SEPTEMBER

FARMER Kevan Atkin is full of praise for the firefighters who responded to the blaze that destroyed more than 1,000 tons of his hay and straw.
The fire at Kevan’s Barrow-on-Trent farm on August 13 was just one of many that Melbourne’s volunteer firefighters had to deal with during the summer heatwave. Kevin said he also appreciated the support from the local community following the devastating incident, including a letter from MP Samantha Niblett.
You can read the full account in this month’s Village Voice, where you will find out how it has been the busiest firefighting period for 25 years for the local retained crew.
Fire station watch manager Andy Astle reports on the numerous call-outs his under-strength team has been involved with in the long hot summer.

Overfull litter bins and parking on double yellow lines have prompted the parish council to take action while the local authority has also joined the objections to a plan to turn a green space in Melbourne into a pond.
Sever Trent Water is proposing to create a drainage system basin on Queensway in an attempt to combat flooding in the area. More details on all, of this in our latest edition.

East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward is urging people to use the No.9 bus service serving Melbourne, Ashby and the airport – or risk losing it. The service, which has been reprieved until April, is said to be costing £25,000 a month to run.

We have good news for teenagers who have received the results of their A-level and GCSE exams.

And read how our farming column writer Ben Stanley was upstaged by his nine-year-old daughter Iona at the Ashbourne Show. It will make you smile …