Tag: Botcheston

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Charnwood Forest Geopark

New Local History Project Begins With Call for Volunteers


Earlier in 2025 we were pleased to fund a new project with the Leicestershire Victoria County History Trust (LVCHT) to undertake historical research introducing the history of the various communities of Charnwood Forest.

When complete, this will be made available online for the public.

This project builds on work undertaken between 2013 and 2017 as part of Charnwood Roots, with volunteers playing a prominent role in bringing records together and researching Charnwood Forest’s history.

For this new project some other historical information will also need to be collected, and that’s where volunteers have a new opportunity to get involved.

In early 2026 LVCHT will begin part of this project in Thornton and Botcheston.

If you’ve always wondered about how these places developed, who lived there and what they did for a living, this is your opportunity to help us find out!

You don’t need to have any experience of history research – although if you do, great!

You will be supported by a qualified historian, and free training will be provided.

Whilst some volunteers may wish to work locally, LVCHT can pay travel expenses for those wanting to explore the archive at the county record office in Wigston.

LVCHT would love to hear from you, so if you would like to find out more about joining them – please contact Dr Susan Kilby at sk565@leicester.ac.uk.

The overall project is being run by Dr Pam Fisher and Dr Susan Kilby at LVCHT.

This project is made possible thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund support provided to the Charnwood Forest Landscape Partnership Scheme that underpins the Geopark.

Who are the Leicestershire Victoria County History Trust?

We are a registered charity (number 1128575) and a company registered in England and Wales (number 6683052).

Our aim is to research and publish the history of every town and village in Leicestershire, from earliest times to the present day.

This is part of a great national project which began towards the end of the reign of Queen Victoria, who accepted the dedication of the history. Since then, over 6,300 parish histories have been produced for places across England, each covering more than 1,000 years of history. Our aim is to ensure Leicestershire is fully represented in this national series. 

So far, Leicestershire has five of the iconic ‘big red books’, covering general themes in the county’s history, and more detailed accounts of the city and 43 towns and villages in south-east Leicestershire, including Market Harborough and surrounding villages. These were published between 1907 and 1964, and the parish histories can be read online. Leicestershire Victoria County History Trust was formed in 2008 to continue the series. Working with volunteers across the county, we have published paperback histories of Castle Donington,  Buckminster and Sewstern, and Ibstock. We have also published online histories of Kirby Bellars, Leire and Welby, and some shorter sections for a number of villages near Leicester.

Leicestershire Victoria County History Trust is reliant on grants and personal donations to fund our work? You can become a Friend of Leicestershire Victoria County History Trust in exchange for an annual donation of at least £20, or join our 200 Club for £50 annually, when you will be entered into a quarterly draw for a cash prize. Terms and conditions can be found on our application forms for the Friends or our 200 Club. Donations can also be made through Paypal.

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Choose How We Move – New bus service for Thornton

LC15A and LC15B

Following changes to Arriva’s 28 service, the section of route between Ratby and Coalville will now be served in different ways to reflect lower customer demand. The services will be available from Tuesday 26th August 2025. Arriva changes can be viewed on their latest news page. 

LC15A will offer a fixed route, catering to schools and commuters, as well as onward journeys from Groby.

LC15B is a Demand Responsive Transport service, that residents can call up to book. 

LC15A – Fixed Commuter Provision 

The LC15A will be operated by Coalville Cabs and serve all stops in Bagworth, Botcheston, Thornton and Merry Lees.

It will be available Monday to Friday, term time ONLY, allowing people to travel to Groby (Brookvale Groby Learning Campus). Pick-up times* for the LC15ABagworth: 6.45am & 7.45amThornton 6.50am & 7.50amMerry Lees 6.55am & 7.55amBotcheston 7am & 8am

*Please note that pick up times are approximate and it is recommended that passengers arrive at stops 10 minutes early. 

The return times from Groby (stop opposite Woodbank Road) are at 3:20pm and 6:10pm.

Adult single fares will be £2.00 and child single fares will be £1. Free travel concession passes will be valid in accordance with current terms and conditions. 

LC15B – Demand Responsive Transport (DRT)

The LC15B will be operated by Coalville Cabs and serve all stops in Bagworth, Botcheston, Thornton and Merry Lees. 

This is a bookable service, operating Monday to Saturday, 7am-7pm. Passengers will need to call the booking phone number before 5pm the day before travel. 01530 833800

Passengers from the villages served can book to travel to Groby (Brookvale Groby Learning Campus), Glenfield (Near County Hall / Hospital) and Coalville (Memorial Square).

Adult single fares will be between £2.00 – £2.50 (dependant on destination) and child single fares will be 50% of that rate.

Free travel concession passes will be valid in accordance with current terms and conditions. See full details on the table below. 

Watch the short clip below to understand what a DRT is, and how it operates. 

LC15B Fares

To Groby To Glenfield To CoalvilleFrom Bagworth £2.00£2.50£2.00From Thornton £2.00£2.50£2.00From Merry Lees£2.00£2.00£2.50From Botcheston£2.00£2.00£2.50

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Arriva – changes to the 28 bus service Leicester to Ratby and Coalville

There will be changes to the route and timetable of these services to reflect changing travel patterns and current customer demand.

Buses will continue to operate between Leicester, Groby and Ratby.  Whittington Drive will now be served by route 28 rather than route 27.

The section of route between Ratby and Coalville will now be served in different ways to reflect lower customer demand:
•    Thornton and Bagworth will be served a by a revised route LC15 operated under contract to Leicestershire County Council.  The County Council will also be providing new routes LC15A and LC15B catering for scholar and commuter movements, details of these services will be confirmed at choosehowyoumove.co.uk shortly.
•    Customers travelling from Botcheston should contact Leicestershire County Council through their website choosehowyoumove.co.uk with details of their journey needs in order to shape a ‘demand responsive’ service here.
•    Customers travelling from Ratby to Coalville can use routes 27/28 a short distance to Leicester Road in Groby to connect with routes 29/29A.
•    Our 153 service continues to serve Newtown Unthank every hour Monday to Saturday.

There is a petition in the Corner shop at Thornton.

Or you can sign the petition online.

https://chng.it/JL26p6qdP2

LEICESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL – CHANGES TO BUS SERVICES

Changes to bus services are to be rolled out in Hinckley and Coalville at the end of August.

They include a new bus route connecting the two towns and expanding a newly introduced service to cover more parts of Hinckley.

The majority of bus network changes have been made by Arriva, in close partnership with Leicestershire County Council, and will start from Tuesday, August 26.

Routes have been designed to increase access to health care sites, new developments and local amenities.

A series of roadshows will be held throughout the month so residents can find out more about the changes, timetables and local travel, as well as the council’s wider bus network review.

Ann Carruthers, Director of Environment and Transport  said: “Arriva has made their changes in liaison with the council as part of wider plans in the county to increase travel opportunities, improve punctuality and support the wider bus network.

“If you’d like to find out more, do come along to one of the roadshows and have a chat with a representative from Arriva, or one of our officers.”

Jonathan Wills, Network Manager at Arriva said: “We have worked closely with the County Council to review and revise our local bus services in the Hinckley and Coalville areas, reflecting current customer demand while supporting the services’ ongoing financial sustainability and incorporating new residential areas into the network.

“All of our Adult Single fares remain capped at just £3, and with unlimited travel available from just £2.82 per day with our 4-Weekly tickets there’s never been a better time to get onboard.”

The roadshows will be held at:

  • Tuesday 12th August, – 5.30-7.30pm – Hinckley Leisure Centre
  • Thursday 14th August, 11am to 1pm – Coalville Library
  • Saturday 16th August – 11am to 1pm – Coalville Library
  • Monday 18th August- 11am to 1pm – Hinckley The Crescent 
  • Thursday 21st August – 5.30 – 7.30pm – Whitwick and Coalville Leisure Centre

Among the service changes, the LC14 route introduced in June is being enhanced to improve coverage around Hinckley. It will now serve Hollycroft, Tudor Road, Netherley Road, Barwell Lane, and Leicester Road.

Residents will also benefit from a new one-year trial of the LC6 route, operated by Centrebus, connecting Coalville and Hinckley. Free bus pass holders will be able to travel at no cost all day.

Additionally, a new two-vehicle service is being introduced to support travel between Coalville and nearby villages including Bagworth, Thornton, Merry Lees, Botcheston, Groby, and Glenfield. It will run on fixed routes during school term time and be bookable throughout the day. The service follows changes to the number 28 bus route and takes account of recent feedback from residents to help better meet local travel needs.

More information is available on the Choose How You Move Website. 

Click to access LC15-Coalville-to-Leicester-26.08.2025.pdf

Demand Responsive LC15 bus service

The demand-responsive element of the revised LC15 bus service in Bagworth & Thornton, operated by Arriva under contract to Leicestershire County Council, means that the route will adapt to passenger demand, potentially offering a more flexible and convenient service compared to traditional fixed-route buses. This could involve adjusting the route or schedule based on passenger requests, especially in areas where the service may be less frequent or where there is a need to connect to other transport hubs. 

  • Demand Responsive Transport (DRT):DRT is a flexible transport service that adapts to passenger needs, offering a more personalized and on-demand experience. 
  • LC15:The LC15 is a specific bus route that has been revised and includes a demand-responsive component. 
  • Arriva:
    Arriva is the bus operator contracted by Leicestershire County Council to run the service. 
    Leicestershire County Council:
    The council is responsible for commissioning and overseeing the service. 
  • How it works:
    Demand responsive services like the LC15 may involve features like:
  • Flexible routes: The bus may deviate from a fixed route to pick up or drop off passengers at their requested locations. 
  • Adjusted schedules: The service may run at different times or frequencies depending on passenger demand. 
  • Integration with other transport: The service may act as a feeder to other public transport options like trains or other bus routes. 
  • Benefits:
    DRT can offer several advantages, including:
  • Improved accessibility: It can help connect communities that are not well-served by traditional public transport. 
  • Reduced reliance on private cars: It can provide a convenient alternative to driving, potentially reducing traffic congestion and emissions. 
  • Increased flexibility: It can cater to a wider range of travel needs and preferences. 
  • Enhanced social inclusion: It can provide access to essential services and opportunities for people who may have difficulty with traditional transport options. 
  • Potential cost savings: If implemented effectively, it can potentially reduce the overall cost of providing public transport. 
  • Arriva boasts … ArrivaClick is the smarter way to get around Leicester. Download the app, select where you want to go and we’ll get you there with one of our premium minibuses.