Friday, November 30, 2012

Oakham Town Council pay once again to win Loo of the year

Loo of the Year Awards logoOakham Town Council pay once again to win Loo of the year

L:ast year it complained to the company because it did not award them 5 stars.

This year the company has awarded the council just a gold award.

A total waste of hundreds of pounds of  local tax payers money.

Cllr  Lucas demanded the Clerk write to thank the cleaner who is paid 4 times as much
as the average part time cleaner.

The company is now expanding its awards to the domestic home, so if you or a friend have
a special loo you can pay to enter and be awarded!




Loo of the Year Awards, PO Box 847, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 5AL
T: +44 (0)1403 258779
E: information@loo.co.uk

Oakham School, Business School, Demolition, Planning, Oakham Town Council, Photographs


APP/2012/0805/NT (CAC) Mr Chris Binks (Oakham School)
Demolition of existing school building (1025sq metres) to facilitate future rebuilding

APP/2012/0763/NT Mr Chris Binks (Oakham School)
Three storey extension to existing school building (Merton Building) and construction
of new business school, following demolition of other existing buildings. Extension of
hard surfaced car park for the adjacent St. Josephs R.C. Church
Merton Building, Church Street



Oakham Town Council approve with very little consideration the
demolition of the buildings above and below.

They gave no consideration to the trees on site many have Tree
Preservation Orders.



The Barn will remain this is home for the School shop that take trade
away from some of  the towns retailers. It is proposed the fine tree
and the buildings behind will be pulled down.



Oakham School is proposing to build a new business school.

Cllr Lucas said Oakham School always does things well.

Cllr Nowell Spoke saying there is a lot coming from Oakham School.

Below is fine example of one of Oakham Schools 'good things'
this building was built in the heart of Oakham's Conservation Area
across the road from Cutts Close. It blends in nicely with the
surrounding traditional style buildings in this area of Oakham.



http://martinbrookes.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/things-oakham-school-do-nicely-oakham.html

Butter Cross House, New Craft Venue, 2 Church Passage, Oakham




www.buttercrosshouse.co.uk

New Craft Venue is opening in Oakham

Friday 7th December 2012

2 Church Passage Oakham

The place to be for crafters in Rutland. Running fantastic workshops, 
selling great local crafted products as well as providing a flexible 
workspace for local businesses. Home really is where the craft is!

01572 755597


conversion of ladies toilets into habitable space, Oakham




APP/2012/0801/APB Mr Kim Nahng
Construction of first floor extension to the rear of the property including conversion of
ladies toilets into habitable space
9a Market Place


Oakham Town Counil said the property belongs to the Rutland Chinese Restaurant.
Cllr Lucas said she found this application a little funny.
She also asked if the restaurant was going to to replace to ladies loo?

Cllr Lowe said he did not know but he did know and the restaurant was closing next year.


Cllr Lucas said the alterations don't really effect anyone because no one can see it.


(just those visiting the nearby pub and the staff of the bakery)







Oakham, Christmas Trail, Celebrate an Independent Christmas and Independent Retailer Month, Sponsored by 02

Oakham, Christmas Trail, Celebrate an Independent Christmas and Independent Retailer Month,
Sponsored by 02

29 local businesses in Oakham have joined together to host a unique initiative to celebrate local retailers and take the stress out of Christmas gift shopping.  It is called the ‘Christmas Trail’.  The campaign is launched today, 23rd November 2012, and will run until 10th December 2012 as part of a national initiative masterminded by Clare Rayner, The Retail Champion, founder of the “Celebrate an Independent Christmas” and “Independent Retailer Month” campaigns.

  Pick Up A Map and Take Part in Prize Draw

Oakhams’ Christmas shoppers can pick up a map of the town marked with each of the businesses involved.
Collect the maps from any of the shops taking part and the Victoria Hall


Upon visiting each and receiving a stamp, they are automatically entered into a free draw to win a top prize of a luxury self-catering apartment anywhere in the world for 4 people for 7 nights, second prize and third prize will be vouchers up to the value of £200.  The winners will be drawn on 10th December 2012 at 8pm.



The Prize Draw has been kindly donated by Savvi Travel.




The businesses involved in the Trail comprise a whole host of exciting venues and quirky retailers, including:
♦  Attic
♦  Beauty Bound
♦  Blessed
♦  Butterflies and Roses
♦  Candy Kanes Sweet Shop
♦  Chameleon
♦  Chocolate Box
♦  Fords of Oakham
♦  Furleys
♦  Hirst and Hirst
♦  Itch Gallery
♦  Johnannah’s Patisserie
♦  Kids and More
♦  Knights of Oakham
♦  Lalique Beauty
♦  Linnet
♦  Mint
♦  Savvi Travel
♦  Swans
♦  The Elephant Room
♦  The Lord Nelson
♦  The Whipper-In Hotel
♦  Vanilla
♦  Viciente
♦  Walkers
♦  Wardrobe

The following will only be available on the late night shopping event on Monday 10th December 2012:

♦  Beauty Bound
♦  Butterflies & Roses
♦  Empingham Dogs Club



Charles Church Developments Ltd, 164 New Houses, Oakham Town Council, No Problem

APP/2012/0788/NH(MAJR) Charles Church Developments Ltd

Approval of Reserved Matters Application for erection of 164 dwelling houses, access
and landscaping to areas 4 and 5 of the approved outline planning permission
(OUT/2009/1306)

Land between Barleythorpe and Oakham Burley Park Way


Oakham Town Council raised no concerns about this application from
Charles Church to build 164 houses in the tiny Rutland Village of 
Barleythorpe,

Although this less than a mile away from the proposed Sainsbury's site 
they raised no objections, not even traffic related.

Oh it is not in Oakham, so it does not matter.

Cllr Lucas went on to say it will feed Sainsbury's

The resident of Barleythorpe don't have a parish council, just a parish
meeting made up of members who complain they are not kept informed
about major developments  that effect their village.

I was surprised none were present at the council meeting to express 
their views.

With the 1000's of new houses being built in around Oakham you
have to ask where are these people going to work and the schools are 
already full and the doctors and where are they all going to shop
out of county like Roger Begy?

The Rutland - Melton CiCLE Classic is Britain’s only international single day road cycle race, once again plunged into doubt



Race director Colin Clews  talking to Former Leicestershire police inspector Toby Day 
who unlawfully killed his wife and six-year-old daughter before taking his own life,

The Rutland - Melton CiCLE Classic is Britain’s only international single 
day road cycle race, once again  plunged into doubt.


Each year the Rutland Times publishes this doubt.

Perhaps it helps gain sponsorship?

But the way the Rutland Times coverage leading up to  this successful fun event 
always  gives me the impression this well organised event is organised in a last minute 
panic, I am sure its not and I hope colin finds a sponsor for the race that might be held 
next year, April 21st, 2013



Oakham Mayor, Cllr Dewis, Inaccurate response to Civic Reception Freedom of Information Request

Oakham Mayor Councillor Dewis held a Civic Reception at Oakham Castle to raise funds
for his nominated charity and reward local volunteers.

I understand this event was rather more dignified than the previous held by Cllr Lucas
which could only be described as a Piss Up as at expense of local tax payers.

To compare the two events and the find the cost of this event to the tax payer I placed a freedom of information request.

Also because The local press failed to report who was rewarded, so I thought it would be nice to find out who was.

Information is hard to obtain from Oakham Town Council. From the information I have received today from Oakham Town Council

I find the event cost the tax payer £792.84

The council does not know how much was raised for the Mayors Charity.

this is often a common problem with charities associated with Oakham Town Council
we are often told a figure of about, this is the first time, I have been told we don't know.
I am surprised the charity did not send a thank you letter detailing amount raised.
of course the amount may have been so small like that raised last time by Cllr Lucas?

The information I have been provided with is pure fabrication the total given for food
states £390 when the councils own schedule of payments show they paid Cookies of Oakham
£468 for sandwiches!

I posted previously about this extravagance http://martinbrookes.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/oakham-town-council-civic-service.html 

Glasses and other Items from Wilkinsons Oakham £7.27

Wine from Tesco £128.84

Plates from Tesco £5.72

Sandwich platters from Cookies Coffee Shop Mill Street Oakham  £468 according to
the companies website this would have fed upto 500 if they had chosen all the most expensive platters.





FOI Response


Oakham Town Council
Victoria Hall,
39 High Street,
Oakham,
Rutland,
LE15 6AH
Telephone: 01572 723627 Fax: 01572 759395

e-mail: enquiries@oakhamtowncouncil.gov.uk

30th November 2012



Via e-mail

Dear Mr Brookes

In response to your request for information received on 5th November 2012 and detailed below:

Dear Oakham Town Council

FOI request: Mayors Civic Reception
Please can you email me the following requests.

1. An Itemised list of expenditure for this event, recently held at Oakham Castle.
2. A list of all the invited volunteers who attended as a reward for public service
Name and reason for invitation.
3. List of other invited guests reason and position for example Councillor, hanger on...
4. Total Number of family members and friends, invited by the Mayor and other Councillors
5. Total number of guests who attended.
6. The total sum raised for the Mayors charity.

Thank you

Martin Brookes


1. The itemised list of expenditure is

Venue 147.00
6 Table Cloths 39.00
Table Decorations 25.00
Food 390.00
Drinks 128.84

Total £729.84

2. The Chairman did not invite individual volunteers but asked organisations to nominate up to
two of their volunteers to attend. The Council does not have a definitive list of those attending
nor did it check names at the door to ascertain who did attend. The Council is therefore not
aware of the reason(s) the organisations nominated their volunteers.

3. The list of guests the Chairman did invite is as below. Please note partners were also included
on the invitation:

Adam Lowe Oakham Town Councillor
Charles Haworth Oakham Town Councillor
John Nowell Oakham Town Councillor
Joyce Lucas Oakham Town Councillor
Peter Lockett Oakham Town Councillor
Rob Guthrie Oakham Town Councillor
Maureen Dodds Oakham Town Councillor
Jayne Woodcock Oakham Town Councillor
Bart Hellyer The High Sheriff of Rutland
Dr Laurence Howard OBE Lord Lietenant of Rutland
The Revd Brian Nicholls
The Revd Brian McAvoy
The Revd Canon Lee Francis- Dehqani
Lt Col Steve Lonnen Kendrew Barracks
Lt Col Nigel Johnson Kendrew Barracks
Lt Col Mark Pullen St Georges Barracks
Air Commodore PDL Gover Chairman VAR
Chris Parsons Chairman of RCC
Cllr Roger Begy Leader of RCC
Helen Briggs Chief Executive of RCC
Inspector Kam Mistry Police

4. Nil

5. As stated in 2 above the Council did not check the number of guests attending but did plan for
80.

6. Any donations to the Mayor’s Charity were handed directly to the Lodge Trust and retained by
them at the end of the evening. The Council is not aware of the sum involved.

You subsequently sent a further request for information, received by Oakham Town Council on the 14th
November 2012, relating to your original request, as detailed below:

Dear Oakham Town Council,

RE: FOI Civic Reception.

Thank you for Richards time over the phone today.
I can confirm my original request stands.
I wish to clarify one point of that request with this additional request.
I do not require personal address details of those who attended.
I require the names of those invited and rewarded for their good work and the
organisation they have carried out that voluntary work for and a brief description of that
work, for example raised £1000, cared for people or it maybe former Cllr Lorna who
jumped of building to raise fund for her charity the name I have forgotten.
The local press failed to name any people rewarded at this event and it is my intention
to address this by publishing the findings of FOI.
If the Council wishes to provide a written press release including the above request I
would be happy to publish that along with the facts and figures. As the council is more
likely to know what these people have done.
From
Martin Brookes

In response:

The Council does not have the information that you have requested. Voluntary organisations were
asked to nominate up to two people to attend the event. The reasons why they were nominated were not
requested. Also the Council cannot be sure that the persons nominated by their respective organisations
were the ones that actually attended as no formal checks were made on their arrival.
The list of organisations who were asked to nominate people to attend is as below:
Civic Reception Invitation List 2012

Age UK
Air Cadets
Arts for Rutland
Rutland Lions Club
Cancer Research
Citizens Advice Bureau
Friends of All Saints Church
Inner Wheel Club
Loros
Oakham In Bloom
Oxfam
RATS
Rutland Community Spirit
The Shed Cafe Project
Friends of County Museum
Rutland Rotaract Family Support
Rutland Horticultural Society
Rutland House Community Trust
Police Community Support
Rutland Reminders
Karen Ball Fund
Stroke Club
The Lodge Trust
Rutland Symbiotica Social Group
VAR
Knights School Foundation
Air Ambulance
Rutland Girl Guides
Rutland Scouts
Rotary Club
Oakham Festival
Rutland Memorial Hospital WRVS Trolley
Women’s Institute
British Legion
RAF Association

Yours sincerely
Richard White
Clerk to the Council
rwhite@oakhamtowncouncil.gov.uk

any jobs in Oakham (within 10 miles) 30th November 2012


any jobs in Oakham (within 10 miles) 30th November 2012
Loughborough - Melton Mowbray
An experienced Parts / Stores person required for my client based in Melton Mowbray. Please email your CV to jemma@jtrecruit.co.uk. 08.00 - 17.00, Mon - Fri....
Jobsite UK - 19:23

Ladbrokes 14 reviews - Oakham
The working hours required of this role will be determined by the business level of the shop or shops that you work but will be predominantly during the day... £6.19 - £6.25 an hour
Ladbrokes - 22:07

Search International - Melton Mowbray
Vacancy advertised by Search International, an employment company. Experience working on and maintaining equipment and machinery in an Abattoir.... £30,000 a year
Jobcentre Plus Universal Jobmatch - 14:22

Premier Sport - Oakham
Premier Sport are currently recruiting for a full time area co-ordinator in the Rutland , Leicestershire and Nottingham area....
Jobcentre Plus Universal Jobmatch - 14:22

Think Recruitment - Melton Mowbray
Site Managers Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS), CSCS, first aid are essential together with a minimum of 3 years' experience in the care home, retirement village... £28,000 a year
CareerStructure - 9:25

You will have a proven track record in improvement methodology, with key achievements utilising 5S. You will be a strong people manager, who can influence and... £23,000 - £27,000 a year
Manpower - 0:38

You will have a proven track record in improvement methodology, with key achievements utilising 5S. You will be a strong people manager, who can influence and... £23,000 a year
reed.co.uk - 22:36

Mosdorfer Ccl Systems - Oakham
An analytical approach, attention to detail, accuracy, good communication and basic Engineering skills are also required....
Jobs Today - 12:30

Mosdorfer Ccl Systems - Oakham
TBD. Click apply now for contact details. Please address written applications with CV and salary expectation to (our company address) before 14th December 2012....
Jobs Today - 12:30

This position is a contract that is expected to last for at least 6 months which could lead onto further work dependant on future contract awards.... £200 - £350 a day
Reed - 19:58

Med Team Primary Care Services Ltd - Rutland
We are currently receiving increased volumes of work for Locum GP's in Rutland Some is flexible and can be worked around any current positions you have...
TNT Jobs - 23:28

hackney success in the making - Rutland
As an apprentice you will be working under the guidance of the Premises and School Business Manager. Request Application Pack for this Vacancy....
hackney success in the making - 16:27

Optima UK INC Ltd - Melton Mowbray
Experience of design and control systems. Experience / knowledge of propulsion systems. Technical background in electronics with suitable qualifications....
Jobsite UK - 19:24

My client, a global FMCG organisation, are recruiting for an Expenses Analyst on a temporary basis due to an influx in workload....
Adecco - 19:45

My client, a global FMCG organisation, are recruiting for an Expenses Analyst on a temporary basis due to an influx in workload.... £9.37 an hour
CV-Library - 16:54

Team 24 (Capita) - Rutland
If you are a Prison cleared Nurse we can offer you immediate sessions at HM Prisons and YOI's in Derbyshire, where you will have the opportunity to earn up to ... £21,000 - £35,000 a year
TNT Jobs - 23:29

Team 24 (Capita) - Rutland
My clients are large NHS Hospitals and Private Hospitals within the Birmingham and West Midlands area, I am currently in urgent need of Accident & Emergency... £25,000 - £35,000 a year
TNT Jobs - 23:29

Populus Consultants - Seaton
a fantastic opportunity for a registered nurse has arisen with a notable small care operator in devon. for more information please do not hesitate to contact... £24,000 - £26,000 a year
Socialcare.co.uk - 23:45

Coburg Banks - Response - Melton Mowbray
You will be directly involved in the day to day operations, particularly budget and cash flow management, overseeing the preparation of VAT returns and... £32,800 - £34,549 a year
Jobsite UK - 19:22

Shell Sexton - Langham
Employer states that there will be some heavy lifting involved up to 15kg. The employer has claimed an exception under the Equality Act 2010....
Jobcentre Plus Universal Jobmatch - 20:02

ADP Dental Company - Oakham
You should possess a professional, friendly and polite manner. The role is to assist in the smooth and efficient running of the practice by ensuring standards...
Jobcentre Plus Universal Jobmatch - 19:54

OCS Group - Thurmaston
assume the role of ambassador for the company, remaining courteous, efficient and of smart appearance at all times;....
Jobcentre Plus Universal Jobmatch - 19:55


any jobs in Oakham (within 10 miles) 29th November 2012


any jobs in Oakham (within 10 miles) 29th November 2012


Trillium Associates limited - Wymondham
All applicants to apply by phone or email and ask for Erin. Trillium Associates require 2x Labourers to start work in Wymondham, Norfolk 3/12/12 for temporary...
Jobcentre Plus Universal Jobmatch - 14:18

At B&Q we look for people that are passionate about customer service and helping people create homes to be proud of....
B&Q - 22:20

JobsToday (Peterborough) - Oakham
required for the Oakham area. Click apply now for contact details. Flexible hours....
Jobsite UK - 19:35

JobsToday (Peterborough) - Melton Mowbray
LABOURER/TRAINEE. Click apply now for contact details. No experience needed as full training given would suite young person 18+....
Jobsite UK - 19:35

Brobot Petroleum Limited - Melton Mowbray
Drivers must have HGV class 1, ADR and, ideally, up to date drivers CPC. Looking for an immediate start no agencies.... £10.50 - £10.75 an hour
Jobcentre Plus Universal Jobmatch - 14:18

If you are interested in the position and are available to start immediately then please call the office now on ....
reed.co.uk - 22:41

You will work as part of a small team based within the production environment. The role is mainly sitting, preparing steel stocking's....
CV-Library - 16:54

JobsToday (Peterborough) - Melton Mowbray
Please call Amanda Stevens for an informal chat. Click apply now for contact details. To cover maternity leave....
Jobsite UK - 19:35

FOLLIARD HYDRAULICS LTD - Wymondham
Workshop technician required for small hydraulic engineers at Spooner Row, Wymondham. Must be able to produce accurate work from drawings.... £9.73 an hour
Jobcentre Plus Universal Jobmatch - 14:19

Quality People - Wymondham
Our clients are concrete formwork and re-inforcement specialists based in the South Norfolk area. Own transport required due to rural location.... £15,000 - £19,000 a year
Jobcentre Plus Universal Jobmatch - 14:19

Quality People - Wymondham
Our clients are concrete formwork and re-inforcement specialists based in the South Norfolk area. A part time qualified and experienced QS position working 3... £20,000 - £25,000 a year
Jobcentre Plus Universal Jobmatch - 14:18

Textbook Teachers - Rutland
Secondary Supply Teachers required for schools in Rutland for long term, temporary and day to day bookings. Please contact Katie on 01572 756888.... £85,000 - £110,000 a year
Jobcentre Plus Universal Jobmatch - 14:18

The site has free car parking options and provide a variety of in house perks, including payment of training costs.... £12,000 - £13,000 a year
CV-Library - 4:57

A Teaching Assistant/ LSA with Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties experience is required by a SEN School in the area.... £45 - £60 a day
CV-Library - 16:55

A local SEN School requires a learning support assistant to work with their children who have a wide range of Special educational needs.... £45 - £60 a day
CV-Library - 16:55

Pera Technology - Melton Mowbray
Key skills to include an understanding of current high frequency technologies, devices and design philosophies for high power equipment along with a...
TotalJobs.com - 17:19

Site Managers Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS), CSCS, first aid are essential together with a minimum of 3 years' experience in the care home, retirement village... £26,000 - £28,000 a year
CV-Library - 16:57

You'll have Excellent communication skills, an eye for detail and will enjoy working as part of a team and individually.... £6.30 an hour
Jobcentre Plus Universal Jobmatch - 14:20

JobsToday (Peterborough) Enhanced - Oakham
Full time (37 hours per week). Rutland County Council is working towards being an Equal Opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of... £24,646 - £26,276 a year
Jobsite UK - 19:34

White Recruitment - Rutland
The site has free car parking options and provide a variety of in house perks, including payment of training costs.... £12,000 - £13,000 a year
Careworx - 23:56


Shell Sexton - Langham
Employer states that there will be some heavy lifting involved up to 15kg. The employer has claimed an exception under the Equality Act 2010....
Jobcentre Plus Universal Jobmatch - 20:02

Brook Hotels - Oakham
We require a painter and decorator for the Whipper Inn, Oakham. As a part of our upgrade program your duties will include painting and decorating the bedrooms...
Jobcentre Plus Universal Jobmatch - 17:55

ADP Dental Company - Oakham
You should possess a professional, friendly and polite manner. The role is to assist in the smooth and efficient running of the practice by ensuring standards...
Jobcentre Plus Universal Jobmatch - 19:54



Oakham town Council is 'limp-wristed' says Oakham Resident, Offending Allotment Hedges

Oakham town Council is 'limp-wristed' says Oakham Resident, Offending Allotment Hedges

Oakham Town Council has agreed to spend tax payers money on cutting a boundary
fence at a local allotment.

After months of complaining by some nearby residents.

There is one problem some residents are happy with the height.

The Council acknowledges the Allotment Society is in breach of its lease.

The Society claims its poor and can only contribute £300 form its £450 bank
balance. Councillor agreed to demand the full £450.

Then a councillor said what if they don't pay. Cllt Lowe responded I don't know.

Cllr Lowe hinted that the Society should be taken over by one of the other richer
Societies.

If they are richer and can afford the on going cost of hedge cutting why did the
tax payer have to contribute towards a new fence earlier this year when their
lease also stated it was their responsibility.

This town council seem to tax the majority and constantly support the small elite.

There was talk of requesting repayments of the thousands of pounds the hedge
cutting is going to cost the tax payer.

Like the tennis and bowls club the allotment societies pay peanuts in rent
and for this reason they should not keep asking the tax payer to bail them
out.

One of the complaining  residents who attended the meeting also wrote
to the Council expressing their dismantlement about the way the council
has allowed this issue to develop and accused them of taking a "limp-wristed
attitude in letting this matter drift.

The Council admitted it had failed to enforce the requirements of the lease.

It was suggested the Council could carry out annual inspections.

The questions then raised by Councillors showed how weak they are.

things like, if we inspect and find anything wrong, what can we do?

I can only imagine what the public thought of their council.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Oakham Gym, New Fence, Oakham Town Council

Oakham Gym, New Fence, Oakham Town Council

This year Oakham Town Council over a quarter of its income
on setting up a gym for a private company.

Now that company wants a new fence.

The company now wants more than £1.000 more of tax payers
money.

One councillor questioned who was responsible for the fence
the Clerk slowly responded the council is but once the tax payer
has paid for a new one the tenant will be responsible for it.

The council has agreed to spend more money on this company
I am sure the expenditure this company has enjoyed is unlawful
but there seems to be no organisation to look into or enforce
the local government act.

Oakham resident complains about tree planting on playing field, Cllr Lucas, says planting is complete, resident said Thank God!

Oakham resident complains about tree planting on playing field, Cllr Lucas,
says planting is complete, resident said Thank God!

Oakham Town Council received a letter from a resident complaining
about the tree planting project that has been conducted by Cllr Joyce Lucas
at Royce Recreation Ground.

They also raised an issue about an entrance path, the council  has agreed
to spend £1058 to repair the path.

The letter from the resident was a perfect example of the lack of
consultation from this council.

I raised this issue at public deputations.

Cllr Lucas said later as for consultation she and her husband watered the
trees and often people told her how nice things looked.

That is not public consultation.

The letter writer was present and was pleased to hear Cllr Lucas had finished
planting trees, they said Thank God!

Cllr Lucas explained the avenue of trees were to guide dog around the edge of the
playong field in a hope the dogs won't poo on the playing field.