Firstly I must apologise for not delivering the petitions to local businesses for everyone to sign, further thought and calls suggested an alternative approach was required given the time limit for any possible positive reaction to provide a glorious dazzling display, which as residents we would undoubtably expect.
I contacted Anstey and Groby Parish Councils to ask if they would be able to tell us what their budgets are for village Christmas trimmings in comparison to ours when I asked. Anstey Council have a contract and have now spent in excess of £30,000, Groby informed me that as they did not have the figures at hand they will take my number and return my call, I was not expecting an immediate response so was not disappointed, I’ll wait, they sounded genuine enough!
I then contacted our Council to ask what, if any our budget is for village trimmings at Christmas. Speaking to head of finance who was pleasantly approachable, the reply was as follows:-
“The Parish Council is delighted that village residents are debating an issue that they feel strongly about and one that has only very recently been brought to the attention of Councillors. The next meeting of the Parish Council is set for Thursday 7th January 2010. An item called ‘Christmas Lights’ has been added to the agenda that will be posted on notice boards in advance of the meeting. Parish Council meetings are open to the public. Meetings start at 7.00 pm in the Council Chamber and members of the public are invited at speak at 8.00 pm or at the conclusion of the meeting, whichever is the earliest. May I take this opportunity to wish all followers of this web site a very happy Christmas and prosperous New Year.
With best wishes, Dr. Kevin Tansey, Chair of the Finance Committee, Kirby Muxloe Parish Council”
Honest but as expected, and not just because of the current economic climate but because they have to adhere to policies and procedures.
So it seems we have a few weeks to think about what we want to see, and where we would like to see it, put our opinions across at the meeting, maybe a few months to come up with some suggestions, and a year to wait for an outcome whilst they tinker with the budget. It may not be what we wanted but it is more than what we have had.
Thoughts?
Little to late as per usual. I guarantee there will be no lights next year. I good place where they could be situated would be on the roundabout at the bottom of blood hill or near where the shops are as this will help the shops also. maybe trees and lights outside the shops on main street
Any volunteers out there to keep the vandals away from any decorated Christmas Tree?
Seems to me you have plenty of mouth Luky Boxer….. How about you volunteer? See if your guns are as big as your trap!
Instead of posting insulting messages, why don’t you
volunteer YOUR services? Everyone seems to make
suggestions, but not stick their hand up. Somehow I think you’ll sit there in your armchair, and stick to
vulgarity as your contribution.