Hop to it with Easter activities for all the family – centre page pull-out
Spring into action for a garden waste takeaway – page 14
Options for Covid-safe voting in May – back page
NEWS NK
The newspaper for all North Kesteven residents
SPRING / SUMMER 2021
Supporting communities in their pandemic recovery As lockdown restrictions ease and aspects of our daily lives begin to re-open – such as more shops, leisure centres and pubs – we continue to work hard to support you, your families, your communities and your businesses. This is a welcome return to a sense of normality but also a period of ongoing caution. It can only happen if we each ensure we are all doing the right things at the right time and continuing to take personal responsibility to keep the virus down – whilst also embracing greater freedoms. Be assured that your Council is here, playing a central role in shaping and delivering the evolving and ongoing county-wide response to Covid-19. All this whilst promoting the economy and supporting community life in re-opening
in line with the Government’s recovery roadmap – outlined on page 5. From licensing and planning to grant administration and advice on re-thinking business practice, via food hygiene checks and public protection, our roles and responsibilities are critical in ensuring the safe, confident and compliant bounce-back of many parts of normal activity. With roles to play in engaging and explaining, we also have an important part to play in enabling, encouraging and enforcing. And your understanding and participation is equally critical as we all move forward with the easing of restrictions. Currently we are also busy planning for the May 6 elections, ensuring it is as safe as possible to vote in person and promoting postal and proxy voting alternatives.
» Environmental Health – food hygiene checks and ratings, and water safety checks helping pubs, restaurants, takeaways and cafés » Public protection – support of testing facilities and businesses’ Covid-compliance » Economic Development – helping businesses to re-think and recover, administering grants and enabling safer high streets » Elections – ensuring voting on May 6 is a safe as possible » Leisure – enabling the re-opening of gyms, pools and sports facilities » Licensing – ensuring the lawful sale of alcohol, events and entertainment » Tourism – promoting the safe re-opening for venues and businesses » Countryside – enabling safe access to open spaces for physical and mental wellbeing » Benefits team – supporting access to hardship funds, benefits and self-isolation payments » Covid ambassadors – ensuring business compliance and public confidence » Partnership response – ongoing contribution to pandemic response and community resilience » Finance – ensuring the Council’s resilience to maintain services.
For updates and further information visit: www.n-kesteven.gov.uk
www.n-kesteven.gov.uk
@NorthKestevenDC
/NorthKestevenDC
Welcome
Let us all seek to ‘build back better’ as we look towards the future for our communities, ourselves and our planet
Welcome to NewsNK – the newspaper for all North Kesteven District Council residents. Below is a quick guide to the sections inside this issue.
3–5 4
News Census Information
6–7
Our Communities
8 & 13
NK Plan 2021 -24
9 & 12
Activities Guide
14 – 15
Our Environment
16 – 17
Our Homes
18 – 19
Our Economy
20
Covid-safe Voting
North Kesteven District Council, Kesteven Street, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, NG34 7EF. Main telephone number: 01529 414155 This newspaper is edited by the Council’s Communications Team. Each copy costs 5.6p to print and 9.3p to deliver direct to your door – making your three annual copies less than 45p per household. Email: communications@n-kesteven.gov.uk Phone: 01529 308061 NewsNK is also available online: www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/news Want all the latest direct to your inbox? Sign up for e-newsletters at www.n-kesteven. gov.uk/stayconnected Page 2
Ian Fytche, Chief Executive Spring is here and it is most welcome, but it’s not just the renewal of nature that we can find joy in. There are tentative green shoots of a future with some semblance of normality, thanks to the Covid vaccine and the hard work of our NHS colleagues, scientists and volunteers in distributing it and all those involved in Covid testing too. See page 7 for encouraging news on this front. We have come full circle; a whole year since that first instruction to ‘Stay Home, Protect the NHS, Save Lives’. Now there’s a four-step plan to recovery (see page 5) which will see lockdown restrictions lifted in stages through to the summer. This is of course predicated on us all continuing with caution, continuing to think of others, remembering the hands, face, space instructions and self-isolating if symptoms appear. As we look forward and plan ahead, there is a quote from the Victorian writer and artist John Ruskin springs to mind. He said that when we build, we must build for ever
and not just for the present. He said: “Let it be such work as our descendants will thank us for.” His words resonate with our own aspiration at North Kesteven to build back better, to build something to last and that achieves positive change. There is no better opportunity for that than now. We can – and should – build back better from the pandemic. We want our District to be carbon neutral by 2030, and we are continuing to take steps towards that goal, with a strong action plan and work that includes developing biodiversity, supporting natural carbon capture and applying all the measures we can to strengthen resilience to climate change. That 2030 target will only be possible with your help too, and that of our businesses and communities. Our plans all align to building back better in North Kesteven. Our 10-year Community Strategy sets out how we’ll ensure our communities can thrive. It is also where we align our actions and
ambitions with the UN Sustainable Development Goals for a path towards net-zero carbon. Our revised NK Plan for 2021-24, sets out how £91m will be invested in the District over the next three years. You can see the results of such investment already, from our reinvigoration of the National Centre for Craft and Design to new homes being built to top eco Passivhaus specification. Expansion of affordable, accessible quality housing, responsive services and a vibrant economy doesn’t just happen. It requires foresight and financial resilience; all underpinned by a solid secure financial plan which will see £231m million of capital invested in our District over 10 years, to ensure it can build back from Covid and flourish. There’s more on all this throughout this NewsNK. I hope you enjoy reading it. Together we can all keep treading cautiously to a brighter future. We all have some way to go and there will undoubtedly be challenges to face in recovery, but the path is laid out before us.
Let’s stay connected There’s so much going on and we don’t want you to miss out. Sign up to our e-newsletter to receive the latest on news, business advice and events, and we will do the rest.
Sign up today at: www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/ stayconnected
under which everything sits – the established priority principles of Environment, Economy, Homes, Communities and Council; our financial strategies; ten-year £231m capital programme; and short term three-year NK Plan – in focusing investments, initiatives and service delivery in support of a District of Flourishing Communities. And also in reinforcing the Council’s long-term commitment to addressing the challenges of climate change. The 2030 Community Strategy also identifies and connects the Council’s five priorities to the United Nations’ parallel aspirations of A
20:30 vision A route map to where the Council wants the District to be in 2030 – looking towards a netzero carbon future with better levels of health and a more vibrant economy – has been unanimously agreed councillors.
The ten-year vision of the 2030 Community Strategy aligns the Council’s own aims and ambitions alongside the 17 United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. It now becomes the overarching principles
Future, A Job, A Home, A Life and A Champion. Following an initial expression of resident support in recent consultation feedback – where across the five priorities up to 90% of respondents said we were focused on the right things, had identified the main topics and were clear in our aspirations – a more thorough engagement exercise over the summer months will explore the themes further. The Council’s immediate response is outlined in the NK plan 2021 - 2024, which is summarised on pages 8 and 13 of this NewsNK. See also www.n-kesteven. gov.uk/NKPlan
See the 2030 vision at www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/OurCommunityStrategy
Coronavirus Working together to support our communities
300 visits made
by our Covid Ambassadors to public spaces, businesses and local centres to advise on and enforce Coronavirus restrictions.
135
More than e-newsletters sent to share Coronavirus messages and help communities stay safe, including an e-newsNK with subscribers, along with other news topics.
20k
Made 15,000 calls over the year, through the three lockdown periods to vulnerable residents across the District.
72 public-facing
meetings have taken place virtually, ensuring democratic processes continue to be open and transparent.
320
Over planning applications validated in the three months to March alone.
£28m
Over paid to support more than
3 editions of NewsNK – 160,000 copies – sent through the pandemic.
Maintaining high standards 78% of respondents rated our services good or very good. 69% feel well informed by the Council. 64% think the Council acts on residents’ concerns. 62% are satisfied or very satisfied with how the Council runs things.
2,000 businesses across 12 Covid grant schemes.
3.7m
Emptied wheeled bins of four types over the year, plus other services, with six days of Covid-enforced break.
Dealt with 460 noise complaints. 107 fly-tipping complaints, 160 smoke complaints.
Maintained delivery of investment in new housing, new business units, jobs creation and NCCD refurbishment.
Unless stated, figures relate to the year from March 2020 – March 2021
The last year has shown us how essential small businesses are to our communities. We are celebrating these fantastic retailers through our ‘shop local’ directory at www.businessnk. co.uk/shoplocal/ From innovating with click and collect to offering home delivery or just being there when needed. Look them up for your next shopping trip or meal out after lockdown. You can search the directory by business type and instantly connect. To have your business listed, email: ecodev@nkesteven.gov.uk We are working with businesses and parish councils to promote safe shopping environments for everyone to enjoy. As we seek to encourage people back into the high street in a welcoming, but Covid-safe, way we want to champion our local traders and distinct communities. Thanks to European Regional Development Fund resources awarded for re-opening high streets safely, there will be window stickers, banners and bunting available for free. If you want to be involved please email: ecodev@nkesteven.gov.uk
Follow the Council’s news via its Facebook and Twitter updates
News
Elections will be held on Thursday May 6 and you are advised to think now about how you want to physically cast your vote. The elections are to select county councillors, a Police & Crime Commissioner for Lincolnshire and at least three local polls in Sleaford, Bracebridge Heath, Bassingham and Brant Broughton. Every effort is being made to ensure voting at Polling Stations is as safe as possible – see the back page of this NewsNK for detail and deadlines in mid April for registration and requests to vote by post or proxy. Nomination of candidates closes on April 8. See www.n-kesteven. gov.uk/elections for more information. Continuing her Christmas initiative, Council Chairman Cllr Susannah Barker-Milan is hoping people will egg-spress themselves through kindness this Easter too. How could you use the ideas laid out in the centre pages of this NewsNK to get creative in ways of reaching out to your community? What do you think defines North Kesteven as a ‘place’? We want to talk more about North Kesteven as a place – a place to live, to work, to walk, to do business, to enjoy, to be. Tell us: is it heritage, shopping, community, landscape, neighbourliness, leisure, activities, education, or something else? Message us at @northkestevendc
Page 3
Census 2021
The census helps us, as a Council, and our public service partners to understand what our society needs now and what it’s likely to need in the future. The information it collects helps us plan and fund services in our area. Charities also use census information to help get the funding they need. Businesses use it to decide where to set up, which creates jobs. It gives the best picture of the needs of everyone living in England and Wales and its success depends on us all. A total of 94% of people took part in the last census, helping each area receive its share of public funding. Without the census, it would be much more difficult to provide the services you and your community need. What the 2011 census told us about North Kesteven > 107,766 people lived here, including: > 4,303 students > 2,552 people working in the police, armed forces, prisons, fire service etc – 1,307 of them as senior officers > 1,176 nurses > 541 farmers > 35,000 people drove to work, although 6,063 of us worked from home > Other than the UK, Germany was the top country of birth > 435 spoke Polish, which was the second most spoken language after English or Welsh > North Kesteven was made up of 172 ethnicities > 281 people said they were Jedi Knights. > 307 households were made up of two or more families
Page 4
It’s all about us Census 2021 Every ten years a national census is held, to capture a picture of all the people and households in England and Wales. The census is unique; giving a detailed level of information about all of us and the society we live in, which helps to shape the world around us and makes sure we and our communities are counted in decisions on services and funding. The 2021 census will be even more unique. It will be carried out mainly online, which means that no one needs to come into your home. Your access code would have arrived in the post a couple of weeks ago. If needed, you can request a
Census top ten 10 1. It is unique 2. It is secure 3. It is Covid-safe 4. It is a legal requirement 5. It makes life better locally 6. It only takes a few minutes to fill in 7. It can be done online or on paper 8. It needs to be done by May 4 9. It is history in action 10. It will help family research in 100 years to come.
If you need any help or advice visit Everyone’s safety is the main concern of census organisers The Office of National Statistics. As a digital-first census, people are encouraged to respond online if they can; using any computer, smart phone or tablet. There’s online help at www.census.gov.uk and by phone, email or text message. Where possible, please help friends and family to complete their census. If there’s a need to follow up uncompleted forms or to give encouragement and help, the field officer will wear face coverings and will not need to enter your house.
Hear more at
Questions in the census aim to keep up with the times and this year there are a few new ones. For the first time people will be asked if they have served in the armed forces. This is particularly relevant locally, providing valuable information for charities, government and councils to ensure the right level of services are delivered for veterans, tailored to their numbers, location and age. This links to the Armed Forces Covenant which requires the particular needs of serving personnel and veterans, such as access to schools, housing and welfare support, to be
paper-form and there are also ways to get remote support by phone, email and messages. All kinds of organisations, from local authorities like us, to charities, use the information to help provide the services we all need, including transport, education and healthcare. Without the census, it would be much harder to reflect local need to do this. By taking part, you’ll be helping make sure you and your community get the services needed now and in the future. Census Day was Sunday, March 21, but your submission can be made online or on paper at anytime up to May 4. It should take about 10
minutes for the household questions and 10 minutes per person. It’s important you take part. The information it gives has the power to make a real impact on our everyday lives. It is also a legal requirement to complete it. Failing to, or supplying false information means you could be fined up to £1,000. Voluntary questions are optional though. All personal data is secure and will be locked away for 100 years, kept safe for future generations until 2121 when it becomes a fascinating mine of information in family research just as the 1921 census returns will be when released this year.
www.census.gov.uk or call 0800 141 2021 built in to service planning; to ensure they and their families are treated fairly. It’s a great opportunity for the forces community to make its voice heard. Another area of questioning which is new – and optional – relates to the ability for people to self-identify as they wish. This gives an opportunity to respond to gender identification and sexual orientation to ensure equality and provision of services to meet the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. Individuals can request their own access code or form if they wish their return to be separate from the household’s for privacy.
All students should be included in the census for their university address, not their ‘home’ address. Letters will be sent to a student’s term-time address with their access code on. Those not currently staying at their university address, can request a new access code to complete the census online. To do this go to www.census.gov. uk/students As with anyone, it is important to take part in the census as the information given informs funding decisions on things like campus bus links and bike lanes, jobs and training.
https://soundcloud.com/user-94650446/podcast-1-the-2021-census
Small rise in Council charge North Kesteven District Council has maintained a modest rise in its share of the Council Tax from April. With the totality of the bill split across the county council, police, district and local parish or town councils, the final amount varies depending on where you live. North Kesteven keeps around ten per cent of the total, which at Band D will be £174.60 for the year 2021/22. This is a 2.92 per cent rise; just £4.95 more at Band D across the full year. In reality three-quarters of District households are in Bands A to C, which gives increases of between £3.30 and £4.40 over the year. For this you will continue to receive an excellent level of service across a broad range of areas, with added emphasis on climate change and wellbeing responses. Lincolnshire County Council takes three-quarters of the total bill. Its share goes up by 1.99 per cent for general services, with no additional premium for adult social care this year. Their Band D Charge increases by £26.58 to £1,364.16 for 2020/21. The police take around 15 per cent of the charge, with their share rising 5.9 per cent to £266.31 which is an extra £14.94 for a Band D property. With town and parish councils adding variable amounts, actual sums are shown on the bills sent during March.
For more detail on support see
Lifting lockdown as a four step process Step 1 8 March
Education
● Schools and colleges open for all students ● Practical Higher Education courses
Social contact
● Exercise and recreation outdoors with household or one other person ● Household only indoors
Business & Activities
Travel
● Stay at home ● No holidays
Events
● Funerals (30) ● Weddings and wakes (6)
29 March
A number of mechanisms are in place to help those least able to pay their full Council Tax charge. These are summarised in the 2021/22 Council Tax leaflet posted online or call 01529 414155 to discuss your eligibility. In some cases full or part exemption of Council Tax liability applies. Council Tax Support This is a discount scheme to support low income working age households, pensioners and vulnerable customers with the costs of Council Tax. Exceptional Hardship Fund This is a discretionary fund that can be applied for and paid on top of any Council Tax Support entitlement to assist with Council Tax payments. A discretionary fund may also help to top up housing benefits.
In some cases discounts are applied to help owners of empty homes bring back vacant properties for use. This includes help for new owners, to enhance energy efficiency and for disabled adaptations. At the other extreme, when properties have been empty for too long, premiums can be applied so that a charge of up to 400% of the standard charge is applied. If you own an empty property and want to explore ways to bring it back into use, see www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/ emptyhomes There are a number of provisions for discounted Council Tax rates. These include people living alone, students, low-paid carers and care home residents. Some full exemptions apply too.
www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/CouncilTax
News Changes have been put forward to the way the District Council’s 43 elected members are allocated across North Kesteven to ensure all electors receive fair and equitable representation. These are the recommendations of the Local Government Boundary Commission for England suggested to take effect from 2023. Still numbering 43, the Councillors will be spread across two fewer wards. The boundaries of 18 of the 24 wards will change and a number of new ward names will be introduced. All the changes are detailed at www.lgbce. org.uk/all-reviews/eastmidlands/lincolnshire/ north-kesteven Constituency boundaries are also being reviewed by the Boundary Commission for England.
The national roadmap to lifting lockdown restrictions is a four step process. Importantly these are only indicative dates, dependent on four tests including the ongoing vaccination roll-out and a continuing fall in cases. Remain vigilant and maintain measures around face coverings, hand washing and as much separation as you can outside of your household group or bubble.
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
No earlier than 12 April. At least 5 weeks after Step 1.
No earlier than 17 May. At least 5 weeks after Step 2.
No earlier than 21 June. At least 5 weeks after Step 3. All subject to review.
As previous step
As previous step
As previous step No legal limit
● Rule of 6 or two households outdoors ● Household only indoors
● Rule of 6 or two households outdoors ● Household only indoors
● Maximum 30 people outdoors ● Rule of 6 or two households indoors (subject to review)
● Organised outdoor sport (children and adults) ● Outdoor sport and leisure facilities ● All outdoor children’s activities ● Outdoor parent & child group (up to 15 parents)
● All retail ● Personal care ● Libraries & community centres ● Most outdoor attractions ● Indoor leisure inc. gyms (individual use only) ● Self-contained accommodation ● All children’s activities ● Outdoor hospitality ● Indoor parent & child groups (up to 15 parents)
● Indoor hospitality ● Indoor entertainment and attractions ● Organised indoor sport (adult) ● Remaining accommodation ● Remaining outdoor entertainment (including performances)
● Remaining businesses, including nightclubs
● Minimise travel ● No holidays
● Domestic overnight stays (household only) ● No international holidays
● Domestic overnight stays ● International travel (subject to review)
● Domestic overnight stays ● International travel
● Funerals (30) ● Weddings, wakes, receptions (15) ● Event pilots
● Most significant life events (30). ● Indoor events: 1,000 or 50% ● Outdoor seated events: 10,000 or 25% ● Outdoor other events: 4,000 or 50%
● No legal limit on live events ● Larger events
For regular news updates by email go to
www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/stayconnected
Page 5
Our Communities
To enhance the wellbeing, safety and health of all our communities; inspiring and supporting a sustainable and flourishing future.
£40,000 allocated in grants for Covid-19 response and recovery initiatives In partnership with the Lincolnshire Community Foundation the Council has made available £40,000 to support the community groups, charities and organisations helping to overcome the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. By offering up grants of up to £5,000 each, to bolster the financial resilience of those delivering vital services, the Covid-19 Response & Recovery Fund is able to strengthen ongoing support both now and in the future, to tackle longer term impacts. As NewsNK went to press, the 17 bids totalling £57,000 were being assessed. Successful projects might include those that combat financial hardship and economic, social, health or welfare issues, respond to loneliness and isolation, offer mental health support or telephone befriending or deal with digital exclusion. Funds can help with equipment costs, digital resources, volunteer training or counselling support, with priority given to those offering vital support to older people, families with young children, people with physical or learning disabilities, people with mental health needs and people on low incomes.
Page 6
Tracey Richardson of Osbournby was awarded in 2020 for her inspiring ways of motivating her community through lockdown restrictions
Community Power Fund Seven projects have been supported in the first year of the Sleaford Renewable Energy Plant Community Power Fund. Greencoat Capital, owners of the Sleaford Renewable Energy Plant, in partnership with the District Council has provided £125,000 over five years to support community projects within a five mile radius of the plant. The aim is to distribute £25,000 each year to ‘improve the lives
and wellbeing of people living within the area, and bring benefit to the community/group’. Grants up to a maximum of £5,000 are available to not-forprofit groups based and operating within five miles of the plant. There are separate application forms for up to £1,000 and up to £5,000. The next applications deadline is midnight on April 14.
Details and applications at
Annually, as part of our Armed Forces Day activities, former Service personnel are invited to receive their Veteran’s Badge. Continuing this recognition and celebration for 2021, Veterans across the District are encouraged to apply to receive their badge in appreciation of their contribution during their Military Service. Subject to Covid-19 guidance we hope this year to have a presentation in June. District Veterans of any length or type of service can email armedforces@n-kesteven.gov.uk or call the Partnerships team on 01529 414155.
Who do you know that’s done extraordinary things over recent months to support your community, respond to its needs or deliver a difference in yours or someone else’s life? For ten years we’ve celebrated our Community Champions and are now looking to champion the best in voluntary community endeavour in 2021. The beauty of these awards is that they are based on your nominations – highlighting the best in community spirit, businesses operating with the community in mind and people who contribute to the arts, to sport, to health and wellbeing and who are responding brilliantly to the pandemic. Nominate now, or anytime up to July 31 at www.NKawards.org
Funding has supported: > Electrical works at Ewerby Reading Rooms; > Purchase of maintenance equipment for Sleaford Navigation Trust; > Specialist disability equipment for Big Jumps Trampoline Club; > St Denis Church toilet and kitchen work, Silk Willoughby; > Community hall building work at Heckington Methodist Church; > St John the Baptist Church kitchen refurbishment, Great Hale; and > A series of creative workshops for United Together, Sleaford.
www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/communityfunding
While the successful and popular in-person ‘Get Fit for Life’ courses are suspended, there’s no rest for health trainer Debbie. She’s stepping up her provision of 1-1 support as well as looking to resume her 10-week and 12-month programmes to help people achieve a healthier lifestyle – whether in-person or on-screen. Over a decade, the 245 participants on the 10-week course lost a collective 96 stones. Topics include cutting down on alcohol, food triggers, portion size, stress and improved mental health. Email: deborah_chessum@nkesteven.gov.uk
For more news and information please visit
While we’re unable to run our Community Digital Hubs as normal due to the Coronavirus pandemic, we appreciate that over a short space of time we’ve all been asked to do a lot more things using websites. In order to help as many people as possible feel confident doing the things they need to online, we’ve created a new webpage at www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/ digitalskills This has links to free digital help and support. You can also find guidance and learning courses to build your knowledge around things like setting up an email account, using social media and video calling family and friends using online tools, and information which covers using specific services like My GP to access healthcare. For additional help online, contact rachael_gordon@nkesteven.gov.uk
www.n-kesteven.gov.uk
The vaccination programme is moving at great pace, thanks to the hard work of our NHS scientists, staff and volunteers. All of the initial priority groups are scheduled to have had their first vaccination by April 15 and every adult by the end of July. When your turn comes, you’ll be contacted with details of how and where to get your vaccination. Vaccinations are being carried out in a range of ways, through large centres, on a more local GP network basis and through more bespoke localised solutions. If invited to book at the Boston or Lincolnshire Showground centres, you can do this at www.nhs.uk/ coronavirus-vaccination or call 119 free of charge, 7am to 11pm, daily. Or you can wait until an option closer to you is available. You will be contacted when this becomes available. At the three month point of the Covid-19 vaccine rollout, on March 4: The situation with first vaccination administration was as shown, with no obvious disparity in coverage across our towns, villages and communities. On all measures the pace of vaccination rollout locally was ahead of the wider county and English position and in at least the top 20% of areas nationally.
Covid-19 updates
Covid-19 testing
Vaccination rollout moves at a pace North Kesteven
%
Lincs
%
England (million)
%
Over 80s
7,312
95.9%
45,809
95.0%
2.69
92.8%
75-79
5,687
96.4%
36,025
95.2%
1.96
93.3%
70-74
7,358
96.1%
47,597
93.9%
2.65
91.9%
65-69
6,040
89.0%
40,530
89.0%
2.35
82.7%
Under 65s
17,514
24.2%
96,362
19.8%
7.48
19.0%
Total
43,911
43.8%
266,323
39.7%
17.15
34.2%
% - of eligible population
For updates sign up for e-news If you can’t get to your vaccination yourself the safest and simplest way is to go with someone who is already in your support bubble. Where this is not an option: > For those not classed as clinically extremely vulnerable there’s: public transport, if available; CallConnect; local voluntary car schemes; and private taxi services – always following all the guidance re face coverings etc. > Those that are clinically extremely vulnerable can access: CallConnect or private taxi firms which have robust cleaning and safety practices in place. While it’s not a booking service, the transport helpline on 0345 4564474 can identify and advise on best options. Many Voluntary Car Schemes would welcome additional volunteers to build resilience and availability. Call as above to locate one you could help.
www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/stayconnected
The existing, registered and accredited car schemes are all known to be safe; with drivers who are DBS checked, trained and with verified driving licences and public liability insurance. Call the transport helpline on 0345 4564474 to locate yours. They have in place safe systems such as no direct contact with passengers, passengers sitting in the back only, mask wearing, cleaning down prior to each passenger and ensuring drivers are not themselves clinically vulnerable. Outside of these vetted schemes, or household bubbles, no-one should be offering a new pop-up lift-share operation for friends or neighbours. This is because people should not be mixing outside their bubble within the confines of a car and for more than 15 minutes. Anyone wanting to help people access vaccination is asked to support an existing scheme, giving it extra resilience and capacity.
For more news and information please visit
Remember • If you’re waiting for your Covid-19 vaccination you don’t need to contact your GP, unless they ask you to. They’ll be in touch with you first. • Vaccine invitations are now being sent by text message to some people, it will come from NHSvaccine, linking to nhs.uk • In order to have a vaccination, you must book. You’ll be turned away without an appointment. You can only do this once you’ve been invited to. • After you’ve had your first vaccination, you’ll need to give it time to take effect and to keep observing hands – face – space to protect yourself and others. • Sadly there are scams around vaccinations. You won’t ever need to pay for your vaccination, or to give your bank details or identification. It will always be free of charge.
www.n-kesteven.gov.uk
There are two types of test for Covid-19 currently available to residents – known as PCR and Lateral Flow. It is likely that the process of testing will change, so please be alert to new information as measures to keep the virus under control evolve. The type of test you need will depend on your circumstances. If you have Covid-19 symptoms then you should get a PCR test as soon as possible. There are fixed and mobile testing units, or home PCR testing kits can be ordered. Locations will be given when you book: call on 119 or www.gov.uk/ get-coronavirus-test If you don’t have symptoms, you can get a test at a community testing centre. There are sites in Lincoln, Boston and Grantham, open 8am to 8pm, every day. Details at www.lincolnshire.gov. uk/coronavirus-support-services Community lateral flow testing is free and aims to identify people who are infectious and could spread the virus, even if they don’t have Covid-19 symptoms. These quick-response tests have a rapid turnaround which is critical in breaking the chain of transmission in the community. The lateral flow testing location in Sleaford is expressly to support working people who are unable to work from home, not for broader community testing. See page 19 for more information. Community lateral flow testing can be accessed in Lincoln and Boston, but locations may change. Details at www.lincolnshire.gov. uk/coronavirus-support-services Anyone who has symptoms, tests positive or is a close contact of a positive case should selfisolate for 10 days. For support and advice, call 01522 782189. You may be eligible for a self-isolation payment of £500. See www.nkesteven.gov.uk/coronavirus/ coronavirus-isolation-payments/
Page 7
The NK Plan 2020-24
OUR COUNCIL
OUR COMMUNITIES
To aspire to be a high performing, value-formoney Council that is agile and embraces the challenges and opportunities of the future
To enhance the wellbeing, safety and health of all our communities; inspiring and supporting a sustainable and flourishing future.
KEY AMBITION
KEY AMBITION
► Promote participation and engagement within our communities, as well as recovery from the impacts of Covid-19
► Champion greenhouse gas reduction, both within the Council and across the District
It also sets the scene for a broader ten-year vision, contained within the new Community Strategy, charting a ten year period where our aspirations are fully-funded and grounded in consensus for the realisation of a £231m capital investment across our priorities over the decade.
WHAT WE PLAN TO DO
WHAT WE PLAN TO DO
In line with our established priorities, the headline tenyear plan is for:
► Ensure sound finances and a balanced budget are maintained
► Deliver the £1.2m re-invigoration of the National Centre for Craft & Design
£56m to unlock 37 acres of strategic growth land
► Begin delivery of the re-focused Transformation Programme to enhance efficiencies and effectiveness
► Set up a Community Lottery to support community groups and beneficiaries
► Successfully deliver the 2021 Lincolnshire County Council and Police & Crime Commissioner elections in a Covidsafe way
► Continue to work successfully with partners to tackle both childhood and adult obesity
It is our great pleasure to share with you a summary of the NK Plan, our strategic vision for the delivery of our priorities, purpose and services, as we seek to develop and enrich our District of Flourishing Communities. This current plan, for 2021 to 2024, builds on its predecessors in establishing the foundations on which we build our ambitions and actions for North Kesteven’s communities. It is inevitably informed and shaped by the Coronavirus pandemic and the Council’s ability and capacity to respond positively to its challenges and pressures.
at Sleaford Moor Enterprise Park.
£10m to bring forward further opportunities for
start-up and growing businesses in Sleaford, North Hykeham, within the wider LN6 and across the District.
£5m
to fulfil cultural and environmental regeneration at the Heart of Sleaford and the National Centre for Craft & Design.
£5m to modernise the refuse fleet to serve growing
communities and respond to the joint Lincolnshire Waste Strategy.
£60m
to significantly expand the Council’s social housing portfolio by 300-plus homes, including extra care provision.
£60m to enable Lafford Homes to unlock more
housing choice in the private rental sector, bringing forward 250 units in the next five years.
► Undertake a review of waste collection routes to ensure best efficiency and level of service
► Work with partners to ensure North Kesteven remains one of the safest local authority areas in England.
► Develop and strengthen strategic partnerships.
WHAT WE’VE DONE RECENTLY ► Adopted an agile working programme to maintain and enhance service delivery to residents and stakeholders throughout the coronavirus pandemic ► Adapted quickly and effectively to a virtual meetings structure to maintain democratic engagement and continue the decision-making process openly, transparently and lawfully ► Supported partners across the Lincolnshire Resilience Forum in responding to the coronavirus pandemic ► Developed digital hubs to help build customers’ confidence in using computers to access services, work and finances.
WHAT WE’VE DONE RECENTLY ► Set up with the Sleaford Renewable Energy Plant, a grant fund worth £125,000 over five years ► Continued to invest in leisure and arts provision; £1.7m at the NCCD and Better Gym Sleaford ► Championed the community contributions of more than 100 individuals, groups and businesses; transferring the annual Community Champion Awards to a virtual format to ensure their continuation ► Initiated a successful trial of separate paper and card recycling ► Launched in partnership the countywide Wellbeing Service.
SUPPORTING AMBITIONS
SUPPORTING AMBITIONS
current housing stock.
► Ensure our Council is financially resilient
Although bold in scale, such ambition is costed, entirely within our capacity and capabilities and consistent within our vision to ensure our communities are resilient, safe and flourishing.
► Be open and accountable
► Promote healthy lifestyles by providing a range of leisure and cultural opportunities
£40m to invest in improvements to the Council’s
► Maintain a strong focus on our customers
► Provide effective and efficient support services for our residents ► Work with our communities towards a clean, safe and inclusive District
2021 ► Fulfil refurbishment of the National Centre for Craft & Design ► Break ground on the £56m Sleaford Moor Enterprise Park ► Improve habitat and public access along the River Slea ► Let the 15 additional workshop units in North Hykeham ► Restoration and refurbishment project programmed for Cogglesford Watermill
2022 ► Realise the £4m Heart of Sleaford project ► Fulfilment of £8.25m partnership investment to enhance roads capacity and facilitate housing and jobs growth in Sleaford ► Begin construction of £8.86m Extra Care Housing in Sleaford
WHAT’S ON
SPRING - SUMMER 2021
Online Adventures Discover Lincolnshire Weekend
Saturday March 27 and Sunday March 28 Going virtual this year, there are dozens of things to do (online) such as virtual tours of historic sites, an online mystery trail and even more walking and cycling routes: www.visitlincoln.com/discover-lincolnshire
Out and about in NK Spring is sprung and coupled with the gradual easing of lockdown restrictions – but still with an emphasis to stay local – the Easter holidays are a perfect opportunity to get out and about in the District; being considerate, cautious and conscious of others. Stepping Out walks From Aubourn to Wellingore, our ever-popular Stepping Out, Ridges and Furrows and Spires and Steeples walks offer long and short-distance walking routes local to most areas of the District. Visit www.hillholtwood. co.uk/stepping-outwalks to find your nearest route – you might be surprised by what’s close to you. In total there are 19 detailed routes mapping out almost 150 miles. Walking trails There are two routes in and around Sleaford, focusing on Riverside Heritage, and Arts and Heritage. What surprises will you discover? Find them at www. heartoflincs.com/spiressteeples-other-walks
Go Explore cycling routes Go Explore Lincolnshire provides cycling routes for beginners through to advanced cyclists throughout North Kesteven. Find out more in the leisure section at www.n-kesteven.gov.uk There’s a lovely surfaced, traffic-free, easy-on, easyoff cycle path that runs from Lincoln to Boston called the Water Rail Way.
Keep an eye on Cogglesford In the coming weeks and months, work will begin to restore the waterwheel at Cogglesford Mill. We’ll keep you posted about this on our social media channels @HeartofLincs, or you can watch the work unfold if you’re enjoying a stroll by the River Slea. We look forward to welcoming you back when we can.
National Centre for Craft & Design
Discover Open Spaces Whisby Nature Park (off the Lincoln bypass), Millennium Green (North Hykeham) and Lollycocks Field (Sleaford) always provide a place to relax and recharge, and to connect with nature. There are more spaces to discover so visit the leisure section of www.nkesteven.gov.uk to find out more.
When the NCCD opens later in the spring, the first exhibition in the new ground floor gallery will be, Art Club: Take 2. This will feature art works from the open exhibition, which can be viewed now at www.nccd.org.uk. The main gallery will show Jo Fairfax: Play numerous new playful and interactive works plus an installation, Pea Run, that is inspired by the history of NCCD and the previous Pearoom in Heckington. We’re looking forward to showcasing the new space and all the exciting opportunities it presents.
Mrs Smith’s Cottage
What was it like to live as Mrs Smith? Join us from the safety, and comfort, of your own sofa! The team will take to Facebook and YouTube on March 27 and 28, talking about what it would be like to visit Mrs Smith for the weekend, showing off our digital model of the cottage and highlighting some of the most interesting objects on display. Tune in at 3pm on Saturday 27 and 1pm on Sunday 28, on the Heart of Lincs Facebook and YouTube pages. You can also visit the Mrs Smith’s Digital Cottage at any time: www.mrssmithscottage. com/learn/the-digital-cottage
National Centre for Craft and Design
NCCD has teamed up with Heritage Lincolnshire for inspiring talks and activities, including Silverpoint Drawing and Anthotype Process. More details and booking on the events page at www.nccd.org.uk £25 for two dates. For ages 18+
Creative Recycling with Textile Art
Textile artist Jessica Grady hosts a fourpart series of online NCCD workshops experimenting with recycled materials, textiles, embroidery, and mark-making skills. £45 for four dates: For ages 12+
New Craft Kits to order online
Jointed Sloth Puppet Decorate and assemble your own sloth puppet! £3 for age 3+ with supervision Make a Desk Buddy Kit Use basic stitches and appliqué to make a desk buddy. £5 for age 8+, or any age with basic sewing experience Both available from www.nccd.org.uk
Online dance classes
Three distinct dance offerings to discover the many physical and mental health benefits of dance. Youth street, contemporary and creative dance; dance and disabilities classes for young people and adults; and prerecorded Dance for Parkinson’s sessions. For details, email: dance@nccd.org.uk
Please visit
www.n-kesteven.gov.uk
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pile of recycling into Can you transform a ? We reckon you can. something beautiful ur recycling and see Rummage through yo ur Then display it in yo what you can make. r– ve re w, balcony – whe front garden, windo ! re he ours that spring is to show your neighb r ste chicks, bunnies, Ea Ideas: giant flowers, iles… eggs, bunting, mob t Big Art Exhibition ea Gr e *Ideal for th
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– into a posse of people. Turn an egg – or several k like fantasy characters, You could make them loo p, or maybe some your favourite pop grou ne who inspires you! lockdown heroes. Anyo , hang on a tree, or post Display in your window ’ll share them too. #JoysOfSpring and we bundle for more *Download our spring details
Turn it into a trail
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Get in touch with friends, family or others in your community (via the parish coun cil or local Facebook groups) to turn yo ur efforts into a trail! A simple map of yo ur town or village, or a list of places pe ople can see your crea tive and joyful eff orts. And of course, te ll us about them to o.
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Easter hats/ bonnets
t a fun one, so let’s It’s a fading tradition, bu r hat or bonnet revive it! Make an Easte ur daily exercise or and wear it while on yo ds. Show others that running essential erran l cheerful. We’d it’s spring and time to fee s on social media. love to see your creation #JoysOfSpring ur Research’s Wear a 26 March is Brain Tumo son to give it a go! Hat Day – double the rea mourresearch.org Find out more: braintu
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Volunteering
Which causes in your area need support? What coul d you do to make a difference in your community? From lit ter-picking to helping with a food bank or being a voluntee r driver, you can help others. Visit voluntarycentreserv ices.org.uk to see who needs su pport.
Spring is a time for hope and renewal, and as we move forward in 2021, it’s the perfect time to show that NK is full of the joys of spring. Council Chairman Cllr Susannah Barker-Milan urges us to express the kindness and warmth of springtime, so we’ve brought together these ten ideas for the Easter holidays to spread joy to others in our communities. * All ages are encouraged to join in!
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recipe, such as simnel Try a twist on an Easter pean Easter favourites cookies, or sample Euro di pasqua (pictured), such as babka, colomba ke some to share with or koulrakia. Maybe ma d spread that joy. friends or neighbours an ils bundle for more deta *Download our spring
World Traditions
Spring and Easter are celebrated in fun and surprising ways around the world. Why not try some new traditions and see if you like them? Examples include kite flying (Bermuda) , decorating pavements with ‘carpets’ (Guatema la) and sending paper cuttings (like paper snowflakes) to friends and family (Denmark). *Download our spring bundle for more deta ils
ing
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Bake Off
fun things
7 Door wreath
r Christmas – Wreaths aren’t just fo ring-themed create an Easter or sp . Maybe or ring for your front do ial er s or make you can recycle mat eenery? it out of plants and gr photo on Remember to post a n see! social media so we ca
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Plant for colour, plant for bees
• Phlox • Poppies • Snapdragons • Lupins • Sweet peas • Lavatera • Viola These seeds can be planted right • Scabio us now, straight into the soil. They’ll • Echium provide spring and summer • Sweet William colour and be yummy for bees • Cornflowers and pollinators. Seed-bombing • Salvia in neglected corners of your • Calendula local area will provide smiles for • Borage others too as nature takes hold. • Aquilegia
Nature Spotting g things you can See how many sprin bells, lambs, first spot – daffodils, blue s... Lots of fun to be leaf, blossom, catkin ercise. Or download had on your daily ex eet and share your our Spring Bingo sh ing progress #JoysOfSpr
Great Big Art Exhibition Some of these ideas would be perfect contribution to the Great Big Art Exhibition, which runs until May 7. Firstsite, a UK arts centre, is encouraging people anywhere in the UK to create their own piece of art and display it in their windows, balconies, or anywhere it will be visible to others. You can then share it with them on social media – remember to tag us too, we don’t want to miss out! Find out more at www.firstsite.uk
When you try any of our activities, please share your joy – posting @northkestevendc #JoysOfSpring And you can download another bundle of activities at www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/creative
Activities
Easter Nests Recipe Equipment Heatproof bowl, small saucepan, wooden spoon, cupcake cases Ingredients • 300g cooking chocolate • 200g rice crispies or cornflakes • 50g mini marshmallows • Chocolate mini eggs to decorate
Create a Covid Time Capsule The last year has been one of the most unusual we’ve ever known. How will you remember it? What would you put in a time capsule to show people what it was like in 20, 30 or even 100 years time? How to make your time capsule: 1. Find an old tin, tub or (if you plan to bury it) a waterproof container 2. Gather items that have become significant during the Covid-19 pandemic – a face mask, empty bottle of hand sanitiser, newspapers (this NewsNK perhaps or last June’s if you still have it), leaflets, letters, rainbows, things you made during lockdown, or things that mean something to you. 3. Write down what the last year has been like for you and your family – get everyone in the family to write something! Make sure you put your name on it and the date.
Instructions 1. Break the chocolate into small pieces and place in a bowl, over a saucepan of hot water. 2. Stir until completely melted. 3. Add the rice crispies or cornflakes to the melted chocolate and mix well, making sure they are all coated. 4. Then add in the mini marshmallows and mix again. 5. Spoon the mixture into the cupcake cases. 6. Add mini eggs to the top to decorate. 7. Place in the fridge for 2-3 hours or until the chocolate is completely set. 8. Now lick the spoon – yummy! 9. Try recipe variations with different cereals and flavours.
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Think about: • What was the hardest thing about the last year? • Was there anything that you liked about it (like spending more time with your family)? • Did you go to school or what was it like to be home-schooled? • Who did you miss? Who do you want to see soon? • What do you most want to do that you haven’t been able to yet? • What did you learn about yourself, and your family and friends? 4. Pack everything into your container, seal it (maybe with duct tape), and find a place to hide it. You could bury it in the garden, hide it in your attic, under the stairs, or be creative!
How to make a thaumatrope toy Thaumatrope optical toys were popular in the 19th century and are fun and easy to make. A disc with a picture on each side is attached to two pieces of string or a stick. When the strings or stick are twirled quickly between the fingers the two pictures appear to blend into one due to the persistence of vision. Try peas in a pod; a chick in an egg or a flower in a pot.
Materials:
2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
• Card • Pencil or pen • Roll of tape, plastic lid, or another circular shape to trace • Scissors • Hole punch • Two rubber bands or string
Instructions: 1. Think about what you want to draw on your thaumatrope. It needs to have two related
7.
8.
elements—like a bird and a cage, or a fish and a bowl. Draw a circle onto card. Maybe trace around a roll of tape or plastic lid. Cut out the circle and punch two holes opposite each other at the edge. Make sure the holes are horizontal. Then, draw one element on one side. Draw the second element on the other side. String a rubber band through one of the holes, and thread one end through the loop at the other end. Repeat on the other side. Pull the rubber bands tight and use your forefingers and thumbs to spin the circle back and forth. Watch your two drawings become one! Another way is to make two disks and stick them together with a stick between, which can be twizzled in the hand.
Ranger’s Nature Challenges Hill Holt Wood Rangers regularly need to find out how tall a tree is. If they cut it down they don’t want it to fall on anything valuable! They also use the height to tell how much timber is in the tree, helping to calculate its value. Engineers and mathematicians get your thinking caps on... how would you measure the height of a tree? (Don’t search the internet, get creative and give it a go.) Hill Holt rangers use a special instrument called a clinometer which is a bit like a cross between binoculars and a protractor. Let them know what you came up with by leaving a comment on the CountrysideNK Facebook page. Drawings and diagrams are encouraged!
For more fun activities please visit
When you’ve completed your challenge why not head out and get hunting for the signs of spring? We need your evidence that spring is on the way across the District. Send photos of celandine, hedgerow leaves, hazel flowers and anything else that’s blooming to the CountrysideNK Facebook page. You might start to see frog spawn soon, if cold weather hasn’t slowed things down. Keep your eyes peeled. HOW TALL?
W W W. H I L L H O LT W O O D .C O M
www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/creative
Making a difference for people and communities in North Kesteven
OUR ENVIRONMENT
OUR ECONOMY
OUR HOMES
To meet the challenge of climate change, ensuring integration and delivery of the Climate Action Plan across all NK Plan priorities
To enable all of our communities to flourish as part of the economic recovery from Covid-19, as well as through the opportunities of the ‘green economy’
To deliver sustainable housing growth and pursue energy efficient development to meet the current and emerging needs of all our communities
KEY AMBITION
KEY AMBITION
► Support business recovery in the District, the protection of existing jobs and the creation of new jobs
► Facilitate the provision of community infrastructure to align with housing growth
WHAT WE PLAN TO DO
WHAT WE PLAN TO DO
WHAT WE PLAN TO DO
► Review the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan with a view to it becoming the first of its kind to aim for carbon neutrality
► Let our 15 new £2.3m business grow-on workshops at North Hykeham to emerging and expanding enterprises
► Work with developers to deliver more homes in the District, including at least 100 more affordable homes and to a higher environmental and energy conscious specification
KEY AMBITION ► Champion greenhouse gas reduction, both within the Council and across the District
► Enhancement of habitat and public access along the River Slea in Sleaford
► Embark on delivering a £56m investment in the Sleaford Moor Enterprise Park
► Review the efficiency of our refuse fleet and explore what alternative fuel options are viable
► Continue supporting businesses through the administration of Coronavirus grants and in recovery
► Continue to invest in line with the Lafford Homes’ business plan to deliver more affordable rental choice locally
► Further develop projects informed by priority working groups focused on the built environment, property standards, procurement and resource use.
► Deliver on the £4m investment for the Heart of Sleaford regeneration.
► With partners, deliver further Extra Care Housing provision in Sleaford
WHAT WE’VE DONE RECENTLY ► Approved an ambitious Climate Emergency Strategy and Action Plan to progress our commitments under a declared Climate Emergency position ► Written to all other council leaders in England encouraging them to join us in developing proactive and ambitious plans to tackle the environmental challenges ► Promoted reduced reliance on plastics through various schemes, including restoration of a historic water fountain ► Set out a new Tree Strategy with an aim to increase tree cover across North Kesteven, including on our own land.
► Bring back into use at least 20 more empty homes annually.
WHAT WE’VE DONE RECENTLY ► Expanded to 126 our portfolio of business grow-on units at 112 locations District-wide ► Administered £26m-plus of government grants in almost 5,000 payments across 12 schemes up to March 2021
WHAT WE’VE DONE RECENTLY ► Begun work on a further 33 council homes at Welchman Way, Heckington, an investment of £4.68m ► Maintained high tenant satisfaction ratings up to 95%
► Contributed to the delivery of highway improvements for Sleaford, opening up new opportunities for investment, jobs and housing growth
► Refreshed the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan in partnership with the City of Lincoln and West Lindsey councils to ensure its relevance and suitability
► Supported progressive growth of the visitor economy to 3.5m days and 913,000 nights spent in the District, worth £162m to the local economy in 2019.
► Lafford Homes brought forward 72 homes to satisfy unmet private rental demand, with a further 42 at Waddington which are close to completion.
SUPPORTING AMBITIONS
SUPPORTING AMBITIONS
SUPPORTING AMBITIONS
► Research and promote adaptations needed to increase resilience to climate change
► Attract investment to improve physical infrastructure, support regeneration and enhance digital connectivity
► Provide high quality housing services for both housing and in tackling homelessness
► Promote and protect environmental health and deliver services to reduce the transmission of Covid-19
► Create a clear vision of place; celebrating and marketing all that the District has to offer
► Maintain, improve and future-proof housing
► Conserve and enhance North Kesteven’s heritage assets
► Promote the economic opportunities from tackling climate change
► Develop biodiversity across the District and support natural carbon capture
► Deliver the Local Plan, increasing the supply of sustainable housing
2023
2024
2030
2036
► Aim for Platinum Investors in People standard ► See completion of 5,000 new homes within the District, in total since 2018 ► Delivery of 300+ council homes over 5 years ► Relocate Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum to a new building
► Completion of Extra Care Housing provision in Sleaford
► Fulfilment of the aspirations expressed in the Council’s Community Strategy focused on 2030
► Fulfilment of the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan, inc 8,750 additional affordable homes
A more detailed version of the NK Plan 2021-24 can be found at www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/NKplan
Our Environment
To meet the challenge of climate change, ensuring integration and delivery of the Climate Action Plan across all NK Plan priorities.
77%
of respondents to our recent survey are ‘concerned’ about climate change When asked how they felt about climate change, 77% expressed concern, with 37% being ‘very concerned’. From the 823 respondents, levels of concern are balanced across the age range. One in four feel the Council is right to lead the way and to lead by example, as outlined in its Climate Emergency Strategy and Action Plan; with only one in 20 feeling we should have little or no role. > 84% feel they have good knowledge about the causes and effects of climate change > 72% feel their actions can help tackle it, and > 69% feel reducing their impact on the environment is a personal priority, with 93% having taken at least one step such as avoiding buying non-recyclable packaging (75%) composting food waste (55%), car sharing (20%) installing solar panels (15%) or switching to an electric or hybrid vehicle (10%). Matters relating to waste and water are most important for 62% of respondents and energy, carbon capture and offsetting, the natural environment and transport are also critical concerns.
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Carbon capture plan takes root Hundreds of native tree saplings are taking root in Sleaford, acting as a carbon sponge and supporting enhanced biodiversity. Freshly planted with funding from the Forestry Commission through the Urban Tree Challenge Fund, the principle of planting in town and suburban locations was in part to help in connecting people to nature and increasing accessibility and engagement with nature. In keeping with the Council’s commitment to reducing the District’s carbon impacts, the 700 mixed-species trees planted at Sheldrake Road in Quarrington will naturally absorb carbon dioxide and create a significant carbon sink. Planted by Hill Holt Wood,
the Council’s CountrysideNK contractors, their ongoing maintenance will support learners in their land-based qualifications. In addition to the planting, in partnership with the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, a scheme is in place to explore alternative ways of managing green space while maximising biodiversity net gain, increasing the amounts of carbon held in the area and providing a space for the public to use, enjoy and to help people’s wellbeing at a difficult time. Habitats on site will include a mown meadow, rough grassland, scrub mosaic and woodland, with wild flowers native to Lincolnshire nature reserves which will ultimately bear seed for
replicating the work elsewhere. The aims are to demonstrate an alternative way of managing green space that provides benefits for wildlife and a space that people can enjoy while enhancing their physical and mental wellbeing, that helps to reduce our carbon footprints and propagates greater biodiversity.
Visit www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/climateaction to see the climate plan Any waste can now be taken on any of the days that the county council’s Household Waste Recycling Centres are open. While it is still essential to book a slot in advance, on all the days which the centres are open residents can take recycling, garden waste and general waste. There have been restrictions in place over the last year to ensure safe operation and capacity. Ideally you should separate out waste types to ensure as much is recycled as possible. This includes scrap metal, batteries, electrical items, mattresses, gas cylinders, clothing, wood, glass, carpets, sofas, soil, hardcore and plasterboard. To book and get a permit for larger vehicles see www. lincolnshire.gov.uk/clickandtip, or call 01522 782070.
Save yourself time, effort and hassle by signing up for our garden waste service. At the current time, when you have to make an appointment to visit a Household Waste Recycling Centre, a brown bin collection from your house is a convenient, low-cost and carbon-conscious option – simply fill it up, wheel it to the kerbside and relax while our team collects it. The cost of an annual service
remains £35 for a single bin, with more options as detailed below. Collections run from March 29 to March 25, 2022, fortnightly apart from four-weekly in December and January or when factors dictate. Sign up at www.n-kesteven. gov.uk/gardenwaste or call on 01529 414155. You can pay by direct debit for seamless service and no need to renew each year.
Garden Waste Collection Costs Cost for collections One bin Each additional bin**
£35 per year £17 per year each
Cost for bin*
(if you don’t already own a brown bin/s)
£17 £35 each
*You only pay to purchase each bin once, it is then yours to keep and you need only pay the collection fee in future years. The cost of the first bin is subsidised. **You can have up to 4 garden waste bins
www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/sustainnk for information about the environment
A key element of the Council’s Our Environment priority is the celebration and preservation of the District’s natural and built heritage. One of the oldest elements of this is Cogglesford Watermill, continuing a 1,000-year tradition of milling on this site and now operating as one of the District Council’s visitor attractions. In 2018 issues with the waterwheel were identified and the decision taken to stop it turning and rely solely on the electric motor for turning the millstones. In recognition of its historical and environmental importance, the Council is investing £30,500 into the waterwheel’s restoration alongside a further £20,500 for the improved interpretation and accessibility of the site. The plan is to bring the mill back into full use as a popular heritage attraction so that visitors can experience the sights and sounds in an authentic milling experience. Appointment of a contractor is underway for the work to be done in the coming months, alongside further improvements to enhance the visitor experience at the mill.
Our Environment
Wheels in motion for heritage site
Follow progress and events with Heart of Lincs online and on social The Council offers a paid-for collection service for bulky waste and electrical items, which ensures safe and environmentally sound disposal or re-purposing. This is especially useful while slots at the Household Waste Recycling Centres must be booked. The service can be booked at www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/ bulkywaste or call on 01529 414155. Items collected include: sofas, bed bases, mattresses, washing machines, fridges, freezers and wardrobes. Collection can take up to five working days, but the day cannot be specified. For up to three items the charge is £30 and £60 for up to six. Electrical and non-electrical items are charged-for separately.
The quality and value of recycling is improving through the careful separation of paper and card from other recycled items. Following a successful trial in which 1,700 District households have conscientiously kept paper and card loose, dry and apart in purple bins, the initiative is being gradually rolled-out countywide. Following Boston this spring all North Kesteven households will get a purple-lidded bin from September. This will allow more to be recycled and put to new uses; recycled at a local paper mill rather than being transported elsewhere. To stay informed and engaged, sign up for news at www.nkesteven.gov.uk/stayconnected
Thank you for the way you responded when we had to cancel all of our waste and recycling operations for a week in February. This was a consequence of some colleagues having to self-isolate due to Coronavirus restrictions. We were back on the road as soon as was possible, collecting side waste and additional recycling where required. Services are now fully back
to their usual regularity and efficiency. We especially appreciated all of the goodwill messages sent to the crew via social media and email and the waves and smiles as you saw them back on the rounds. This really affirms your appreciation of the work they have done in all weathers to keep their essential service on track throughout the pandemic.
If you lose track of which bin, when, visit
To ensure our waste services run with premium efficiency – of time, cost and fuel – we are reviewing our routes. In the six years since collection routes were last reviewed housing growth in some places means some routes get full quicker, need emptying more often and the service has become unbalanced. The Council is in the early stages of route optimisation. Conscious that change is the last thing customers want, we aim to minimise the impact in terms of any changes to collection days. New routes will come into effect in September. In order to stay fully informed, register for our dedicated waste newsletter at www.nkesteven.gov.uk/stayconnected
www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/findmybinday
With longer, warmer days drawing us out to enjoy our open spaces – walking for exercise and, subject to latest guidance, possibly meet up with friends – please continue to show consideration of others and the environment around you. Unfortunately last year there were a lot of reports of drinking, littering, dog fouling, disrespecting the environment and people not adhering to Covid-19 laws and guidance. With increased demand on our open spaces, please consider the impact of what you do on the people, wildlife, nature and environment you are visiting. Please clear your rubbish and take it home with you, give people space to move around you and be respectful to all. For more information on our open spaces and Stepping Out walking network follow ‘Countryside NK’ on social media where you can discover what there is to see and explore from your doorstep. There are increasing problems of people crossing farm land and leaving field gates open, which leads to livestock escapes, so please stick to designated footpaths and follow the Countryside Code. Also please don’t feed horses in fields. They belong to someone who cares for them and there’s a real risk of being overfed and getting ill from too many carrots. An improved shared path for walkers, cyclists and horse riders is providing better linkages between North Hykeham and South Hykeham. Well-used for exercise and in accessing local services, schools and amenities, the surfaced right of way runs between Ascot Way and Mill Lane. One benefit is that it has reduced vehicle movements, emissions and parking by enabling more sustainable travel options.
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Our Homes
To deliver sustainable housing growth and pursue energy efficient development to meet the current and emerging needs of all our communities
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Enhanced eco homes under construction – eight of them to super-insulated Passivhaus standard
Work begins this week on eight new council houses built to the highly efficient Passivhaus standard, which is the highest level of insulation and energy efficiency. Adding to two existing certified Passivhauses at Welchman Way, Heckington built in 2016, these properties at Moor Lane, Potterhanworth will be the most energy and cost-efficient council houses in the area, with no need for additional heating inputs. With new standards being introduced to ensure all of the Council’s new-build properties are net-zero carbon, a further 19 homes being built in Navenby by Rippon Homes are having enhanced eco-credentials builtin before transferring into the council house stock. Solar PV panels, mechanical heat and ventilation recovery and electric vehicle charging points are being added to some, plus further initiatives and off-site construction to achieve the desired standards.
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Specialist provision to meet local need As an extension to its established programme of meeting housing need, North Kesteven District Council has set out plans to develop extra-care and specialist adult accommodation. The project, in partnership with Lincolnshire County Council is planned for the former highways depot at The Hoplands in Sleaford, where there is also room for further housing to meet broader community need in time Following agreement by both councils, North Kesteven will now develop a £8.86m scheme which, subject to further work and planning consideration, could begin
next year and be open in 2024. The development would include 40 extra-care housing apartments and 12 community supported living units for working age adults with social care needs, satisfying anticipated demand in the North Kesteven district. The picture above is illustrative of a similar scheme in Lincoln. Our plans are being drawn up. For a number of years, with a series of partners, the Council has explored opportunities to develop extra-care housing within the District, which is an area of unmet need. Now, in line with our priority focus to ‘provide sustainable housing options that meet the
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At the half-way stage on construction, the aim remains to have 42 new properties at Waddington available for private rent by the autumn. The project is making best use of an old nursery site off Station Road, providing a range of homes for which there is demand locally. They are the latest project from the Council’s arms-length company Lafford Homes to expand availability of market-level rental homes and unlock more housing choice by bringing forward goodquality, well-priced rental options. With 72 homes already in its portfolio and 128 more at various stages, ranging from concept to construction, Lafford Homes is
current and emerging needs of our communities’, this project will open up choice; enabling people to remain independent in a home of their own, stay connected to their local community and be supported by their social networks as they get older. There is still some way to go in bringing the project to fulfilment, not least with a planning application and bid for support funding, but it is an exciting prospect in moving forward a long-term aim and ambition for life in North Kesteven. In total the Council is investing more than £160m in new housing options through to 2030.
www.n-kesteven.gov.uk
proving to be an exemplar landlord. Currently at Waddington five are undergoing their first fix of plumbing and electrics, five having roofs fitted, five with external walls built, five have their sub-structure coming up out of the ground and ten more are having their floor slabs finished off. All the drainage and mains services systems have been connected and the main road infrastructure is in place. Further prospective Lafford Homes projects include 20 homes at Metheringham and six in Sleaford To find out more about Lafford Homes visit www.Laffordhomes. co.uk and sign up for alerts at developments@laffordhomes.co.uk
Look up Lafford Homes and register for lettings
If you’ve borrowed from a loan shark or illegal money lender and are being harassed, help is a quick call away. A helpline can be reached on 0300 555 2222 or at www. stoploansharks.co.uk where there’s also a live-chat facility. An experienced trained team can give you quick and discreet advice if you’re involved with a loan shark or you are worried about someone else. Loan sharks are nobody’s friend, they are manipulative criminals who want to keep those they have lent to under their control. Good financial advice can be found at www. moneyadviceservice.org.uk
www.Laffordhomes.uk
Our Homes
High ranking for housing service We remain among the best in the country at providing council housing, according to a new report from industry monitor Housemark. The annual audit of the Council’s service to tenants found that North Kesteven offered some of the best value for money and property quality, and among the highest levels of tenant satisfaction, last year compared to similar providers. Particularly noted was the high level of tenant satisfaction, with the Council scoring better than average across the board, and a full 5% ahead of the average for: > satisfaction with maintenance;
> satisfaction that service charges offer value for money; and > satisfaction that tenants’ views are listened to and acted upon. We spend 8% more than average on planned maintenance and refurbishment. This reflects a proactive approach to maintenance, leading to 25% lower-than-average repair costs and a better experience for tenants. 99.5% of repairs were found to be completed at the first visit; ranking in the top three for this score. The Council spent £3.8m in 2019-20 on refurbishments and energy saving measures, including fitting 70 new kitchens and 114
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Work is underway to build a further 33 council houses in Heckington, as a second phase at Welchman Way, off Kyme Road. The £4.7m programme will deliver one, two and three-bed homes, including eight one-bed flats, in a second phase of the existing community of 22 homes built in 2016. Both that scheme and this new one are being built-out by Lindum. Also in Heckington, four onebedroom flats are ready to let at High Street. Despite some supply chain issues caused by lockdown restrictions, these have been completed by Lindum ahead of schedule.
heating systems and replacement boilers; 580 properties had some kind of refurbishment completed during the year – all paid for from a budget made up of tenant rents. In terms of value for money, the Council spends 39.4% below average on overhead costs per property, and has a low management cost per property, one third below average. We scored among the best in these measures, indicating that the service offers excellent value for money to its tenants and residents. The Council operates 3,800 council houses, some of which are almost 100 years old.
www.lincshomefinder.co.uk
Consultation is underway on a proposed £3.9m scheme to regenerate a former sheltered housing scheme in North Hykeham. The proposal for Grinter House and Grinter Close involves some demolition and replacement building and some remodelling to expand overall provision from the current 27 units to 34 homes arranged with more bedrooms in most properties and for a wider range of prospective tenants. If approved, work would start in early 2022 and be expected to complete in early 2023. The properties would benefit from higher energy-saving standards, such as more efficient boilers and
Check out our website for more housing information
insulation, and some may even include features such as sun pipes to make best use of natural light. Built in 1965 as sheltered housing, the complex was last updated 30 years ago and residents have been closely involved in advanced discussions around design and their relocation to allow the ultimate works to progress. As well as increased availability in an area of high demand, they would also be better-suited to a range of different requirements. The planning application and related documents can be found at www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/ planningonline searching for ‘Grinter Close’.
www.n-kesteven.gov.uk
A project in partnership with other councils to respond to homelessness has successfully supported 60 people in recent months. The Change4Lincs project, was set up through a £600,000 Government grant to fund support for people known to be rough sleeping or who were at risk of having to do so. In North Kesteven alone Change4Lincs outreach workers have already: » Worked with 13 people rough sleeping or at risk of doing so » Provided tenancy support to 23 clients » Accommodated 16 rough sleepers and homeless people in bed and breakfast accommodation The team has also provided intensive housing support to three clients, found private accommodation for four more clients and helped one more access rehabilitation services. In the context of the triple threat of winter weather, a global pandemic and Christmas, Change4Lincs has enjoyed similar success across South Kesteven, South Holland and West Lindsey council areas. If you see anyone sleeping rough, please report the location so we can follow it up. Call on 01529 414155, 01529 308308 (out of hours emergency support) or email housingoptions@nkesteven.gov.uk If working from home means you need to park up for longer during the day, did you know you could get a parking permit? In Sleaford season tickets are available for Grantham Road car park at £360 per year, offering a cheaper rate than daily tickets. In Sleaford householders wanting to have a residents’ parking scheme in place, can approach the Council to request consideration and begin a neighbourhood consultation. It would require majority support. Look up parking at www.n-kesteven.gov.uk
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Our Economy
Two Covid-safety ambassadors are working across the District to protect communities. They’re promoting public confidence in shopping areas and supporting businesses in compliance with the evolving restrictions and regulations. Working as a pair, they are explaining, engaging and encouraging best practice and compliance in various settings. Over their first seven weeks they made 300 visits and as more businesses and functions open as restrictions are eased, they will be stepping up their actions to include salons, pubs and gyms. Their work is to identify where businesses are not following Covid-secure guidelines, and also to speak with customers not complying with the Covid guidance around face coverings and social distancing, encouraging them to stick to it to protect themselves and others. They only work within business premises and public spaces, in partnership with Environmental Health Officers, police and others, to protect everyone’s health.
To enable all of our communities to flourish as part of the economic recovery from Covid-19, as well as through opportunities of the ‘green economy’
15 new business
units ready to let
Work is on track for a spring finish at Discovery Court, the Council’s latest £2.3m development of business growth opportunities in North Hykeham. There’s 21,000 ft2 ranged over 15 units for start-up, emerging and expanding businesses on a 1.25 acre slice of Discovery Park. Sizes range from 750 to 2,750 ft2. The site was acquired by the Council from Lindum Group as part of a design and build contract, and once complete will be owned by North Kesteven District Council. It expands to 126 the number of units it operates across 10 locations District-wide, which with their easy-in, easy-out leases, encouraging terms and excellent build-quality and provision enjoy a high level of demand and occupancy at around 98%. Visit www.businessnk.co.uk for more information. To enquire about leasing a unit, contact our letting agents Banks Long & Co on 01522 544515.
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Supporting our businesses Our focused support of businesses, from large enterprises through to sole traders, has escalated during the pandemic to guide them through restrictions, grant schemes and fresh trading opportunities. Up to the start of March, we administered £28m in government; making almost 5,000 payments across 12 distinct grant schemes, supporting more than 2,000 businesses. In the initial weeks of the first lockdown alone £19.5m was allocated and throughout the
year there have been a range of funding initiatives to administer; with 861 different businesses receiving £6,786,178 worth of grant funding support in the four months from November 2020. Grant payments are still being made to eligible businesses. For detail on emerging schemes see www.businessnk.co.uk. Through European Regional Development Funding, we have extended our business support offer, now providing free support to high street businesses through our Retail Adviser Phil Means.
Sign up for weekly business news Tourism and day trips within the District generate £162m to the local economy, supporting almost 4,000 jobs at the season’s summer peak Figures released on the impacts of the visitor economy in 2019, show a tenth annual increase in the numbers of people visiting and the length of their stay, with the self-catering sector in particular seeing continued expansion. The Council has worked hard to promote the tourism offer in the District, by creating the Heart of Lincs brand, and in particular giving uplift to the area’s aviation heritage, such as the International Bomber Command Centre and
Since October Phil has reached out to 186 retailers District-wide, discussing the challenges they face, identifying and providing targeted support to assist them through challenging times. Going forward we want to explore new avenues of specific support for local businesses, based on the current needs of the business community in North Kesteven. If you have any suggestions or wish to discuss any support options contact Phil on 07920 472671 or email phil_ means@n-kesteven.gov.uk
www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/stayconnected
Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum at North Rauceby. The industry-standard data from Global Tourism, released at the end of 2020, forms part of a national reporting scheme and shows that tourists enjoyed 5% longer stays in the District. North Kesteven outperforms gains made by Lincolnshire overall with a greater increase in visitor numbers and length of stay, as well as amount spent in local businesses. Visits to Sleaford’s Navigation House rose by 6%, while a huge 76% more people – 123,189 - paid a visit to the National Centre for Craft and Design.
See what’s going on locally at
www.HeartofLincs.com
Our Economy
New chapter for craft centre Work is gathering pace ready for the regenerated National Centre for Craft and Design to be revealed in late spring. Its £1.2 million redevelopment will see the centre’s reputation grow as a national centre for art and craft, and for the arts generally. A performing arts studio, a ground floor gallery, an artist workshop, a children’s zone and conferencing space are all taking shape as work continues on-site by Lindum Group. Meanwhile the food and drinks
offer will also be significantly improved by a large indoor bistro and an outdoor seating area taking in views of the River Slea, made possible by the extension which can now be seen. All of the current features of the NCCD are being retained with the addition of a 200 square metre ground extension. Engaging content continues online and plans are being put in place for the first exhibitions and events for when the building reopens in May.
Follow progress on the re-opening at
Even before turf is cut, already ‘significant enquiries’ have been received for the Council’s £56m eco-conscious Sleaford Moor Enterprise Park. The site will unlock new opportunities over 15 years with 37,245 m2 across high quality units, creating space for businesses and potential for new jobs and investment in the District. Its design could also be a blueprint for eco-conscious development in future, with features such as walkways around attenuation ponds, tree planting and wildflower verges creating an environment for wildlife and better wellbeing for employees, along
www.nccd.org.uk
with solar panels and other hightech energy-saving measures within the units themselves. The units will be available for leasehold and have a range of uses, mainly light and general industrial, warehouse and distribution with ancillary office space and potential for trade showroom use. A hybrid planning application was submitted for planning consent in November last year. For further information contact William Wall at agents Banks Long & Co on 01522 544515. For more on the scheme and other ongoing projects visit www.businessnk.co.uk
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The NCCD is now the new Sleaford home of MRI Software, a global leader in property software solutions which has relocated from Westgate to new workspace on the third floor. This part of the refurbishment is complete and will provide a great new home for its teams to work from once it’s permitted to do so, and be a great collaboration space for colleagues.
Car parking charges in Sleaford have been frozen again for the year ahead. This is one of many measures which, it is hoped, will encourage shoppers to return safely to the high street as retail and hospitality businesses re-open. There are various long and short stay options which are all free overnight from 6pm. Daytime charges as low as 50p for two hours, £1 for four or £2 for longer at Grantham Road. Permits for Grantham Road are available too. Cash and card payments taken. Work to improve Holdingham roundabout is underway with new lanes at each approach and the installation of traffic signals. The £8.25m scheme funded by NKDC, the Greater Lincolnshire LEP using Single Local Growth Point funds and Lincolnshire County Council is expected to be complete by the end of the year. As well as improving safety, it is expected to ease traffic flow and support business growth and relocation within the town.
www.businessnk.co.uk
Regular, fast-response Covidtesting is available for working people who do not show virus symptoms but whose work brings them into contact with others. If you can’t work from home or your work puts you in the company of others, regular lateral flow testing is recommended to help prevent spread of the virus by people who don’t know they have it. There are currently facilities in Sleaford at the Better Gym in East Road, especially for workers. Also in Lincoln, Boston and Newark. They operate on a walkup basis, and a test result is confirmed within half an hour. For latest details go to www. lincolnshire.gov.uk/coronavirussupport-services The facilities are especially useful for the self-employed, taxi drivers, health care workers and people working in shops, small businesses and volunteering in community groups, and as more businesses reopen with the recovery roadmap. Businesses of 50 or more staff can apply for institutional testing. Importantly, anyone who develops Covid-19 symptoms should get a test in the usual way: call on 119 or visit: www.gov.uk/ get-coronavirus-test
Let’s stay connected There’s so much going on and we don’t want you to miss out. Sign up to our e-newsletter to receive the latest on news, business advice and events, and we will do the rest.
Sign up today at: www.n-kesteven.gov.uk Page 19
Polling Stations will be open to vote on May 6 Elections are planned to select County Councillors and the Police & Crime Commissioner for Lincolnshire.
We’re making plans to help you to stay as safe as possible. You can vote in person, by post or by proxy. You can choose.
Step 1:
Step 2:
Register to vote
Choose to vote in person, by post or through a proxy
www.gov.uk/registertovote
www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/elections
If you’re not already registered to vote at your current address, it’s quick and easy to do - and essential if you’ve moved house in the last year or so.
Once registered, you can choose, or change to, a postal or proxy vote if you’d rather not go to a Polling Station.
Must be done before Monday April 19 at 11.59pm. The earlier, the better.
Must be done before Tuesday April 20 at 5pm. The earlier, the better.
It’s never too early to choose the best voting option for you
Vote in person If you do want to vote in person, be assured that we’re working hard to keep both you and our colleagues as safe as possible. Polling Stations will be open 7am to 10pm. There will be some reasonable expectations on you too, just as there are when you go shopping. » Comply with all Covid-safe measures » Wear a face covering at all times inside the Polling Station » Be prepared to queue - allow plenty of time to vote » Try to avoid voting during peak times » Bring your own pencil or pen » Take your poll card home » Ideally only voters should enter the Polling Station, so come alone if you can.
More detail at www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/elections and www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voter
Vote at a distance If you work in certain sectors you may want to consider postal or proxy arrangements to ensure you can still vote. These include where there’s heightened risk of falling ill – such as healthcare, shop work, or teaching; of being called away at short notice – such as hauliers or the armed forces; or where caution is needed such as for older, shielding or clinically vulnerable residents. Postal voting allows you to vote early and return your vote in time to be counted on May 6, with signature verification. No need to visit a Polling Station. Proxy voting is where you authorise someone you trust to vote in person on your behalf at the Polling Station on May 6, (7am to 10pm). No need to leave home. If you are applying for a postal or a proxy vote, please do it early to help us to process your application in good time. See deadline overleaf.