County News Winter 2013

countynews WINTER 2013

NEVER SAY NEVER Could the 1953 floods happen again? Experts say we need to be prepared – page 8

HERE’S HEALTH!

A special feature looking at prevention rather than cure to help us stay well

WHAT ABOUT WIND FARMS? FOCUS ON WEST LINDSEY starts on page 22

We are asking residents if you support a tough stance on turbines

contents countynews

Leader ’s welcome...

As County News lands on your doormat, Christmas and New Year are already behind us, but winter still has a long way to go.

That means the threat of storm surges is at its highest, as Lincolnshire found to its cost in devastating coastal floods 60 years ago.

As we recall in this edition, the disaster of 31 January 1953 claimed 42 lives in the county – and several times that number along the east coast as a whole.

Thankfully, the freak conditions that produced destruction on the scale of 1953 happen very rarely. Also, of course, a great deal has been done since then to improve sea defences.

Despite that, flooding can and does happen – and not just in winter or in coastal areas. With that in mind, our feature on page 8 highlights what is being done to keep us safe, plus what residents can do to help themselves.

In our second main feature on page 16, we look at how the council will soon be doing even more to help us stay healthy – everything from regular screening to tackling obesity and alcohol problems.

Elsewhere in the magazine, we have a questionnaire asking your views on the controversial subject of wind farms in Lincolnshire.

As you may know, the council has already expressed strong opposition to the unrestrained spread of turbines.

We would now like to make that official council policy, strengthening our hand in opposing unsuitable developments.

However, before we take that step, it’s only right that we should ask if you agree with what we’re proposing.

Please try and find a few minutes to complete the questionnaire. Whatever your views, you’ll be contributing to a debate of great importance to Lincolnshire’s future.

Cllr Martin Hill OBE Leader of Lincolnshire County Council

winter 2013

3 News in brief Four pages of stories from across Lincolnshire 7 Inspiring a generation!

County schools are helping fulfil the promise of

7

the London Games

8 Special feature: Flooding

Sixty years after the 1953 disaster, we’re still living with a real risk

11 Discover volunteering

A local organisation is bringing volunteers and vacancies together

12 Serving my “home” city

8

Meet ex-Royal Engineer Cllr Eddie Strengiel

14 Your views on wind farms

Complete our questionnaire on this important issue

16 Special feature: Health

We’ll soon be doing more to help you stay well

18 Please call a CAB!

14

Could you volunteer with the Citizens Advice Bureau?

22 West Lindsey News

Eight fabulous pages of district news

30 Out and about

Your essential guide to local events in 2013

32 Contact us

16

Web, email, phone or post – you choose!

Contact information EDITORIAL Lincolnshire County Council Tel: 01522 782060 Email: countynews@lincolnshire.gov.uk By post: County News, Lincolnshire County Council, County Offices, Newland, Lincoln LN1 1YL Online: www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/countynews Editor: David Harding, communications officer Managing editor: Karen Spencer, communications manager Design: Neil Lamont and Associates West Lindsey News: Julie Heath, senior communications officer, 01427 676502 / communicationsteam@west-lindsey.gov.uk MORE INFORMATION Distribution: County News is published by Lincolnshire County Council. Each edition is delivered to about 330,000 homes and businesses by Royal Mail.

Next edition: The spring 2013 edition of the magazine will be distributed in late March.

Audio versions: County News is available to download as an audio file at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/countynews or as a tape on request from Listening Lincs on 01522 782010.

Sustainability: County News is printed on paper from responsible or well-managed sources. Please recycle the magazine when you have finished with it.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Lincolnshire news round-up Renewing your bus pass Is your concessionary bus pass due to expire in March or April this year?

If so, please don’t wait to have it renewed – you can apply now and ensure you get it in plenty of time!

There is no fee for renewing your pass. However, unless you are applying in person, you’ll need to provide a passport-sized photo.

Please also let us have proof – dated within the last six months – that you are a Lincolnshire resident and qualify for a pass because of your age or disability.

You can apply to Lincolnshire County Council for your new pass by: Post – application forms are available from libraries, district council offices and other access centres, and by download from www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/concessionaryfares.

In person – please take your application form and supporting information to City Hall, Beaumont Fee, Lincoln LN1 1DB between 9.30am and 4pm. To book an appointment, phone 01522 782201.

An online application service is also being developed. When it’s in place, you’ll be able to apply electronically via the website.

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For further information, visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/concessionaryfares or contact Concessionary Fares Office, City Hall, Lincoln LN1 1DB.

Free real nappy packs!

Trial packs of reusable nappies are available throughout Lincolnshire for parents and carers who want to try them out for their babies.

Supported by Lincolnshire County Council, the scheme aims to reduce the amount of nappies thrown away in landfill – currently 9,500 tonnes a year in the county.

What’s more, using cloth nappies can typically save families around £500 per child.

Friendly volunteers from the Lincolnshire Real Nappy Network are on hand to give help and advice to parents keen to try reusable nappies – just contact them via Facebook, or see our video interview with a volunteer / mum at www.youtube.com/lincolnshireCC.

For further details, visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/ realnappies or call the nappy hotline on 0800 328 8175.

Fire service consultation Running a modern fire and rescue service is about far more than putting out blazes.

In Lincolnshire, it’s about keeping residents safe in all kinds of way – everything from fitting smoke alarms to tackling floods and attending serious road incidents, plus much more besides.

Such a broad range of work requires detailed planning – as well as consultation with residents to find out your views. With that in mind, we’d very much welcome your feedback on our proposed priorities for next year.

Please let us have your views, no later than Friday 15 February, via www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/lfr.

To request a hard copy version, please email communications@lincoln.fire-uk.org.

Council tax freeze likely For the third year running, Lincolnshire County Council is hoping to freeze its share of the council tax.

The suggested freeze forms part of initial budget proposals for 2013/14 available to view online at www. lincolnshire.gov.uk from 8 January onwards.

You can also send comments via the website, but please let us have these before 5 February.

That is when the Executive will recommend final proposals for approval by a meeting of the full council on 22 February.

Away from County Offices, new local Council Tax Support Schemes, replacing council tax benefits, are being introduced by district councils following public consultation.

For more about your local scheme, starting in April, visit your district council website.

Planning for prosperity New homes and jobs have to be created in the right areas – and that takes co-ordinated planning.

With that in mind, a joint vision is being prepared for the development of Lincoln, West Lindsey and North Kesteven, which together make up Central Lincolnshire.

Initial growth will focus on eight areas – three in both Lincoln and Gainsborough, plus two in Sleaford.

These will provide about a third of the 42,500 homes and 210 hectares of employment land needed up to 2031.

The aim is to ensure homes are built in the right places to link with jobs, infrastructure, roads, shops and schools.

Future allocations of land will be made in the wider Central Lincolnshire area to ensure all communities benefit from regeneration.

For more information, visit www. central-lincs.org.uk.

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NEWS IN BRIEF

Staying independent at home It’s never been easier for older and disabled people to find out about the support available to help them remain in their own homes.

“A Guide to Independent Living in Lincolnshire” has just been published by the county council’s Adult Social Care team.

It’s packed with useful information about benefits and money, transport, home support and personal care, as well as how new technology such as Telecare can help keep you safe.

For a copy of the guide, please call 01522 782155 – or you can find the information online at www.mychoicemycare.org.uk.

The website also has a new financial assessment calculator, which can work out if you’d have to pay for future care and, if so, what that might cost.

A short video with more information is available at www.youtube.com/LincolnshireCC.

Last call for primary applications!

The deadline for applying for a Reception place for your child this September is only two weeks away – all applications must be received by Monday 14 January.

To apply online, visit www.lincolnshire.gov. uk/schooladmissions, or pick up an application pack from any primary school or by phoning 01522 782030.

Help to move home

Stay warm and well

As we get older, or perhaps become disabled, we can find that our house isn’t really suitable any more.

However, moving home is a life-changing decision – and one you may not want to make without specialist help.

That’s why the Lincolnshire Home Improvement Agency (LHIA) offers free housing options advice.

The charity will guide elderly or disabled residents through every stage of the process – discussing the options, finding the funding and even helping pack your boxes!

Catrin Fieldson, LHIA’s housing options advisor, said: “Your memories and sense of self are often closely linked to your home, which is why moving is such a big decision.

“However, if mobility at home is proving difficult, a change may be needed to retain your independence, and it’s best to be informed about your options.”

Help for vulnerable people to stay warmer and healthier is available this winter.

The county council and its partners are again running the successful Responders To Warmth (R2W) scheme.

It offers practical support such as handyperson services, insulation, heating repairs, emergency heaters, boiler replacements and draught-proofing.

Advice on energy efficiency and how to prevent slips, trips and falls is also provided.

Lincolnshire residents could be eligible if they have a combined household income of less than £23,500 and savings under £10,000, and suffer with a chronic, acute or long-term illness or disability.

Alternatively, you could be getting a state benefit including Child Tax Credit, Pensioner Credit or income support.

For more information, call Catrin on 01522 516316. You can also follow LHIA on Twitter @LincsHomeImprov or on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ LincolnshireHomeImprovementAgency.

Call 0845 606 4566 or visit www.responderstowarmth.co.uk.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Log on for learning

Green light for city road The removal of buildings to make way for a vital new Lincoln traffic route has been given the go-ahead by the Government.

Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles has granted conservation area consent, paving the way for an East-West Link between the High Street and Pelham Bridge.

The new route, which has already received conditional planning approval from councillors, will be created by extending Tentercroft Street and building a new bridge over Sincil Drain.

With increasing barrier downtime at the level crossings, the road gives motorists an alternative way of getting across the city. The southern part of the High Street will be pedestrianized, from St Mary’s Street to Tentercroft Street.

The route also offers regeneration opportunities at the former coal yard and new priority cycle and bus lanes so people can get around in a greener way.

Construction could start in 2014. Images of the road and journey simulations can be viewed at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/ewl.

A new website means it’s now even easier for Lincolnshire adults to give learning a go.

A comprehensive list of adult learning courses across the county is available online at www.2aspire.org.uk.

The site is your one-stop shop for the latest information on where and when there’s a course that’s right for you. There really is something for everyone, and many of the classes are free.

Once you’ve found a course you like, you can register your interest online or contact the provider directly.

A brochure giving a flavour of courses on offer is also available from local libraries. Alternatively, call the council’s Customer Service Centre on 01522 782011, and staff will search for a course on your behalf.

Start-up support for your business If you are thinking of starting a new business, expert help is at hand at a series of free one-day seminars in the Lincolnshire area throughout 2013.

The Ready for Business programme has been launched with £15m from the Regional Growth Fund and will be run in the East Midlands by NBV, a not-for-profit organisation.

Nationally, the business start-up programme aims to create 6,000 new enterprises and up to 10,000 jobs.

For more details and to book a place on a seminar, visit www.nbv.co.uk or phone Natasha Travis on 07825 122818.

Cash for countryside Rural communities across Lincolnshire can benefit from cash for projects improving the quality of local life.

Groups can apply to the Lincolnshire Community Foundation (LCF) for grants of up to £2,000, while individuals could be in line for a maximum of £300.

Examples of awards so far include Lincolnshire Counselling, which supports farmers and their families suffering stress or hardship, and Caistor Civic Society, helped with the cost of Walkabout leaflets to promote tourism.

Elsewhere, Friends of Chain Bridge Forge in Spalding received a grant for training materials, while a young person was helped to take his trailer test so he could transport livestock.

The grants are available from the Lincolnshire Rural & Communities Fund, managed by the LCF. The deadline for the next round of applications is 1 March.

For information and advice, visit www.lincolnshirecf.co.uk or phone grants manager Sue Fortune on 01529 305825. countynews

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NEWS IN BRIEF

New Jubilee woodlands Dozens of new woodlands are being planted across Lincolnshire in celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

The planting has been made possible thanks to a £20,000 county council grant to the Woodland Trust, which will create 400 acres of woodland, with 200,000 trees.

As part of the Trust’s Jubilee Woods project, council staff also took part in a tree-planting day at Prince William of Gloucester Barracks, near Grantham, where a 182-acre wood is being created – one of 60 new Diamond Woods in the UK. The council grant also paid for more than 40 free tree packs for schools and local communities to create new woodlands by planting trees and hedges.

The digital page If you received a new e-book reader for Christmas, don’t forget Lincolnshire libraries have thousands of titles you can enjoy for free.

We now have more than 4,000 e-Books and 800 e-Audio books to choose from (please note this service is not compatible with Kindles), alongside our 1m books, CDs and DVDs. But they’re just a few of the many online services on offer to you, around the clock and from the comfort of your own home. We also have: Theory Test Pro, which provides a realistic online simulation of the driving theory test.

A wide range of reference books, such as the Oxford English Dictionary, the Encyclopaedia Britannica and Who’s Who – again all free to use.

• •

For more information on online library services, please visit www. lincolnshire.gov.uk/onlineresources.

Help from door to store!

A county service for people needing support with their shopping is going from strength to strength.

Shop2Gether was launched by charity Adults Supporting Adults in 2011 and now has a network of volunteers across much of the county.

They include Mel Mashford, from Spalding, who became involved after seeing an advert in the local volunteer bureau.

Following training and a CRB check, Mel began weekly visits to John Clay, 85, driving him to the supermarket, helping him shop, and then taking him back home to put everything away.

In return, Mel gets his mileage – and perhaps a drink and a cake with John at the supermarket – as well as knowing he’s “giving something back”.

John says: “I tell all my friends and neighbours about Shop2Gether. It’s cheaper than a taxi, plus you have the support when you are shopping, and Mel and I have developed a good friendship.”

To benefit from Shop2Gether, or to find out about becoming a volunteer, call 01529 416270 or visit www.asaorg.co.uk.

PICTURED: John Clay and Shop2Gether volunteer Mel Mashford return from their weekly shop.

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Volunteers enjoy a tree-planting day at Prince William of Gloucester Barracks, near Grantham.

New year, new you!

If your New Year’s resolution is to lead a healthier, happier lifestyle, your local library can help.

Lincolnshire libraries are hosting a series of health and well-being events over the next few months.

Activities on offer include “mood-boosting” coffee mornings, bringing people together in a social setting to discuss interesting books.

There are also healthy walks for families, ending with a visit from Bookstart Bear, stories and refreshments.

People can even become a “human book”, sharing stories from their lives to promote a greater understanding of issues such as addiction, self-harm, race and mental health.

Events are taking place across the county. To find out what’s happening at your local library visit www. lincolnshire.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing or phone 01522 782010.

O LY M P I C L E G ACY

Inspiring a generation!

Lincolnshire County Council is working with schools to help fulfil the famous promise of the London 2012 Games A champion scheme!

Despite the unforgettable scenes they gave Highlights of the initiative include: us, the London Olympics will ultimately be judged on how they inspired our young people.

With that in mind, an exciting new programme – Live and Learn like a Champion Legacy Plus – is being launched in all county primary schools early in 2013.

It will build on the success of the original “Champion” project, which won praise from Games organiser Lord Sebastian Coe. Cllr Patricia Bradwell, executive councillor for children’s services, said: “The London Olympics promised to inspire a generation, and we are playing our full part in that.

“We have therefore asked our educational partner, CfBT, to create a new programme promoting a legacy of health and physical activity for 2013 and beyond.”

• Primary school children will be

encouraged to develop skills linked to a new “active play” scheme.

• Each school will be offered the opportunity to create a lasting “physical literacy” library of health and sport materials.

• Countywide training sessions will help teachers develop pupils’ basic movement, linked to active play.

• Healthy walking schemes will be launched, along with competitions, including a cookery contest celebrating Lincolnshire food.

For more information about the new Live and Learn like a Champion Legacy Plus programme, visit www.cfbtpe.com or contact the team via their email PE@cfbt.com.

Last year’s Live and Learn like a Champion scheme involved every pupil in the county.

It focused on sport, music, art and culture, as well as the seven Games values, including respect and friendship.

As 2012 ended, about 70,000 children and young people in Lincolnshire schools were set to have completed 2012 Legacy Pledges.

These highlighted the value that meant most to each young person, and how they would use it to make a difference to their lives.

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S P E C I A L R E PO RT

Living with the risk Sixty years ago, Lincolnshire was devastated by coastal flooding in one of the worst recorded civil disasters in UK history. Here, County News looks back at the tragedy and what it meant for local residents.

We also highlight ongoing work to keep us as safe as possible when flooding strikes again – plus what residents can sensibly do for themselves

Your memories – 60 years on “The night was dark and there was an eerie feeling about, which made you uneasy. The silence was almost complete. You couldn’t hear a dog barking, the screech of a car or the whistle of a train. Gradually, the moan was heard in the distance, which was the beginning of a strong wind.”

1953 flood survivor, Mablethorpe “Between eight o’clock and quarter past I noticed a puddle appear on the kitchen floor. I just made a remark to mum about this when the sea rushed in through the back door.”

1953 flood survivor, Mablethorpe

East coast tragedy On the night of 31 January 1953, people on Lincolnshire’s east coast found their lives shattered by the power of nature.

Strong winds and a high tide brought a six-metre wall of water crashing through sea defences.

The power of the North Sea swept away 42 local lives in a trail of destruction that reached more than five miles inland.

In addition, the surging waters: • Left thousands homeless, unable to return for many months.

• Submerged towns and villages to a depth of 2.1m.

• Breached sea walls in more than 120 places.

• Devastated around 200,000 acres of farmland, killing thousands of animals.

Besides Lincolnshire, numerous other communities along the east coast were battered. In total, 32,000 people were evacuated, 24,000 homes flooded and 307 lives lost.

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“It was so unbelievably cold.

The water had flooded the whole downstairs so we had to stay upstairs.

We had neither heating nor electricity, just a few candles, and had to eat dried crackers and cakes. I remember being up there at least two days before the army came along.”

Mrs Miller, Sutton on Sea “I got thrown on one of them dingy things and taken back to Mablethorpe, I was only young so it was very exciting to us. I remember seeing all the broken windows and sludge and stuff. We were cold and wet and very glad to get back to a dry house.”

Mr Brown, Mablethorpe For more 1953 flood memories, visit www.bbc.co.uk/lincolnshire/asop/ places/floods/floods_experiences. shtml

T H E T H R E AT O F F LO O D I N G

of flooding County leads the way After bad flooding – whether coastal, river or surface water – residents have vital questions: • How did this happen?

• What is being done to stop it happening again?

• Which council or local agency is responsible?

In the past, you might have been passed around different Lincolnshire organisations, but now the county is leading the way with a fully “joined-up” approach.

It includes a flood risk management strategy, which coordinates the resources of the different authorities responsible and ensures local people get more support.

The county council also now investigates flooding incidents and, together with its partners, is looking into 99 from last summer.

Other measures include: • The Environment Agency is producing maps, available at the end of this year, to show where surface water flooding could occur.

•

Jointly-funded flood alleviation schemes for Louth and Horncastle will – when completed – help protect 576 residents’ homes from river flooding.

• Construction of a Boston Barrier is expected to start in 2016, benefiting more than 20,000 homes at risk from a tidal surge.

• Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue now has 10 rescue boats with 60 trained staff, making us one of the best-prepared counties in the country for flood response.

For more about Lincolnshire flood risk management, visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/frm or phone 01522 782070.

Advice for residents •

Make home improvements such as fitting door guards and airbrick covers – www.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood.

• Put together a kit of things you might need in an emergency – www.lincolnshireprepared.co.uk.

B & B

AMUSEMENTS FISH & CHIPS

NTS

GAMES AMUSEME

TRADITIONAL

FISH & CHIPS AMUSEMENTS

GR

If your life is in danger from flooding, call 999. To report flooding and request support, contact the county council on 01522 782070. personal flood plan

personal flood plan

personal flood plan

Call floodline on 0845 988 1188 visit www.lincolnshireprepared.co.uk

Call floodline on 0845 988 1188 visit www.lincolnshireprepared.co.uk

Call floodline on 0845 988 1188 visit www.lincolnshireprepared.co.uk

Today, Lincolnshire is better prepared for flooding than it’s ever been, thanks to investment in sea and other defences.

There have also been dramatic changes in the way we predict, plan for and respond to disasters.

However, despite all the hard work, we’ll never be invulnerable.

That’s why it’s vital people in flood-risk areas – both coastal and inland – are aware of the dangers and take sensible precautions.

In particular, you can: • Register for free alerts from the Environment Agency’s free Floodline service at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/ floodline or phone 0845 988 1188.

• Create a plan of practical actions to take before and during a flood – www.lincolnshireprepared.co.uk.

• Get involved with your local community emergency and flood planning team – www.lincolnshireprepared.co.uk.

Anniversary conference Lincolnshire County Council leader Cllr Martin Hill has been invited to address the East Coast Flooding 60th Anniversary Conference on 31 January.

Besides remembering the tragedy, the event – funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs – will acknowledge work since 1953 to make our coastline better protected than ever, but remind everyone of the remaining coastal flood risk and the continual need to work together to be better prepared.

Cllr Hill said: “The conference is not just an important opportunity to remember the past, it’s also about ensuring a safer future for east coast residents.”

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APPRENTICESHIPS

A brighter future Apprenticeships are firmly in the national spotlight after Britain’s spy agencies launched a search for talented teenagers!

At Lincolnshire County Council – one of the county’s major employers – we can’t promise to train you to be the next James Bond!

However, we do have a range of opportunities enabling young people to gain qualifications while they work.

One teenager to benefit is 19-year-old Bethany Gibson, pictured, from Lincoln, who joined the council’s apprenticeship scheme in September 2009.

The former Priory City of Lincoln Academy pupil recalls: “I’d got to the stage where I didn’t want to be at school anymore, and was keen to do something practical rather than academic.

“At the time, I thought staying on at sixth form was my only way of ensuring that I could enter a fulfilling career.

“Then I heard about the National Apprenticeship website and managed to get a place at the county council.”

Bethany began as a secretarial support assistant in Adult Social Care before moving on to the People Management department.

There, she became actively involved in difficult staffing and other issues raised by the restructuring of the council.

By the end of her two-year apprenticeship, Bethany had not only achieved Level 2 and 3 NVQs in business administration, she’d also won an Apprentice of the Year award from training provider Lincoln City Council.

Most importantly, she’d secured a full-time job with the county council, supporting the People Management team organising training events and briefings.

Looking back on her apprenticeship, Bethany says: “It was a fantastic opportunity to learn on the job and get practical experience. I’m so glad I made the decision to do it.”

County apprentices All vacancies at the county council are assessed for suitability as apprenticeships, and there are openings for young people aged 16 to 24 in business administration.

Successful applicants join for at least a year, although apprenticeships can be longer.

To find opportunities, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk and register for alerts.

General information For more about Lincolnshire apprenticeships, contact the Work Based Academy’s Emma Kelly on 07538 330677 / emma.kelly@ thewba.co.uk or Katy Nevitt on 07538 330676 / katy.nevitt@ thewba.co.uk.

Also visit www.thewba.co.uk and check out a new publication called Post 16 Matters.

See page 26 for details of West Lindsey’s Apprenticeships Work 4 You campaign.

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“

It was a fantastic opportunity to learn on the job and get practical experience. I’m so glad I made the decision to do it

”

VO L U N T E E R I N G

Food for Thought Pupils at St Mary’s RC Primary School in Boston benefited in 2012 from a Discover Volunteering project.

With the help of a Health Lottery grant, an after-school gardening club was expanded, teaching youngsters how to grow fruit and vegetables.

Volunteers from Boston High School also lent a hand, together with older local residents, bringing all the generations together.

The nine-month Food for Thought scheme culminated in a “Ready Steady Cook” competition, plus a booklet promoting healthy eating.

Discover volunteering!

Lincolnshire’s proud tradition of volunteering has been given a boost by an organisation making national news for all the right reasons The simplest ideas are often the best!

That’s what two former Lincolnshire County Council youth volunteer advisors realised after setting up on their own.

Chris Bushby and Pete Read knew there’s always a huge appetite for volunteer work and community projects.

At the same time, many local charities and other organisations are desperate for helpers willing to share their time and enthusiasm.

“What was needed was something imaginative to bring volunteers and vacancies together, particularly using new social media,” recalls Chris.

He and Pete launched Discover Volunteering, a not-for-profit social enterprise based in Market Deeping, in 2011.

Like the Government’s Big Society initiative, it aims to promote and support volunteering, covering Lincolnshire, Peterborough and Rutland.

A year on, Discover Volunteering was being praised in the national media – both newspapers and TV – for its pioneering

approach, including a healthy eating project in a Boston primary school.

The organisation also raised more than £3,000 for local charities through a sponsored walk, which will now take place every September.

For more information, visit www. discovervolunteering.org, email info@ discovervolunteering.org or call 01778 382753.

“Something for everyone” Discover Volunteering aims to “offer something for everyone” and involve the whole community:

• Anyone

aged 16 or over can register their details and look for volunteering opportunities at www. discovervolunteering.org.

• Volunteers

qualify for certificates for giving up their free time, culminating in a gold award for 500 hours.

• Charities

and other organisations are encouraged to use the site to highlight vacancies and showcase their work.

• Businesses can advertise for £30 a year, while tailor-made employee volunteering schemes are also available.

• For schools and colleges, an accredited

community volunteering course can help students gain additional qualifications and UCAS points.

Coming soon See the next County News for a special report on how Lincolnshire County Council and its partners are helping promote volunteering.

Interested in volunteering?

For more information about organisations supporting volunteering, go to www. involvinglincs.org.uk.

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F AC E TO F AC E

Serving my “home” city Ex-Royal Engineer Cllr Eddie Strengiel threw himself into community life when he re-joined “Civvy Street” in Lincoln

‘‘

I came to live in Lincoln after leaving the army 26 years ago and can now say I truly feel at home in the city. The quality of life in Lincoln is greatly underestimated.

We moved to Birchwood Avenue from Farnborough, where I was stationed with the Royal Engineers, drawn by the reasonable house prices but knowing next to nothing about the area!

Since then, I have thrown myself into community life. In addition to being a city and county councillor, I am vicechairman for homeless charity Nomad Trust, a member of Lincoln Rotary and a trustee of Age UK Lincoln. Until I retired two years ago, I also ran my own financial services company.

Over the years, there have been huge positive changes in Birchwood, and I like to think my work as a councillor has played its part.

There used to be many problems with crime and antisocial behaviour, but thanks to action by both councils, especially the presence of Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), these are mostly a thing of the past.

I like to see at first hand issues affecting the community, so that as a councillor I know what we need to do to tackle them. I regularly go out with PCSOs to see what is happening

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and talk to local people.

Traffic can be a concern, particularly on Woodfield Avenue, where young children go to four local schools, and I am delighted that my campaign has now ensured a lollipop man is there to help them cross the road safely outside St Hugh’s.

As a member of the Highways, Transport and Technology Scrutiny Committee, I am keen to tackle traffic problems in Birchwood and the whole city, and am looking forward to the completion of the Lincoln Eastern Bypass and East-West Link.

In all my work, I am committed to making the most of every pound we spend, and I serve as vice-chairman of the council’s Value for Money Committee.

’’

Originally from Tain in the far north of Scotland, Cllr Strengiel is married to Sandra and has two grown-up daughters, Karen and Debbie. He is a former mayor of the City, a former leader of Lincoln City Council and the Conservative county councillor for Lincoln Birchwood. You can phone him on 01522 884688 or 07767 214076, or email cllre.strengiel@lincolnshire.gov.uk.

Main picture: Cllr Eddie Strengiel with, from left, PC Simon Burnett, PCSO Kirsty James and PCSO Alex Webber.

Inset: Cllr Strengiel talking to local resident Fay Naylor on his monthly walk around the estate with PCSO Webber.

BUSINESS NEWS

Regional business boost Lincolnshire is now home to one of the premier business parks in the East Midlands, thanks to £22m made available by Lincolnshire County Council County businesses can look to the future with confidence as a major business development nears completion.

The first phase of work at Teal Park, an 87.5 acre site in North Hykeham, south of Lincoln, is now close to being finalised.

Significantly, engineering giant Siemens is currently moving staff on site, with a view to being fully operational there in the spring.

Other companies are set to follow over the coming years, with a further 65 acres of land available for development.

Cllr Eddy Poll, executive member for economic development at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Teal Park has the potential to attract £500m of business investment over the next 10 to 15 years.

“That equates to around 4,000 jobs, which will include opportunities for highly-skilled workers.

“After so much hard work from all involved, it will be great to see Siemens on site. But this is just the first step – I’m sure that many other businesses will follow.”

His upbeat comments were echoed by Siemens, whose director of service, Neil Corner, said: “We are delighted to be moving to Teal Park. The location is ideal, as it has enabled us to bring our entire team together, whilst providing space for business growth.

“It is a site we can all be proud of, which truly represents Siemens’ values and our commitment to Lincoln.”

As County News went to press, good progress was being made on road improvements related to the development.

Cllr Poll said: “We’d like to thank motorists for their continuing patience as we finish off. We’re hoping to have everything wrapped up in the coming months.”

UPBEAT: Lincolnshire County Council deputy leader Cllr Eddy Poll and Siemens’ Neil Corner at the new facility in Teal Park.

“

Teal Park has the potential to attract £500m of business investment over the next 10 to 15 years

”

About Teal Park • Teal

Park is being developed through a partnership between the council and established Lincoln-based commercial and residential developer Taylor Lindsey.

Developer St Modwen has worked closely with Siemens on their facility.

• The business park will be complemented by a hotel and

leisure facilities, including conservation zones to protect local wildlife.

• Significant

improvements to the surrounding highways network include a new section of dual carriageway on the A46, giving Lincoln a vital fast link to the A1 and M1.

• For more information about the development, please visit www.tealpark.co.uk.

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LETTERS

Your views on A tough stand against wind farms has already been taken by Lincolnshire County Council, and we’d like to make that official policy. However, it’s only right that we should first ask your opinion.

With that in mind, we’re inviting County News readers to complete our questionnaire about this important issue

Why we’re asking you about wind farms The county council wants to call a halt to the unrestrained spread of wind turbines across Lincolnshire.

The council’s executive members therefore decided last June to take a stronger position on onshore wind farms.

Although supportive of alternative energy, councillors questioned the efficiency of turbines and their impact on the county’s residents, landscapes and tourism industry.

Councillors agreed a set of guidelines, which they hoped would be taken into consideration by local planning authorities and developers when deciding where to locate new developments.

To give these more weight, we now want to turn our stance into an official council policy.

Before you take part in the survey, here is a brief summary of where we stand on wind farms:

Landscape and visual impact Wind farms should not be located within:

• •

Highly sensitive landscapes

• •

Coastal conservation areas

The Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or 2 km of its boundary An insufficient distance from towns and villages

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Impact on the historic and natural environment Wind farms should not:

•

Compromise historic gardens, parks, battlefields, Lincoln Cathedral, church spires, historic landscapes and important townscapes

•

Be located within or near Sites of Special Scientific Interest

Impact on residents Wind farms should not be allowed within:

•

700 metres of a property (2km if there are noise issues)

•

An unacceptable distance of residential properties, based on the size of the turbine blades

Impact on the local economy

•

Wind farms should not be allowed to have a negative impact upon the local economy, particularly tourism

Full details of the council’s position on wind farms can be found at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/ windfarms.

WIND FARMS

wind farms How you can take part The easiest way to let us know your thoughts is by completing the online survey at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/windfarms.

Alternatively, you can call our customer service centre on 01522 782226 or complete and return the Freepost form below.

However you take part, we need your views no later than Monday 21 January 2013.

Thank you in anticipation of your response.

Please tick the appropriate box for each question 1. In which district do you live?

Boston q East Lindsey q Lincoln City q South Kesteven q West Lindsey q

North Kesteven q

South Holland q

2. Wind farms should play a part in meeting Lincolnshire’s future energy needs Strongly agree q Agree q Disagree q Strongly disagree q No opinion q 3. Any wind farm development should give due regard to other social and environmental considerations Strongly agree q Agree q Disagree q Strongly disagree q No opinion q 4. How important are the following factors in deciding where to locate new wind farm developments? a The impact on Lincolnshire’s landscapes, including areas of outstanding natural beauty and coastal conservation Very important q Important q Not very important q Not important at all q No opinion q b The impact on areas of historic or scientific interest Very important q Important q Not very important q

Not important at all q

No opinion q

c The impact on the day-to-day lives of residents Very important q Important q Not very important q

Not important at all q

No opinion q

d The impact on the county’s tourism economy Very important q Important q Not very important q

Not important at all q

No opinion q

5. The council’s guidelines should be taken into consideration by local planning authorities and developers when deciding where to locate new developments Strongly agree q Agree q Disagree q Strongly disagree q No opinion q Your details Name: Address: Daytime phone number: Data provided in this section will be held securely and in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.

Returning your form If taking part by post, please send your completed form to: Freepost RSTY-UXJB-ARHK, Lincolnshire County Council, PDP49: County Offices, Newland, LINCOLN LN1 1YL no later than Monday 21 January 2013.

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P U B L I C H E A LT H

Here’s to good When it comes to health, we all know that prevention is better than cure.

This is where “public health” comes in – helping everyone in Lincolnshire to stay well, whatever their circumstances.

As Lincolnshire County Council prepares to take on responsibility for some services in April, County News looks at key areas of public health.

From screening to sexual health, weight loss to immunisation, health emergencies to sensible drinking, they all have one aim – supporting you to live life to the full

LOOKING AFTER YOUR SEXUAL HEALTH

SUPPORTING YOU TO LOSE WEIGHT

The Sexual Health Service provides free, confidential and non-judgemental advice about all aspects of sexual health and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Other free services include diagnosis, testing and treatment, tracing your sexual partners, contraception (emergency or otherwise) and counselling.

Health promotion is also a priority, ensuring local people have the facts to make informed choices.

A variety of projects are underway to encourage people to eat more sensibly, get more exercise and maintain a healthy weight.

Free weight management services are available, and 26 health trainers provide one-to-one support to people who are over a healthy weight, to help them stay motivated.

Weight Watchers were recently awarded a contract to provide a 12-week programme to 4,000 adults across Lincolnshire with a BMI of over 30. If you qualify, you can be referred by your GP.

Want to know more?

Lincolnshire Chlamydia Screening Team for 18-25 year olds – 07879 630619 (call or text) or www. doyouhaveit.co.uk Lincolnshire Contraceptive and Sexual Health Service – 01522 539145 Sexual health services are also offered at two GP surgeries (you do not need to be registered to access the services): Newmarket Practice, Louth Greta Ross Clinic – 01507 603121 Beechfield Medical Practice, Spalding – 01775 765757 Health fact: Chlamydia is now the most prevalent STI in England, and is most common in the 15-24 age group. Those infected often have no symptoms so don’t know they have it.

Chlamydia can cause serious complications and irreversible damage, resulting in infertility.

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Want to know more?

Speak to your GP in the first instance to get the right help for you. For more information on health trainers, see www.lincolnshire.nhs.uk/your-health

Health fact: About a third of adults in Lincolnshire are registered with their GP as obese – in some parts of the county it is even more than this. An obese woman, compared with a healthy weight woman, is almost 13 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.

S P E C I A L R E PO RT

health REDUCING HARMFUL DRINKING The county council and NHS Lincolnshire have been working together to help young people, adults and their families.

Lincolnshire Partnership Foundation NHS Trust (LPFT) and Addaction provide confidential and non-judgemental treatment and support for people experiencing problems with drugs or alcohol use.

Both organisations work with adults. Addaction also provides specialist support for under 18s.

Want to know more?

Visit www.lpft.nhs. uk/dart or www. addaction.org.uk Phone LPFT on 01205 314479 (Boston), 01476 591233 (Grantham) or 01522 577385 (Lincoln), or Addaction on 01522 514625 Health fact: Around 17,160 people in Lincolnshire are dependent on alcohol. Increasing numbers of people in the UK are being hospitalised and dying as a result of liver disease associated with alcohol.

SCREENING FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND Thorough health screening in Lincolnshire identifies apparently healthy people at increased risk of a disease or condition.

They are offered information, tests and treatment to reduce any complications. The service tests pregnant women and newborn babies, as well as checking for cervical and breast cancer and serious eye problems associated with diabetes.

If you are worried about cancer or cancer screening, and are nervous about speaking to your doctor, contact an EPOC (Early Presentation of Cancer) worker. They are friendly and helpful and give information and support, as well as encouraging you to see your GP if necessary.

Want to know more?

Breast Screening Unit at United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust – 01522 573999 Bowel Cancer Hub Freephone Helpline – 0800 707 60 60 Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Programme – 01205 358445 EPOC – 01522 533510 or www.epoc.me There are six screening programmes offered during pregnancy and for newborn babies – ask your midwife or health visitor.

For advice about other types of screening, speak to your GP initially or visit www.screening.nhs.uk/public Health fact: One to two babies in every 1,000 are born with a hearing loss in one or both ears. Most of these babies are born into families with no history of hearing loss.

Lincolnshire County Council’s bigger health role As a result of Government changes to the NHS, Lincolnshire County Council will take over some local public health services from 1 April.

This is because NHS Lincolnshire – the county’s primary care trust – will be abolished as part of the reforms.

Under the new arrangements, the council will: Provide guidance to the county’s four new Clinical Commissioning Groups – made up of 102 GP practices – as they plan things like hospital and emergency care.

Take responsibility for a range of local services such as NHS healthchecks, some vaccination programmes, and alcohol and drug treatment.

• •

• Oversee these services, many of which are provided by

charities, partnerships and private businesses and will continue to be.

Look at bringing together wider aspects of public health such as emergency planning, health in schools, housing and transport.

The changes aim to reduce health inequalities and provide better value for money by avoiding duplication of work.

The switch is being carefully planned so you can access services just as easily – you may not even notice any difference!

For more information, visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/ publichealth.

•

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CO M P E TA IDIFFERENCE: TION MAKING

Volunteer Peter Howard hard at work in the Lincoln CAB office.

Please call a CAB! Volunteers are needed to fill a variety of roles at branches of the Citizens Advice Bureau across Lincolnshire Its volunteers are available for practical and impartial advice on everything from benefits, debt and spiralling fuel bills to housing and health.

Now the CAB – which is part-funded by Lincolnshire County Council – is seeking new recruits to help it maintain its service.

Amanda Lott, training supervisor for the Lincoln branch, said: “We’d be lost without our volunteers – they are the backbone of the service.

“Four of our volunteers retired last Christmas, and between them they had 81 years’ service. I must admit I got quite emotional!”

There are many different volunteering opportunities with the CAB, ranging from advisers to receptionists and trustees to admin support.

In terms of location, the charity has offices in Lincoln, Horncastle, Grantham, Skegness, Spalding, Boston, Louth, Mablethorpe, Stamford and Gainsborough.

It also provides advice through children’s centres and other community venues, as well as a one-stop service for older people – see “About First Contact”.

To find out more about volunteering with the CAB, visit www. citizensadvice.org.uk or call at your local bureau.

For advice, call the Lincolnshire Advice Line on 08444 111444 or visit www.lincolncab.org.uk.

Like all CAB volunteer advisers, he was given a year’s training before advising clients on his own. “It covered all the areas I needed to know about – benefits, employment law, consumer issues and relationships.”

Describing his role, Peter said: “Volunteers need to be able to listen to all kinds of people. You have to be totally non-judgmental, and whatever people’s problems, we’re here to help.”

He went on: “One of the most satisfying things is seeing someone leave looking much happier than when they arrived.

“For some people it could be relief at being given helpful information.

For others, it can simply be having someone listen to them. You can’t put a price on it.”

There are also social benefits, said Peter: “It’s a pleasure to volunteer with such an enthusiastic and cheerful bunch of people.”

About First Contact

“You can’t put a price on it!”

The CAB is a partner with Lincolnshire County Council in First Contact, a service for local people aged 60 or over.

Through First Contact, people fill in a simple checklist identifying the help they may need to carry on living safely and independently at home.

Possible issues include money and benefits, home and fire safety, housing, social care, healthy lifestyles, transport and domestic help.

Requests are followed up promptly by partners, including CAB, which will provide money and benefits advice within 28 days.

Peter Howard has been volunteering with the CAB in Lincoln since he retired 11 years ago.

For information about First Contact, phone 01522 782172, email firstcontact@lincolnshire.gov.uk or see www.firstcontact.org.uk.

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CO M M U N I TY N E W S

Take-off for RAF skate park!

Youngsters at RAF Scampton will soon have their dream play and skate park, thanks to Armed Forces Community Covenant funding Friends Ben Huddlestone, 11, and Ben Gibson, 10, came up with the idea of a skate park and campaigned tirelessly to make their dream a reality.

As well as writing to the Station Commander, Wing Cdr Richard Turner, they also attracted support from friends at Pollyplatt Primary School on the RAF base.

Their hard work paid off when they received a £70,000 grant – the first of its kind in Lincolnshire – from the national MoD scheme, run locally by Lincolnshire County Council.

With the money in place, the boys are now busy designing the skate park with manufacturer and installer Lightmain.

The new facility will be a huge boost not just for local youngsters, but also their parents, as the younger Ben explained: “At the moment, if we want to go to a skate park, our parents have to take us to Welton.

“Once we’ve got one at Scampton, we’ll be able to go whenever we like. It’ll be a good place to meet and make new friends.”

Station youth worker Lisa Bailey said: “RAF Scampton has a mixture of forces, ex-forces and civilian families, and it’s very important for these children to have somewhere to meet and get to know each other.”

New applications The Community Covenant Grant Scheme supports projects that strengthen ties between the armed forces and the wider community.

Organisations should fill in a short Expression of Interest form to find out whether they are eligible for grants, which range from £100 to £250,000.

Visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/communitycovenantgrant.

TIRELESS: From left, Ben Gibson, 10, and Ben Huddlestone, 11.

Lincolnshire County Council – Forward Plan 2013 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN: That key decisions are to be made on behalf of Lincolnshire County Council (the Council).

That a plan (known as the “Forward Plan”) is to be prepared and published by the Council and will contain details of all Executive and Officer key decisions likely to be made by the Council 28 clear days and thereafter following its publication.

That the dates on which the Forward Plan will be published during 2013 are as follows: 3 January 2013 31 January 2013 4 March 2013 2 April 2013 3 May 2013 31 May 2013 3 July 2013 2 August 2013 2 September 2013 3 October 2013 1 November 2013 4 December 2013 That the current Forward Plan may be inspected at County Offices, Newland, Lincoln LN1 1YL between the hours of 8.30am and 5.00pm Monday to

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Thursday and 8.30am and 4.45pm on Fridays.There is no charge for inspection.

The Forward Plan may also be viewed on the County Council’s website at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/local-democracy.

That each Forward Plan will contain a list of the documents submitted to the decision makers for consideration in relation to the matters in respect of which decisions are to be made.

Subject to any prohibition or restriction on their disclosure, copies of documents listed in the Forward Plan are available from Democratic Services, County Offices, Newland, Lincoln LN1 1YL. There may be a charge for the supply of paper copies.

Tony McArdle, Chief Executive January 2013

RECIPE

Upside-down plum muffins Serves 12

Who could resist delicious plum muffins, just perfect for a winter evening at home with family and friends?

Ingredients for base 75g softened butter – plus extra for greasing 75g light brown soft sugar 12 plums or greengages, stoned and halved Ingredients for cake mixture 225g butter 100g ground almonds 225g castor sugar 1tsp vanilla extract 4 beaten eggs 150g self-raising 2tbsp milk flour Method for base 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F/Gas mark 4).

2. Grease a 12-hole muffin tin, and then cream the butter and brown sugar together. Place a small teaspoonful into each hole of the tin and put a plum half, cut side down, on the mixture and press well down into the tin.

Method for cake mixture 1. Cream together the butter and sugar.

Beat the eggs slightly with the milk.

Then beat in a quarter of the egg mixture at a time, mixing thoroughly between each addition to prevent curdling. Stir in the ground almonds and vanilla extract. Then fold in the flour.

2. Spoon the cake mixture over the plums.

Place the muffin tin on a baking tray and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden and a skewer comes out clean.

3. Rest the tin on a wire rack for 2 minutes before sliding a knife around the edges of the muffin tin to loosen the muffins.

Gently remove the tin and replace any dislodged pieces of fruit.

Serve with custard, crème fraîche or ice cream.

Tastes, Select and Invest Lincolnshire have joined forces to promote the county better than ever before. Uniting under the Select Lincolnshire banner, they will celebrate the very best that Lincolnshire has to offer.

All three projects have a strong tradition of helping county products break into new markets.

Together, even more local businesses will thrive, taking the county from strength to strength. Look out for the Select Lincolnshire mark across the county.

Also, don’t forget to order a free copy of Good Taste magazine, featuring recipes articles and details of where to buy local food.

Phone 01522 782332, email tourism_development@lincolnshire.gov.uk or visit www. visitlincolnshire.com.

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FOCUS ON WEST LINDSEY

CHEERS: A Sturton-by-Stow Girl Guide enjoys a cup of hot chocolate with council chairman Cllr Jessie Milne.

Leader’s welcome...

As we bid farewell to 2012 and welcome in the New Year, it’s a great opportunity for us to reflect on the last 12 months.

For me this year has really belonged to our communities – you have all pulled together to support, celebrate and share resources to help each other.

Thousands of people turned up to watch the Olympic Torch Relay as it passed through Saxilby. Celebrations continued as community groups applied for our Diamond Jubilee and Olympic Celebration Fund.

I was taken aback when I discovered 500 volunteers had given up their free time to carry out much-needed work in our communities, thanks to our own Community Action and Volunteering Fund. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all, whether it was painting up the village hall, putting on an event or carrying out a litter pick – every little action has an impact.

As we move into 2013, this community spirit will become even more important, so if you have not yet made a New Year resolution, there is still time. Why not get involved in creating a neighbourhood plan for your town or village, like people in Saxilby and Caistor, as you can see on page 28, or perhaps explore energy-saving options for your business or home.

Looking forward, we hope businesses across West Lindsey will really get behind our Apprenticeships Work 4 You campaign that you can read about on pages 26 and 27.

Together, it’s our responsibility to make sure we have a skilled workforce for the future.

Cllr Burt Keimach West Lindsey District Council Leader

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More than 500 people have taken part in volunteering opportunities across the district in just eight months, thanks to West Lindsey District Council’s £250,000 Community Action and Volunteering Fund.

Armed with paint brushes, paint and sweeping brushes, they have carried out a range of improvements to their local communities.

Now other communities are being encouraged to make the most of this funding scheme.

Council chairman Cllr Jessie Milne said: “I am thrilled to see so many volunteers in our communities who are doing an amazing job.

“This fund has helped pay for small improvements to community assets and invest in local activities – but more importantly it’s bringing communities together and maximising their skills free of charge.”

So far 59 groups have been awarded grants of up to £250, which means only £14,128 has been spent so there is still chance for your community to grab a grant.

Projects range from a water boiler for Gainsborough Division Girl Guides to cardio tennis for young people in Scotter and bench repairs in Waddingham.

The maximum grant is £250 and can be for up to 100% of the project cost. If you are unsuccessful the first time, you can apply again six months after the initial application for something different.

To put in an application please contact Community Lincs, which is managing the fund on behalf of the council, by phoning Jenny Stone on 01529 301951 or 01529 302466 or by emailing cav.fund@communitylincs.com.

Other West Lindsey funding opportunities include:

• Councillor Initiative Fund

All 37 councillors have £4,000 to spend over two years for their local community.

• Community Asset Fund

This £1.2 million fund is designed, through a mixture of loan and grant, to support the development of community-owned enterprises.

To find out where the money has been allocated visit: www.communitylincs.com/communitygrants-awarded.

Preparing for benefit changes West Lindsey District Council is running a pilot scheme to ensure residents affected by a major overhaul of the benefits system won’t miss out The council is one of 12 authorities in the UK chosen to highlight issues for rural residents, ahead of the introduction of Universal Credit in October 2013.

People will be expected to claim online and so one of the council’s priorities is to see how it can help residents without access to the internet or transport. Another priority is to see what support is available to help people improve their online skills. This includes looking for jobs and learning to manage their money.

Cllr Tom Regis, chair of the policy and resources committee, said: “We are delighted to be at the forefront of this new initiative to put things in place to make sure our residents don’t miss out.

“It will be beneficial for claimants, partners and communities across West Lindsey. Our experience from this pilot will inform future delivery across other rural districts.”

What is Universal Credit?

Claimants will receive one benefit, paid once a month directly into their bank. It will replace: • Income Support • Income-based Jobseeker’s • Child Tax Credits Allowance • Working Tax Credits • Income-related Employment • Housing Benefit and Support Allowance For more information visit: www.dwp.gov.uk LEFT: Customer services manager Lyn Marlow helps a resident get online.

£500,000 scheme to improve town centre The second phase of Gainsborough’s regeneration project is set to get underway thanks to funding from Lincolnshire County Council and East Midlands Development Agency Known as the Public Realm Improvement Scheme, this latest stage will see £500,000-worth of improvements to the pedestrian link from Marshall’s Yard to the Market Place.

Market Street will be repaved up to the entrance of the Market Place during 2013 and new lighting, signage and street furniture installed.

The aim of the £3 million scheme is to make the town centre more enjoyable for residents and visitors, and more attractive for businesses and future investment.

Peter Thurlow, chairman of Gainsborough Town Partnership, said: “Part of the key to boosting trade is to make it easier to get around town and access all of our great businesses, wherever they are based.

“Delivering schemes such as this will increase footfall and help attract new businesses, such as the redevelopment of the former Guildhall, ensuring Gainsborough is an attractive, quality shopping and visitor destination.”

Market Place, Lord Street and Silver Street were refurbished in 2010 during the first phase of the project.

Work will start in January and is expected to take 14 weeks, during which time the council will endeavour to keep disruption to a minimum.

MAJOR REVAMP: Cllr Malcolm Parish and Peter Thurlow, chairman of Gainsborough Town Partnership, are looking forward to the regeneration of two town centre streets.

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FOCUS ON WEST LINDSEY

New children’s centre opens

ON A ROLL: Membership has soared at West Lindsey Indoor Bowls Club since the hall had updated energysaving measures installed.

Council smashes energy reduction target

Parents in Brookenby are now benefiting from a new Sure Start children’s centre.

It provides a free and much-needed service for families with young children aged up to five.

Parish councillor Ray Hitchcock said: “There was a big necessity for this to be opened. I think it’s very beneficial for the young mums on the estate and it will bring them together.”

The facility, made possible thanks to £9,000 funding from Lincolnshire County Council, is based at Brookenby Community Centre and runs from 11am until 12noon every Tuesday.

Children’s centre practitioner Vanessa Wiseman said: “Hopefully now the community has got a nice environment for young children, they’re going to be able to make good use of that. I can’t stress enough how much the community supported it. They’ve been fantastic.”

LOCAL SUPPORT: Mums and toddlers enjoy the new Sure Start centre.

Major efforts to save energy look set to make significant cash savings for West Lindsey District Council.

It has beaten a target to reduce carbon emissions by 30%, two years ahead of schedule.

In 2010, the council, advised by the Carbon Trust, pledged to reduce carbon emissions by 25% by 2014. These savings would reduce future energy bills by at least £260,000.

This happened thanks to initiatives including solar panels, cavity wall insulation and pipe-lagging on council buildings. We also let space at the Guildhall to maximise use of the eco-friendly building.

Cllr Paul Howitt-Cowan, chair of the council’s green policy development panel, said: “This demonstrates our commitment to the environment but we can still do more. Our Green Strategy will help us exceed these targets.”

The council installed a new heating system, insulated ceiling and low energy lighting for the West Lindsey Indoor Bowls Club.

Club secretary Barry Grocock said: “The hall was a glorified barn, with a tin roof and no insulation. People played in their outdoor gear because it was so cold. Since the refurbishment, our membership has increased from 170 to 230.”

For more about our savings visit: www.west-lindsey.gov.uk/energysaving.

Contact the council 24/7 Many council services are available at a time to suit you by visiting www.west-lindsey.gov.uk.

If you do not have access to the internet you can speak to someone in customer services on 01427 676676.

You can also receive information via Facebook and Twitter: Facebook www.facebook.com/westlindseydistrictcouncil Twitter www.twitter.com/westlindseydc

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Want to do something worthwhile for your local community?

Would you like to be an independent member of the West Lindsey Remuneration Panel?

West Lindsey District Council is seeking two members for its independent Remuneration Panel, which is responsible for making recommendations to the authority about the allowances paid to members.

The council is looking for someone not directly involved with the council to make certain the work of the panel is fair, open and effective.

For more information please visit www.west-lindsey.gov.uk/ jobs.

GREEN MACHINE: An existing anaerobic digestion plant.

Council backs farm’s green scheme Councillors have praised an innovative scheme to produce renewable energy using raw material from the farming industry.

The planning committee approved an application from Brocklesby Estate to build an agricultural anaerobic digestion plant at Pimlico Farm in Great Limber.

Believed to be the first in the district, the plant will use grass and maize grown on the estate to produce 4,000 megawatt hours of electricity each year – equivalent to power for more than 1,000 homes.

This will be used to off-set the farm’s electricity costs and use of chemical fertilisers, reduce its carbon footprint and produce heat to dry grain.

Ward member Cllr Alan Caine said: “I’m pleased to support this and welcome the fact we were able to work closely with estates and residents to minimise nuisance.”

Brocklesby estate surveyor Peter Mackay-Lewis said: “The estate is delighted the committee unanimously supported the planning application.

“This now gives us the opportunity to start developing the plant, which we hope to have operational by December 2013.”

BOWLED OVER: Rachel is presented with her vouchers by project officer Wendy Osgodby.

Arty students design logo for homelessness group An eye-catching design to highlight the county’s work on tackling homelessness has been created by students from Aegir Community School, Gainsborough.

Kristian Owst and Kieran Wietrzyk, both 15, won a competition run by West Lindsey District Council.

They were invited to combine their ideas in a half-day art workshop.

The final design now appears on the cover of the countywide Homelessness Strategy, which sets out the priorities for all Lincolnshire councils over the next five years to tackle the issue.

The students won shopping vouchers and a special prize for their school.

A drama instructor from the Zest Theatre Company will work with students to create their own storyline for a soap opera based on homelessness.

Discussions, improvisation and drama games will also be used to show how the choices they make could affect their own lives.

To see the design or to find out more about the strategy visit: www.west-lindsey.gov.uk/homelessnessstrategy.

SMART DESIGN: Kristian Owst and Kieran Wietrzyk celebrate by spending their prize with Michelle Howard, centre, and Sarah Shaw, left, from the West Lindsey District Council Housing Team.

That’s not rubbish!

Crafty Rachel Ridler was awarded £60-worth of vouchers for Prezzo restaurant after winning the council’s recycling competition.

Readers were asked how they got creative with their recycling.

The Gainsborough resident created colourful bowls from leaflets posted through her door.

Rachel, 25, said: “It’s been good to get some recognition. I don’t think people use as many recycled materials as they could, and it’s a really cheap way to make things.”

To see more of Rachel’s creations visit her online at www.facebook.com/ RRCraftCreations. countynews

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FOCUS ON WEST LINDSEY

You’re hired in West More young people could be hearing those famous words following an exciting campaign led by West Lindsey District Council The Apprenticeships Work 4 You campaign has been launched in partnership with the National Apprenticeship Service to encourage businesses to take on apprentices.

Council Leader, Cllr Burt Keimach, said: “We hope businesses across West Lindsey will really get behind this campaign and help give young people an opportunity to gain work experience and qualifications.

“Together it’s our responsibility to make sure we have a skilled workforce for the future – come on, let’s make Apprenticeships Work 4 You!” The council currently employs four apprentices.

One is working on a pilot programme as part of the changes to benefits which will be introduced this year. The others are gaining experience in the housing, benefits and customer services departments on a rota basis.

Karen Woodward, divisional apprenticeship director for the National Apprenticeship Service’s Central Division, said: “This is a great initiative by West Lindsey District Council.

“I hope that young people, businesses and the whole community are encouraged to embrace apprenticeships and reap the benefits that they can bring.”

Did you know…?

• Businesses could be eligible for grants up to £1,500

– the Apprentice Grant for Employers – towards each apprentice they hire, up to a maximum of 10.

Support is available from the National Apprenticeship Service’s dedicated small business team on 0800 0150 600.

To find out more about the grants and support available go to www.west-lindsey.gov.uk/work4you or www.apprenticeships.org.uk.

• •

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Together it’s our responsibility to make sure we have a skilled workforce for the future

Lindsey!

‘Blonde Assassin’ backs campaign The Apprentice star Katie Wright (pictured above with Cllr Burt Keimach and two of the council’s own apprentices, Becky French and Matthew Huteson) has given her backing to West Lindsey’s Apprenticeships Work 4 You campaign.

Katie battled it out for arguably the most high-profile apprentice position in the UK, as part of the BBC series.

Despite being hauled into the boardroom by Sir Alan Sugar and fired from the show, she still believes in apprenticeships.

Katie, who once described herself as the Blonde Assassin, is all fired up to support the council’s campaign.

She said: “It is really tough for young people today looking to take their first career steps. I am delighted the council is taking opportunities to promote the value of apprenticeships as a chance to learn new skills, experience the world of work and earn at the same time.”

On a recent visit to the Guildhall in Gainsborough, Katie met the council’s apprentices and gave them some top tips.

Katie said: “Appearing in The Apprentice series was a great experience for me but, in the real world, modern apprenticeships are a much better way of hearing the words ‘You’re hired’. ”

Support for small businesses taking on apprentices Taking on extra staff for a small business can be daunting – but with the right support and funding they could really make a difference.

Mark Picksley, director of Gainsborough Furniture Resource Centre, decided to take on an apprentice when the charity became a community-interest company.

Ryan McKee, 21, has been helping out four days a week at the centre, which takes unwanted furniture to distribute to those who can’t afford new.

Mr Picksley said: “Taking on an apprentice is one of the best things I could have done. Ryan is capable of running the centre when I’m working elsewhere.

“He volunteered with us and we knew he was dedicated and wanted to do something to help, so we looked into an apprenticeship for him.

“Businesses can’t afford to take on full-time staff at the moment but they have a real opportunity to help young people by taking on an apprentice.”

Ryan is also studying for an NVQ level 3 Business Management qualification.

He said: “The apprenticeship is brilliant and I am enjoying working with Mark. It is difficult to get a job these days and apprenticeships are a great way to get job experience and qualifications.”

SUITE SUCCESS: Mark Picksley, right, and his apprentice Ryan McKee.

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focus F O C U S on O N west W E S T lindsey LINDSEY

Local communities take control Two communities in West Lindsey are shaping their vision for the future thanks to government funding of £40,000 Saxilby Parish Council and Caistor Town Council are the first in the district to receive £20,000 each from the Department of Communities and Local Government to develop neighbourhood plans.

These will help them determine the type, design and location of developments such as shops, offices, schools and houses.

Peter Odam, Saxilby Parish Council chairman, said: “We are thrilled to get a share of government money to create this plan.

“As part of our commitment to the area, we are working in partnership with Lincolnshire County Council to make sure our library is sustainable by moving it to the community centre.

“It is initiatives like this which will secure our vision for the village.”

Caistor Town Council is one of the first communities in the country to start their neighbourhood plan.

They are hoping to have a consultation draft ready by the spring. There will be the opportunity for local people to comment on it. After this an independent examination of the plan will take place followed by a local referendum.

Once adopted, neighbourhood plans will be the first policy consideration for a local planning authority in making decisions on a planning application.

Communities minister Bob Neill said: “Neighbourhood planning encourages people to plan positively for their future and is a real opportunity to deliver the homes and jobs communities need to thrive.”

Nettleham Parish Council is also looking at getting involved in this approach.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE: Caistor residents map out how their town could look.

For more information about creating your own plan visit: www.ourneighbourhood planning.org.uk/home.

OPENING A NEW CHAPTER: Paralympic gold medallist Sophie Wells, chairman of Saxilby Parish Council Peter Odam and chairman of West Lindsey District Council Cllr Jessie Milne celebrate the official opening of the village library.

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Trinity Arts Centre What’s On •

Thursday 10 January and 14 February 8pm Hoot Comedy Club Tickets £6/£7 on the door

• Tuesday 19 February 2pm Mr Honk and his Sad Trombone All tickets £5 • Wednesday 20 February 7.30pm Unplugged Music Night Tickets £3 in advance/£5 on the door • Thursday 21 February 7.30pm Tannahill Weavers – Tickets £10/£8 CLASSIC TALE: Jane Eyre with the brooding Mr Rochester

Theatre company returns with classic show Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre – one of the most popular pieces of English fiction about love, loss and redemption – is set to be brought to life in West Lindsey.

The production is being put on by Hull Truck Theatre Company whose chief executive Andrew Smaje has said how much they are looking forward to returning to Gainsborough’s Trinity Arts Centre.

He said: “Venues like the Trinity Arts Centre are the lifeblood of the community and it’s great to be part of that.

“We believe it’s vital that high-quality performances by the leading theatre companies in Britain don’t just visit the metropolitan centres.

“We want people from all places and all walks of life to experience the life-enhancing pleasure of great theatre.”

The theatre company performs to more than 100 venues across the country and came to the arts centre in October with its production of The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

Mr Smaje added: “Every time we visit we’ve been delighted by the warm welcome of audiences and the wonderful staff.”

The show starts at 7.30pm on Tuesday 5 March.

Tickets cost £12 and £10 and can be booked by calling the box office on 01427 676655 or online at www.trinityarts.co.uk.

• Saturday 2 March 7.30pm EYMS Brass Band – Tickets £8 • Wednesday 13 March 7.30pm Mugenkyo: The Way of the Drum Tickets £15/£12 • Thursday 14 March 8pm Hoot Comedy Club Tickets £6/£7 on the door For more information visit: www.trinityarts.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/trinityartscentre Twitter: www.twitter.com/trinityartscent Free secure car parking monitored by CCTV is available behind the centre, accessible from Sandsfield Lane.

Winter garden waste collections Your garden waste collections will resume from 25 March 2013.

Please visit www.west-lindsey.gov.uk/mybinday for more details.

Thanks to your efforts in dealing with your own green waste over the winter months you have saved more than £150,000 for West Lindsey taxpayers. This is a significant sum of money during challenging economic times.

Because of the reduced demand for the service at this time of year, temporarily suspending it means we are saving on fuel being used to collect relatively small amounts and reducing our carbon emissions.

With so little gardening done during this time, many people are able to store garden waste in their bins until the collections resume.

Last year’s changes had little effect on our recycling and composting rate, which now stands at 56% – one of the best in the whole country!

Thank you to all of you for playing your part in helping to achieve this!

What to do if you have extra garden waste: • Try home composting! It’s a better option environmentally and you can use the compost in your garden. Reduced price compost bins are available by ringing 0844 571 4444 or by visiting www.lincscc. getcomposting.com.

• Use your local Household Waste Recycling Centre. See www. lincolnshire.gov.uk/hwrc for further information.

• If you are unable to make use of the above options, then we can collect your garden waste in bags; a charge of £7.25 applies for every five bags collected. Visit www.west-lindsey.gov.uk/ gardenwaste.

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W H AT’S O N

Out and about The essential guide to what’s on in Lincolnshire for winter 2013 THE STORY OF THE STONES

10am – 4pm every day (excluding church services)

St Lawrence’s Church, Bardney, LN3 5TZ. A new exhibition funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Lincolnshire Co-op.

Features beautifully carved stones excavated last century from the ruins of Bardney Abbey but not on public view for over 30 years.

Contact the Heritage Trust of Lincolnshire on 01529 461499.

FASCINATING RHYTHM IN CONCERT

THE MANTUA DRESS

POSTERNGATE TOURS

St Martin’s Church, Welton le Wold, LN11 0QT. Featuring the fabulous voice of Sara Colman, four accomplished musicians perform classics by Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Dave Brubeck and others, plus striking originals. 01507 600129.

A talk at The Collection in Lincoln by Sheila Landi. Learn about the conservation and history of the rare high-status 18th-century dress on display in the exhibition The Art of Dress: Frocks and Finery. £6 admission. www.thecollectionmuseum.com or 01522 782040.

Visit Roman Lincoln’s underground gateway (located at the corner of Bank Street). Talks every 20 minutes, with a chance to take photographs and ask questions. No need to book. Admission 50p.

31 January, 7.30pm

Hartsholme Country Park. Join RSPB members for a free guided two-hour walk to discover resident species. Paths may be wet. Children must be accompanied.

Meet 10.30am outside Visitors Centre on Skellingthorpe Road, Lincoln, LN6 0EY. Details from rangers on 01522 873577 / Lincoln RSPB on 01522 791346.

Event also takes place at 10.30am on 3 February and 3 March.

Louth Playgoers Riverhead Theatre, Victoria Road, Louth, present a wonderful panto by Alan P Frayn, directed by Peter Maddison.

Details from box office on 01507 600350 or visit www.louthplaygoers.com.

RSPB BIG GARDEN BIRD WATCH 26 – 27 January, 12.30pm – 2.30pm

Hartsholme Country Park. Join the rangers for a walk to practise your bird ID skills and take part in the RSPB’s Big Garden Bird Watch. Also, make a bird feeder for your garden. Walk lasts one hour. Paths may be muddy. Children must be accompanied.

Charge £2 per person. Meet 12.30pm outside Visitors Centre on Skellingthorpe Road, Lincoln, LN6 0EY. Details from rangers on 01522 873577.

THE ART OF DRESS: FROCKS AND FINERY

26 January – 24 March, 10am – 4pm

The Collection – Usher Gallery, Lincoln.

View the rare 18th century Mantua dress belonging to a local family. This exhibition reveals a slice of the high life of the 18th century through rarely seen exquisite costumes and beautiful, personal objects.

Free. www.thecollectionmuseum.com or 01522 782040.

The Collection in Lincoln hosts fascinating events and exhibitions.

THIS WORLD IS ALMOST 6,000 YEARS OLD 1 February – 7 May

The Collection and Usher Galleries. Bringing together archaeological objects from The Collection with works by contemporary artists, this free exhibition looks at archaeology as a methodology that might be applied to both past and present. www. thecollectionmuseum.com or 01522 782040.

ROOM WITH A VIEW

2 Februrary – 31 May

Gainsborough Old Hall. Exhibition showing a selection of artworks from the county’s Art Loan Collection. Normal admission. www. lincolnshire.gov.uk/gainsborougholdhall or 01522 782040.

KINGS OF THE CLOTH OF GOLD 7 February, 7.30pm

Grand Central, Grand Parade, Skegness, PE25 2UG. Comedy by Angus and Ross Theatre Comedy, exploring the historic meeting between Henry VIII of England and Francis I of France at which the rival kings competed over wealth, feasting and battlefield prowess. 01754 765645.

Also at Hemingby Village Hall on 3 March – phone 01507 578695.

16 March, 7.30pm

WORLD TEA PARTY

DISCOVER GREATER LINCOLNSHIRE

Come and join the fun at The Collection in Lincoln! Make party props, eat cupcakes, learn about posh 18th-century tea time, dress up, follow the party trail and much more. Free admission. www. thecollectionmuseum.com or 01522 782040.

Lincoln Castle is celebrating this special weekend for the county. Look out for details of how to apply for limited free tickets. www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/lincolncastle or 01522 782040.

19 February, 10am – 4pm

ALADDIN AND HIS MAGIC LAMP

THE HUT PEOPLE IN CONCERT

Louth Playgoers Riverhead Theatre, Victoria Road, Louth, LN11 0BX. Presented by the London 78RPM Jazz Band. www. louthplaygoers.co.uk or 01507 600350.

9 February

6 January, 10.30am – 12.30pm

9 March, 10am – 4pm

Spilsby Theatre, Church Street. One of the hottest recent acts to appear on the folk scene, with a hugely engaging and often hilarious style. 01790 752936.

Also at St Martin’s Church, Welton-le-Wold, on 15 March – phone 01507 600129.

FIDDLERS ON THE HOOF

BIRD WATCHING FOR BEGINNERS

11 – 19 January, 7.30pm (plus 2.30pm matinees on 12th, 13th & 19th)

7 February, 2.30 – 3.30pm

16 – 17 March, 10am – 4pm

BIRD FEEDER MAKING

21 February, 11am – 3pm

Bandstand, Arboretum, Monks Road, Lincoln. Join rangers making garden bird feeders, which will help native birds thrive during the cold spell. Free event. Children must be accompanied. Details on 01522 873577.

FINDING JOY

28 February, 7.30pm

Coronation Hall, Woodhall Spa, LN10 6PZ. The story of rebellious teenager Rowan and his inspiring relationship with his grandmother Joy, who has dementia.

Presented by Vamos Theatre. 01526 354501.

Learn about medieval cooking at an Easter event at Gainsborough Old Hall.

18th CENTURY TEAS AND TRADITIONS

CAFÉ CHAOS

The Collection in Lincoln. Learn about the etiquette and traditions of the nation’s favourite drink. Talk and tea sampling. £3. www.thecollectionmuseum.com or 01522 782040.

Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, Horncastle. The multi-talented Kosh theatre company serve up a mixture of dangerous comedy and tragedy on an unforgettable night at Café Chaos. 01507 522465.

1 March, 6pm – 8pm

GYPSY FIDDLE FEAST & DANCE 2 March, 7.30pm

Mareham-le-Fen Village Hall, Main Street, PE22 7RW. Violin virtuoso Gundula Gruen and his Tatcho Drom ensemble perform an exuberant show bringing the fire of Eastern European Gypsy music and dance to life.

01507 568789.

22 March, 7.30pm

DISCOVER THE HERONS OF HARTSHOLME COUNTRY PARK

29, 30 and 31 March, 10am – 4pm

Hartsholme Country Park, Skellingthorpe Road, Lincoln, LN6 0EY. Join the RSPB for the annual Heron Watch and discover more about these giants of the bird world. Free.

Details from rangers on 01522 873577.

Please note: The information on this page is correct at the time of going to press. However, you may wish to confirm details with event organisers before starting your journey.

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MEDIEVAL KITCHEN EVENT

29 March – 1 April, 10am – 5pm

Gainsborough Old Hall. Live demonstrations of how to make authentic medieval dishes and tempting tipples. See it done by our costumed characters, then take a recipe sheet and have a go at home! Children can decorate a cake.

Normal admission. www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/ gainsborougholdhall, 01522 782040.

Lincolnshire’s finest!

Tealby

BIRDS OF PREY WEEKEND

30 – 31 March and 1 April

Lincoln Castle. Meet Mac the Harris Hawk and Loxley the Lanner Falcon, with resident falconer Derek Tindall. Highlights include: 11.05am – photo opportunity to capture images of the birds; 1pm and 3.30pm – flying displays.

Admission charges apply. www.lincolnshire. gov.uk/lincolncastle, 01522 782040.

Photographs by Jim Smith

Nettleham The most successful Lincolnshire communities over half a century of a hugely popular competition are… Nettleham and Tealby!

EVENT PUBLICITY To submit details of an event for a future edition, please email countynews@lincolnshire. gov.uk at least three months before it takes place. Due to the volume of requests, we cannot guarantee inclusion, so please make other publicity arrangements.

You can also publicise events on Lincolnshire County Council’s website. Visit www. lincolnshire.gov.uk/whatson, email events@ lincolnshire.gov.uk or call 01522 552868.

MORE INFORMATION For details of Lincolnshire County Council heritage sites, including Gainsborough Old Hall, The Collection, Lincoln Castle and the Museum of Lincolnshire Life, visit www.lincolnshire.gov. uk/heritage or phone 01522 782040.

General tourist information can be found at www.visitlincolnshire.com. For the Lincolnshire Heritage Forum, visit www.lincsheritageforum. org.uk.

They jointly won the accolade at a Celebration of 50 Years of the Best Kept Villages and Small Towns Competition, held at The Showroom in Lincoln.

To identify the winners, points were awarded for each 1st, 2nd and 3rd-placed entry over the entire five decades. When the totals were calculated, Nettleham and Tealby came in exactly equal on 45 points, meaning they will share the award.

Each community also receives a bench from sponsors Heritage Lottery Fund and Pennells Garden Centres, whose owner Richard Pennell made the presentation.

Paying tribute to the two 50-year winners, Teresa Palmer, from organisers Community Lincs, said: “The civic pride shown by residents of Nettleham and Tealby over 50 years of this competition has been truly remarkable, and it is a great privilege to be able to honour that here tonight.”

The celebration night also recognised the winners of the 2012 contest, which attracted entries from 128 communities across all seven Lincolnshire districts.

Winners in the village categories, based on population size, were Stubton, Tetney and Woodhall Spa, while Crowland was the top small town.

There was also glory for Freiston in the recent past winner section, while Caistor won a new award for shops, supported by the Federation of Small Businesses.

The competition is run in partnership with the Council for the Protection of Rural England, with sponsorship from the county and district councils and Pennells.

For more information, visit www.communitylincs.com, phone 01529 302466 or e-mail bkv@communitylincs.com.

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Contact us ESSENTIAL INFORMATION To help us to help you, please use the most appropriate web address or phone number for the service you need Our Customer Service Centre is open to answer your calls from 8am to 6pm, Mondays to Fridays (except public holidays) Extended phone hours for individual services, if available, are shown at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/contact-the-council BLUE BADGE SCHEME Visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/bluebadge or call 01522 782232 CALLCONNECT Visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/callconnect or call 08452 343344 CULTURAL SERVICES including museums, heritage attractions and archives Visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/leisure or call 01522 782040 EDUCATION Visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/education or call 01522 782030

MORE DETAILS ONLINE Visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/ contact-the-council for a full list of our numbers or, to access our online services, www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/doitonline To leave feedback about the council’s services please go to www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/feedback EMAIL Contact us at customer_services@lincolnshire.gov.uk TWITTER Follow us @LincolnshireCC

BY POST Write to Customer Services, Lincolnshire County Council, County Offices, Newland, Lincoln LN1 1YL

FAMILY INFORMATION SERVICE Visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/fis or call 0800 195 1635

TRANSLATION SERVICE Available on the county council numbers listed and includes an interpreter if needed

FIRST CONTACT helping people aged 60 and above to live independently Visit www.firstcontact.org.uk or call 01522 782172

Contacting your county councillor Visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/localdemocracy or phone 01522 782060

FOSTERING AND ADOPTION Visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/fostering or www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/ adoption or call enquiry line 0800 093 3099

District councils Contact your district council for council tax, housing benefit and waste collection queries. Please visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/districtcouncils

HIGHWAYS AND PLANNING including Household Waste Recycling Centres Visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/highwaysreporting or call 01522 782070 – for out of hours highways emergencies, please phone 0300 111 0300 LIBRARIES Visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/libraries or call 01522 782010 LIFELONG LEARNING Visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/lifelonglearning or call 01522 782011 REGISTRATION OF BIRTHS, DEATHS, MARRIAGES AND CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS Visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/registration or call 01522 782244 SCHOOLS TRANSPORT Visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/schools or call 01522 782020 SOCIAL CARE • Children – visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/caringforchildren or call 01522 782111 • Adults – visit www.mychoicemycare.org.uk or call 01522 782155 • Carers Team – visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/carers or call 01522 782224 • Emergency out of office hours – 01522 782333 TRADING STANDARDS Visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/tradingstandards or call 01522 782341

Parish and town councils To find your parish or town council, visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/localdemocracy or phone the Lincolnshire Association of Local Councils on 01673 866596/863417