Notice of Councillor Vacancy
NOTICE OF VACANCY
IN OFFICE OF COUNCIL
Parish of Atherstone (South)
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN
that a casual vacancy has arisen in the Office of Councillor for the Parish Council.
If by 18 March, 2025 (14 days excluding Dies Non, after the date of this notice) a request for an
election to fill said vacancy is made in writing to the Returning Officer at the address below by TEN
electors for the said Parish, an election will be held to fill the said vacancy, otherwise the vacancy
will be filled by co-option.
If an election is called, it will take place not later than 23 May, 2025.
Dated 26 February, 2025
Steve Maxey
Returning Officer
The Council House
South Street
Atherstone
Warwickshire
CV9 1DE
Ruby Chamber Young Person’s Sports Award 2024
NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN
The Ruby Chambers Young Sports Person Award 2024
Atherstone Town Council invites nominations for an annual award dedicated to former councillor the late Ruby Chambers and given to an U18 in the Atherstone community who has realised a sporting achievement.
The late Cllr Chambers was Town Mayor in 2006-7 and dedicated much of her life to furthering the opportunities for young and disadvantaged members of the community. She had a natural affinity with young people and was always the champion of the underdog. Cllr Jarvis once described Ruby as “fiercely independent, a real fighter for a good cause… generous, kind and convinced that everyone has the potential to be more than they think can be.”
If you know a young person who embodies this spirit of determination, persistence and sporting achievement, then please write to the council to Town Council at:
, or post your nomination letters to PO Box 2000, Atherstone, CV9 1YN.
The deadline for nominations is 12TH March 2025
A SAFETY NET FOR THE NEW YEAR
Atherstone, a small historic market town in Warwickshire, takes pride in being a place where people care about their community and look out for one another.
Helping to protect and keep people safe is a modern, 24/7 state of the art CCTV system which mobilises a first line response for people who are alone distressed, vulnerable, missing or need emergency care.
It is manned by a team of experienced operators who work closely with the local police, ambulance services and other blue light services to get help when needed.
Town Councillor, Gwyn Short who chairs the CCTV partnership group said:
“The New Year can be a lonely, challenging and difficult time for many people.[1]
One valuable but unexpected feature of our towns CCTV system is that it provides an important ‘safety net’ for vulnerable people.
Nearly one in 10 of the 2500 incidents which are picked up each year concern people who are vulnerable, have mental health, social problems or need emergency care.
We are proud that our CCTV system helps to find missing persons and mobilise support for people who are homeless. It will be there, watching out for everyone over the New Year “.
SHOPLIFTERS STAY AWAY FROM ATHERSTONE
The Winter and January Sales are one of the busiest and important times of year for retailers right across the West Midlands.
But as shoppers take to our High Streets so unfortunately it seems do shop lifters – in increasing numbers!
Nationally retail theft* has risen significantly [29%] in recent years [see Figure 1] a problem recognised by the government as having a serious impact on retail businesses, their employees and local economies.
Figure 1: Number of shoplifting offences recorded by police forces in England and Wales, year ending March 2003 to the year ending June 2024
Yet one small market town – Atherstone – with its bustling high street of independent retail businesses, supermarkets cafes and bars, has managed to buck this national trend
One year ago, [June 2023] shoplifting rates in Atherstone were on the rise, at around 18/1000 and running at around four times the County average.
Now thanks to their state-of-the-art CCTV network, manned by a team of experienced operators with direct links with to local shops and the police, utilising the TownWatch radio scheme and new DISC app, this year shoplifting rates in the town centre have fallen over the last year by 43%.
Figure 2: Shoplifting Rate for Atherstone Central
Town Councillor, Gwyn Short who chairs the CCTV partnership group [a group established between Atherstone Town Council, North Warwickshire Borough Council and the Safer Neighbourhood Team (North Warwickshire East) to jointly manage the CCTV network.]
We know that many small businesses in our high street cannot afford to lose thousands of pounds through retail theft or to hire security staff.
This “real time approach to tackling crime in our town prevents retail crime before it happens, and fast-tracks a police response when incidents happen “
Borough Councillor Ray Jarvis [Chair of the Safer Communities Committee, North Warwickshire Borough Council] added
“As councils we have worked together over several years with the local police to establish this new system and we are proud of what has been achieved. As well as being a lovely and historic place to visit, Atherstone is now a much safer and secure place to shop – and this reduction in crime has benefited both local businesses and shoppers “
*Retail crime is defined as “criminal activities that specifically target retail establishments, such as shops, supermarkets, or shopping centres”
Christmas and New Year Closing 2024/25
Atherstone Town Council will close for Christmas at 3pm Monday 23rd December 2024 and re-open at 9am on Thursday 2nd January 2025.
Calls to the office landline 01827 720 829 will be diverted to an officer who will periodically check – for emergencies only.
GUCT Community Update – Dec 2024
The Grand Union Canal Transfer (GUCT) team completed their first public consultation on 25 October, after 6 weeks of talking to and listening to people across the region about their proposals.
They would like to thank all of you who came to their consultation events or outdoor pop-up events along the canal.
They have published their first Community Update for the Grand Union Canal Transfer, which can be viewed on their website here: https://guctransfer.co.uk/resources/document-library/ (external link)
Or via our PDF viewer below:
This includes information about what GUCT learned at the consultation and what they’re doing with your feedback.
To view Atherstone Town Council’s response to the initial public consultation you can visit our dedicated GUCT page here:
Have Your Say on Atherstone’s State-of-the-Art CCTV System!
Atherstone Town Council is committed to keeping our town safe with a modern CCTV system featuring:
- High-resolution cameras covering key areas.
- 24/7 monitoring by dedicated officers in partnership with the Police.
- Connections to Town Watch Radio and Police HQ for rapid response.
Last year, this system helped prevent crime and supported successful prosecutions—but we want to make it even better!
Your input matters! Complete our quick survey here: CCTV Survey
Help us ensure Atherstone remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone.
Don’t wait—share your views today!
DICKENS 2024
Atherstone Mayor Cllr Sara Bishop Hosts Civic Reception Ahead of Dickens Parade
On Saturday, 30th November 2024, Atherstone’s Mayor, Cllr Sara Bishop, hosted a Civic Reception at the Red Lion Hotel in advance of the Dickens Parade.
The fundraising event successfully raised £550.21 for the Mayor’s chosen charity, St Giles Hospice. Volunteers were on hand to assist with the raffle, which added to the event’s success.
Civic guests and dignitaries from across Warwickshire attended, including the Chairman of Warwickshire County Council and Consort, the Mayor of North Warwickshire Borough Council, the Deputy Mayor of Alcester Town Council and Consort, the Mayor of Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council and Consort, as well as MP Rachel Taylor and many other community guests.
Civic Reception Dickens 2024
Dickens 2024
Photographs courtesy of Joseph Kobrin.
Community Grant Fund Awarded
Atherstone Town Mayor Presents £1000 Community Grant to Open Hands Community CIC
Atherstone Town Mayor, Councillor Sara Mayor, proudly presented a Community Grant Fund cheque for £1000 to Open Hands Community CIC on behalf of Atherstone Town Council. Pictured are Sarah and Gracie King, along with the Mayor’s Consort, Alan Bishop.
This grant will support the ongoing efforts of Open Hands Community CIC in providing essential services and support to the local community. The Mayor expressed her admiration for the organisation’s dedication and impact, highlighting the importance of such community-driven initiatives.