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See here for Bull & Lion Events https://packington.info/bloggle/bull-lion/
Another planning application for houses in Packington to the rear of 53 Normanton Road. Planning Ref 14/00109/OUT
This new application has just gone in for 4 large houses in land to the rear of 53 Normanton Road. Planning Ref 14/00109/OUT The entrance for this is again at that lower end of Normanton Road.
This is only for 4 houses, however this is on the fields that connect up to the chicken farm, and could open the way for the 180 house on these fields which has been rumoured.
The other applications already in the system are:-
Ref. 13/00959/OUTM at Spring Lane/Normanton road junction – 49 houses
Ref. 13/01002/OUTM at Normanton Road/Heather Lane Junundction for outline planning for 35 houses
Details can be seen at https://www.nwleics.gov.uk/pages/view_planning_applications and tick the box and enter the ref. number at the appropriate prompt.
The amount of applications going in is of concern leading to a potential cumulative negative impact if they are all viewed in isolation, and once one, however small, gets the go ahead, it may set a precedence for others to follow.
This favourable window of opportunity has been provided to developers because NWLDC have not had their Core Strategy for Housing in the area finalised and adopted
All the sites will eventually drain into the stream that runs through the culvert at the junction of Normanton Road/Heather Lane and Spring Lane with inevitable impact on flooding in that area from increased run off. This brook runs into the Gilwiskaw at the rear of Babelake Street and it regularly floods fields in that vicinity.
Packington Post Issue 64 here online!
The January 2014 edition of the Packington Post,
Issue 64,
is available in full here online for you to enjoy and refer to.
HS2 & Planning – Iona, 8, writes to David Cameron
We’re delighted to have received a copy of this letter that Packington resident Iona, aged 8, has written to David Cameron and his government regarding HS2 and planning applications.
It’s great to see people of all ages taking an interest in village life and we look forward to hearing if David Cameron takes up Iona’s invitation.
Neighbourhood watch Volunteers required – Packington needs YOU
New Representatives are needed. A strong Neighbourhood Watch scheme leads to a safer and friendlier village
The major aim of Neighbourhood and Home Watch is to bring neighbours together; this builds strong, friendly, active communities, in which crime and anti-social behaviour are less likely.
We want a caring society, focused on trust and respect, in which people are safe from crime and enjoy a good quality of life. Neighbourhood Watch (NW) helps make sure that no one has to feel afraid, vulnerable or isolated in the place where they live. It helps people look out for each other, crossing barriers of age, race and class to benefit everyone.
The Packington NW scheme has not been as proactive as we would like. There are stalwarts who have tried to support the scheme, but it needs a larger focused group for it to be successful. On Wednesday this week we held the first meeting of the NW Re-launch. We heard that some who have given good NW support now have commitments that don’t allow them to continue.
Look at this list Continue reading ‘Neighbourhood watch Volunteers required – Packington needs YOU’ »
Bull & Lion – open for business as usual under new ownership
New Landlord at our Bull and Lion : Alan Hutchcraft
Telephone 01530 587361
Mobile 07976 953002
Following the departure of temporary landlord Justin Hadley, the reins have been taken up by new landlord, Alan Hutchcraft, who has over 20 years experience in the licensed trade. Together with Billy the Chef and the rest of the staff, they are intent on returning the local pub as the vibrant location it had become under the recent stewardship of Mandy Mulholland & family.
Alan hopes that you will support their efforts, and would be delighted to hear your views, comments and suggestions on what you would like to see available at the Bull & Lion – apart from of course a well-kept cellar, good food, and a great atmosphere. 
He is keen to emphasise that following recent upheavals it is vital that the Bull and Lion returns to be a centre of village life, a natural meeting place for groups, clubs and of course all village residents.
Pictured here with two of his first customers, Roger Muggleton, President of Packington Cricket Club and Wally Instrall from The Grange and of course, Master Chef Billy, Alan’s message is as follows;-
Planning Permission Refused at Packington Nook
Today Tuesday 7th January 2014 the Planning Application by Hallam Land for 70 houses at Lower Packington Road, Ashby, came up for consideration at Coalville Council Offices. The article and letter below are copied from the website of the Packington Nook Residents Association PNRA:
Dear Supporters
The District Council Planning Committee have this evening voted unanimously to refuse planning permission for 70 houses on Hallam’s site off Lower Packington Road. This was in spite of their Officers having recommended to permit. The Officers conceded at the meeting that there are strong sustainability arguments against the site.
Our thanks to everyone for your continued support and especially those who made objections or who came to support us in Coalville today.
It proves that the views of local people do matter and strengthens PNRA should we have to act again.
with thanks
Nigel Garnham
Chairman
Packington Nook Residents Association
Get Active at the Village Hall
There are two new activities starting at the village hall that we’ve been informed of via the PackingtonPost Facebook page:
Sian Flinn says “Strictly-Style Dancing is coming to Packington”.
New Dance Fitness Class Starting in Packington Village Hall on Thursday 16th January 2014. Time: 7.15-8pm. The LAUNCH CLASS is FREE, but booking is advised. Text or Call 07741 269739 or ‘Like’ my FaceBook page “Fitsteps with Sian Flinn. Dancer/Tutor/Personal Trainer & Message to book your place.
Will run every Thursday (except the 1st Thursday of every month) at £4 a class. Come and Dance yourself Fit. FITSTEPS is Fitness that is ‘Strictly’ Fun.
A mix of the graceful steps of Ballroom and the up-tempo steps of the Latin dances, together creating a really fun, energetic and effective way to stay fit and keep trim that would appeal to everyone, even if you can’t dance. A dance fitness programme that is ‘so much fun you don’t even realise you’re getting fit!’
Paul Brown will be running a Wado Ryu Karate class, Wednesdays 17:30 – 18:30. Call 07866 451554
Packington Village hall, £4 per person, suitable for all ages and abilities from 5 years to adults. The classes will combine the best of the traditional of Japanese Karate with modern self defence theory and practice. Wado Ryu karate will give you:
• exercise for body and mind…
• fitness
• power
• co-ordination
• confidence
• awareness
• self defence
• discipline
• sport
New Parish Councillor for Packington
At the August meeting of the Parish Council it was minuted that Barry Bryan, Mill Street was co-opted as a Parish Councillor to serve until the next elections.
The vacancy was caused by the resignation of Claire Beynon earlier in the year who had moved out of the village.
Parish Council minutes and agendas can be viewed here:- https://packington.leicestershireparishcouncils.org/minutes-archive.html?year=2013
Introductory note from Barry
I am a retired teacher and IT manager, and with my wife, Margaret, and youngest son, William, have lived in Mill Street for the last 7 years. I am quite keen on DIY and have spent a considerable amount of time on repairing/improving our cottage. Margaret and I are keen walkers and in particular, we like walking in mountainous country and can also be seen regularly walking around the village countryside. Since we retired we have visited 22 countries and hiked in some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. I am quite keen on photography and use it as a means of supplementing my trip diaries when travelling and when looking back on a trip in later years.
Contact details:-
Telephone:01530 415332
Email: thesilvertops@hotmail.com
PS Editorial note:- Barry and Margaret are keen entrants in and supporters of the Packington Post Photograph competition at the annual Horticultural Show and have submitted some stunning shots in past years from their world trips as well as from the local area.
New Co-Ordinator for Neighbourhood Watch
A village resident has stepped forward to help fill the vacancy for a Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator (NWC) in our village.
Stephen Flook, of Mill Street. Packington, pictured at left, hopes to bring new life to this vital position, which has been vacant for some time.
Neighbourhood Watch works best when we all keep our eyes and ears open for each other, and are unafraid to promptly report suspicious behaviour. Knowing what to look out for, and who to report to, are of prime importance.
The Coordinator needs help from a representative in each of our streets, and has asked for the street representatives to contact him soon.
Speaking to Packington Post, Stephen Flook said “I am pleased to advise that I will be taking on the role of NWC for the Packington area.
I am aware from discussions that each street has a representative coordinator, but unfortunately I don’t know who these are. I would be grateful to hear from anyone who is or knows who the current street representatives are.
When we identify the representatives and are able confirm their willingness to continue, we can get together and agree how we move forward, and if necessary elect new or replacement representatives. Thanks !”
Please make contact with our new NWC:
Stephen Flook – 2 Mill Street
Email: sflook@yahoo.co.uk
Tel 01530 415185
Mob 07768 852363
Bull & Lion looks forward again
New Manager to help our village pub THRIVE again
New manager at The Bull and Lion, Justin Hadley, pictured left, put in a plea: for the village to support his unchanged staff in their efforts to continue providing great pub food and a welcoming central village meeting-point for us all.
Justin has described to Packington Post how he may have been misled when he took the tenancy of our village pub earlier this week.
On making their purchase offer for the vacant tenancy, Justin and his business partner, Julie Lester, had understood from the brewery that the previous tenants wanted to be out immediately – and could he take over at once? So he dropped everything, and on Monday this week arrived – to find the village seething over what one senior resident had publicly described as a “Shabby” takeover, with its precipitate removal by the brewery of the previous tenants the prior Friday.
There appear to be implications of duplicity here by the brewery. Justin was not the cause of the no-notice departure of the previous team leaders, who apparently only held a short-notice tenancy of the pub. Packington Post understands that the previous team held a first-refusal to purchase the permanent tenancy, but had declined to do so.
Meanwhile, Justin and Julie will try hard to regain the growing warmth and affection that previous tenants Mandy Mulholland and her family had engendered.
For more information – or to order your Sunday Lunch – call The Bull & Lion on 01530 587361
Shabby takeover at our Bull and Lion ?
Guest contributor Wally Instrall writes:
To Readers of Packington Post, and hopefully The Ashby Times
.
I would like to express my utter disgust at the shabby way in which Marstons, the brewers, have treated the incumbents of the Bull & Lion.
Mandy and her team had started to revive the pub, were succeeding and had gained the support and affection of the whole village, when at a few days notice they were told that the tenancy had been bought and that they must vacate by the end of the week !!! Continue reading ‘Shabby takeover at our Bull and Lion ?’ »
All change AGAIN at the Bull & Lion?
Packington email alert no. 166 – All change AGAIN at the Bull & Lion!
Mandy and her family were surprised to get short notice that Marstons the brewery had signed the tenancy of the Bull & Lion over to new tenants with effect from tomorrow 9th December 2013!
Mandy and her team had made significant improvements not only to the decor but to the food and service and ambience within the Pub.
They left on Friday and will be missed by all those that had frequented the pub in recent weeks on many occasions– some after long absences.
The business and patronage had risen rapidly in the short time (approx 3 months) they were there, and villagers were getting used to having a pub with friendly faces and a warm welcome.
Over this weekend it is being overseen by a temporary manager although it is understood that the staff are the same and business is as usual.
At Packington Post, we will try and keep you updated with developments as they become clearer.
Major House Building Proposed at Spring Lane – 49 new houses for Packington?
Outline Planning Application No 13/00959/OUTM
go to the Council Planning Website here
use the number to access all the documents.
They seek approval for up to 49 houses with access onto Normanton Road.
14 x 4-bed, 12 x 3-bed, 13 x 2-bed, 10 x “Affordable” Housing Continue reading ‘Major House Building Proposed at Spring Lane – 49 new houses for Packington?’ »
Andrew Bridgen MP upcoming surgeries
Andrew Bridgen MP will be holding his next Packington surgery 
on Friday 13th December 2013, from 1:00-3:00pm at the Memorial Hall.
You must book an appointment, which can be done by calling 01530 417736; or click here to email Andrew.