News in Oakham

A programme of restoration work has started on Clipsham Yew Tree Avenue - an iconic topiary avenue of more than 140 trees planted 200 years ago.

It has been more than five years since the famous trees, which were once clipped into all manner of unusual shapes, were last trimmed.

Rutland County Council is carrying out its annual review of residents who receive a 25 percent Single Person Discount (SPD) on their Council Tax and asking people to confirm any changes in their personal circumstances.

Adults can claim SPD when they are the sole occupant of the property they live in. Councils review the discount every year to keep records up-to-date, as well as reminding anyone who may not have reported a change in circumstances that would make them ineligible for SPD.

Rutland County Council is writing to all businesses in the county advising them to seek advice and guidance from the Government as the deadline for Britain's departure from the European Union draws near.

The local authority is also publishing a series of information videos in which local business owners share their top tips on preparing for Brexit.

A raft of new targets, initiatives and actions to help in the global fight against climate change is to be considered by Rutland County Council.

A draft Climate Change Action Motion will be presented by Coun Gordon Brown, Cabinet Member for the Environment, at Rutland's next full council meeting on Monday (14 Oct).

Oakham Grange is on the hunt for a classic car to become the centrepiece of the soon-to-open care home's dementia-friendly garden.

The £9m residential and nursing care home in Wheatfield Way is set to open early next year and is looking for a Morris Minor - or similar vehicle - to spark positive memories for residents.

Police are trying to track down a motorist who asked a teenage girl to get into his car in Uppingham.

The incident happened shortly after 8pm on Sunday, 22 September.

The B1081 at Great Casterton was closed for an-hour-and-a-half this morning (Sun) after a two-vehicle collision.

Traffic was diverted while emergency services - including a fire engine from Stamford - attended the incident which happened shortly after 10.30am.

Oakham United FC joint first team managers Stewart Lambie and Michael Nelson have resigned.

The duo, who took on the shared role last season, broke the news to the players yesterday (Sat).

Independent Rutland County Council councillor David Blanksby has joined the Conservative Group with immediate effect.

Coun Blanksby, who was a member of the council's Independent Group, was elected as one of two ward members for the newly-created Rutland County Council Ward of Barleythorpe in May this year.

Oakham is preparing to welcome His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester for an official royal visit next month.

His Royal Highness, a grandson of George V and a first cousin to The Queen, will travel to Rutland on 20 November and visit a number of organisations across the county with Lord-Lieutenant Dr Sarah Furness.