Many bus users will know of the rumours about Woods Coaches no longer running the number 73 service. After asking questions I have received the following details:-

 - Woods Coaches business is being transfered to Centrebus.

 - The number 73 service will be run by Centrebus after this (August Bank Holiday) weekend.

 - The Woods logo on the vehicles is expected to be overwritten with the Centrebus logo.

 - It is likely that the service will have the same drivers.

The application by Bakers Waste for a waste transfer station at Wharf Way, Glen Parva was decided at County Hall yesterday.

Permission was given for a temporary period of two-years. This is, in effect, an approval for a trial run. In addition, 35 conditions have put on the application including further restrictions on hours of operations.

Several residents spoke against the application at the meeting, in addition to speeches of objections from the Parish Council, businesses on Wharf Way and myself (County Councillor Alan Bailey).

The result is a disappointment but I am sure that we would not have secured a temporary two year approval with 35 conditions without the opposition from residents, Glen Parva Parish Council, letter writers, your local councillors and the petition signers.

We must now make sure that we press the authorities to effectively monitor the operations of the site and take appropriate enforcement action where necessary.

Petitioners who are pressing for a safe pedestrian crossing place on the Leicester Rd (A426) near Red House Road, Glen Parva, have heard good news. A new report on the problem by Leicestershire County Council officers states that, although there is not sufficient justification for a zebra or pelican crossing, there is however “sufficient justification to recommend a central pedestrian island to improve crossing” for pedestrians.

The report goes on to say that “it is intended to promote the introduction of a pedestrian central island at this location compared to other competing commitments for the inclusion in a future capital programme.”

Leics County officers are to meet with Leicester City colleagues to try to reach agreement on joint funding and a timetable.

Below - The Leicester Road / Red House Road junction

News below of a very good Liberal Democrat Borough by-election win in Oadby & Wigston last week.

The previous Lib Dem majority was only about 250 and there was a very strong challenge from the Tories. But they lost!

There was a high turnout, especially for a by-election.

The Lib Dem winner was an excellent candidate and she will make a very good Borough councillor.

Oadby Uplands Ward By Election - 31 July 2008

Result

Anne Rosemary BOND (Conservative Party) 625 votes

Samia Zaffar HAQ (Liberal Democrats) 774 votes

Turn out was 40.3 percent.