padmore were absent, the remaining members moved quickly to modernise the authority’s back-office functions and prepare for the 2026 summer season.

A significant portion of the evening was dedicated to professionalising the council’s internal structures. Following the retirement of the previous provider, members approved the retrospective appointment of a new HR services firm, a move deemed essential given the ongoing staffing challenges currently facing the authority. In a bid to bolster public confidence and ensure financial transparency, the council also voted to outsource its payroll to an external provider. Councillor Martin Brookes praised the decision, noting that the shift to an independent firm would help insulate the council from further allegations regarding financial management.

The council’s approach to public safety and land use showed a mix of progress and caution. While a new Public Spaces Letting Policy and standardised booking forms for parks like Cutts Close were adopted, the final rollout will be sent for review by the council’s insurers. Conversely, a proposed Children’s Safeguarding and Vulnerable Adults’ Policy was set aside after Councillor Paul Ainsley raised concerns regarding the potential costs of implementation. The council ultimately voted to defer the policy until staff can provide a full breakdown of the financial requirements needed to meet its standards.

Financial stewardship remained a focal point as the council authorized over £9,000 in spending for the town’s popular summer bands and associated advertising. The marketing strategy has shifted significantly; while the council will proceed with Rutland and Stamford Sound, it formally cancelled advertising previously booked with the Rutland Times. This cancellation followed revelations that the bookings were made by the Deputy Clerk who is not currently working, when the booking was made council had not given permission. The booking for the advertising and a band was carried out before the 2026-2027 budget had been finalised. 

In a separate financial decision, the council scaled back a grant request from All Saints Church for repairs to the church clock. Rather than the £2,000 requested, members agreed to a £500 contribution, which will be released only upon the successful completion of the work.

As the meeting drew to a close, the council looked toward future developments, though much remained behind closed doors. 

Members entered an exempt session to deliberate on a "Feasibility & Redevelopment Strategy" for Oakham’s sports facilities, a project spearheaded by Councillor Paul Ainsley. While the public must wait for a forthcoming report on that front, updates regarding the Princess Avenue lease renewal are expected as early as next month. 

Finally, to ensure robust internal oversight, the council reinforced its staffing committee by appointing Councillors Martin Brookes and John Harris, with Councillor Johnathon Nichols also expected to join the committee

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

Community, Accountability, and the Road Ahead. A Parliamentary Update from MP Alicia Kearns

Community, Accountability, and the Road Ahead. A Parliamentary Update from MP Alicia Kearns

By The Local Democracy Reporter. ldreporter@post.com

MP Alicia Kearns

As the heavy oak doors of Westminster swing shut for prorogation, the frantic pace of the legislative chamber has given way to a temporary silence. Prorogation marks the formal conclusion of a parliamentary session a "reset button" of sorts. While the debates and votes in London have paused until the King’s Speech on May 13th, the work of a Member of Parliament shifts from the green benches of the Commons back to the heart of the communities they serve. For the residents of Rutland, Harborough, and Stamford, this period is anything but a holiday.

Alicia says,

The closing of this session brought a momentous victory with the final passage of Benedict’s Law. Born from the tireless advocacy of the Benedict Blythe Foundation, this legislation serves as a vital legacy for a young life lost too soon, providing essential new protections for children with allergies. It is a somber but significant reminder of how local heartbreak can be transformed into national safety.

On the digital front, progress is visible across our skyline. Following a concerted effort to identify mobile "not-spots," nineteen signal upgrades have been completed by Vodafone-Three, spanning from Oakham to Stamford. This is the first phase of a broader commitment to bring 5G coverage to 99% of the constituency, ensuring our rural economy and social connections are not left behind in the digital age.

The pause in Parliament allows for a deeper focus on the persistent challenges facing our region. Significant friction remains regarding Local Government Reorganisation. The recent consultation process revealed a worrying "democratic deficit," and skepticism remains high regarding the purported benefits of these changes. Simultaneously, the fight for better infrastructure continues, with formal requests submitted to East Midlands Railway to review direct train timings from Oakham to London to better serve our commuters.

The news is not all positive, however. In Sleaford, the cancellation of a much-needed Special Educational Needs (SEN) school due to a failure by the Reform-led Lincolnshire County Council to respond to government correspondence is a staggering disappointment. Our children deserve proactive leadership, not administrative silence, and pressure is being applied to the Council to rectify this avoidable failure.

In her capacity as Shadow National Security and Safeguarding Minister, Alicia Kearns continues to challenge the government on issues of public safety. A major breakthrough was achieved by forcing a ban on non-fatal strangulation in pornography, a dangerous trend that has normalized violence against women. The campaign now shifts toward banning "self-swab" rape kits products that offer false reassurance while potentially compromising the forensic integrity of criminal prosecutions.

Furthermore, serious questions are being raised regarding national security and the vetting of public figures, alongside the slow implementation of recommendations from the Southport Inquiry. The proposal for a new offence of "planning a mass-casualty attack" remains a priority that the opposition refuses to let drop.

When Parliament returns on May 13th, the agenda will be set by the King’s Speech. This will begin a new chapter of scrutiny, particularly regarding the government's stance on GP referrals and the potential "rationing" of specialist care.

While the "battles" of Westminster will soon resume, the coming weeks are dedicated to the people of Rutland, Harborough, and Stamford from meeting with NHS trust leaders to discussing the "Family Farm Tax" with local land owners. The doors to Parliament may be closed, but the door to constituency support remains wide open.

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For more local news, community updates, and what's on in the area, visit Oakham and Rutland News.

Community First, Oakham & Barleythorpe Police Update for April 2026

Community First,  Oakham & Barleythorpe Police Update for April 2026

As we embrace the arrival of spring, the Oakham & Barleythorpe Dedicated Neighbourhood Team remains committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all residents. This month, their operations have been driven directly by your feedback. Through community consultations, surveys, and a careful analysis of local crime trends, they have streamlined our efforts to tackle the issues that matter most to you.

Their strategy for April was built upon three core pillars: curbing anti-social behaviour, enhancing road safety, and disrupting local drug activity. Here is an overview of how your local officers, including PC Hughes and PCSO Lauren, have been working to meet these goals.

A primary concern raised by the community was the rise of Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) in specific hotspots. In response, the team has maintained a high-visibility presence throughout the month. By conducting foot patrols and engaging directly with both residents and business owners, officers have been able to issue immediate advice and warnings to those involved in disruptive activity. This "boots on the ground" approach is designed not only to deter offenders but to provide much-needed reassurance to the public.

Parallel to these efforts, Road Safety has taken center stage. We heard your concerns regarding the lack of adherence to 30mph zones across Oakham and Barleythorpe. Throughout April, PC Hughes and the team have been actively monitoring speeds in identified key areas. These patrols serve as a dual-purpose tool: they allow us to deal robustly with poor driving standards while offering a proactive deterrent against speeding.

Addressing the reports of drug dealing and consumption remains a critical focus for the team. This month, PC Hughes and PCSO Lauren utilized stop-and-search powers during varied patrol shifts across town. These efforts resulted in two drug-related offences being processed. While numbers can fluctuate, the consistent pressure applied by the team ensures that those seeking to bring illegal substances into our community find it an increasingly difficult environment in which to operate.

As the weather warms, they often see a natural increase in outdoor activity. While they want our young people to enjoy the local area, they anticipate a potential seasonal rise in ASB. They are calling on parents and guardians to play an active role by discussing the impact of anti-social behaviour with their children. Respectful community engagement is a collective responsibility, and prevention starts with these vital conversations at home.

Your input is the lifeblood of effective local policing. You are invited to join the police for their upcoming Beat Surgery to discuss your concerns or simply to meet the officers serving your neighborhood:

Date: 28.05.2026

Location: Oakham Library

Purpose: A dedicated space to report concerns and get updates on local policing activity.

If you witness anti-social behaviour in the meantime, please do not hesitate to report it via the Leicestershire Police website. Together, we can ensure that Oakham and Barleythorpe remain safe and vibrant places to live.

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For more local news, community updates, and what's on in the area, visit Oakham and Rutland News.