Have you seen our new and improved library? It's lovely! We have a new building and it is a great improvement, inside feels very welcoming and bright. The staff are very friendly and helpful. They now have excellent computer facilities and more room to have a sit down and a read. Please make use of this improved service by having a look and if not already a member why not become one. As well as books they have Cd's and Dvd's too. Opening times are

Mon - 9am to 12pm
Tue - 2pm to 7pm
Weds - closed
Thurs 2pm to 5pm
Fri - 9am to 12pm
Sat - 9.30am to 1pm - 2pm to 5pm
Sun - closed

Telephone Number 0116 3053500.

2007 - 2008
Assaults - 25
Thefts - 24
Burglary other - 13
Damage - 33
Drugs - 3
Burglary - 1
Damage to Cars - 7
Theft from Cars- 8
Theft of Cars - 0

Overall crime has increased in most respects, though this report includes within the Assaults, domestic assaults, which it didn't last year. The main increase seems to be within Criminal Damage. There has been an increase in detected crimes from 16 last year to 20 this year.

After consultation with the community the main concerns are Anti Social behaviour at Merchants Common and Car Cruising at The Warren. Both of these have now been raised as Beat Priorities for the coming year.

Mr. Potato's circus workshop is one and a half hours of fun and entertainment. You will see a show and then have a the opportunity to learn first hand some of the skills displayed, there will be juggling, plate spinning, diablo, devil sticks, peddlegoes, stilt walking and much more, so come along and learn the skills of the circus.
To book your place please call 0116 2602202. Closing date Friday 11th July 2008.
There are three sessions to choose from
10.30am - 12 noon
12.15pm - 1.45pm
2.00pm - 3.30pm

The Petwise mobile petting zoo is coming to East Goscote to provide a fantastic day with fun and hands on experience with all types of animals. The zoo consists of various animals including Lizards, Tarantulas, Prairie Dogs, Mice, Ducks and many more. There are many open-topped animal pens, cages and tanks. Everyone will have the chance to hold and touch the animals whilst learning about them. There will be demonstrations, games and an after event pack for all the children.
To book your place please call 0116 2602202. Closing date Friday 11th July.
There are three sessions
10.30am - 12.00 noon
12.15pm - 1.45pm
2.00pm - 3.30pm
All children under the age of 8 must be supervised.

Meet your Mayor - drop in anytime 2pm - 4pm on Tuesday 5th February 2008 at St Hilda's Church Hall, East Goscote. Your Mayor - Your Village - Your Borough

Welcome to three new Councillors who joined the East Goscote Parish Council in October. They are David Cannon, June Kyle and Arvind Patel. We now have a full compliment of Councillors which should ease the work burden on everyone.

Unfortunately the problems of vandalism and anti-social behaviour continue. Over the last two weekends: June 23/24th and June 29/30th a group of youths caused problems on the mound playing fields and around the youth shelter and play area. Beer and other bottles were smashed around causing a danger to all who use the playing field. Our caretakers were called out on both Saturday mornings to deal with the clean up. Thanks to them both. The fencing was damaged and also the safety surfacing had to be repaired – all at the villagers expense. Please do not hesitate to call the police if you see a large group of youths congregating and drinking. They may be under-age and could have the drink confiscated. Call the police on 2222222 so that we remain a high priority area to the police.

The East Goscote parish plan youth group managed to secure a grant of £7000 to provide a new youth shelter on our Jubilee Playing Fields.

The parish council has managed to secure grant funding of £32,000 to have a multi sports court and BMX track installed on the Jubilee Playing Fields. It is hoped that the installation will take place at the end of June in time for the Childrens summer holidays.

The recreation project working party have decided on a supplier for the proposed BMX track and Multi-Sports Court. The Parish Council has agreed to their recommendation based on best value. The total cost will be £32,000 (thanks to the negotiating skills of our Clerk). We have successfully applied for grants to cover the cost of this project. This is an ambitious project but the Parish Council support it to give the youth of the village, facilities, which hopefully, will keep them occupied.

We hope to see the installation commencing at the end of June.

As some residents know, Ron Jenkins retires as our Borough Councillor and as a Parish Councillor in May. In recognition of his services to our village (since 1983), a retirement party is being planned for Ron on Saturday 21st April between 12 noon and 3.30pm in the village hall. Refreshments will be provided. We would like as many residents as possible to call in and say goodbye to Ron at some point during the proceedings. Please see elsewhere in the Long Furrow for full details. We wish Ron a very happy and healthy retirement and are grateful for his work for everyone in the village. Goodbye Ron and Thanks for everything !

The Parish Council has discussed various options for burial arrangements. We are actively looking to provide more advantageous burial facilities – in the interests of our residents – and a burial committee has been formed. Their first meeting was held on 7th February 2007, agendas will be posted on the noticeboards for any interested parties. The committee consists of: Chairman – Derry Walton, Vice Chairman – Yvonne Smith, Secretary – Gill Morton, and two further members – Maureen Loseby and Margaret Gillam.