Planning applications raise the temperature

Two controversial planning applications are raising the temperature of Maltby residents.

The development at Lilly Hall junior school site, involving the merger of the Hall Infants and Lilly Hall Junior schools has got residents hot under the collar as they get ready for serious long-term disruption along the road, which is already busy at school times with the Academy site at the opposite end of the thoroughfare.

The Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council planning website has been inundated with complaints from residents. There is also deep concern about RMBC's proposal to fell a number of trees in Larch Plantation in order to create a temporary access road for contractors' vehicles from Lilly Hall Road to the Lilly Hall Junior School site. Many feel that this proposal represents an indefensible act of environmental vandalism and an assault on the local ecosystem.  

Originally there were plans to incorporate a new build on the Academy site as part of a 0-19 educational campus. In the light of the reduced spending on the Academy project this plan was abandoned. Now it seems that residents will have prolonged activity along the residential street.

A major concern is the increased traffic levels in the area which one objector feels will result in the creation of "an incredibly dangerous [traffic] environment" unacceptable to residents.

Meanwhile Maltby Environmental Group have objected to the access via Larch Plantation. Firstly on the historical importance of the area, and secondly on geological grounds as a regionally important geological site. They are also concerned about the proposed drop off and parking proposals.

The group ends its objection by suggesting that a refurbishment of Maltby Hall Infants would be a better solution.

Maltby Town Council have also complained on the website that they were not kept fully informed of the development. The planning department admitted there had been an oversight.

The Town Council believes that the residents of Maltby have been badly served, and have called for a second more comprehensive consultation. A provisional date for a decision on the proposal is due on 15 February however, and the consultation process has now officially closed.

The original statement of community involvement states that 70 letters inviting comment were issued on the proposals and 35 people attended a consultation event. By way of contrast around 50 objections have now been registered.

Meanwhile Maltby Colliery has applied to erect a temporary overland conveyer and radial stacker to facilitate movement of colliery spoil from the pithead to the disposal area, on a temporary basis for up to ten years. Local residents are concerned about the noise and dust threats.

Steve Warren of Estell Warren Landscape Architecture said, "The belt is barely visible and sound levels have been checked to ensure residents will not be disturbed."

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Spectacular show in support of Safe@LAST

Banish the February blues at a spectacular variety show with over 100 performers onstage!

A host of superb professional acts headline STARS@LAST at Rotherham Civic Theatre on Friday 10 February supported by dancers and entertainers from Gillian Banks' Theatre School; Janet Mitchell School of Dance; A~LIST, and Rotherham Teachers' Student Academy.

All proceeds are in aid of SAFE@LAST children's charity. The programme includes comedy routines, songs from West End shows, classical music, rock n'roll, Eastern belly dancers, Robbie Williams cabaret artist – and a fully staged extract from the hit musical 'Hairspray'. Outstanding young musician 9 years old Robbie Jansen (National Children's Orchestra) also appears on the packed programme.

Popular Sheffield comedian Wayne Biggin comperes the STARS@LAST show in his own inimitable style! He'll introduce all the acts, including a mystery guest with a well known face!! Headline acts include:

Steve Smith well known locally as the 'showbiz lawyer' and passionate about fundraising for SAFE@LAST, Steve's ever popular wise-cracking fun and brilliant piano accordion playing makes him a favourite with audiences everywhere.

Lauren Housley mesmerizing voice and charisma which has attracted a growing army of fans. She recently headlined at Soundwave Croatia and has appeared at venues across the country. Lauren will be showcasing songs from her new EP and album along with her producer and guitarist partner Thomas Dibb.

Diesel Vanilla an established local band whose keyboard player is the lead vocalist for the UK's top Adam Ant Tribute band. Two SY Police officers play in its line up. In demand for local gigs and charity nights, the exciting sound of Diesel Vanilla is a popular choice at festivals and local events.

Zubaidah belly dance troupe specialise in exciting Eastern dance routines from traditional Arabic to tribal. Led by local dance teacher Lynne Fletcher, the Zubaidah dancers have a growing band of fans. Dancers vary in age from 18 to 70 and wear exotic authentic dress!

Organiser Christine Ayres says "STARS@LAST is packed with brilliant acts for a really entertaining night out. This year we have some great comedians with comedy routines to rock the audience with laughter! We're grateful to all the acts, all are appearing completely free of charge, and every penny raised goes to SAFE@LAST's vital work with vulnerable local children."

Tickets £10, £9 conc Tel 01709 823621 / 823640 or online
www.rotherham.gov.uk/theatres

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Charity event for brave Abigail at the Stute

A special charity event is taking place at Maltby Miners Welfare Institute (Stute) Muglet Lane Maltby on Saturday 18th February 2012 at 7pm in support of Abigail Fleming, a brave Maltby girl whose story follows below in her own words.

Organisers will be holding raffles and tombolas and a Disco. Tickets are £2 per person which can be bought from the Stute or from Jackie at Style Station Hair & Beauty Salon on Laburnum Road Maltby (near to the Spar) 01709 769857 or Carolyne Straw 32 Clifton Rise Maltby 01709 819261

"Hello, my name is Abigail. I am 14 years old and my birthday is in November. I live with my mum and dad and 13 year old brother called Aiden.

In September 2008 I was diagnosed with bone cancer in my left leg. After lots of tests I started chemotherapy which made me ill, and my hair fell out, but it was the only way to shrink the tumour in my leg. In January 2009 I had my left knee and nearly all my femur removed and replaced with metal. I had to continue with chemotherapy until July 2009, whilst learning to walk again.

Lots of physio followed to build up my leg, and I had to have the metal in my leg extended every so often as it would not grow anymore.
Everything was fine until December 2010, when a routine scan picked up tumours on my left lung.

I was told I would have to have more chemotherapy and another operation to remove half my left lung.

In January 2011 I collapsed because the tumours had blocked my lung completely, leaving me unable to breath. I had to have an emergency operation before receiving more chemotherapy.

The operation worked and I began treatment again, lost my hair again and fell ill. In March 2011 I had another lung operation and was back home recovering after a week.
In October 2011 a scan revealed the cancer had returned a third time. I could not have any more chemotherapy, and the only solution was to remove the rest of my lung.
I had the operation in November, but the operation was unsuccessful as the tumour had attached to my heart and could not be removed.

Although I know the cancer will take my life I am determined to fight on and enjoy the time I have left."

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Free Adult and Family Cycle training available to all

A free training scheme for would-be cyclists is being offered by Rotherham Borough Council.

All adults, teenagers and families who either live and work in Rotherham can now take advantage of a free cycle training and advice service thanks to funding from both the authority and central government.

Run by local cycle training co-operative, Pedal Ready Rotherham, the sessions are based on 'National Standard' (or Bikeabilty) cycling skills training, and cover a wide range, such as tips for riding in traffic, bike maintenance, hill climbing advice, use of gears and group riding tips.

The training is being offered thanks to the authority winning a share of £5 million of funding won from the government's Local Sustainable Transport Fund as well as from the council's Local Transport Plan.

Coun. Gerald Smith, Cabinet Member for Town Centres, Economic Growth and Prosperity, said that getting more people cycling is a real priority for the authority. He said: "Cycle training is a great way to encourage more people to cycle and and ultimately, benefit from improved health and fitness levels. Cycling also provides big savings on the cost of travel especially with the rising cost of fuel. In addition, cyclists are doing their bit for the environment by helping to reduce the pollution caused by travel."

"The sessions are for anyone from beginners starting out for the first time to experienced cyclists picking up advanced road skills," added Nick Brelsford from Pedal Ready. "If someone in the family has got a bike this Christmas, or if you and the kids fancy a break from the sales shopping, why not get in touch to have some fun on your bikes and learn something new at the same time?  There is even an opportunity to test ride the very latest electric bikes!"

The free flexible sessions are available on a one-to-one basis, in families or small groups, and can run from your home or any location in Rotherham, on weekdays or weekends. For more information or to book please contact Pedal Ready Rotherham at:

Visit: www.pedalready.co.uk E-mail: start@pedalready.co.uk Phone: 0114 2412775.

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