News NK May 2022 by North Kesteven District Council

Bin collection calendar for the year ahead – page 3

Ways to connect to energy-saving grants – page 17

Who would you champion within your community? – back page

NEWS NK

The newspaper for all North Kesteven residents

SUMMER / AUTUMN 2022

Shaping a heartfelt welcome for Ukrainian guests A window on the world. See page 11 for ways you too can express A Big Lincolnshire Welcome. Alongside residents, community groups and partner agencies, North Kesteven District Council is working hard to ensure guests arriving from Ukraine receive a warm and supportive welcome. Operating at the heart of the Lincolnshire Resettlement Partnership, various service areas are committed to a range of responses in welcoming to the area refugees displaced by war. In response to Government’s Homes for Ukraine programme, 3,200 households across Lincolnshire have so far offered up accommodation for a minimum of six months. In supporting them through the process, ensuring their homes are safe and suitable for the incoming guests and that security checks are carried out on both sides, District Council officers are visiting all potential hosts’ homes. Teams working in housing needs, environmental protection, private housing, Wellbeing Lincs, benefits processing and communications are also involved in providing checks, advice and guidance.

www.n-kesteven.gov.uk

More broadly there are inputs from education, health, community support, fire and rescue, police and social care partners, plus voluntary and charitable agencies. In similar ways, the Council has also been at the heart of a coordinated response supporting people arriving from Syria and Afghanistan in recent months and years. Council Leader Cllr Richard Wright said: “Alongside the generosity shown by many residents, the District Council is honoured to be playing such a central role in providing for, protecting and promoting the needs of the arriving guests. “Together we are doing everything we can to ensure both hosts and guests are given all the help and support they need. “As we move beyond 500 Ukrainian arrivals across the county, I thank everyone who has opened their hearts and homes already, expressing A Big Lincolnshire Welcome with characteristic warmth and generosity,” he said.

@NorthKestevenDC

Support shop HURLnet, a county-wide network of Ukrainian host families, is setting up a shop in Sleaford to facilitate the exchange, donation and collection of useful items, clothes, toys and more for arrivals. > Follow our news updates for more information.

Support appeal Through the Linconshire Community Foundation there is an appeal for financial contributions to help arriving guests in their resettlement. > See page 11 for details.

Support routes If any community groups are looking to support Ukrainians in any way, let us know. > Email emily.ward@lvet.org

/NorthKestevenDC

Welcome

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

News

6–7

Our Environment

8 & 13

NK Plan summary

9 & 12

What’s On

Blue/Green kids’ activities

Big Lincs Welcome

14 – 15

Our Communities

16 – 17

Our Homes

18 – 19

Our Economy

Community Champions award nomination form

Our communities are rooted in concern for each other.... Cllr Richard Wright, Leader, North Kesteven District Council There is a quote I recently became aware of: ‘For a community to be whole and healthy, it must be based on people’s love and concern for each other.’ To me that speaks of everything that makes North Kesteven the place it is – a District of Flourishing Communities that is both whole and healthy. Likewise, it exemplifies the spirit and strategic vision of the District Council itself and everyone who both works and serves on it who are committed to supporting our communities in their wholeness and health. They are the words of American Martin Fuller regarded as the leader of affordable housing. They strike me as particularly resonant at this time, as we reflect on the way our communities have responded over the past couple of years. And especially so right now as communities rally round, pull together and show love and concern for displaced Ukrainians. I thank everyone who has opened their hearts and homes in response;

with 3,200 households across Lincolnshire offering accommodation and countless others doing whatever they can to help, assist and provide for the guests settling in the county under the Government’s Homes for Ukraine programme. Officers across every Council, many voluntary and charitable organisations and hundreds of individuals are pulling together with love and concern to ensure our guests are able to settle in safety and sanctuary. There is much we can all do to extend A Big Lincolnshire Welcome, not least by displaying the poster on page 11 of this edition in a prominent place and, if you can, to contribute to the appeal that will help our guests to find their feet and feel the love that is all around them. Such generosity of spirit and voluntary endeavour characterises life in North Kesteven and again we saw that in the sheer volume and variety of expressions of community collaboration at the heart of our local Jubilee celebrations. Her

Majesty has epitomised selfless commitment and service throughout her long reign and her example is one for us all. With nominations open for the NK Community Champion Awards I encourage you to think hard about who you value for their contribution to your own or your community’s life, who makes a significant difference through hours of voluntary endeavour or dogged determination and to fill in the back page form or head to www.nkawards. org to propose them for the award they deserve. Talking of awards I can’t not thank everyone who contributes to the services, vision and outcomes delivered by this Council within our District, making a difference daily and shaping a vibrant, healthy, sustainable and climateconscious future for us all. That includes you, our engaged residents who inform everything we do, and should we win the awards referenced on page 4, I dedicate them to you as much as to our committed team working so hard for you.

Our Building Control Unit’s work in numbers 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 21p per edition direct to your door – making your annual copies 42p per household.

911 projects completed

Among the Council’s statutory functions is ensuring the health and safety of all people in and around buildings, the promotion of energy efficiency and full accessibility for everyone – all of which falls within the remit of the Building Control Unit. The unit also deals with the fulfilment of building regulations, dangerous structures and ongoing inspections of a project during construction. 2021-22 was a record year for the team.

940 new projects started

Email: communications@n-kesteven.gov.uk Phone: 01529 308061 NewsNK is also available online at: 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

5,893

inspections carried out on the day of request

867

building regulations applications dealt with

For more information

24 Dangerous structure responses within 2hrs

www.n-kesteven.gov.uk

News

Green-lidded recycling before

Great recycling in NK all thanks to you In just half a year, recycling across North Kesteven has improved hugely thanks to residents putting only the right things in the right bins. In the collection week which marked six months since a renewed focus on the quality of green-lidded recycling began, 97% of those bins presented were emptied because they contained the correct items. That compared to 80% in the collection of the same bins in October 2021. At that time, a third of

what was collected in green-lidded bins was the wrong material - either items which could not be recycled or things which were dirty or damp and likely to contaminate other good quality recycling. This was causing a burden not only on the management of waste and associated costs from contamination of recycling in Lincolnshire, but also on the environment. However, thanks to households, that level reduced from 33% to 14%.

It’s also in addition to the perfect paper and card being recycled, with 99.8% of purple and purple-lidded bins emptied on average each month in North Kesteven as they contain only clean and dry paper and cardboard. It means more than ever is being recycled as intended, which lessens the impact we all have on the environment.

• Please ensure your bin is out for collection by 7:30am on collection day

Green lidded bin for clean dry loose recycling

• This calendar does not show paid for garden waste collection dates. Please refer to your collection calendar received when renewed

September

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drop in contamination of recycling thanks to your efforts at home.

If you are unsure which day of the week your bin is collected please visit www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/findmybinday

Purple/purple lidded bin for clean dry paper and cardboard

MON

of green-lidded bins collected six months on, because they contained all the right things.

Your bin day:

MON

August

97%

www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/stayconnected

June

Black bin for general waste

At a glance...

Our leaflet has lots of advice on what can go in. Visit www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/ recycling to find out more.

2022-23 Bin Collections

on Green-lidded recycling six months

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No collection on Bank Holiday (moved as shown by arrows)

www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/recycling

Electors are advised that they will need to have a form of photo ID with them in order to vote at next May’s District Council elections. This change in the law taking effect in May 2023 is part of the new Elections Act 2022. There will be several types of acceptable photo ID and for electors who don’t have one of them, there will be provision to apply for a free Elector ID card instead. More detail will be provided closer to the time. The types of ID will be different to the range permitted during the Voter ID trial that operated at the 2019 local elections. Despite the financial squeeze affecting everyone, do you feel able to give to local food banks to help those in greatest need? Referrals to the Sleaford and North Kesteven Food Bank run by the Sleaford New Life Community Larder are at a record high, doubled in recent months. But donations are significantly down. The reasons for this are well understood, but if you can give anything, a current list of requirements can be found at www.nlcm.org. uk/larder-shopping-list Opening times are 10am-4pm Monday to Friday. Donations can also be left at NKDC reception in Sleaford when open. Looking to volunteer within your community? Voluntary Centre Services (VCS) in Sleaford has a list of latest openings. See www. voluntarycentreservices. org.uk or call on 01529 404664.

Page 3

News

The NK Plan sets out our strategic aims, linking what we plan to do to the priorities we have for our District of Flourishing Communities. It also looks back on what we’ve done recently to move those priorities forward. See pages 8 & 13 for more detail.

In the last year, we’ve... > Completed the £1.2m refurbishment of The Hub Sleaford – expanding provision for multi-use community benefit; > Completed 15 new units at Discovery Court, North Hykeham – fully occupied and businesses flourishing; > Part-funded highways schemes at Holdingham Roundabout and A153 junctions; > Built eight highly energy-efficient Passivhaus homes in Potterhanworth and set out standards for advanced climate action across all housing; > Further expanded private rental property choices; > Built 70 more Council houses, equipping 53 for electric vehicle charging or potential to; > Improved and enhanced recycling options – with 97% of green-lidded recycling bins having the right things in them; > Launched a community lottery to support community groups; > Advanced on the £56m Sleaford Moor Enterprise Park; > Set out £230m 10-year investment plans.

Page 4

We’re working for you in North Kesteven Our entire motivation as a team of some 400 people working as one Council – Councillors and colleagues together – is to work for you, our residents, and for the good of the District. This was recognised by a group of external councillors and senior officers though a Local Government Association peer challenge which concluded that North Kesteven is a ’strong,

financially-secure, stable Council’. They said we’re a great Council, a great partner and a great place to work, influential in making the District a better place and focused on the future through ‘excellent ambitions for tackling climate change’. Having invited the six peers to come and review what we do, look into our finances, talk to Members and colleagues, chat to

Read the Peer Challenge report Your Council has been singled out as one of the best in the country, chosen as a shortlisted exemplar in the three of the most prestigious local government awards for 2022. In addition to selection as a finalist in the MJ Achievement Awards as Local Authority of the Year and in the LGC Awards as Council of the Year, Chief

Executive Ian Fytche is also shortlisted for the MJ’s Chief Executive of the Year award. The outcomes will become known in late June and mid July. It follows on from a further Investors in People gold accreditation for our consideration of colleague wellbeing; proving the case that a healthy and happy workforce is a

tenants, customers and partners we work with and examine our policies and processes, they gave a glowing report that can be read on our website. They also left us with a series of suggested actions to improve yet further, which we are acting on. They said we are: > Well-run by a strong, competent team; > Committed to delivering services how residents want them;

> Positive, collective and inclusive in our decisionmaking; > Genuine in our commitment towards colleague wellbeing; > Effective and positive in our relationships; > Providing good place leadership; > Clear in our vision and purpose, with a strong suite of corporate plans and strategies; > Providing leadership on climate change.

www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/CPC2021 productive one that delivers service excellence efficiently and effectively. These award nominations and successes are a recognition of all that we do as a collaborative team but they also reflect on what our partners, communities and you our residents do to make our District a great place to be – so thank you!

How to get in touch From paying bills securely and applying for help to customer access info reporting litter or fly-tipping, lots can be done 24 hours a day at www.n-kesteven.gov.uk including: • Reporting problems in your area • Managing Council Tax • Checking eligibility for help If you can’t complete a transaction online, you can still call us on 01529 414155 on a Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9am to 5pm, on a Wednesday

from 10am to 5pm, and on a Friday 9am until 4.30pm, except Bank Holidays. Our reception is open at Sleaford three days a week, on a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday - to help us best assist you please first request an appointment by calling us. Appointments are also available if required at our North Hykeham infolinks. Emergency assistance is in place too, including the out of hours number 01529 308308.

Find out more at www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/contactus For regular news updates by email go to

www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/stayconnected

News

In our District of Flourishing Communities, it’s no surprise that so much activity and festivity was expressed for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. While the beacons have burned out, the street parties packed up and the flags folded away, the fun and themed celebrations continue into the summer as the Commonwealth Games approach – with the Queen’s Torch Relay coming to the District and stopping at the International Bomber Command Centre at Canwick Hill on Sunday July 10 – and no doubt there is still much more besides set to happen District-wide. See www.heartoflincs.com for latest information and

Share your Jubilee joy It’s all change at next year’s District Council elections as most of the ward boundaries and names are tweaked. At the conclusion of a review by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England, changes have been made to ensure a fairer and more equitable level of representation for all electors. Population growth has distorted the number of people living within certain Council ward areas, making it necessary to even out levels of representation. There will still be 43 councillors, spread across 24 District wards which is two fewer than now. All but six have changed names and boundaries; two retain the same boundaries but have name changes and 16 have new names and new boundaries, shown right. Some wards are so big that they have more than one Councillor.

a run-down of summer events and activities. We’d love to still fly the flag for our Flourishing Communities and showcase some of the buntingbedecked best of the celebrations. So do send us any photos by email to: communications@n-kesteven.gov. uk or use #NKJubilee on social media. You might want to nominate those special volunteers who made it all happen for an NK Community Champion Award at www.nkawards.org or using the back page of this NewsNK. With categories covering community spirit, arts, culture, sport and wellbeing there’s plenty of scope to crown the kings and queens of our communities.

Email snaps to communications@n-kesteven.gov.uk

New District Wards effective from May 2023

There will be nine single Member wards, 11 with two Members and four with three Members. No parish boundaries, which are used as building blocks for the new wards, have changed. Electors will be advised of the changes and how it affects where they vote in advance of the May 4 elections in 2023.

Constituency change

Constituency boundaries are also being reviewed. Current Boundary Commission proposals take Skellingthorpe, Osbournby and Heckington Rural wards out of the Sleaford & North Hykeham Parliamentary Constituency. Bracebridge Heath & Waddington East remain within the Lincoln Parliamentary Constituency. See link below for more.

It’s important we all keep acting against Covid. Here are five key things you can do: > Get vaccinated: There are still spaces for your vaccine, or booster if you’re eligible. Go to www. lincolnshireccg.nhs.uk/ grab-a-jab for more. > Wash your hands regularly to keep yourself and others safe. > Let in fresh air if indoors to help stop the virus spreading. > Wear a face covering in enclosed and crowded places, and when seeing people at higher risk. > If you feel unwell and have Covid or flu-like symptoms and a high temperature, avoid close contact with others and stay home if you can.

www.boundarycommissionforengland.independent.gov.uk

Helping children survive their cancer diagnosis is the express intent of new Council Chairman Cllr Lucille Hagues. She has nominated Children With Cancer UK as her charity. Its vision is that every child and young person diagnosed with cancer – of which there are around 4,500 in the UK every year – gets to ring the after-treatment bell. Resident of Leasingham and Ward Councillor for the Cliff Villages, she will be supported during her time by Vice-Chairman Cllr Ross Little who is a North Hykeham councillor. Donations can be made at: www.justgiving.com/ CWC-UK

Having held office for a record length of time and flown the world’s longest zip wire as a fundraiser for her charity, outgoing Council Chairman Cllr Susannah Barker-Milan raised more than £3,000 for EDAN Lincs. Because of the pandemic, Cllr Barker-Milan was Chairman for an extended 19 months, five months longer than usual. But despite the pandemic impacting on her ability to get out and about, she still managed to raise £3,095 for the county’s domestic abuse support charity. She did this in part by self-funding the cost to ride the world’s longest and Europe’s fastest zipwire, Velocity 2 in North Wales.

Page 5

Our Environment To meet the challenge of climate change; ensuring integration and delivery of the Climate Action Plan across all NK Plan priorities

£1m

further investment in our climate action agenda for the District

This additional boost will be used to fund high priority actions from our Climate Emergency Strategy and Action Plan, which is currently being reviewed. It’s a huge investment but also just the start of meeting the cost of reaching net-zero. The intention therefore is to use this money to ‘prime the pump’ for the big-impact projects we have in store to help take positive and tangible action on climate for our District. We’ll share more as the monies are officially allocated to specific projects. It’s coupled with the allocation of another £1 million in measures to build up reserves and resilience for post-Covid recovery and a further £1 million for investment in leisure assets, visitor venues and broader economic activity.

Don’t forget - you can see us at Heckington Show this year for more on how we’re acting on climate across our Council.

Page 6

Could you Be More Hilda? Could you answer the call to ‘Be More Hilda’ by rediscovering the thrifty things that were once common – and could now help the environment? Mrs Smith’s Cottage Museum has a six-month campaign calling on all of us to ‘Be More Hilda’; to rediscover a simpler and more sustainable lifestyle for the 21st century; just like Mrs Smith herself. The aim is to reacquaint people with traditional lifestyle habits, with the added benefit that they can naturally lead to more sustainable choices such as seasonal eating, make-do-and-mend, growing your

Visit

own food and reducing waste – and so shrink our carbon footprint. A season of workshops, talks and events is on offer at the cottage, online, and around North Kesteven. The programme will culminate in creating an almanac-style guide to be sold at Mrs Smith’s Cottage giving practical advice inspired by Mrs Smith’s life, interspersed with relevant quotes from her diaries. For the full Be More Hilda events list, please visit www. mrssmithscottage.com/bemore Having been saved by the local community, Mrs Smith’s humble

cottage in Navenby was first opened as a museum in 1999. The museum was closed in 2012 when serious structural issues and deterioration of the building became apparent, however the Council worked to secure funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to see Mrs Smith’s Cottage brought back into use as a popular heritage attraction and today it’s run with the help of a team and dedicated volunteers. Mrs Smith’s Cottage is open Friday to Monday from 12 noon until 4pm. Visitors can drop in, but bookings are recommended.

www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/actonclimate to see more climate news Photo: Chris Vaughan

As part of our aim to help the District reach net zero by 2030, we plan to invest in more solar panels on the Council office roof. The installation is expected to reduce our electricity bill by as much as 25% and save over 20 tons of C02 per year. Upon completion, the project would see 230 solar panels installed on our Kesteven Street building at an estimated cost of £150,000, drawn from the Council’s ‘Invest to Save’ reserve – a fund specifically earmarked for projects that reduce long-term overheads. They could pay for themselves in as little as five years. The new panels would add to the Council’s existing, smaller, installation that currently provides

a modest contribution to energy usage and carbon footprint. Investing in projects like this is vital to maintaining a strong and resilient financial footing that allows us to protect and enhance public services. The Council faces electricity bills more than doubling, with no action. Money saved on running costs is ploughed back into our wider operations, and the panels would help cut our costs and carbon footprint for years to come. The proposal will go through the planning process, but could be operational before next winter. Already the Council draws free excess heat and hot water from Sleaford’s Renewable Energy Plant. For energy saving tips and support, turn to page 17.

Let’s act on climate

Want the latest climate action news in North Kesteven direct to your inbox? Sign up for our Act On Climate newsletter online at www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/ stayconnected or scan the QR code below with your phone!

www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/stayconnected

Our Environment

Looking after our wildlife More than 160 people helped launch our Looking After Lollycocks project by joining us on a free fun day. Activities at Lollycocks Field in Sleaford included pond-dipping, bug hunting and habitat building and the chance to find out more about the project. Species found included stickleback fish, tadpoles, water boatman and caddisfly larvae in the pond there, plus birds, beetles, butterflies and plant-life. Keep an eye on the project’s progress and volunteering slots

via our channels and at www. hillholtwood.co.uk/looking-afterlollycocks as Hill Holt Wood works on enhancements, including a new kingfisher nesting bank and more. Under the Witham/Slea Blue Green Corridor project, in-channel works including bank softening in Sleaford will start soon to help improve the rivers for wildlife. Volunteers are welcome to help here also, look out on our channels and the project website for more on this. We’ll share the results from our recent Blue Green survey soon too, which had a fantastic response.

Improvements at Lollycocks Field in Sleaford will include: • Extended boardwalk to protect vegetation; • Refurbished scrape and two new scrapes added; • Kingfisher nesting bank • New hedgegrow and wildflower seeding; • Traditional and sensitive hand coppicing to encourage ground growth; • Neutral and fen grass land management; • Resurfaced path in a later phase of work.

Follow progress and events online and on social media @withamslea

Garden Waste Collection Costs One bin Each additional bin**

The Council takes a no tolerance approach to fly-tipping together with partners across the countywide Environmental Crime Partnership. Fly-tipping can be reported to the Council at any time at www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/flytipping Remember the SCRAP fly-tipping code:

Cost for bin*

Cost for collections

(if you don’t already own a brown bin/s)

£40 per year £8 per year each

£35 each £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. **You can have up to four garden waste bins.

Why not save yourself time, effort and hassle by signing up for our garden waste service? A brown bin collection from your house is a convenient, low-cost and carbon-conscious option. Simply fill it up, sit back and relax while our team collects it. The cost of an annual service is £40 for a single bin, with collection of any additional bins charged at £8 each. The cost to buy each bin if you don’t have one is £35.

A combined total of almost £10,500 in fines and court costs must be paid by four people – plus a driving ban handed to one – after they were caught fly-tipping in the District. You can read full details on the incidents and the fines handed to each of the four fly-tippers at www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/news One of them is William Jones, 41, of Lowfield Paddocks in Stragglethorpe, who is banned from driving for three months until July 24, after admitting fly-tipping (pictured below) at the Holdingham Biogas site on August 28 last year. The ban was handed to him at Boston Magistrates’ Court, following a joint investigation by the Council and Lincolnshire Police’s Rural Crime Team. In addition to the ban, Jones was ordered to pay a total of £3388.25.

The service runs up to 24 March 2023, fortnightly apart from a reduced frequency in December and January due to the drop in need for the service in those months, or when factors dictate. Sign up at www.n-kesteven. gov.uk/gardenwaste, email customer_services@nkesteven.gov.uk or call on 01529 414155. You can pay by direct debit for seamless service and no need to renew each year.

To report fly-tipping in your area visit

The Council offers a paid-for collection service for bulky waste and electrical items, which ensures safe and environmentally-sound disposal or re-purposing. 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 from four to six items. Electrical and non-electrical items are charged-for separately.

www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/flytipping

USPECT all waste carriers; do not let them take your waste until they have proven themselves to be legitimate.

HECK their waste carrier’s registration details, then verify them by searching the Environment Agency website or by calling 03708 506 506. Note down the registration number of the vehicle used.

EFUSE unexpected offers to have any rubbish taken away.

SK what will happen to your rubbish and seek evidence that it is going to be disposed of appropriately.

PAPERWORK should be

obtained. Make sure you get a full receipt and waste transfer note for your waste removal.

Page 7

The NK Plan 2022-25 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.

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

► Deliver high quality, value-for-money services

► Promote participation and engagement within our communities, as well as recovery from the impacts of Covid-19

WHAT WE PLAN TO DO

WHAT WE WANT TO DO

► Ensure sound finances and a balanced budget are maintained

► Increase cycling infrastructure to support safe, confident and enhanced active travel and sport-riding provision

This current plan, for 2022 to 2025, 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 both the climate emergency and the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the Council’s ability and capacity to respond positively to these challenges and pressures. The evolving NK Plan details our key ambitions and our immediate and longer term responses to these, as well as highlighting recent actions in respect of our areas of priority focus. It also sets the scene for - and progresses - a broader ten-year vision, contained within the new Community Strategy 2030, where our aspirations are fully-funded and grounded in consensus for the realisation of a £230m capital investment across our priorities over the decade. In line with our established priorities, the headline tenyear plan includes:

£56m to unlock 37 acres of strategic growth land at Sleaford Moor Enterprise Park.

£4m to bring forward further regeneration opportunities at the Heart of Sleaford.

£7m 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 a £9m 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. £40m to invest in the Council’s housing stock. 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.

► Begin delivery of the re-focused Transformation Programme to enhance efficiencies and effectiveness ► Deliver a number of constitutional innovations and a refreshed focus on resident engagement in line with the suggestions of the Corporate Peer Challenge of 2021 ► Undertake a review of waste collection routes to ensure best efficiency and level of service ► Develop and strengthen strategic partnerships.

WHAT WE’VE DONE RECENTLY ► Adopted an ongoing agile working programme to maintain and enhance service delivery whilst promoting employee welfare and maximising climate gain through reduced travel ► Lead the Lincolnshire multi-agency response in ensuring the safe resettlement of families evacuated from Afghanistan ► Supported partners across the Lincolnshire Resilience Forum in responding throughout the duration of the coronavirus pandemic ► Maintained active dynamic and engaging communications to guide communities through the pandemic, advising on restrictions, safe compliance and vaccination access ► Developed digital hubs to help build customers’ confidence in using computers to access services, work and finances ► Expanded digital channels and opportunities for residents, businesses and wider stakeholders to hear from us.

► Deliver identified actions and projects to build further on our engagement within the District and promote equality and diversity ► Continue to work successfully with partners to tackle both childhood and adult obesity ► Work with partners to ensure North Kesteven remains one of the safest local authority areas in England.

WHAT WE’VE DONE RECENTLY ► Delivered the £1.2m re-invigoration of the Hub in Sleaford, facilitating easier and broader community access to the arts ► Set up a Community Lottery to support community groups and beneficiaries ► Fully rolled-out enhanced recycling provision with the separate collection of paper and card to maximise potential for effective, repeated, high-value re-purposing of resources ► Established a new Community Development Partnership and a Covid-recovery partnership of voluntary and community groups, with funding of £40,000 allocated to build community resilience initiatives ► Championed community volunteers through our annual awards. ► Launched in partnership the countywide Wellbeing Service.

SUPPORTING AMBITIONS

► Ensure our Council is financially resilient

► Promote healthy lifestyles by providing a range of leisure and cultural opportunities

► Be open and accountable ► Maintain a strong focus on our customers

► Support partnership health strategies, including the Homes for Independence Blueprint, as part of our provision of effective and efficient support services for residents ► Work with our communities towards a clean, safe and inclusive District

2022 ► Completion of construction phase at Sleaford Moor Enterprise Park ► Fulfilment of £4m investment to enhance roads capacity and facilitate housing and jobs growth in Sleaford ► Improve habitat and public access along the River Slea ► Start of £8.9m Extra Care Housing scheme for Sleaford

2023 ► Completion of a project to regenerate a former sheltered housing scheme at Grinter House, North Hykeham, expanding provision and broadening availability ► Begin planning the relocating of Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum to a new building ► Approval of refreshed Local Plan, shaping a carbon-neutral future for Central Lincolnshire

At a glance Cogglesford Mill: Monthly milling days, Sundays, June 12, July 10 and August 14, 12-4pm. Free. More at www.heartoflincs.com Terry O Toole Theatre: Sunday, June 12, 5.30pm Paige Pritchard School of Dance presents…A performance filled with dances interpreting songs from musicals including Six, Mary Poppins, and We Will Rock You. Tickets £8 to £10. www.terryotooletheatre.org.uk

Celebrating 30 years for museum and mill Since Cogglesford Watermill reopened in late 2021 it’s welcomed over 2,000 people to see its improved interior and the restored waterwheel, which turns every Sunday. This is a big year for the mill too, with July being the 30th anniversary of the building opening to the public. To celebrate, there’s a special milling day on Sunday, July 10 with tasty baked goods made with Cogglesford’s own stone-ground flour, butter churning and tours. You can also see the whole building in action on milling days, which are held on the second Sunday of every month, and there’s a shop with gifts and local produce plus space for a drink or ice cream by the Slea. There are some fantastic

volunteer opportunities at Cogglesford Watermill – current openings are in the tour guide, baking and gardening teams. If you have time to learn a new skill (or share your existing ones) please get in touch. Email cogglesfordwatermill@nkesteven.gov.uk > Cogglesford Watermill is open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday 12pm to 4pm. www.heartoflincs.com/cogglesford

Mrs Smith’s Cottage, Navenby There’s a fantastic programme through the year packed with crafts, workshops and events. Pop in during opening times to pick up a monthly themed craft pack from the charming shop, or book your child’s place on the NavenBEES preschool group. The team are sharing practical everyday skills inspired by Mrs Smith’s low waste lifestyle – see page six for Be More Hilda. Open Friday to Monday 12pm to 4pm. To avoid disappointment, book your visit in advance through the website at www. mrssmithscottage.com/events

Navigation House, Sleaford is a Grade II listed building built in 1838, located opposite the Hub in Navigation Yard. It was once HQ of the Sleaford Navigation Company, where the Office Clerk would weigh the cargo transported along the River Slea. Alas, the railway came to Sleaford in 1857 and Navigation House today is a visitor centre. The delightful shop is stocked with items made by local craftspeople. Details of current suppliers and how to apply for a space are on the website. Open Friday to Monday, 10am-2pm. Entry to Navigation House is free. www.heartoflincs.com/navhouse

RAF College Cranwell is a famous landmark in RAF history, and Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum (below, left) portrays the fascinating story of this historic establishment. Also celebrating 30 years of being open to the public, interactive exhibits include a Jet Provost flight simulator, Vampire T11 Cockpit, exhibitions and artefacts. It’s also had a recent family-friendly refresh of its exhibition hall. ‘Animals at War’, looks at the roles animals have played in conflict from WW1 to today including those awarded the Dickin Medal, the animal’s Victoria Cross. > Open Friday to Monday 10am to 3pm. Free admission, with a nominal charge for group visits. www.heartoflincs.com/cranwell

Mrs Smith’s Cottage: Talk on A History of Pennell’s Garden Centre, June 24, 7-8pm. Tickets £5. Book at www.mrssmithscottage.com/events Terry O Toole Theatre: Rave On! A Tribute to Buddy Holly, June 25, 7.30pm. Tickets £17.50. See www.terryotooletheatre.org.uk Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum: A Summer of Semaphore, July to September. See normal museum opening hours, information at www.heartoflincs.com/cranwell Navigation House: Riverside History Walk with Simon Pawley (part of the NK Walking Festival), July 3, 11am. See www.hillholtwood.co.uk/nkwalking-festival Mrs Smith’s Cottage: Anthotype workshop, July 8, 6-8pm. Tickets £8.50. Book at www.mrssmithscottage.com/events Mrs Smith’s Cottage: Big Butterfly Count, July 15, 124pm. No need to book.

Wherever you are in North Kesteven, you’re at the heart of it all; only an hour’s drive or less from coast, castles, stately homes, sensational scenery, towns, cities and country walks. Our website www.heartoflincs. com will help you experience the very best in the Heart of Lincolnshire. Look regularly for latest dates and event details throughout the year, or follow @heartoflincs on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to be kept up-to-date with tourism news, events and places to visit around the District. To subscribe to our upcoming e-newsletter, which will share all the latest on news, events, places to see in our District and more with you, send us an email at heartoflincs@n-kesteven.gov.uk

Mrs Smith’s Cottage: A Family Guide to an Edible Garden Workshop, July 29, 11am-noon, Free - fully funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Book at www.mrssmithscottage.com/events Mrs Smith’s Cottage: Rag rug workshop, August 2, 11am-noon, tickets £10. Book at www.mrssmithscottage.com/events Mrs Smith’s Cottage: Wash Day Workshop, August 25, 11am-noon, tickets £10. Book at www.mrssmithscottage.com/events Navenby Methodist Hall: A Seasonal Plate, August 26, 7pm-8pm, tickets £5. Book at www.mrssmithscottage.com/events See too www.heartoflincs.com

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Let’s Walk On The Wild Side We’re making improvements for wildlife as part of a new project.

Through the Witham/Slea Blue Green Corridor Project and together as partners in it, we’re improving habitat at our Lollycocks Field nature reserve in Sleaford with a new kingfisher nesting bank, an extended boardwalk next to the pond, hedgegrow and native planting, new habitat for amphibians and insects, bird boxes and so much more. That’s just one part of the Blue Green project. Bank softening will also be carried out along parts of the River Slea in Sleaford to improve it for wildlife, including water voles, insects and fish, and along the River Witham in Grantham plus other improvements for nature there. Visit www.withamsleabluegreencorridor.co.uk or scan the QR code (right) for more including how to get involved, or ask someone to help you do this. To read more, turn back to page 7.

Why not complete this page to show how much you know already? Have fun! Photo: Dave Newm an

Can you help our frog Freddie get home to the pond and scrape at Lollycocks Field? A scrape is a dip where rainwater can collect, to provide habitat for amphibians like Freddie and insects.

K P R

C P S

P D O

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F N W Q K U H W M S S W A

W Z H O N O F O Y

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J M O H U D R

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H B S U T

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S S N Z W G E R F D U T H W I E O G

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R B K E R

S U A Z A R G V D A W R

U A E W K E

L A O T

O X R Q T A B E A M X D T

P W T

There are 14 things hidden in this wordsearch. Can you find them?

These special species need some colours! How many insects and fish can you think of too?

There’s an extra hidden word in there too - the answer is on this page!

V X

Z H W X

L M X O A C M E W E W V U X C K A H W I S W H

E C L A W S O C R A Y

D R A G O N F

BERMS DRAGONFLIES MARSH MARIGOLD POOLS WETLAND BROWN TROUT GREY WAGTAIL

☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐

S H

E U Q L W Y

SINUOUS WHITE CLAWED CRAYFISH BUTTERFLIES HINGING POLLINATORS WATER VOLES WILDFLOWER MEADOW

A project part funded by the European Regional Development Fund in partnership with South Kesteven District Council, North Kesteven District Council, National Trust, Environment Agency

The secret wordsearch word is: otters

☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐

SCAN & DONATE

✁ How about showing how big your heart is for the Ukrainian refugees arriving in Lincolnshire by colouring in ths page, cutting it out and popping it in your window? Lincolnshire people are opening their hearts and homes in response to the Ukrainian situation, offering accommodation, money, toys and various things. With more than 3,000 households willing to house fleeing refugees and thousands more giving generously to help, it’s all contributing to ‘A Big Lincolnshire Welcome’. Hundreds of Ukrainians are settling into homes right across Lincolnshire, finding safety and sanctuary as they flee the war in their country – maybe there are some in your street, village or town. Wouldn’t it be nice to show that you’re thinking

about them, support them and welcome them. Just cut out this page, write on it with a bold message of ‘welcome’, ‘peace’ or ‘hope’ or draw on it to show you care and pop it in your window. It unites the Lincolnshire and Ukraine flags to express ‘A Big Lincolnshire Welcome’, just like the rainbow pictures that helped us all through Covid. Post a picture, tagging #BigLincsWelcome and if you can, make a donation or do some fundraising to support the arriving refugees too, showing them just how much Lincolnshire cares and welcomes them. See www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/ LincolnshireCF-Ukraine or scan the QR code here. Come and see us at Heckington Show too, where we’ll have some flag give-aways and maybe some fundraising flags for sale.

Let’s move The Hub’s Youth Dance Programme offers young people the chance to learn styles including contemporary and hip hop plus classes designed for young people with learning disabilities, autism and/ or physical disabilities. Classes are led by experienced dance professionals and take place termly throughout the year at OneNK in North Hykeham, for participants aged from 10 to 24yrs. There’s chance to perform at events throughout the year. See www.hub-sleaford. org.uk/dance or @hubdanceteam The Hub itself boasts a purpose-built studio and growing programme of dance classes for lots of ages and abilities. They range from Contemporary Youth Dance for 11 to 19yr olds and Creative Dance for five to 11yr olds to Commercial Street Dance for young people, Ballet Be Fit for adults and Dance for Parkinson’s classes for people living with Parkinson’s. Hub Dance Summer School also returns this August, each day focusing on a different age group plus a variety of styles. Visit www.hub-sleaford. org.uk/dance or @hubdanceteam Not only is there an extensive network of Stepping Out walks in our District, but there’s also a festival dedicated to walking our District. The NK Walking Festival runs from June 18 to July 3. From guided mindfulness to history walks, storytelling strolls, litter-picking and even summer solstice sunset events, there is much to discover for all ages, ability and fitness levels. Check out www. hillholtwood.co.uk/nkwalking-festival

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Summer fun

all at the Hub

This summer sees the Hub welcome two fantastic new exhibitions to its Main Gallery. Until July 10, We Are Commoners features UK and international artists and highlights the acts of commoning that are shaping the way communities are working together to share and steward commonly owned assets and resources. In this exhibition, craft skills and materials provide a means to common, and the projects featured demonstrate the need to imagine a more collectively made and owned future.

Craft Sustained comes to the Hub from July 23 to November 13 and explores the work of artists, designers and craftspeople working with the latest in sustainable material technology to develop objects, both one-off works and items developed for production. It includes artists, makers and designers cultivating wares from renewable natural resources, such as fungi, bacteria, and yeast, alongside those utilising waste from food production and manufacturing industry. The Hub on Saturday August 21

For more dates and things to do see

Coming to a pew near you, a dramatic re-telling of the Lincoln Mystery Plays is for the first time ever settling in Sleaford. Medieval in origins, the historic telling of familiar Bible episodes have a striking resonance with circumstances today as they explore truth, lies and power. This revival of an ancient tradition balancing humour and poignant sincerity will be at St Denys’ Church Sleaford on August 3, St Mary’s Church Horncastle on August 2, and at Lincoln Cathedral July 25 to 30. All performances 7.30pm. Tickets £12 and £15, at venues and www.lincolnmysteries.co.uk

www.heartoflincs.com

Back for a full-two-day weekend, the 153rd Heckington Show is on July 30 and 31. This year’s show brings the best entertainment – jousting, motorcycle displays and a Take That tribute band headlining the Grand Firework Concert – beautifully wrapped within this amazing English country show. We’ll be there, sponsoring the cycle races and showcasing inspirational climate action, and so too the livestock, horticulture and heritage displays, fairground rides, crafts, stalls and vintage farm machinery. Tickets at www.heckingtonshow.org.uk

For more dates and things to do see

and Sunday 22 will also hold the first of its new summer pop-up markets. The weekend at the Hub will be full of things to see and do, including stalls featuring craft, design objects, accessories and homewares by selected artists and designer-makers. There’ll also be live artist demonstrations, creative activities, trails, music, and food. Following on from a successful series of Christmas pop up markets last year, it promises to be a fantastic summer weekend for everyone to enjoy.

A village show with a difference, Swaton Vintage Day on June 26 also features the 14th World Egg Throwing Championships. There’s also more than 400 vintage and classic cars, tractor, motorbikes and vehicles, alongside a dog show, craft tent and trade stands to see. Additionally, weather permitting there’ll be a Lancaster Bomber flypast anticipated over the site, between Swaton and Helpringham at NG34 0RF. Find more details about the show and entrance prices, which start from free for children under five and £3 for school-age, at www.swatonvintageday.com

www.heartoflincs.com

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 opportunities from 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

► Champion greenhouse gas reduction, both within the Council and across the District

► 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 WANT TO DO

► Fulfil, with partners, a review of the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan with an aim to it becoming the first of its kind to aim for carbon neutrality

► Begin construction on the 37-acre Sleaford Moor Enterprise Park with a view to completion in winter 2022.

► 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

► Enhancement of habitat and public access along the River Slea in Sleaford, in partnership and with ERDF grant funding ► Review the efficiency of our refuse fleet and explore what alternative fuel options are viable ► Further develop meaningful climate action, and a costed pathway to achieve net-zero by 2030; informed by working groups focused on transport & domestic emissions, land use & carbon capture, adaptation and energy use.

► Refresh the Sleaford Masterplan to ensure the strategic framework for the town’s future is reflective, responsive and aligned to local aims and ambitions ► Continue supporting businesses in recovery following the coronavirus pandemic and in their aspirations to grow

► Move forward a regeneration of Grinter House in North Hykeham, expanding provision to 34 units for mixed use

► Review options for the Heart of Sleaford and the town’s historic Market Place

► Work with Greater Lincolnshire partners to increase infrastructure delivery, more housing and progress net zero carbon and modern methods of construction initiatives

► Explore opportunities for a business forum to offer a further level of business support and engagement.

WHAT WE’VE DONE RECENTLY

► Committed to achieving carbon neutrality for both the Council and the District by 2030; an ambition backed by a dynamic action plan

► Expanded to 126 our portfolio of business grow-on units at 12 locations District-wide, with completion and letting of 15 new workshops at Discovery Court, North Hykeham

► Extended engagement opportunities across our communities to maximise carbon reduction within our District

► Administered £36m-plus of government grants in almost 5,000 payments across eight distinct grant schemes over 18 months from March 2021; a further £720,000 more up to March 2022

► Put more resource and emphasis into the officer team charged with delivering aspects of the climate leadership, engagement and commitment for change ► Begun an expansion of tree cover for carbon capture and broader environmental gain, with 700 saplings planted within Sleaford. Set out a new Tree Strategy with an aim to increase tree cover across North Kesteven, including on our own land.

► Continue to invest in line with the Lafford Homes’ business plan to deliver more affordable rental choice locally

► Contributed to the delivery of highway improvements for Sleaford, opening up new opportunities for investment, jobs and housing growth ► Embarked on delivering a £56m investment in the Sleaford Moor Enterprise Park, designed to be as climate-conscious as possible within its ambition to support 500 jobs.

► Work with owners to bring back into use at least 20 more empty homes annually.

WHAT WE’VE DONE RECENTLY ► Constructed eight Passivhauses at Potterhanworth, part of the new CO2-sy Homes Standard for comfortable, climateprotecting homes and adding to two existing at Heckington ► Despite lockdowns, in 2020/21 we completed 19 homes, started on a further 95 for both Council and Lafford portfolios and had 274 units in total in development across eight sites ► In partnership with three other district councils launched an initiative to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping ► Completed a further 42 homes at Waddington for Lafford Homes, bringing forward additional choice to satisfy unmet private rental demand in support of strong communities.

SUPPORTING AMBITIONS

► Research and promote adaptations needed to increase resilience to climate change ► Promote and protect environmental health and deliver services to reduce the transmission of Covid-19 ► Conserve and enhance North Kesteven’s heritage assets ► Develop biodiversity across the District and support natural carbon capture

► Attract investment to improve physical infrastructure, support regeneration and enhance digital connectivity

► Provide high quality services for both housing and tackling homelessness

► Create a clear vision of place; celebrating and marketing all that the District has to offer

► Maintain, improve and future-proof housing

► Promote the economic opportunities from tackling climate change

► Deliver the Local Plan, increasing the supply of sustainable housing

2024

2025

2030

► Completion of £8.9m Extra Care Housing scheme in Sleaford

► Further expand the Lafford Homes stock holding to unlock more housing choice

► Achieve carbon net-zero aims for both the Council and the District

► Aim for Platinum Investors in People standard ► Delivery of 300+ council homes over 5 years

► Deliver against the outcomes of the Community Strategy targeted on 2030

A more detailed version of the NK Plan 2022-25 can be found at www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/NKplan

Our Communities To enhance the wellbeing, safety and health of all our communities; inspiring and supporting a sustainable and flourishing future

£35,600

likely benefit for good causes signed up to the NK Community Lottery this year

Within six months of its launch there are already 60 good causes signed up to benefit from the NK Community Lottery. Based on levels of ticket sales – where 50p from each £1 ticket directly benefits the good cause chosen by the purchaser and a further 10p per ticket is pooled for community benefit – they are on track to raise a total of £35,599.20. This sum will increase as levels of ticket sales and numbers of good causes increases. Players can choose the good cause they wish to help with their £1 ticket, through ongoing support. The prize fund receives 20p per ticket and the final 20p covers VAT and administration costs. There’s still scope for good causes and groups in the area to register to benefit from the lottery and its fundraising – and with no admin or set up costs to do so, it’s win win. Visit www.nklottery.co.uk/goodcauses to find out more. Meanwhile players have a 50 to one chance of winning prizes which range from a £25,000 jackpot to three extra tickets. So far, since the start of the lottery, £2,300 in cash and 470 prizes of three extra tickets have been awarded. In total, 535 prizes have been given out.

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RiverLight Festival celebrates Sleaford From inspiring light installations and areial performances to giant pigeons and time travel street theatre, RiverLight Festival was a larger than life celebration of community spirit in Sleaford town centre. Funded through the Government’s Welcome Back Fund and brought to life in March by North Kesteven District Council with creatives and colleagues from the Hub in Sleaford leading on its

programme, its planning and creation brought over 120 local businesses, artists, schools, venues, communities and volunteers together. A week of fringe events led to a crescendo of activities and performances on Saturday March 19, including headline performances such as Octo by Dream Engine dancing mid-air at Market Place and the otherworldly Luminosi Tree at Eastgate, plus art celebrating the River Slea,

unforgettable street theatre and activities, singing, dance and music, heritage displays, food and shopping. A celebration of light and colour along the Slea at Eastgate Green on Saturday evening and a community litter pick on Sunday closed it all. Thanks to all who came along and were involved. We’re now assessing its success together, with a view to how other such events could take place in future.

www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/stayconnected for news updates

Fresh funding is available through Active Lincolnshire to support clubs and groups to provide and expand inclusive and sustainable activities. The Sport England Together Fund aims to help them engage their audiences in physical activity, and support their growth and recovery in working with under-represented groups. Priority areas are lower socioeconomic groups; ethnically diverse communities; people with a disability; and people with long-term health conditions. See www.activelincolnshire.com/ get-involved/funding

Community projects operating within five miles of Sleaford can apply to a £25,000 fund made available by the operators of the Renewable Energy Plant. There are rolling deadlines to apply for grants of up to £1,000 and up to £5,000 - next being August 10, December 14 and April 12 2023. See below on applying. The fund’s emphasis is to improve the lives and wellbeing of people in the area and benefit the community, and so projects need to evidence this when applying. Recent beneficiaries are South Kyme Coronation Hall and the Slea Canoe and Kayak Club.

Details and applications at

Nine organisations in Sleaford won funds to help transform their community through a Mutual Gain budgeting event. Projects worth £15,000 were supported including a new community grocery store, a support group for young children and a women’s safety group. It followed a World Cafe workshop where the community shared thoughts on safety. This led to groups dreaming up projects they felt would help the area and bidding for funds in a dragons-den style community exercise. See more on the Sleaford Speaks Facebook group.

www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/communityfunding

Healthy lifestyles

Who’s your community champion? Who do you know that’s done extraordinary things over recent months to support your community, respond to its need yours or someone else’s life? Now in their 12th year, the NK Community Champion Awards look to celebrate the best in voluntary community endeavour. 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 heath and wellbeing, and who are putting the local environment above all else. It can only happen with your

input - nominate now or anytime up to September 9 at www.nkawards.org There’s also a nomination form on the back page of this NewsNK. Equally it can only happen with the support of sponsor businesses and organisations. If you’d like to be a part of this community celebration, get it touch.

Email communications@n-kesteven.gov.uk to champion your community

On Monday, June 20 a flag raising ceremony in Sleaford will mark Armed Forces Day. Co-ordinated by North Kesteven District Council in partnership with Sleaford Town Council, local RAF bases and veterans’ organisations, it is a moment for the community to come together to acknowledge the contribution made by our Armed Forces both organisationally and as individuals, past, present and future. The short ceremony at 10.30am outside St Denys’ Church is open to all; concluded by 11am. Veteran’s Badges will later be presented to more than 20 local veterans in recognition of their service within the Armed Forces. If you or someone you know would appreciate receiving a Veteran’s Badge next year, email armedforces@n-kesteven.gov.uk or call the Council’s Partnerships Team on 01529 414155.

Seven local athletes are being supported in their training by the GLL Sport Foundation, part of the Council’s leisure partner’s charitable social enterprise. By offering free membership of its leisure facilities, cash bursaries and other athlete services, GLL is able to keep local communities’ sporting dreams alive by removing inequalities and spreading opportunity. These include GB Wakeboarding captain Ross Phillips (pictured), triathlete Beth Wilmott and Boccia player Lee Croker who all use facilities in Sleaford. Tennis player Lisa Bolton, Senior Women’s Recurve archer Sofia Hursham, para-archer Amanda Davidson and long-distance disabled handcycle triathlete Elizabeth McTernan access ONE NK. The GLL Sport Foundation is an athlete support programme supporting both emerging and established sporting talent.

For more news and information please visit

The Lincolnshire Resilience Forum is a partnership of councils, statutory and public agencies, charities and voluntary sector organisations all working to support the county’s residents and businesses through emergencies and times of crisis. With North Kesteven District Council at the core of arrangements, for most of the last two years it has been alert and active in preparing and guiding Lincolnshire through the pandemic. The LRF is also critical in times of flooding, extreme weather and countless other scenarios. It also seeks to build community resilience, promote localised emergency plans and develop greater community confidence. Throughout the summer, in readiness for the usual winter pressures, there will be a promotional campaign about what the LRF is, how it can help and support the people of Lincolnshire in times of crisis and emergencies, and suggestions for personal preparedness. > On Facebook see: @lincsresilientcommunities > On Twitter @lincolnshireep > Online: www. lincolnshireresilienceforum.org

www.n-kesteven.gov.uk

Health Trainer services for your wellbeing Are you looking for support with changing your diet, increasing your activity level, stopping smoking, or reducing alcohol? Well the Council’s dedicated Health Trainer Debbie Chessum provides the following support. She has been helping people all over North Kesteven for the last 14 years. 1-1’s – Meet with Debbie for sessions specific to your need; whether that’s meal planning, portion control, losing weight to help control medical conditions, improving your diet or support to join a local class or group. Workplace health – For workplace health improvements, Debbie can carry out health assessments to assess employees’ general situation. Online support – Offering Get Fit for Life NK through a 10-week online support group and weekly emails, Debbie has supported clients to lose over 40 stone over the past two years. Helping you reach your goals, consider other elements essential to good health and mental health. It’s a rolling programme. Community groups – a Get Fit For Life group looking at healthy lifestyles and top tips in person over 10-weeks; eg portion size, food groups, food labelling, Including a physical activity most weeks. This group moves around North Kesteven, so contact Debbie to locate the next programme. Healthy lifestyle clinic – Sleaford Medical Group provides a weekly lifestyle clinic for patients seeking support to make healthy changes. Patients at SMG, you can book to see Debbie there on a Thursday, 1-5pm. Eligibility for the above services varies. If you are over 18 and live (or work) in North Kesteven contact Debbie directly on 07733368676 or email deborah_chessum@nkesteven.gov.uk

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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

£4,643,100 in £150 energy rebate payments distributed so far in the District

Homes for the future at Potterhanworth For regular Council news, sign up

We’re working to pay the rebate to eligible households, which are most of those in Council Tax Bands A to D. Eligible households who don’t pay Council Tax by Direct Debit will receive a letter so they can provide their details to us securely. There’ll be instructions in this letter on how to do this, via an online portal we’re creating. Do be wary of any unsolicited or suspicious calls asking for bank details. As of May 20 almost 31,000 eligible households have been paid theirs, using Direct Debit details from the Council Tax register. We’ve been working through these as efficiently as we can, including all the checks to ensure each is paid correctly. There’s no need to contact us - we’ll be in touch if we need to. There will be a discretionary scheme which may help some households who are not eligible. We’ll share any updates at www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/ energyrebate2022 and our other channels.

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Seventy Council homes have been built in the last year and are now let or close to being let. Thirty three are complete and soon to be let in Heckington, at Bagworth Way (pictured first). It’s a £4.7m second phase there, built by Lindum Group to the Council’s fabric first standard and also with spurs for EV car charging. At Grantham Road in Sleaford (pictured second) 12 new homes are also on track to be let. They’re the first wave of our new CO2-sy Homes Standard of Council homes for affordable rent with an electric vehicle charging point as standard. Three new homes are now let at Mill Lane in Martin, again built to a high specification, as are four in Digby, eight in Navenby and two in Washingborough. Then, there’s the Passivhaus homes at Potterhanworth. All new Council homes going forward are being built to the CO2-sy Homes Standard, and so will meet a zero carbon standard

Eight new super-energy efficient homes at Potterhanworth are not only complete and close to being let but also scored in the top 1% across the UK in recent tests. The homes off Moor Lane are built to the internationally-recognised Passivhaus standard, which means they meet an especially high level of energy-saving mainly from reducing air loss. They have enhanced insulation and draught-proofing among other features, all to prevent air loss and therefore heat. The houses are also fitted with mechanical ventilation heat recovery systems which extract warm air from kitchens and bathrooms, and using a heat exchanger, use this to heat fresh air brought in. In recent tests the homes’ air tightness results were in the top 1% in the UK. All this attention to airflow and heat retention means the homes’ energy demands and fuel bills are incredibly low. They’ll be let out as Council homes, adding to quality properties across the District which meet needs and ensure futureproofed housing for residents.

www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/stayconnected

set by the Council. We’re also preparing to regenerate a former sheltered housing scheme in North Hykeham. Increased investment for the works at Grinter House and Grinter Close of almost £4.6 million, up from £4 million, was recently approved and the number of units revised from 34 to 32 as the Council navigates the current economic climate while prioritising high quality housing.

Our Architectural Design and Investment Manager was pleased to speak with architect, designer and well-known television presenter George Clarke recently, and thank him for his work in promoting social housing and inspired building. He in return was very complimentary of the Council’s work, including the transformation of Council homes at Newfield Road in Sleaford and the new life breathed into the former Quarrington School on Grantham Road. Thanks George!

Look up Lafford Homes and register for lettings

Lafford Homes is also bringing forward a number of new homes, and recently marked its 100th. They are the latest extension of the Council’s arms-length company, to expand availability of market-level rental homes and unlock choice. A total of 42 new properties at Waddington, a mix of one to four bed properties off Station Road, have been built with 30 let and 12 ready to let soon. The development includes Lafford’s 100th home (pictured) which has now been let (also pictured above). Further schemes include 20 homes off Lincoln Road in Metheringham and six in Quarrington, with work underway. Lafford Homes now has 104 properties in its portfolio – all let – following its first in May 2017. Sign up for alerts at developments@laffordhomes. co.uk

www.laffordhomes.co.uk

Our Homes

Saving energy and money Households are under increasing pressure from the cost of living, including from rising energy bills. Here’s some of the latest news and advice to help save both energy and money. Every tip comes from a reputable source on the subject. Depending on the property type, improvements could include insulation, solar panels, air source heat pumps and high heat retention electric storage heaters. Both homeowners and private renting tenants are able to apply, however landlords must contribute one third of the total costs. Homeowners won’t have to pay. The Council is working with energy experts YES Energy Solutions to help residents find out if they qualify for the scheme. Eligibility criteria include: We’ve secured Government funding to help > Residents must have a household income of residents improve the warmth and efficiency of £30,000 or less (after tax), or receive means-tested their homes. benefits; With energy bills at an all-time high, this scheme > Properties must be suitable for the measures is designed to help residents save money whilst available in the scheme and have a low energy keeping warm and helping tackle climate change. efficiency rating (EPC E or below). A new Energy If you’re eligible, the Home Energy Upgrade Performance Certificate can be done if needed, at Scheme is offering a range of fully-funded energy no cost to homeowners. efficiency upgrades which could be worth up to If you’re interested in the scheme please call YES £25,000 per property. Energy Solutions on 03309 126 199.

For more advice on rising energy bills see

www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/energyhelp

House fixes

Energy habits

Reach out

Some of these are cheap and cheerful and others more of an investment, but they all save energy. Pick and choose what suits your needs and pocket. > Draught-proofing is a cheap and simple way of reducing your energy use and enabling you to turn down the thermostat comfortably. From resealing around windows to adding draught excluder strips to doors or draught-proofing your chimney, the Energy Saving Trust has detailed guides at www.energysavingtrust.org.uk > Insulation is a top way of saving on energy; if you can afford the investment it will pay dividends. Check with your energy provider to see if they will fund loft or cavity wall insulation. Simple Energy Advice has more advice at www.simpleenergyadvice. org.uk/grants > Water saving gadgets for taps and showers help you use less water (great if you’re on a meter) and energy from heating it. See more at www.anglianwater.co.uk/ help-and-advice/save-water/

We used to hear a lot about energy saving habits, but not so much in recent years. Here’s a reminder of some hacks that could trim £s from your bills. > Shut that (fridge) door! Every second it’s open costs you in energy used to compensate for escaping cold air. Don’t leave it open while you pour the milk or decide what to cook. Source: Good Housekeeping > Think microwave. Cooking in one is cheaper than any other way, including your oven or hob. You can quickly steam vegetables right through to cooking whole recipes. Source: www.uswitch.com > It’s not just lights that benefit from being turned off, it’s any appliance. It’s good for safety and extending the life of your appliances, and could save around £55 per year. See more at www.energysavingtrust.org.uk > Try the 30 or even 20 degree setting on your washing if your clothes aren’t badly stained, to save around £28 per year. Source: Energy Saving Trust

There is help available in various forms, from energy providers to our own support as a Council. > The Government is encouraging people to find out if they’re eligible for benefits or reliefs. Childcare vouchers, pension credits, Warm Homes Discount and others are available – see www.gov.uk/ benefits-calculators > There’s also a calculator on other support at www.n-kesteven. gov.uk/residents > Contact your energy and utility suppliers to see what they offer. Anglian Water offers support for those finding it difficult to pay water bills. See www. anglianwater.co.uk/watercare > You can also seek support at: The Big Energy Saving Network in Lincolnshire on 01529 301962. Simple Energy Advice at www. simpleenergyadvice.org.uk or 0800 444 202. National Energy Action at www.nea.org.uk or 0800 304 7159 10am-noon, Monday to Friday. Citizen’s Advice at www. camidlincs.org.uk or call 0808 278 7942.

Check out our website for more housing information

www.n-kesteven.gov.uk

If you are a tenant living in private rented accommodation in North Kesteven, it is the responsibility of your landlord to ensure that your property meets the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) regulations. This requires your landlord to maintain the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) at a rating of ‘E’ or above. If your landlord is letting out a property that has an EPC rating of ‘F’ or ‘G’, this may be an offense, and the Council can use enforcement powers in these situations to ensure that the property is improved to a rating of ‘E’ or above. If you believe that you are living in a property that does not meet these energy efficiency standards, and has an EPC rating of ‘F’ or ‘G’ please get in contact with us and let us know. You can report issues with your tenancy through the report form on our website - visit n-kesteven. gov.uk and head to ‘Tenants your rights and responsibilities’. Landlords can also find advice on complying with the law and regulations on our website, or contact our private sector housing team for guidance.

North Kesteven has topped the tables for smart meter installations, having more of these energy and carbon saving devices in households than anywhere else in the UK. Residents have taken up the technology faster and more extensively than anywhere else, being the first area to reach more than 60% coverage – more than three out of five homes. It follows the 20 millionth smart meter recently connected to the national network. These meters reduce CO2 emissions by 580,000 tonnes per year across the network. Unsure if you want one? There’s more information at www. ofgem.gov.uk/energy-advicehouseholds

Page 17

Our Economy To enable all of our communities to flourish as part of the economic recovery from Covid-19, as well as opportunities from the ‘green economy’

£38m

distributed to businesses through Covid

Since the start of the financial support package in March 2020, we’ve distributed £38,197,458 through 7,565 Covid-19 business grants payments supporting 2,232 unique businesses. All Covid-19 funding grants have now closed and we no longer hold any Government funding for these grants. All discretionary funds that the Council received have also now been fully allocated and administered. The Grants Team have worked tirelessly to ensure these funds reach the businesses in need as quickly as possible. At the height of the pandemic the Grants Team were administering up to ten different grant schemes. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank local businesses for their cooperation in helping us achieve this. If your business requires support going forward, please contact the Economic Development Team or our Business Support Adviser Phil Means. If you are in business and feel you could benefit from free business advice please contact Phil on 07920 472671 or email phil_means@n-kesteven.gov.uk

Page 18

Businesses find new homes at park A £2.2 million development is now home to a lively community of start-up and growing businesses all benefitting from the new space created there. Discovery Court contains 15 business units owned by the Council and built on its behalf by Lindum Group, on land which forms part of the Discovery Park development in North Hykeham. It became full in March this year, after the units were handed over to the Council last May on completion of Lindum’s work. Enquiries came in fast during the build through marketing agent Banks Long & Co together with the Council’s BusinessNK team. The MINI Repair Shop moved to its unit in June 2021 as Discovery

Court’s first tenant, and provides a range of services as a BMW and Mini independent specialist. Director Steve Chambers, who operates the business together with Director Kyle Berry, said: “There’s a great atmosphere and entrepreneurial spirit here as most of the businesses are small and local like ourselves.” Ground and Environmental Investigation Ltd is also based at Discovery Court, where it advises on practical solutions for geotechnical design and contaminated land. Director Marc Pearson said: “The business is thriving from our new location and hopefully we’ll be looking to expand in the near future.”

Look out for your chance later this summer to direct new wayfinding signage in Sleaford town centre. This expanded signage will better reflect all that Sleaford town centre offers since the previous fingerposts (above) were installed over 25 years ago. The new signage will highlight assets, attractions and other key aspects more effectively and across a wider area. The new wayfinding signage will be shaped using local input, so do stay tuned for more on this soon.

The MINI Repair Shop

The Caterers Ltd

Ground and En vironmental Inve sti

gation Ltd

To enquire about available units across the Council’s portfolio, contact Banks Long & Co on 01522 544515 or the BusinessNK Team on 01529 414155.

www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/stayconnected

Strong interest from businesses continues in the new £56 million Sleaford Moor Enterprise Park. A contract has been let to deliver the strategic utilities and the strategic infrastructure, and work to build the first phase of the site is due to start this year. All units will be built for best sustainability and adaptability, and the site includes various features too which recognise the challenges of climate change. Go to www.businessnk.co.uk/ projects/sleaford or call Banks Long & Co on 01522 544515.

Meet our BusinessNK Team at

Businesses in Greater Lincolnshire are being asked for their views on devolution – the process which would transfer powers and funding from Whitehall to Lincolnshire. Devolution Lincolnshire is the start of a conversation with businesses led by the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership. Leaders from the 10 local authorities in the area have asked the LEP to lead this business discussion ahead of submitting a deal to the Government at the end of this year. If you have a view on devolution for Lincolnshire or want to find out more, you can visit the website and complete the online survey at anytime up to June 25. Go to www.greaterlincolnshirelep. co.uk/priorities-and-plans/ devolution-lincolnshire

www.businessnk.co.uk

Our Economy

Case study

The road to improved travel In the last two years, the Sleaford area has seen two major road improvement projects - at the Sleaford rugby club junction and Holdingham roundabout. The changes made to the rugby club junction in October 2020 include new approach lanes and traffic signals at the A17/A153, and the junction now operates with a reduced speed limit and more defined space which has eased congestion and improved safety. Work completed on the Holdingham roundabout in December 2021, with new approach lanes and traffic signals installed at some of the roundabout’s approaches, resulting in less congestion and increased safety.

The two projects combined equate to £8.25 million, together briging improved accessibility and better journey times. But did you know that our Council’s BusinessNK Team working with delivery partners helped shape and make both of these projects a reality? The journey began in 2016 when the Council started work on the Sleaford Growth Project bid, and then applied for funding from the Government Single Local Growth Fund, via the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership. Those two elements from the bid were in principle agreed to be funded to a value of £2 million. The project gained momentum

with the GLLEP officially approving funding in 2019, and Lincolnshire County Council then came in as a core stakeholder and delivery partner. North Kesteven District Council contributed funding too. The total funding package was between the three organisations and included developer contributions. North Kesteven District Council continues to focus on travel investment and infrastructure as a key factor in unlocking more potential across our District. Currently the Council is embarking on a town centre refresh of its existing Sleaford Masterplan, with a focus on travel among other key priorities.

Follow the latest business news on social media Longer trains will be running on the Skegness line through Sleaford this summer. Every Saturday from July 23 to September 10, the five-carriage formation will be used on two trains in each direction between Derby and Skegness, in addition to the four Nottingham to Skegness trains reinstated in May. It’s a carbon-conscious way to travel along this route for Sleaford, Rauceby and Heckington, linking to Boston, Skegness and Grantham with connections to Lincoln, Newark and further afield. Look out too for a free Miles Activity Pack being given away to children travelling the EMR network to help create memorable moments together on journeys. It’s geared towards five to 12-year-olds with colouring pages, games and puzzles with crayons and a keepsake bag.

Businesses and shops within Sleaford are encouraged to dress their windows to show support for our Armed Forces. The traditional shop window competition returns for displays in place for the week of June 20. This year’s theme is the 40th anniversary of the Falklands Conflict. Traders are advised to register by June 10, with judging taking place on June 15 and winners invited to the Veterans’ Lunch on June 20. Businesses are also encouraged to let the Council know of any

If you’re looking for more business news, visit

@businessnk

discounts that they offer to serving Forces personnel or veterans, which will be collated and promoted in association with Armed Forces Day. This could be a general discount or a special deal for the week. Traders District-wide are encouraged to decorate their businesses too – but the competition is restricted to Sleaford – and also to highlight any special offers for serving or veteran Forces personnel. Drop a line to armedforces@nkesteven.gov.uk

www.businessnk.co.uk

The Council offers help to businesses through its business advisor Phil Means. The Bug Lady UK, created by Lois Oliver, is based in Metheringham and operates across Lincolnshire. It brings enlightening and educational animal experiences to all, including at children’s events and care homes, and has benefitted from Phil’s advice. Lois said: “In 2020 whilst teaching in a primary school I frequently brought different animals into lessons, providing an exciting way to start new topics and introduce pupils to an array of animals. “Throughout my time teaching I realised my passion for animals. This was something I have always loved, especially seeing the excitement on the children’s faces whenever I introduced them to animals they had never seen before. “Despite the specific title our portfolio includes a mixture of reptiles, amphibians and bugs, with a total of 30 animals at present. This figure is constantly evolving as we constantly take on new animals, the majority of which are rescues. “Not long after starting my business, I was advised to contact the Council’s business adviser, Phil Means. “Phil reviewed what I was doing and informed me about the support that was available, specifically the ARG StartUp Grant, which following a successful application I received grant funding in December 2021. “Phil also questioned certain choices and asked what the process behind my decisions were, which again was incredibly helpful to reflect on some of the key decisions and ensure I was taking the right approach for the business.” Read the full story at www.businessnk.co.uk See opposite for Phil’s contact details.

Page 19

Do you know someone who has helped your community? Nominate them today! Award Nomination Form

Please tick the most suitable Award Category

Community Spirit

Contribution to Sport

Community Business

Contribution to Health & Wellbeing

Contribution to a Better Environment

Longstanding Contribution to an Organisation or Group

Contribution to Community Safety

Young Achiever

Contribution to Arts & Culture

Good Neighbour Award

Contribution to Climate Action Name of nominee: Address of nominee: (their address and details below) Contact number: Email address: Referee: (you) Address of referee: (your address and details below) Contact number: Email address:

✁

Reason for nomination: (attach follow-on sheet if necessary)

Nominations close on Friday, 9th September 2022 at noon. Return completed forms to: NK Community Champions, Communications Team, NKDC, PO Box 3, Kesteven Street, Sleaford, NG34 7EF or email champions@n-kesteven.gov.uk If you can, it is preferable for your nomination to be made electronically at www.nkawards.org

News NK May 2022

Articles inside

12 What’s On

Big Lincs Welcome

19 Our Economy

17 Our Homes

7 Our Environment