NewsNK Summer 2011 by North Kesteven District Council

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Town regeneration boost Council approval of landmark schemes sows significant seeds for future growth

Built in 1907 by Bass and operational through to 1959, the Maltings are Grade II* listed as among the top 10% of listed buildings in the country. They are uniquely significant in terms of scale, technological innovation, exceptional build quality and their impact on the landscape. In their heyday they represented the life and vigour of the town and that is how they are foreseen for the future as a bustling hive of commercial, residential and business industry. local environmental improvements. Each scheme represents around £50m of investment and would generate around 500 jobs - as well as inspiring other retailers and developers to bring their business to Sleaford. The link road is a significant factor in the success of the Maltings project as it is to easing current congestion and traffic flow issues. As a landmark building, the Maltings is the flagship to the wider regeneration package proposed for Sleaford through the ‘Sleaford Forward’ initiative. The permission for redevelopment secures most of the 110-year-old building intact and restores, extends and enhances it to provide 204 appartments, restaurant, retail, office and healthcare space, parking and 24 new houses. NKDC has invested seven years in working out the perfect solution for the

Our Homes – page 13

Maltings complex which preserves its past and protects its future. Council Leader Cllr Marion Brighton OBE said the Maltings’ redevelopment was of ‘great strategic and economic significance’ for Sleaford, and that part of the town especially, and would ‘act as a catalyst for wider investment in the town as a whole’. “As well as creating around 500 jobs through the significant employment space being provided, it creates additional housing opportunities and improves the historic environment by restoring the buildings and bringing them back into economic use. “So much of our vision for Sleaford to once again fulfil its potential and function efficiently as a thriving market town rests on The Maltings. It is integral to the wider South East Regeneration which, when taken

together, represents the biggest and most economically significant commercial investments Sleaford has seen since the opening of the Navigation more than 200 years ago.” Extensive measures have been taken to preserve as much of the iconic building as possible, with Block One conserved completely intact, parts of the industrial architecture retained as heritage displays, original iron windows preserved with financial support from English Heritage, repair and retention where possible and only partial demolition of fire damaged blocks to house parking.

Our Communities – pages 6 & 7

 01529 414155 / 01522 699699  info@n-kesteven.gov.uk

Sleaford Forward Our town, our future

gher Mike Galla er) Lead (Deputy e, Hill Top, LN5 9RL Mill Hous n, Lincoln, Waddingto 05 01522 7227

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Your Council works for you. Find out who your Councillor is inside

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Massive strides have been taken in recent weeks on a number of key projects to secure private investment of around £100m and create 1,000 much-needed jobs in Sleaford. In close succession, the applications were approved for redevelopment of the Maltings, for a new Tesco store and for the South East Regeneration link road to help ease traffic flow through the town. Collectively these three initiatives dovetail into what has been described as ‘the most economically significant commercial investments Sleaford has seen since the opening of the navigation’ and they mark the beginnings of a broader vision for long-term regeneration. Each scheme contributes towards the success of another and is the result of lengthy and detailed negotiations between applicants, interested parties and statutory consultees to ensure delivery of maximum community benefit for the town and further opportunities for regeneration. As part of its approval, Tesco is obliged to pay for the £12m link road among other benefits totalling around £15m. And as part of the approval for the Maltings, applicants Gladedale must offer up crushed rubble towards the Link Road foundations valued at around £300,000 - which leaves Tesco more to spend on its commitments. Further community benefits secured through Section 106 agreements on Tesco and the Maltings amount to around £530,000 to improve and promote local transport options, infrastructure and awareness, £10,000 for public art, money for public open space and a number of

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Summer 2011

Sleaford

Castle

y Keith Dolb ld, 35 Meadowfie Sleaford, 7AZ Lincs, NG34 78 07796 3152

Jim Cook Street, 17 North , 0DR Osbournby Lincs, NG34 Sleaford, 69 01529 4553

Ross Little Road, ln 212 Linco ham, North Hyke 8NJ Lincoln, LN6 41 07825 6815

op John Bish Walk, 16 Sharp ham, North Hyke 9TP Lincoln, LN6 11 01522 5097

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um BEM Peter Hays s Grove, 5 All Saint Sleaford, 8AZ Lincs, NG34 95 01529 3043

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r David Suite Way, ens 20 Steph Sleaford, 7JN Lincs, NG34 50 01529 3069

Mark Allan Close, 11 Crampian Sleaford, 7WA Lincs, NG34 97 07557 6342

y Ian Dolb ge Rose Cotta Roa 64 North Lincs, NG34 01529 3068

Historical, architectural, civic and regeneration agencies line up to support the plans as the most viable long-term future for the Maltings snk 10 new

Summer

2011

Regeneration East Midlands “This redevelopment has the potential to make a considerable contribution to the regeneration in this area. This is a positive scheme, rescuing and reinvigorating these significant buildings without adversely affecting the character of this striking listed building.” Society for Lincolnshire History & Archaeology “This is an ambitious scheme to save the complex from stagnation and secure its future. The Society is anxious to see this development take place as it is the optimum solution for the buildings and a good one for Sleaford.” Sleaford & District Civic Trust “We are pleased to see this well considered and detailed application and, without dissent, welcome each aspect of the development.” Lincolnshire Historic Building Committee “The Sleaford Maltings is a magnificent complex; probably the finest range of large floor maltings left in the country. The glory of the Maltings is in their magnificent scale and open setting which should not be diminished.” Ancient Monuments Society “Given the scale and number of Maltings on this site, successful re-use was never going to be easy. The Maltings were industrial and stark in their appearance but have certain grace which is retained through this extensive and detailed application.”

Our Economy – pages 14 & 15

www.n-kesteven.gov.uk

newsnk The newspaper for all North Kesteven residents

Town regeneration boost Council approval of landmark schemes sows significant seeds for future growth Massive strides have been taken in recent weeks on a number of key projects to secure private investment of around £100m and create 1,000 much-needed jobs in Sleaford. In close succession, the applications were approved for redevelopment of the Maltings, for a new Tesco store and for the South East Regeneration link road to help ease traffic flow through the town. Collectively these three initiatives dovetail into what has been described as ‘the most economically significant commercial investments Sleaford has seen since the opening of the navigation’ and they mark the beginnings of a broader vision for long-term regeneration. Each scheme contributes towards the success of another and is the result of lengthy and detailed negotiations between applicants, interested parties and statutory consultees to ensure delivery of maximum community benefit for the town and further opportunities for regeneration. As part of its approval, Tesco is obliged to pay for the £12m link road among other benefits totalling around £15m. And as part of the approval for the Maltings, applicants Gladedale must offer up crushed rubble towards the Link Road foundations valued at around £300,000 - which leaves Tesco more to spend on its commitments. Further community benefits secured through Section 106 agreements on Tesco and the Maltings amount to around £530,000 to improve and promote local transport options, infrastructure and awareness, £10,000 for public art, money for public open space and a number of

Our Homes – page 13

Our Communities – pages 6 & 7

 01529 414155 / 01522 699699  info@n-kesteven.gov.uk

Sleaford Forward Our town, our future

Ian Carrington OBE Inverinain, Brighton Canwick, Mrs Marion Hall Drive, 2RG Council) Road, LN4 (Leader of Farm, BardneyLN4 1AQ Lincoln,521629 New Lodge Lincoln 01522 Washingborough, Moor Hykeham 01522 790438

North Hykeham

John Bishop Walk, 16 Sharp North Hykeham, 9TP Lincoln, LN6 01522 509711

Leasingham

David Dickinson House, The Manor Sleaford Evedon, 9PA Lincs, NG34 01529 307433

and Rauceby

Holdingham

BEM Peter Haysum Grove, 5 All Saints Sleaford, 8AZ Lincs, NG34 01529 304395

Summer

Ross Little Road, 212 Lincoln North Hykeham, 8NJ Lincoln, LN6 07825 681541

Sleaford

Navigation

David Suiter Way, 20 Stephens Sleaford, 7JN Lincs, NG34 01529 306950

John Money House, Grangeley 3AZ Lincoln Road, Lincoln, LN4 Blankney, 01526 320323

democratic feel they can and accountable as possible. attend and, in most that residents As an open District Council making processto the public to Kesteven are open giving prior notice. in the decision but meetings by confidentially, and informed almost all the beginning to be dealt with For this reasonask questions at has business can public discussion. in a number cases, they circumstances some of open and working together In certain principle members there is a group by otherwise are taken by elected the controlling Decisions chosen from most key decisions. making six councillors, of ways. direction, a Full Council Board of capacity Executive to steer policy and sitting as > As the in Leader in a quasi-judicial of 43 Councillors the Council hearing sittingnon-Executive Members in certain Full membership or licensing the > As the committee which involves policies and progress > As a planningand scrutiny panel decisions, > An overview assessing and reviewing

Rural

North Hykeham

Skellingthorpe

HEATH AND BRACEBRIDGEEAST WADDINGTON

SKELLINGTHORPE

AND HEIGHINGTON WASHINGBOROUGH

Skellingthorpe EAGLE,

BRANSTON

SWINDERBY AND ST HUGHS

WITHAM

AND MERE

METHERINGHAM

AND

Jim Cook Street, 17 North 0DR Osbournby, Lincs, NG34 Sleaford, 01529 455369

Quarrington Sleaford and Mareham

Terry Boston Close, 36 Poplar 9TL Ruskington, Lincs, NG34 Sleaford, 07557 634299

Quarrington Sleaford and Mareham

Mark Allan Close, 11 Crampian Sleaford, 7WA Lincs, NG34 07557 634297

Ian Dolby Rose Cottage, Sleaford, Road, 64 North 7AW Lincs, NG34 01529 306812

Wright Richard Board Member) (Executive Ruskington, 8 Moor Park, NG34 9AJ Lincs, Sleaford, 01526 834994

Quarrington Sleaford and Mareham

Flint Mrs Shirley Close, 23 Goldfinch Skellingthorpe,5SF Lincoln, LN6 01522 688821

Sleaford

Westholme

Chris Goldson Avenue, 70 Swallow Skellingthorpe,5XR Lincoln, LN6 01522 689302

Waddington

West

Mill

Clarke Miss Andrea Gardens, 50 Heather North Hykeham, 8RQ Lincoln, LN6 07557 634302 WEST

NORTH HYKEHAMWADDINGTON

Ruskington

scrutinising, appropriate. are panels as areas these meetings groups and Up to date guide to when > Other committees, as a useful added and cancelled. on the is intended can be are available meetings as meetings and reports This list of es is not definitive agendas, minutes held, but and meetings 12 details of at www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/committe Year 2011/ & Resources Overview Council website 13, in the Civic Panel - June 11 Meetings 21, September 29, Performance 7, January and Scrutiny - July 1, November13 and June 11 Full Council December 15, February August 1, February (budget), November and May 10 26 for 3pm in 23, April and Information at 5pm, except in the Council Development Scrutiny Panel These start 14, and are held and Overview December, Sleaford. 15, December at meetings - July 27, October Chamber first two of these 29 the February Either of only if required. 25 Panels and April will be called and Scrutiny 9, July 7, The Overviewat 5pm at the Council Board - June October 6, usually meet 13, Executive Sleaford September 6, January Offices in July 28, 3, December 12, Joint Strategic November 9, March 8, April 6, Central Lincolnshire - June 26, February 5, June 14 Committee Planning May 3 and 2pm in the Council 3, December at October 2 July 25, These start the Sleaford Offices. 6, and April at February Chamber dealing with and committee - meets as This is a matters across Committee members, but it planning West strategic Planning with all at of North Kesteven, the areas Lincoln City. It meets the when required two smaller committees into either across Lindsey and is broken sitting on locations member 10am in various with every or Lafford Planning three areas. the Eastgate 27, Committee. Panel - June July 14, Tenant Liaison - June 14, 12, November April 23 Planning 18, September February 6 and Eastgate 6, October 23, January up of tenant 26, September January 10, February 29, body made across the This is a 15 November from 3 and May representativesare a Council tenant 21, April you your August District. If - July 5, in representing with the 8, and interested direct discussion Lafford Planning27, November in officer. MARTIN neighbours 16, September January 31, March your housing BILLINGHAY, KYME 13, AND NORTH Council, contact December and June 12 to 24 6, basis as 13, April geographic Panel - July what Licensing February 1 There is no deals with are 26, committee October which RUSKINGTON or how members up for 18 LA THORPE KIRKBY KYME and April applications residents can sign AND SOUTH but agenda. allocated - June 14, of a committee’s Chamber SLEAFORD 21, Council Audit Committee notification 19, November 5pm in the RURAL HECKINGTON September and April 16 All start at offices. 30 January at the Sleaford - July 20, & Community - June Committee OSBOURNBY Standards January 18 Environment Scrutiny Panel and 12, 30, October Overview 7, November 11 and April 8, September May 30 and March 21

Stewart Ogden Member) Board Howell, (Executive Farmhouse, 9PJ Howell Fen Lincs, NG34 Sleaford, 01529 460094

Memorial

Lee Wallace Close, 14 Thirlmere North Hykeham, 8ES Lincoln, LN6 01522 686592

Barrett Mrs Kay Park Close, 2 Windsor North Hykeham, 9XZ Lincoln, LN6 01522 686286

Ruskington

BASSINGHAM BRANT BROUGHTON

CLIFF VILLAGES

LA LAUNDE ASHBY DE AND CRANWELL

LEASINGHAM AND RAUCEBY

Summer

Geoff Hazelwood Member) Board (Executive Road, 57 Grantham NG34 7NG Lincs, Sleaford, 01529 304931

Brian WatsonCrescent, 6 Sandhurst Sleaford, 7PE Lincs, NG34 01529 307583

2011

Our Economy – pages 14 & 15

www.n-kesteven.gov.uk

The newspaper is edited by the Communications Team at North Kesteven District Council. Each issue costs approximately 8p to produce. Editorial Phone: 01529 308116 Email: communications@n-kesteven.gov.uk Address: North Kesteven District Council District Council Offices, Kesteven Street, Sleaford, Lincolnshire NG34 7EF Council Enquiries Phone: 01529 414155 or 01522 699699 if calling from a Lincoln number Minicom: 01529 308088 Emergency: 01529 308308 or 01522 699650 Website: www.n-kesteven.gov.uk Email: customer_services@n-kesteven.gov.uk Lincolnshire County Council: 01522 552222 INFO-LINKS North Hykeham North Kesteven Centre, Moor Lane, North Hykeham, Lincoln LN6 9AX INFO-LINKS Metheringham 15a High Street, Metheringham, Lincoln, LN4 3DZ Billinghay Cottage & Parish Office The Old Vicarage Cottage, Church Street, Billinghay, Lincoln, LN4 4HN Branston Connect Branston Community Library, Station Road, Branston, LN4 1LH Heckington Parish Office Eastgate, Heckington, NG34 9RB Navenby Village Office 19 High Street, Navenby, Lincoln, LN5 0EN Osbournby Village Hall London Road, Osbournby, Sleaford, NG34 0DG Skellingthorpe Village Office Lincoln Road, Skellingthorpe Community Centre, Lincoln, LN6 5UT The Witham Office 16 Torgate Lane, Bassingham, Lincoln, LN5 9HF Waddington Parish Council High Street, Waddington, Lincoln, LN5 9RF Washingborough Civic Office Fen Road, Washingborough, Lincoln, LN4 1AB

This document is available in large print, Braille, audio, electronic formats such as CD, or in a different language.

2 newsnk Summer 2011

North Hykeham

Osbournby

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Heckington

Rural

Key Andrew Grange, Wadeley Road, Heckington, 9RS 52 Kyme Lincs, NG34 Sleaford, 01529 461161

Forum

Metheringham

Rob Kendrick close, 12 Barley Waring Mrs Susan Board Member) Moor Metheringham, 3XB (Executive Lincoln, LN4 Cottage, Leasingham 8JW Pear Tree 01526 323364 Lincs, NG34 Sleaford, 01529 414632

Historical, architectural, civic and regeneration agencies line up to support the plans as the most viable long-term future for the Maltings 10 newsnk

North Hykeham

Metheringham

Summer 2011

Sleaford

Castle

Keith Dolby 35 Meadowfield, Sleaford, 7AZ Lincs, NG34 07796 315278

Witham

Heckington

Wells MBE Mrs Barbara Scarle, Mayfield Lane, North 29 Chapel 9EX LN6 Lincoln, 01522 778249

Appleby Mrs Sally Lincoln Lane, 27 Aventine, the Hill, Thorpe on 9BH Lincoln, LN6 01522 681159

Overton Mrs MarianneWelbourn, Hilltop Farm, Lincoln, LN5 OQH 01400 273323

North

Mill

Clark Ms Helen Close, 12 Mercury North Hykeham, 9FH Lincoln, LN6 07557 634301

Sleaford

Ron Oxby Road, 11 Washingborough Heighington, 1QW Lincoln, LN4 01522 826706

North Hykeham

Conway Mrs Laura 37 High Street, Navenby, OEE Lincoln, LN5 07557 634303

Thorpe Kirkby La Kyme and South

and Heighington Washingborough

of of meetings Council Calendar District to North important body, it is be as closely involved North Kesteven

Peter Burley Road, 49 Grantham Heath, Bracebridge 2LE Lincoln, LN4 01522 827365

Mike Powell Street, 13 Bridge Billinghay, 4HW Lincoln, LN4 01526 860527

Eagle, Swinderby St Hughs and Witham

Cliff Villages

Frost Miss Joyce 3 High Street, Heighington, 1RG Lincoln, LN4 01522 794242

Ray Cucksey (Vice Chairman) Branston, Road, 88 Lincoln 1NX Lincoln, LN4 01522 794644

Mike Gallagher Leader) (Deputy Hill Top, Mill House, Lincoln, LN5 9RL Waddington, 01522 722705

Cawrey Miss Lindsey Park Lane, 1 The Oakleigh, Heath, Braceridge 2TH Lincoln, LN4 01522 569696

Ogden Howell, Mrs Gill Farmhouse, Howell Fen Sleaford, 9PJ Lincs, NG34 01529 460094

MBE Mrs Pat WoodmanChurch Road, The Old Vicarage, Lincoln, Aubourn, LN5 9FB 01522 788236

Howe Mrs Sue Oak, 12 Badgers Bassingham, 9JP Lincoln, LN5 01522 788496

Whittle DFM Geoffrey Road, 142 WestcliffeSleaford, Ruskington, 9AY Lincs, NG34 01526 833433

Heath and Bracebridge East Waddington

Martin Billinghay, Kyme and North

and Bassingham Brant Broughton

la Launde Ashby de and Cranwell

la Launde Ashby de your Councilllor 27 and Cranwell Conservative May 5 election the went at the 4 service to councillors came and after long and loyal keenly fought Independent Sleaford Councillors retire came seats through chose to change also lost their as some 4 and others box. In two cases, with Conservative Council join chose to Independent at the ballot contests Councillors of all 43 continuing 3 Chamber. associations about as in the Council names and party four years. As your MBE NK Independent the colleagues concerns for the next bring you Ian Cartwright Here we serve you take up your 3 to elected to all are available to (Chairman) 67 Sleaford Road, been chosen Councillors they have shown here, Orwell House,Lincs, NG34 9BL Liberal Democrat a elected representatives the communities at the addresses one also has behalf of 2 Ruskington, and act on can all be contacted and each Independent 01526 834292 Sleaford Skellingthorpe serve. They Council Officers in at: through the Council’s website Branston illors the own page. section on to find their Branston www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/counc Heath and to Your Councillor Follow links Bracebridge East Waddington Heath and Bracebridge East Waddington

Contact

Your Council works for you. Find out who your Councillor is inside

Lance Pennell School Lane, Chiltern Lodge, Canwick, 2RP Lincoln, LN4 01522 541888

2011 newsnk

inside Making the switch Advice on what to do to change your TV over to digital 5

More of the same Council Leader Marion Brighton OBE pledges to continue with an efficient and effective Council 12

Giraffe and chips Young and old sit down to share lunch and laughter 6 Keep Safe in Sleaford Network of businesses teams up to ensure vulnerable shoppers have a helping hand in the town 8

Day in the Life Melanie Kidd sows seeds for The Hub’s summer show 15 Champion the champions Nominations open for NK Community Awards 17

Soldiers and Hospice supported as new Chairman’s charities With 38 years of Army service and two sons currently in senior regimental roles, the new Chairman of North Kesteven District Council will be seeking to support soldiers through his charity endeavour During the coming year, new Council Chairman Ian Cartwright MBE will be seeking to raise the funds and profile of his two adopted charities at every opportunity. He has also pledged to do his best to represent and raise the profile of the Council at all times and in all places. Cllr Cartwright (pictured) has chosen to support ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, formerly known as the Army Benevolent Fund which provides financial and practical support to soldiers, former soldiers and their families in times of need, and also the St Barnabas Sleaford Hospice in Grantham Road. He said they were both very worthwhile causes. Cllr Cartwright is from a long line of family which has served in the military for several generations. As the father of two serving sons who both saw action in Iraq - and his second in Afghanistan last year - he is well aware of the hardships and sacrifices made by today’s

Councillors demand re-think on bus cuts North Kesteven District Council is urging the county council and rural bus service providers to rethink timetable changes. Service operators say they have been forced to cut routes as a consequence of reduced funding for local government. In a motion unanimously supported by the last administration, NKDC members stated that they deplore the cut in local bus services. They argued that in a rural district, many depend on public transport for work, shopping, hospital visits and socialising. Young people need buses from villages to study, work and socialise, and the elderly are badly affected. The new Council has redoubled its resolve to tackle the issue, calling for a meeting with bus operator Stagecoach and the county council to discuss discrepancies. Imbalances in local service provision include South Kyme now having no service whilst some communities closer to Lincoln have frequent, but virtually empty buses . Operators say they’ve had to stop or reduce less profitable early evening and weekend services because cash support for bus services has been cut by £1m to £4m. Community transport options available across the District include the on-demand CallConnect service on 0845 234 3344.

serving military personnel and their families, and the support they enjoy from charities such as the ABF. Cllr Cartwright was re-elected in May for a third term representing Ashby de la Launde and Cranwell. He lives in Ruskington and was also a county councillor for the area for eight

years, which ended with a year as chairman in 2008/09. “I am delighted and honoured to be chosen to represent North Kesteven District Council and shall aim to carry out my duties to the highest standards, with integrity, impartiality and enthusiasm,” he said. “I especially look forward to presenting all that’s good about the Council to the people of the District and beyond, and learning more about the area, its residents, businesses and communities.” With his interest in the arts and membership of the Arts Council for the East Midlands, Cllr Cartwright also looks forward to celebrating the cultural life of North Kesteven. He will be supported in his year by his wife of 51 years, Elizabeth who is a parish councillor and is also heavily involved in the Ruskington community where she was born, and by the new Vice-Chairman of the Council, Cllr Ray Cucksey.

Heartfelt support for two care charities

Cheques were presented by Cllr Howe to Dyllys Firth from Candles, left, and Joy Tootell from Diabetes UK Charities adopted by last year’s Council Chairman were thanked by her for the difference they made to her personally. In addition to being able to present each one with a cheque for £1,852.34, Cllr Sue Howe marked the end of her civic year by individually thanking Diabetes UK and Candles for the care and support they offer those in need. Diabetes UK researches causes and cures for diabetes, and Candles is a charity set up by two inspiring Skellingthorpe cancer survivors to support the pioneering work of Professor Oleg and Dr Jenny Eremin into immunotherapy at Lincoln Hospital. Earlier this year Cllr Howe was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer. “I never expected to become so aware of it in my year as Chairman but through my own experiences I can appreciate the caring support of everyone

involved in both the medical and aftercare sides. “It’s all down to the swift response of everyone involved, from the first scan through to being an outpatient that I am able to speak so positively about my experience.” She also told how by supporting her mother through her diabetes over the past 46 years she had an in-depth understanding of the value in a new research project which demonstrated the potential of an artificial pancreas in preventing night-time hypoglycaemia in adults with Type 1 Diabetes. Cllr Howe also expressed her gratitude to everyone involved for their generosity in building up a charity fund of £3,700, either by attending an event or through a donation and for the help and hard work of many people behind the scenes in putting the various arrangements into place.

News Focus

Millennium Green will prosper under NKDC management After being nurtured over the past decade by a group of local volunteers, the North Hykeham Millennium Green has passed into NKDC’s care The Council’s involvement with the popular North Hykeham Millennium Green stretches back to its foundation in 2000, when it assisted with technical support. It will now administer the Green - the largest of its kind in the country - and assign a ranger to manage it through the countryside service partnership with Hill Holt Wood, WatchNK. A conservation volunteer group will be established along the lines of the success at Lollycocks Field and the Nettles in Sleaford. Up to now the North Hykeham Millennium Green has been managed by The Hykeham Millennium Trust. It is an area of around 41.28 acres located off Station Road, North Hykeham. The predominant feature is a large lake surrounded by a mile long gravel path, providing a range of wildlife habitats particularly for birds which nest on an island in the lake. The Hykeham Millennium Trust trustees have worked extremely hard over the years in maintaining this attractive area, but following the death

team of dedicated people who have made a significant contribution to their community by establishing the largest and arguably the most successful Millennium Green project in the country. “The site is in excellent condition following substantial financial investment and man hours. “Although reduced to three, and despite their advancing years, it’s clear how passionate the Millennium Trust is about the future of the site. “We give our commitment to carry on with the good work and the inspiring example they have set, to ensure the The Hykeham Millennium Trust’s trustees Geoff Ward, Ron Blow and Millennium Green continues to bring Valerie Nielson handing over the land and its management to the Council, pleasure to the local residents.” represented by Jinny Figgitt, Theresa Hobbs and Steve Donagain, Head Chairman of the Hykeham Ranger at Hill Holt Wood which carries out the countryside management Millennium Trust Geoff Ward said: service WatchNK “The Trustees are pleased the Green is now with the District Council. of secretary and founder member that its development can continue Maureen Nailer, the three remaining and links to other open spaces like It was an emotional day for the trustees handing over to NKDC, Trustees Geoff Ward, Ron Blow and Whisby, Hartsholme and Swanholme but they are all happy with the Valerie Nielson have handed it over can be strengthened as part of the arrangements now in place securing to ensure the Green remains a public Witham Valley Country Park. the future of the Millennium Green open space. NKDC Client Services Manager and its continued enjoyment as part of This is why the green has been Mike Lock said: “The Millennium the Witham Valley Country Park.” transferred to the District Council so Green has been developed by a

Council urges caution over limos Parents looking to book a limo or other transport for school proms are advised to ensure the vehicles, drivers and operators are properly licensed. Aware of a sudden rush of excitement as schools plan end of year celebrations, local authority licensing teams throughout Lincolnshire are jointly warning parents booking transport to be careful. Private hire vehicles, limousines and Hummers, their drivers and booking agents are all legally required to have a licence issued by the District Council. Cllr Richard Wright, Executive Board member with responsibility for Licensing, said it was important, when booking transport, to check that the operator has a licence number which

Partnership’s forward plan laid out Following months of consultation with residents, the new Community Plan for North Kesteven has been written. Our Community: Our Plan sets out how PartnershipNK – a group made up of representatives from councils, police, NHS, private businesses, and community and voluntary groups - will put in place actions to overcome the challenges facing our District over the next few years. The plan is supported by three

Partnership Action Plans, one for each of the priorities - Our Economy, Our Homes and Our Communities - which will be written annually and will detail what the partnership will do over the year. To view the Community Plan, go to www.n-kesteven.gov.uk and select the link to Our Community: Our Plan from the home page. To view the Partnership Action Plans, look at www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/lsp

In these difficult financial times residents may value a reduction of up to a quarter which could be taken off their Council Tax Bill. Second Adult Rebate can be claimed in circumstances where there is someone else living at the home - other than the person who is liable to pay - whose income is below £231 a week. In essence, the primary resident could be a millionaire but if other adults living there, such as a son, daughter or other relative, are unemployed or on a low income of up to £231 a week in total, they could still get up to a quarter off their Council Tax bill. Eligibility criteria apply and if you suspect you may qualify, the best advice is to contact the Council’s Council Tax Benefits section on 01529 414155 or 01522 699699. More information at www.direct.gov.uk. For a full picture of the Council Tax Charges at Band D see page 16. Bands A, B and C are charged at 6/9ths, 7/9ths and 8/9ths of the Band D rates respectively.

Witham gets fit for life!

can be cross-checked with the Council’s Licensing Team. On the night, the driver should be able to show their licence, licence plate and driver’s badge. “NKDC has successfully prosecuted a business providing unlicensed Limousines and drivers. The Limousine was found to be in such a dangerous condition that it was seized by Lincolnshire Police and the driver was found to have a criminal record, which would have made him unsuitable to hold a Private Hire Licence.” For wedding and funeral hire such restrictions do not apply. North Kesteven District Council’s Licensing Team can be contacted on 01529 414155 or 01522 699699.

Council Tax rebate schme

A collective three stones in weight has been lost by Witham St Hughs residents who have taken part in a exercise programme promoted by North Kesteven’s Health Trainers. The eight participants were so exercised by the experience that they have now set up a weekly netball group, again with support from the Council. Over the course of the free 12-week Fit for Life programme, participants had their height, weight, Body Mass Index and fat and muscle levels recorded; they kept weekly food and activity diaries and attended discussions or physical activity sessions. Topics covered included, food and nutrition, salt and saturated fat reductions, healthy cooking

demonstrations, five-a-day workshops, aerobics, circuit training, health walks, food labelling, smoothie making, keep-fit class and a tai-chi taster. Throughout, the Health Trainers were on hand to make suggestions on adopting a healthier lifestyle. This was the third Fit for Life programme, funded by the county council for parents of children aged five and under. Together the eight people who saw it through to the end lost 44 pounds and 1.18m of body measurements. The scheme has already proved a great success in Sleaford and Billinghay and another one will follow in September for the Chapel Hill area. Health Trainer Debbie Chessum

said: “We’ve had really great feedback from people taking part. Not only did these residents get fit and lose weight; it helped get them out and about each week, which is not always easy to do when you have young children. “As a result of this particular scheme, the participants have started up a Monday night netball club.” Health Trainers are funded by Primary Care Trusts to help reduce health inequalities in certain areas by supporting individuals and groups in areas of most need to encourage positive lifestyle changes. To find out more about the next session call the Health Trainers at NKDC on 01529 414155 or direct on 07733 368676 or 07798 925860.

Summer 2011 newsnk 3

News Focus

Mosaic celebrates Lincolnshire Co-op’s 100 years in village A community group supported by NKDC has ‘nibbled’ away to detail a century of association with the Co-op A further mammoth mosaic has been pieced together by the Branston History Group to detail a significant chunk of village history. Building on their success with the perennially popular pavement mosaic depicting the village’s history in front of the local church hall, the group has now unveiled another public art contribution – this time telling the story of the Lincolnshire Co-operative Society’s history in Branston. It is on permanent display on the Co-op’s Station Road foodstore. The legend that accompanies the images pays tribute to the Society’s founder Thomas Parker and explains that the Co-op’s connection with Branston started in 1910 with the

acquisition of Ashfield House Farm. The farm bred and reared red shorthorn cattle, long-wool sheep and white curly-coated pigs and cultivated barley and wheat. Ten years later the first Co-op shop was opened on the High Street and the Society built houses on Lincoln Road in the 1930s and bungalows on Station Road in the 1950s. As with the village mosaic, the master design for the foodstore mosaic was drawn by the artist Alan Potter, a specialist in the field of mosaics. This was then filled in with painstakingly trimmed tile pieces by nibblers and fixers – all fixed face down onto a heavy-duty paper sheet to enable the reverse side to be

Members of the Branston History Group in front of the mosaic, with the ‘Thank you’ message from Lincolnshire Co-operative that was unveiled by the Group’s Secretary Barbara Hunt, alongside it mounted on the wall when complete. The History Group is greatly assisted by ArtsNK and this commission was sponsored by Lincolnshire Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund. Lincolnshire Co-operative’s Chief Executive Ursula Lidbetter said: “The creation of the mosaic could

not be better timed, coinciding not only with our 100 years in Branston but also our 150th year as the local co-operative society. What better way to mark these anniversaries than with such a brilliant reminder of our past in the setting of today’s 21st century foodstore.”

Trees are valued landscape features

be aware how you can best keep cool

Trees are an essential component in our environment, providing shelter for wildlife, a backdrop, frame or disguise to buildings and a green lung to improve air quality. Some trees are a significant feature in the landscape too and it is for these and other reasons that so many trees are so well loved, and in many cases protected. There are 738 Tree Preservation Orders in North Kesteven, covering individual trees, groups of trees and woodlands. The Council also has 36 Conservation Areas where almost all

heatwave

In the event of a

Heatwave Drink water and fruit juice often, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol, tea and coffee. Take cool showers and baths or sponge down. Eat more cold food, salads and fruit. Use the cooler rooms of the house. Keep a thermometer in your living room/ bedroom, to monitor changes in temperature. Contact your doctor, pharmacist or NHS direct, if you are worried about your health during a heatwave. Watch for cramps in your arms, legs or stomach, mild confusion, weakness or problems sleeping. If you have these symptoms, rest for several hours, keep cool and drink water and fruit juice. Seek medical advice if the symptoms get worse or don’t go away. Heat stroke can kill. It can develop rapidly, leading to unconsciousness. If you suspect someone has heat

trees are protected by legislation. These trees are protected because of their high amenity value, enhancing their surroundings and making North Kesteven a more appealing place to live, work and visit. It is against the law to carry out works to these trees without first making an application to the Council. Those responsible for unlawful works risk being prosecuted and fined up to £20,000 per tree. We therefore urge residents to contact the Council if they intend to carry out works to trees that they think may be protected.

Applications for works to protected trees are free of charge, and forms can be easily downloaded from the Council’s website. The Council is also keen to warn residents of door step callers offering to carry out works to trees. Some door step callers are unlicensed and undertake poor quality or illegal work. Residents with queries about tree protection can contact the Council’s Tree Officers on 01529 414155. There is also useful information on the Council’s website www.n-kesteven.gov.uk

stroke, get emergency help.

Trees are an essential part of North Kesteven’s attractive environment as is their careful maintenance

newsnk is available in many other formats throughout the year > Online to read or listen to as an MP3: www.n-kesteven.gov.uk follow links to the News section > Via the Listening Newspaper services offered for Sleaford & District and Lincoln & District If you’d like to get newsnk via the Listening Newspaper service - and get the rest of the local news roundup they give weekly - you can subscribe for free by calling Barbara Roberts on 01529 488488 for Sleaford’s or Richard Treasure on 01522 820728 for Lincoln’s. You can also follow the Council’s latest news, advice and essential information which help you to make the most of your District, on the Council’s website, at Twitter and on Facebook, as well as in the local media.

4 newsnk Summer 2011

Green energy generates cash Discover how you can not only save money by going green but get paid for it too. SustainNK will be on the NKDC stand at the Waddington Airshow (July 2 – 3) and at Heckington Show (July 30 – 31) running fun activities showing how residents, communities and business can access millions of pounds available to support anyone wanting to cut their bills by installing cleaner, greener sources of their very own energy. The SustainNK Team is also now offering tailored support and advice for businesses in the District, with a free site visit to discuss options for going green. Further details on 01529 414155 or sustain@n-kesteven.gov.uk

On track for better station Improvements at Metheringham station will make it easier to let a train take the strain. This year the edge-of-village station will benefit from a new bus interchange and an extended car park. The work has been financed through a partnership of Lincolnshire County Council, East Midlands Trains and Network Rail in a bid to entice people to take the greener transport. Local history boards will be installed, giving people an idea of the significant role played by the station in the development of the surrounding communities over the years.

Concessionary fares

changeover All applications for new or renewed bus passes under the concessionary fares scheme should now be made to the County Council.

The County Council has just one face-to-face location to renew passes - City Hall in Lincoln. Postal applications must be made in all other circumstances. Existing passes still displaying the NKDC logo remain valid until their expiry date. Changes are detailed at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/ concessionaryfares or in a leaflet available from local council offices and libraries. Call 01522 873700 for any further information.

News Focus

Gearing up to Recycle Now

Voting’s on the cards for 18-year-olds

North Kesteven residents remain committed to their recycling By putting a few little things into a different bin at home and taking items to Household Waste Recycling Centres at Sleaford, Leadenham and Whisby you recycled 17,748 tonnes of waste in the 12 months to April. Of this, 12,848 tonnes was put into the green-lidded and brown wheeled bins for kerbside recycling and 4,900 tonnes were transported to the recycling centres within the District. With the figures still to be evaluated, this gives a provisional recycling rate of 53.1% for 2010/11 which is consistent with the previous year. All of ths waste was saved from landfill and resulted in a £600,000 less having to be paid in landfill tax. By enabling all these materials to be used again less energy, fossil fuels and natural resources will be needed to make the same items again and so, in turn you’ve reduced environmental damage like air and water pollution

and lessened the likelihood of deforestation. Cllr Geoff Hazelwood, Executive Board member with responsibility for waste services said this was excellent progress. “It’s a real credit to our residents that they take advantage of the comprehensive waste and recycling services we offer, but we can all always do a little bit more, so why not try to make an even greater difference during Recycle Now Week, June 20 - 26. If you fancy getting really stuck in here are some ideas for work, school, your local community and at home. > Set up a group of environmental champions at work or school, put up posters and make sure everyone knows what to recycle and how > If your school isn’t recycling tell them to call us and we’ll collect your rubbish and recycling for free > Start a swap shop or create

somewhere for people to sell unwanted items within your school, workplace or local community > Clean up your local area with a big tidy up and recycle what you collect > Recycle outside - get a compost bin and turn raw fruit and veg, garden waste, paper and cardboard into compost for your plants (see below) If you plan to give any of the above a go or you’ve got an idea of your own and, get in touch as maybe we can help. Email the SustainNK team sustainnk@n-kesteven.gov.uk or call 01529 414155 For any queries about your waste and recycling collections email waste@n-kesteven.gov.uk or call the hotline 0800 174499. Information on our kerbside and larger items collections and locations for Household Waste Recycling Centres and recycling banks can be found on our website www.n-kesteven.gov.uk

Pest control remains value for money Charges for pest control treatments within North Kesteven have been set at a universal rate. Whether residents are seeking a response to wasps, rats, mice or certain insects, the contractor will now charge a discounted price of £41. The Council has negotiated the discounted rate with Pest Express Ltd, the company which offered the lowest cost to local residents and is already familiar with the District having offered a quality service to residents over a number of years. As a service which the Council is not required to offer by law, NKDC has reluctantly withdrawn its subsidy for pest control. The new arrangements mean that only those people requiring the service pay for it, instead of the cost being spread across all Council Taxpayers. Through the Council’s efforts in securing the best possible rate, residents are still able to use Pest Express’s services without paying the full market cost. Full details of the new charges can be found at www.n-kesteven.gov.uk Pest Express can be contacted on 0800 542 6727 or admin@pestexpress.com Please remember to tell them you are a resident of North Kesteven to qualify for your discount.

garages regularly for signs of With some simple steps, the chance of rats and mice setting activity too – holes and well worn up home in your property can runs are a giveaway. Potential food and water be reduced. sources should be removed or There are three main factors covered where appropriate. This that increase the likelihood of is particularly important if you vermin - availability of food, regularly feed the birds or keep water and somewhere to live. By removing or limiting as far as poultry. If you do feed the birds you should: practicable, one or all three of these factors, you can reduce the > Avoid leaving food out after likelihood of rats and mice on your dark, sweep up properly and dispose of any left on the property. ground daily. Birds don’t feed For example, rodents need somewhere to shelter and breed. in the hours of darkness, but rats and mice are at their most Cutting back any overgrown active. vegetation and removing any unwanted materials - such as old > Use bird feeders/tables at height rather than low level carpets, mattresses, other soft feeders. furnishings or bags of rubbish > Regulate the food supply to - will discourage vermin from minimise wastage and over-spill establishing themselves. Remember, the Council will from the feeders. collect bulky items from homes > If you keep animals or birds at a discounted rate. Call on outside, you should ensure that 01529 414155 and ask for a civic their pen is vermin-proof, and collection. that their food is kept in suitable It’s good to check compost storage containers to prevent the rats feeding. areas and under sheds and

Subsidised compost bin & water butt availability continues District gardeners can continue to buy compost bins and water butts at reduced price to help their gardens grow. Through a deal between Straight Plc and Lincolnshire County Council, compost bins and water butts continue to be available at subsidised prices. For just £15 or £18 you can buy compost bins with a 220 or 330 litre capacity and water butt kits to hold 100 or 190 litres can be bought for a reduced price of just £28.95 and £38.95. For every one bought you can get another half price. To order either, call 0844 571 4444 and Quote LCC03PR. Or order online at www.lincscc.getcomposting.com

Cejay Brown with her card which will reach 450 new voters this year A greetings card is being sent to every 18-year-old in North Kesteven to introduce them to a key benefit of their 18th birthday. In order to encourage eligible teenagers to get involved and engage in the democratic process as soon as they turn 18, the birthday card welcomes them to vote at all forthcoming elections. Launched in the run up to the May 5 elections, by the end of this calendar year it will have reached 450 aspiring voters on North Kesteven’s electoral register as and when they ‘come of age’. The card was the winning design from a competition launched among schools in the District as part of NKDC’s work in promoting local democracy. Having been designed by teenagers, for teenagers, the aim was for the card to have maximum impact in getting the message across about the importance of voting.

A judging panel chose Cejay Brown’s design because it was seen to have a particularly strong concept based on a jigsaw puzzle, ensuring teenagers vote so that they are not the missing piece of the democratic picture. Cliff Robinson, NKDC’s Elections Manager, said there was strong evidence to suggest the receipt of these special cards at 18 really made a difference to vote participation . “We hope that the enthusiasm shown by young people towards the competition translates into enthusiasm for voting as and when they become eligible.” Although Cejay herself won’t be getting a card for another six years, the 12-year-old pupil at St George’s Academy in Sleaford, was really pleased with the finished article after working with an NKDC Graphic Designer to develop her ideas. Her card was the winning choice from more than 120 entries.

Are you ready for the switch? The parts of North Kesteven receiving Yorkshire region TV coverage will have their analogue signal switched off and replaced with a stronger digital TV signal this summer. In these parts BBC2 will change over on August 3, with the remaining channels switched on August 17. In advance, you may need to convert your TVs to digital. Other parts of the District receiving Central region coverage were switched in April. Most aerials should work after digital switchover, but a few may require upgrade or new cable connections. If you receive a good analogue signal now, it is likely that you will continue to, as long as you have converted your equipment. Help is available from the Switchover Help Scheme. For £40 people aged over 75, eligible for certain benefits, registered blind or partially sighted or living in a care home will be offered practical help to switch over one set. This is free for those on income elated benefits. Details on 0800 4085 900 Installers belonging to the Registered Digital Installer Scheme (RDI), identified by the ‘digital tick’ logo, can be located at www.rdi-lb.tv or by calling Digital UK on 08456 50 50 50 or www.digitaluk.co.uk

Summer 2011 newsnk 5

To promote the wellbeing, safety and health of North Kesteven’s 100 Flourish Communities

Our Communities

ClusterNK

Local councils within North Kesteven are grouped into clusters, easing the effective exchange of good practice, ideas and issues

Each of the nine cluster areas The Metheringham Cluster is supported by a Parish received a verbal report of a meeting Partnerships Officer with four with young people in Metheringham meetings a year that bring together that had been organised jointly by district, county, town and parish the Police and LCC. The aim was to representatives on a regular basis. gauge support for setting up a youth At the Bassingham Cluster a forum in the village. presentation was given on the Save The Governor of Morton Hall Newark Hospital Campaign, which attended the North West Cluster to is seeking to re-open a ward at the discuss the change from a women’s hospital and to retain the emergency closed prison to an Immigration facility. The Cluster supported a Removal Centre. The service will decision to request an Independent be provided for the UK Border Review by the Health Minister and to Agency which is part of the Home lobby the local MP. Office. There will eventually be South of Sleaford & Bassingham 392 male detainees at the Centre Clusters received a talk on and the change of use will result Affordable Housing and parishes in the creation of 30-40 new jobs. were encouraged to take a Cluster The Governor felt that the Cluster approach. A housing needs survey provided a very useful forum for will be conducted to assess the level communication with the local of affordable housing required in community and would use it again if each Cluster. It is hoped that by using appropriate. the Cluster, in smaller villages where NKDC gave a talk on the Localism building affordable housing is not Bill at the Ruskington Cluster, possible, there may be an opportunity which is scheduled to have its third to build suitable provision in nearby reading in Parliament in the autumn. larger settlements. The aim is to devolve more power The Cliff Cluster discussed The to local councils and communities in Waddington Airshow to be held on areas such as delivery of services, July 2 – 3 and the Cereals 2011 ownership of local assets and event, to be held on Coleby Airfield easing of planning regulations. on June 15 – 16. Traffic plans for the The District Council is currently Airshow remain as last year when looking at initiatives and how they OM8205RT_PARISH CLUSTER MAP named:Layout 1 23/05/2011 11:52 Page 1 the agreed arrangements worked can be mapped to assist with the very well. The Cereals organisers implementation of these changes. have consulted with Lincolnshire County Council on the highway If you have any issue which you issues and have agreed vehicle entry would like to address through the and exit arrangements for an event Clusters, please contact your local traffic plan. town or parish councillor.

Parish Cluster Areas

North Hykeham and South Hykeham

North West

Four Parishes

Skellingthorpe Washingborough

Doddington & Whisby

North Scarle

Bracebridge Heath

North Hykeham

Eagle & Swinethorpe

Heighington

Canwick

Branston & Mere

Waddington

Thorpe on the Hill

Metheringham

Potterhanworth

Billinghay

Nocton

South Hykeham Swinderby Aubourn & Haddington

Witham St Hughs

Harmston

Dunston

Thurlby

Metheringham

Blankney

Coleby Norton Disney

Martin

Bassingham Boothby Graffoe Navenby

Carlton le Moorland

Stapleford

Walcott

Rowston

Wellingore Brant Broughton & Stragglethorpe

Ashby de la Launde, Bloxholme & Temple Bruer

Welbourn

Beckingham

Timberland

Scopwick

Billinghay

Digby

Dogdyke

Dorrington North Kyme Leadenham

Cranwell, Byard's Leap & Brauncewell

Ruskington

Anwick South Kyme

Roxholm Leasingham

Bassingham

Ewerby & Evedon North Rauceby

Cliff

Sleaford

Ruskington Wilsford Culverthorpe & Kelby

Parish Partnership Officer Ann Stevenson Anne-Marie Shepherd Sue Chambers

6 newsnk Summer 2011

Asgarby & Howell

Kirkby la Thorpe

South Rauceby

Silk Willoughby

Aswarby & Swarby

Aunsby & Dembleby

Heckington

Great Hale

Burton Pedwardine

Scredington

Osbournby

Newton & Haceby Walcot near Folkingham

Little Hale Helpringham

Swaton

Threekingham

South of Sleaford

Generations have a ‘giraffe’ over fish and chip lunch Hearty meals and chat nourished mind, body and spirit as young and old sat down to dine together at two schools Almost two dozen diners have enjoyed hearty meals and healthy conversation in North Hykeham to nourish their minds, body and spirit. Over two courses, at two separate events in the North Kesteven and Robert Pattinson schools, the older people aged 65 to 95 sat down with students to share stories as well as meals and conversation. The Hot Meals in Schools project has been piloted by the North Hykeham Lions Club with support from NKDC, the police and local church and volunteer communities. Championed as a local solution to the Excellent Ageing challenge that aims to inspire more interaction and health benefits for older people identified as most likely to benefit from increased interaction with neighbours and children at the local schools. Executive Board member Cllr Susan Waring said: “It was great to see young and old people chatting

Pupils and guests sit down to share chips and chat at the Robert Pattinson School in North Hykeham over a meal and genuinely enjoying the opportunity to talk and share experiences. One older person mentioned National Service and many of the young people had no idea what this was. The older people learnt some new words such as ‘bling’ and

‘having a giraffe’, meaning a laugh! “We appreciate both schools for hosting this initiative and Hykeham Lions for providing the transport.” The success stories will also be used to inform others county-wide who want to run something similar.

Schoolgate cookery lessons get ready to roll Feeding the kids after school is about to get a whole lot easier – thanks to a ground-breaking project being run by the Food Team at North Kesteven District Council. The team will rustle up tasty treats at school gates as parents wait to collect their youngsters at home time – and everyone will get to taste samples before they go. More than a dozen primary schools will each receive two visits from the NK Cooking Cart, with follow-up cookery lessons available on request. Starting towards the end of the summer term, each session will also feature tips on food safety and healthy eating, along with a recipe book featuring the dishes that have been cooked by the team. The project has been funded by NHS Lincolnshire as part of their ‘Choosing Health’ programme, and aims to encourage families to cook good, fresh food in the home, using local produce whenever possible. At each session, members of the NKDC Food Team will spend around half an hour cooking three healthy, delicious recipes using a custombuilt mobile kitchen designed and produced by county bespoke kitchen makers Chiselwood. It houses a microwave, regular oven and hob for

Martin Holliday, Design Director at Chiselwood hands over the cart to Environmental Health Officers Mags Biggin and Mark Stuart who will be cooking from it at school gates instant and convenient cooking on site and sink and tap to encourage safe and hygienic food preparation. Scott Trailers of Walcott adapted the trailer used to carry the mobile kitchen between venues, installing a

winch to load and unload it. NKDC Principal Environmental Health Officer John Gibson said the project’s roll-out had been set back by a few weeks to ensure it had maximum impact once it went live.

Our Communities

Letting kids’ imagination run wild in Martin New play facilities meet local demand and improve playtime fun for village children, with more still to come Martin’s new community play area is quite different from a traditional play park. It was funded in its entirety through Play Builder, a grant scheme which promotes play opportunities based on adventure, discovery and letting imaginations run wild. The £58,028 was given to Martin on NKDC’s nomination because there were no play facilities there despite the number of young people locally and even the playing field was out of bounds because glass had risen up from the land’s previous use as a tip. A further £132,000 was spent by the Council to make the playing field safe for use and later this year more

will be spent on equipment for the 0-8 age group, including £10,000 from NKDC’s Community Improvement Scheme bid for by local tenant representative Sue Howseman. By reclaiming the playing field and helping to piece together the funding package for the new facilities, NKDC responded to the desires of the local community. The Play Builder project encourages children to play independently in a way that suits them best, and to take risks in a safe and stimulating environment. It is the same inspiration and funding stream which helped establish Little Darters at the Whisby Natural World Centre.

At the official opening, Matthew Fletcher, vice-chairman of the parish council, described it as ‘an absolutely marvellous gift which I’m sure the children of Martin will cherish’. He thanked everyone involved from the NKDC staff and parish councillors to the school, TimTin playgroup and installers including local contractor EKM Ltd from Minting, and especially praised Mrs Howseman and supporters of the Martin Play Field Fund for their fundraising initiatives. “We hope that everyone using the play area will remember the handwork that’s gone into this and ask that these facilities are looked after for future generations to enjoy,” he said.

Rise to the Spires & Steeples Challenge Community and business supporters are being called upon to cheer the Spires & Steeples Challenge on to success. The Challenge is a charity 26-mile or 13-mile walk between Lincoln Castle or Metheringham and Sleaford, in aid of Wheel Appeal which is trying to raise £6m to buy wheelchairs to enable disabled people to be able to participate in competitive sports. It will take place on Sunday, October 16 and organisers from Leisure Connection working in association with Clare Kelham from The Well Organised Office at Cranwell have set themselves three further challenges. They aim to increase participation from 500 to 1,000 people, to find 26 sponsors to sponsor each mile and to get lots of people out on the day

supporting this truly worthwhile event. “I’m visualising the kind of carnival atmosphere seen at the London Marathon, where the community spirit always comes alive,” said Claire. “It’s a really great opportunity for the people of Lincolnshire to celebrate their wonderful county as well as sharing year on year. Jayne Olney from Leisure

Connection said: “Volunteers are an essential part of the day and without them the event just wouldn’t happen. We are always happy for more offers of help, so if you think you can spare some time and be part of this great event, let us know.” Participants must be aged over 16 for the 26-mile run but anyone aged over 14 can do the walks and 13-mile run if accompanied by an adult. Last year’s oldest competitor was 80-yearold John Machin, from Sleaford Ramblers, who walked the 13 miles in just over five hours. Entry is £12 in advance and £15 on the day. To enter or get involved as a volunteer or sponsor, call Clare Kelham on 07962 214433 or e-mail thewellorganisedoffice@ virginmedia.com

Volunteer appeal for communal clear-up Volunteers are being sought to get involved in a long-term solution to return two former burial sites at the old Rauceby Hospital back into community use. Remembrances and resourcefulness could hold the key to a community based solution to bring over-grown cemeteries back into use. The two small graveyards alongside Willoughby Road at Greylees used to be attached to the mental hospital which closed in 1997 and remained unused until David Wilson Homes began re-development work. They were not transferred as part of the hospital sale and remain in the ownership of NHS Lincolnshire. Recent rediscovery of the sites, where a few isolated gravestones

stand testimony to their past, has led to calls on the Council to lead the way on a long-term maintenance regime. With funding from NHS Lincolnshire, the Council is in discussions with Lincolnshire Probation Trust with a view to carrying out an initial clean-up in the autumn. The aspiration is to then set up a working party of community volunteers to maintain the cemeteries for future community access. NKDC Community Initiatives Manager Sharon Bark said: “Although the District Council is not directly responsible for the old Rauceby hospital graveyards, we are keen to help the community find a long term solution. We hope there are still people living locally who can share any knowledge they have of the

graveyards to help us further research the areas and preserve it in the best possible way.” The hospital and its surroundings have a rich history, chiefly as the base for pioneering plastic surgeon Archibald McIndoe who worked there with the ‘Guinea Pig Club’ when it was the crash and burns unit connected to RAF Cranwell in the 40s. This unit was situated in Orchard House, the last remaining part to remain in NHS use as offices. If you have information or are interested in being involved in this project as it moves forward, call Anne-Marie Shepherd on 01529 414155 or email anne-marie_shepherd@ n-kesteven.gov.uk

Discovering the delights of the new play area at Martin

Two more play schemes given tenants’ cash boost to expand For the past five years NKDC has made £30,000 available annually through the Community Improvement Scheme (CIS). This pot of cash was available in chunks of up to £10,000 for Council tenants to make nominations for, and in addition to the help given to expand the Martin Playbuilder programme for younger children, play areas in Ruskington and Helpringham plus a ramp in Wellingore have been the latest and last to benefit. The programme sought to benefit the wider community as well as housing areas, but it has ended now, with the money re-directed into improvements to public and communal spaces at housing sites. Helpringham Playing Field received £10,000 of CIS funding after local NK tenant Vicky Thompson applied for play equipment for the under 8s, with support from other tenants, local villagers and Helpringham Primary School. The new equipment includes a Climbing Hut, a Chickies Springer and a multi activity ‘Diabolo’ climbing and slide frame to provide a wide range of play activities. At Ruskington, £4,670 from the

CIS fund has bought additional play equipment at the Hillside estate. The bid for a climbing wall, balance beams and bars was put forward by Anne Grocock who identified a need for more adventurous children’s play equipment for the play area. Furthermore the successful ramp bid at Wellingore saved a long detour via steps for the elderly and infirm. Further support has assisted hard landscaping at the Greenfield Sheltered Housing scheme in Sleaford; a TV, video and DVD for intergenerational work at Kesteven Court, Sleaford; and play equipment and hard court at Dorrington. Each bid was considered by the Council’s property services team, before going to a panel which includes Members and Tenant Representatives for a decision. Executive Board member for housing, Cllr Stewart Ogden, said: “The Council has always been keen to support projects put forward by tenants, knowing that they are much needed and greatly appreciated initiatives which make an enormous difference to the people living in the area. They also often bring wider community benefit.”

Celebrating the funding success in Ruskington were parish councillors Peter Cunningham and Elizabeth Cartwright (Sleaford Standard)

Summer 2011 newsnk 7

Community Safety

Sleaford Shoppers’ scheme helps everyone Keep Safe A network of businesses and local people has teamed up to ensure there’s always someone looking out for vulnerable residents, visitors or shoppers in Sleaford who need a helping hand The Sleaford Keep Safe scheme is about agencies, local business and local people working together to have a community where everyone is looking out for, helping and supporting each other. It’s regarded as a safety net reassuring those with learning disabilities that there are places where help and support is assured. Through a series of distinctive orange stickers displayed in supporting businesses’ windows, people with learning disabilities can be reassured that they are safe whilst in Sleaford and there are identified places they can go to if they ever need help. The scheme has been funded by

Just Lincolnshire and rolled out by a partnership of Lincolnshire Police, the NK Community Safety Partnership, Sleaford Learning Disabilities Team, Key Ring, Home from Home Care, Sleaford Shopwatch, Sleaford BID and Total Voice Lincolnshire. The North Kesteven Community Safety Partnership is one of the 25 businesses or agencies which have agreed to support the new scheme from the outset. Community Safety Manager Heidi Ryder said that where people saw the Keep Safe sticker they could be assured of help and assistance, or even simple gestures like the use of a phone. “If someone is anxious and needs

Where is July Fri

Sat

2 3

Mon

Potterhanworth Playing Field

Eagle Playing Field

Tue

Leasingham Village Hall

Wilsford Village Hall

Wed

Carlton-le-Moorland Village Hall

Ruskington Playing Field

Thur

Welbourn Village Hall

Carlton-le-Moorland Village Hall

Fri

RAF Waddington, outside IWF

Skellingthorpe Community Centre

Sat

Sun 10

Mon 11 Potterhanworth Playing Field

Chapel Hill

Tue

Young people ‘Go for It’ in their hundreds

Mark Housley, District Chief Inspector for both North and South Kesteven, details how local policing now fits more neatly within District Council boundaries

More young people than ever flocked in their hundreds to the Community Safety Partnership’s activities programme Go for It. Over four days in the spring half term holiday almost 700 11 - 19 year-olds enjoyed action packed days at Carres Grammar School and Northgate Leisure Centre. The popular annual event is staged by a partnership of agencies including the CSP, ExtremeNK, Sleaford Leisure Centre and Schools Sports Partnership and children’s services. Throughout each day, participants tried their hand at making homemade burgers and milkshakes, tested their arty side in the craft room and tried out their moves on the dance floor. But it was the sumo

“As we experience a considerable restructure affecting how colleagues work within communities, I’m confident we will live up to people’s expectations and continue to reduce crime across both North and South Kesteven. My priorities for focussed team performance are: > Being victim focused: Truly understanding and empathising with victims of crime and ASB. Frequently we focus on the crime and solvability when actually all the community or victim want is timely action. When we have a suspect you expect action, I understand that and will work hard to ensure we improve our response. > ASB: We receive 35,000 calls a year from you and whilst most people think we and NKDC do a good job, a sizable minority continue to suffer ASB. We shouldn’t have to accept ASB from anyone, including speeding motorists, obnoxious drunks or disrespectful children. We and the Council work hard, backed up by education and training, to enhance the service victims receive. > Crime Prevention: I joined Lincolnshire Police 11 years ago to make a difference. Chiefly, we are here to prevent crime and I am keen for everyone living and working here to be free from crime. Whilst I accept we can’t stop all crime, I want to ensure everyone knows how to reduce the risk of being victim. My aim is for all my officers, police staff and partners to understand and deliver crime prevention advise and tactics at every opportunity These are three commitments from me to you for which you should hold me to account.”

Wellingore Memorial Hall

August

12 Leasingham Village Hall

Wed 13 Carlton-le-Moorland Village Hall Thur 14 Welbourn Village Hall

10 Martin Village Hall 11 Swinderby Village Hall

Fri

15 RAF Waddington, outside IWF

12 Metheringham Princess Street

Sat

Sun 17

Mon 18 Potterhanworth Playing Field

15 Chapel Hill

Tue

16 Wellingore Memorial Hall

19 Leasingham Village Hall

Wed 20 Carlton-le-Moorland Village Hall

17 Martin Village Hall

Thur 21 Welbourn Village Hall

18 Swinderby Village Hall

Fri

22 RAF Waddington, outside IWF

19 Witham St Hughs Village Hall

Sat

Sun 24

Mon 25 Eagle Playing Field

22 Washingborough

Tue

23 Helpringham Playing Field

26 Wilsford Village Hall

Wed 27 Ruskington Playing Field

24 Billinghay Community Rooms

Thur 28 Carlton-le-Moorland Village Hall

25 Canwick Village Hall

Fri

29 RAF Waddington, outside IWF

26 Brant Broughton Playing Field

Sat

Sun 31

Mon

29 Washingborough

Wed

PCSO Alice Wells and Lorraine Abbott, a Sleaford resident supporting the scheme, attach the first Keep Safe sticker

RAF Waddington, outside IWF

Sun

Tue

to call someone, this can make a huge difference to how safe they feel in Sleaford,” she said. “The main objective of the scheme is around what any individual would do if they saw someone in distress or needed help. It empowers individuals to take control in situations which could be frightening or intimidating” PCSO Alice Wells who has been an instigator of Keep Safe said, “So far 25 local businesses have agreed to support the scheme, and as the word spreads I’m sure that number will grow. It is excellent that so many businesses have agreed to be involved in helping to make Sleaford a safer place for people with learning disabilities.”

Find out more at; www.facebook.com/thepodnk www.twitter.com/thepodnk

30 Helpringham Playing Field 31 Billinghay Community Rooms

KEY ■ 11am - 2pm all ages, 2.30pm - 5.30pm all ages ■ 1pm - 2.30pm 0-5 years, 3pm - 5.30pm 0-12 years, 6pm - 8pm 13+years Contact the PlayNK team; playNK@leisureconnection.co.uk 01522 870252

8 newsnk Summer 2011

Businesses and offices involved from the outset include the Solo and Legionnaires clubs, Library, Boyes, Tesco, Wilson’s Newsagents, Yorkshire Trading, Wise Owl, Sleaford Police Station, Sleaford Medical Group, The Hub, Barge & Bottle, Sleaford Leisure Centre and Northgate Sports Centre, Spar, Co-op, Hockmeyers, the Citizens Advice Bureau and Volunteer Centre, The Source, Connexions, Factory Shop, Boots, Iceland, Curtis, Sense, Blockbusters, The Job Centre, Cancer Research, Sleaford Train Station and NKDC offices. By placing the orange ‘Keep Safe’ sticker in their doors and windows they are identified as a place which can offer help.

wrestling, bungee run and outdoor activities that really got their pulses racing. Police data confirmed that the 2010 programme could be casually attributed to a 46% fall in anti-social behaviour as monthly cases dropped from 61 to 33 during February when Go For It took place. CSP Manager Heidi Ryder said: “Without strong partnership working we would not have been able to deliver this amazing programme; we had 676 young people attend over the four days, engaging in positive, fun activities.” There will be a further Go for It week of activities in the October half term. More details in the next newsnk in early September.

Scrap metal caution called for Restorative Justice North Kesteven CSP is advising residents to be vigilant over scrap metal dealers. The increased price of scrap metal has prompted a surge in people knocking on doors asking residents if they have any metal they want moving. While some are legitimate, the practice has been linked to metal and

garden thefts, as well as flytipping and unlicensed breakers and scrap yards. Residents are advised to report any offers to take away scrap to their local community beat team or call Lincolnshire Police on 0300 111 0300. To ensure your srap metal is properly handled and not fly-tipped call a licensed dealer from the phone book.

Sleaford Neighbourhood beat team is taking policing back to basics, getting first time offenders to clean up the mess they have made. PC Keith McLardy says: “Restorative justice has been used by Sleaford Neighbourhood beat team on a number of occasions. When damage has been made to shops in the town, PCSOs have got the offender to restore the damage.” Restorative Justice is used where appropriate, quick to administer and positive action for both offender and victim.

Your Council

Fresh faces and continuity of service combine as the 43 councillors elected onto the Council combine to keep North Kesteven moving forward over the next four years

Conservative control consolidated North Kesteven’s electors have delivered four more years of Conservative control for the District Council. The elections on May 5 saw almost half of the 82,611 voters in the District turn out to one of the 98 polling stations or cast their vote by post, choosing from 74 candidates. Thirty one of the 43 seats were contested through an election, with 12 filled without a contest. By the end of the process, the Conservatives strengthened their control on the Council by adding

two more members to the controlling group, bringing their number up to 27. Liberal Democrats held three seats in North Hykeham and Independents reduced in number by two to 13. Thirteen new faces are among the 43 councillors elected to NKDC, with eight changes in political representation as Conservatives and Independents swapped seats between them – in Bassingham & Brant Broughton, Bracebridge Heath & Waddington East, Cliff Villages, Metheringham and Sleaford’s Castle and Quarrington and Mareham wards.

Returning Officer Ian Fytche said increased turnout of 49.67 % – up from 33 % in 2007 – illustrated a strong sense of interest and involvement

among District residents who cared about the areas in which they lived and were exercised by specific interests in the parts of the District where they lived

to take part in the democratic process. Turnout ranged locally across the different wards from 65 % in Cliff Villages to 39.7 % in Branston.

Six Councillors chosen for their Executive oversight Collective responsibility for the delivery of North Kesteven District Council’s priorities and services falls to the Executive Board. Cllr Marion Brighton OBE was again elected by the Full Council to be Leader of the Council and she

has chosen Deputy Leader Mike Gallagher and Cllrs Stewart Ogden, Susan Waring, Geoff Hazelwood and Richard Wright to serve on the Executive Board alongside her. Their appointments are for up to four years, giving a strong direction all

the way through to 2015. Each has specific responsibilities relating to oversight, reporting and involvement in various aspects of the Council’s business, rather than direct personal decision making powers in those areas.

133 years of loyal service honoured Eleven councillors who gave a collective 133 years of service between them have been thanked for their contribution to the North Kesteven community. After supporting their local area for so long – in one case for 32 years – each one stepped down to be replaced at the May elections. The Chairman of the Council gave each a commemorative paperweight in recognition of their time, contribution and service to the District Council. Bill Chambers amassed an outstanding 32 years of continuous service as a District Councillor since being elected for Metheringham in May 1979. He had been Deputy Leader of the Council, Vice-Chairman of the Executive Board and served on a variety of committees, panels and outside bodies. John Rose accumulated 26 years of continuous service for Metheringham. His longstanding service saw him serve on – and chair – a wide variety of committees and panels as well as representing the Council on many outside bodies. He was Chairman of Council from 1998-1999. Mrs Jackie McAll was elected in 1991 for the North Hykeham Moor Ward. During her 20 years of service, she served on a number of committees and was Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group from 2007-2010. Barry Singleton gave 12 years continuous service for the Sleaford, Quarrington and Mareham Ward. He served as a member of the NK Access Group and chaired a couple of committees. Fred Ambridge was Chairman twice in his 12 years serving Billinghay,

Family-friendly politics Applauded for their long service, from left, Tony Baxter, John Rose, Fred Ambridge, Roger Pring, Dennis Roberts, Betty Poole and Bill Chambers Martin and North Kyme. He sat on a variety of committees and bodies including the Sleaford and District Citizens Advice Bureau and on the Heritage Trust for Lincolnshire – Advisory and Liaison Committee. Dennis Roberts represented Heckington Rural since 2000, joining the Executive Board in 2001 and becoming Deputy Leader of the Council in 2007. He represented the Council on the Central Lincolnshire Joint Strategic Planning Committee, PartnershipNK Steering Board, chaired the Community Wellbeing Theme Group and the Community Safety Partnership for six years. Mrs Jill Wilson represented the North Hykeham Mill Ward for four years, serving on a number of committees and remaining one of the Council’s Tenant Representatives for part of North Hykeham. Roger Pring served on various panels during his four years representing Bracebridge Heath and Waddington East Ward. Mrs Betty Poole was elected in

2007 to represent North Hykeham Mill Ward. She served on a variety of committees and panels and represented the Council on Home-Start Lincoln and the Lincoln Area Dial-aRide Management Committee. Adrian Birks involved himself in his four years for Sleaford’s Quarrington and Mareham Ward, on a number of committees and panels and was the Council’s representative on the Lincolnshire Sports Partnership and the Sleaford Youth Management Committee. Tony Baxter chaired the Development and Information Overview and Scrutiny Panel since his election for Waddington in 2007 and sat on the licensing panel, planning committee and outside bodies. Mike Wylie and Tim Conning are no longer councillors either, having been defeated at the elections. Mr Wylie represented Cliff Villages for eight years and chaired the planning committees while Mr Conning started his four year stint by chairing the member development panel.

Father and son councillors Keith and Ian Dolby insist they will maintain their independence on the Council. Both elected as Independents, they each took one of the Sleaford seats at the May 5 elections. It is believed to be the first time a father and son have sat alongside each other in the NK Council Chamber, but while they have similar views on a number of policy areas such as the town’s regeneration, link road and railway crossing closure, both say they will follow their own minds. Newly-retired town trader Keith said he was ‘rather humbled’ by his election and the support he’d received from the people in Sleaford Castle ward. “As an Independent, and being so well known after 53 years of working in Sleaford, I’m happy and keen to talk to anybody about any issue,” he said. Likewise, Cllr Ian Dolby said: “Where there are common aims I’ll be happy to talk to anyone, but I’m still going to be very independent. We won’t be working together unless we have a common aim.” He was elected as one of three District Councillors for the Quarrington and Mareham ward.

Having supported her councillor husband Stewart behind the scenes for eight years, Gill Ogden hopes they can achieve more for the District working alongside each other. The Conservative couple are the first elected husband and wife partnership at NKDC. Cllr Mrs Ogden was elected unopposed for the Billinghay, Martin and North Kyme Ward but while she was guaranteed a place they had to wait a month to see if Cllr Stewart Ogden would be returned for a third term in Heckington Rural. “Gill’s very much her own person and will be an asset to the Council,” he said. And being up to speed with who’s who at the Council and the issues affecting her ward and the District she’s able to get straight on with the job. “I put my name forward 12 months ago because I always enjoyed helping Stewart and wanted to do more. We’ve worked together all of our married life for 35 years and I’m really looking forward to making a bigger contribution together,” she said.

Summer 2011 newsnk 9

Contact your Councilllor Councillors came and councillors went at the May 5 election as some chose to retire after long and loyal service to the Council and others lost their seats through keenly fought contests at the ballot box. In two cases, change also came about as continuing Councillors chose to join with Conservative colleagues in the Council Chamber. Here we bring you the names and party associations of all 43 Councillors elected to serve you for the next four years. As your elected representatives all are available to take up your concerns and act on behalf of the communities they have been chosen to serve. They can all be contacted at the addresses shown here, through the Council Officers in Sleaford and each one also has a section on the Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website at: www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/councillors Follow links to Your Councillor to find their own page. Bracebridge Heath and Waddington East

Miss Lindsey Cawrey 1 The Oakleigh, Park Lane, Braceridge Heath, Lincoln, LN4 2TH 01522 569696

Heighington and Washingborough

Mrs Marion Brighton OBE (Leader of Council) New Lodge Farm, Bardney Road, Washingborough, Lincoln LN4 1AQ 01522 790438

North Hykeham Mill

Bracebridge Heath and Waddington East

Mike Gallagher (Deputy Leader) Mill House, Hill Top, Waddington, Lincoln, LN5 9RL 01522 722705

Heighington and Washingborough

Ian Carrington Inverinain, Hall Drive, Canwick, Lincoln, LN4 2RG 01522 521629

North Hykeham Moor

Conservative

Sleaford Independent

Independent

NK Independent

Liberal Democrat

Skellingthorpe Independent 2 Branston

Ray Cucksey (Vice Chairman) 88 Lincoln Road, Branston, Lincoln, LN4 1NX 01522 794644

Heighington and Washingborough

Ron Oxby 11 Washingborough Road, Heighington, Lincoln, LN4 1QW 01522 826706

North Hykeham Witham

Ashby de la Launde and Cranwell

Ian Cartwright MBE (Chairman) Orwell House, 67 Sleaford Road, Ruskington, Lincs, NG34 9BL 01526 834292

Branston

Miss Joyce Frost 3 High Street, Heighington, Lincoln, LN4 1RG 01522 794242

Kirkby La Thorpe and South Kyme

David Dickinson The Manor House, Evedon, Sleaford Lincs, NG34 9PA 01529 307433

Osbournby

Ashby de la Launde and Cranwell

Geoffrey Whittle DFM 142 Westcliffe Road, Ruskington, Sleaford, Lincs, NG34 9AY 01526 833433

Cliff Villages

Mrs Laura Conway 37 High Street, Navenby, Lincoln, LN5 OEE 07557 634303

Leasingham and Rauceby

Mrs Susan Waring (Executive Board Member) Pear Tree Cottage, Leasingham Moor Sleaford, Lincs, NG34 8JW 01529 414632

Ruskington

Bassingham and Brant Broughton

Mrs Sue Howe 12 Badgers Oak, Bassingham, Lincoln, LN5 9JP 01522 788496

Cliff Villages

Mrs Marianne Overton Hilltop Farm, Welbourn, Lincoln, LN5 OQH 01400 273323

Metheringham

Rob Kendrick 12 Barley close, Metheringham, Lincoln, LN4 3XB 01526 323364

Ruskington

Bassingham and Brant Broughton

Mrs Pat Woodman MBE The Old Vicarage, Church Road, Aubourn, Lincoln, LN5 9FB 01522 788236

Eagle, Swinderby and Witham St Hughs

Mrs Sally Appleby Aventine, 27 Lincoln Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln, LN6 9BH 01522 681159

Metheringham

John Money Grangeley House, Lincoln Road, Blankney, Lincoln, LN4 3AZ 01526 320323

Skellingthorpe

Billinghay, Martin and North Kyme

Mrs Gill Ogden Howell Fen Farmhouse, Howell, Sleaford, Lincs, NG34 9PJ 01529 460094

Eagle, Swinderby and Witham St Hughs

Mrs Barbara Wells MBE Mayfield 29 Chapel Lane, North Scarle, Lincoln, LN6 9EX 01522 778249

North Hykeham Forum

Mrs Kay Barrett 2 Windsor Park Close, North Hykeham, Lincoln, LN6 9XZ 01522 686286

Billinghay, Martin and North Kyme

Bracebridge Heath and Waddington East

Mike Powell 13 Bridge Street, Billinghay, Lincoln, LN4 4HW 01526 860527

Peter Burley 49 Grantham Road, Bracebridge Heath, Lincoln, LN4 2LE 01522 827365

Heckington Rural

Andrew Key Wadeley Grange, 52 Kyme Road, Heckington, Sleaford, Lincs, NG34 9RS 01529 461161

Stewart Ogden (Executive Board Member) Howell Fen Farmhouse, Howell, Sleaford, Lincs, NG34 9PJ 01529 460094

North Hykeham Memorial

Wallace Lee 14 Thirlmere Close, North Hykeham, Lincoln, LN6 8ES 01522 686592

North Hykeham Mill

Miss Andrea Clarke 50 Heather Gardens, North Hykeham, Lincoln, LN6 8RQ 07557 634302

Skellingthorpe

WADDINGTON WEST SKELLINGTHORPE

NORTH HYKEHAM BRACEBRIDGE HEATH AND WADDINGTON EAST

EAGLE, SWINDERBY AND WITHAM ST HUGHS

HEIGHINGTON AND WASHINGBOROUGH

Sleaford Castle

John Bishop 16 Sharp Walk, North Hykeham, Lincoln, LN6 9TP 01522 509711

Sleaford Holdingham

Ross Little 212 Lincoln Road, North Hykeham, Lincoln, LN6 8NJ 07825 681541

Sleaford Navigation

Jim Cook 17 North Street, Osbournby, Sleaford, Lincs, NG34 0DR 01529 455369

Terry Boston 36 Poplar Close, Ruskington, Sleaford, Lincs, NG34 9TL 07557 634299

Richard Wright (Executive Board Member) 8 Moor Park, Ruskington, Sleaford, Lincs, NG34 9AJ 01526 834994

Sleaford Quarrington and Mareham

Mrs Shirley Flint 23 Goldfinch Close, Skellingthorpe, Lincoln, LN6 5SF 01522 688821

Sleaford Westholme

Chris Goldson 70 Swallow Avenue, Skellingthorpe, Lincoln, LN6 5XR 01522 689302

Waddington West

BASSINGHAM AND BRANT BROUGHTON

CLIFF VILLAGES ASHBY DE LA LAUNDE AND CRANWELL

BILLINGHAY, MARTIN AND NORTH KYME

RUSKINGTON

LEASINGHAM AND SLEAFORD RAUCEBY

KIRKBY LA THORPE AND SOUTH KYME

HECKINGTON RURAL

OSBOURNBY

Keith Dolby 35 Meadowfield, Sleaford, Lincs, NG34 7AZ 07796 315278

Peter Haysum BEM 5 All Saints Grove, Sleaford, Lincs, NG34 8AZ 01529 304395

10 newsnk Summer 2011

David Suiter 20 Stephens Way, Sleaford, Lincs, NG34 7JN 01529 306950

Mark Allan 11 Crampian Close, Sleaford, Lincs, NG34 7WA 07557 634297

Ian Dolby Rose Cottage, 64 North Road, Sleaford, Lincs, NG34 7AW 01529 306812

Geoff Hazelwood (Executive Board Member) 57 Grantham Road, Sleaford, Lincs, NG34 7NG 01529 304931

Brian Watson 6 Sandhurst Crescent, Sleaford, Lincs, NG34 7PE 01529 307583

Lance Pennell Chiltern Lodge, School Lane, Canwick, Lincoln, LN4 2RP 01522 541888

As an open and accountable democratic body, it is important to North Kesteven District Council that residents feel they can be as closely involved and informed in the decision making process as possible. For this reason almost all meetings are open to the public to attend and, in most cases, they can ask questions at the beginning by giving prior notice. In certain circumstances some business has to be dealt with confidentially, but otherwise there is a principle of open and public discussion. Decisions are taken by elected members working together in a number of ways. > As the Executive Board of six councillors, chosen from the controlling group by the Council Leader to steer policy and direction, making most key decisions. > As the Full membership of 43 Councillors sitting as a Full Council > As a planning committee or licensing hearing sitting in a quasi-judicial capacity > An overview and scrutiny panel which involves the non-Executive Members in scrutinising, assessing and reviewing decisions, policies and progress in certain areas > Other committees, groups and panels as appropriate. This list of meetings is intended as a useful guide to when these meetings are held, but is not definitive as meetings can be added and cancelled. Up to date details of meetings and agendas, minutes and reports are available on the Council website at www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/committees

Meetings in the Civic Year 2011/ 12 Full Council - July 21, September 29, November 1, December 15, February 23, April 26 and May 10 These start at 5pm, except for 3pm in December, and are held in the Council Chamber at Sleaford. Either of the first two of these meetings will be called only if required. Executive Board - June 9, July 7, July 28, September 13, October 6, November 3, December 6, January 26, February 9, March 8, April 12, May 3 and June 14 These start at 2pm in the Council Chamber at the Sleaford Offices. Planning Committee - meets as and when required with all members, but it is broken into two smaller committees with every member sitting on either the Eastgate or Lafford Planning Committee. Eastgate Planning - June 14, July 26, September 6, October 18, November 29, January 10, February 21, April 3 and May 15

BRANSTON AND MERE

METHERINGHAM

Ms Helen Clark 12 Mercury Close, North Hykeham, Lincoln, LN6 9FH 07557 634301

Calendar of meetings of North Kesteven District Council

Lafford Planning - July 5, August 16, September 27, November 8, December 13, January 31, March 13, April 24 and June 12 There is no geographic basis as to which committee deals with what applications or how members are allocated but residents can sign up for notification of a committeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agenda. All start at 5pm in the Council Chamber at the Sleaford offices. Environment & Community Overview and Scrutiny Panel - June 8, September 7, November 30, March 21 and May 30

Performance & Resources Overview and Scrutiny Panel - June 13, August 1, November 7, January 11 (budget), February 13 and June 11 Development and Information Overview and Scrutiny Panel - July 27, October 15, December 14, February 29 and April 25 The Overview and Scrutiny Panels usually meet at 5pm at the Council Offices in Sleaford Central Lincolnshire Joint Strategic Planning Committee - June 6, July 25, October 3, December 5, February 6, and April 2 This is a committee dealing with strategic planning matters across the areas of North Kesteven, West Lindsey and Lincoln City. It meets at 10am in various locations across the three areas. Tenant Liaison Panel - June 27, September 12, November 14, January 23, February 6 and April 23 This is a body made up of tenant representatives from across the District. If you are a Council tenant and interested in representing your neighbours in direct discussion with the Council, contact your housing officer. Licensing Panel - July 6, October 26, February 1 and April 18 Audit Committee - June 14, September 19, November 21, January 30 and April 16 Standards Committee - July 20, October 12, January 18 and April 11

Summer 2011 newsnk 11

Your Council

Carrying on with more of the same... The great thing about elections is that they are an unrivalled opportunity to get out in the area you seek to represent and really meet people, talk to them, listen to their ideas, discuss their concerns and shape your own priorities and mindset accordingly. It also keeps you on your toes. Since first being elected to North Kesteven District Council in 1973 – before the council was even set up in fact, when we helped to shape the authority ready for its beginnings in 1974 – I have survived 11 elections and I have enjoyed every single one for those reasons. In advance of this last election, I met a chap whilst canvassing at the council houses in Washingborough who told me how pleased he was to see me; how he recognised me and that he’d lived there for five years. He said to me, “I have lived all over the country and I’ve never had such a satisfactory service in all those areas as I’ve had in North Kesteven. All I’m asking of you, Mrs Brighton,” he said, “is can we have more of the same?” I thought that was absolutely wonderful and have told that little story many times since, because that’s exactly what I want too, to give more of the same. Above all, we will continue to focus all of our decisions on the service of the residents of North Kesteven, in discerning ways to make their lives more comfortable, fulfilling and prosperous and in improving the

fortunes of the District generally. It’s going to be another difficult year ahead, with a requirement to save a further £1m by March and we still have some serious decisions to make, coming on the back of this last year. We are already a very lean, mean council in terms of costs and efficiencies but are always looking to identity further efficiencies and operate with more innovation wherever possible, in order to give our customers – the residents of North Kesteven – the best possible value for money. We have a reputation for being an ambitious council with a strong track record for delivering quality services at low cost, for high performance and effectiveness and for our innovation. We were the first council in the country to achieve 50% recycling, the first to build energy efficient council houses from straw and to lead the way on a number of cost-saving partnerships in the county. To have secured more than £3m to half-finance the 46 new council houses we have commissioned in the last two years and to be a partner in the delivery of 150 further affordable homes in the coming year is something else we are all very proud of in our efforts to support our residents’ needs. We are always looking at further ways to enhance the availability and standard of our homes, their sustainability and affordability and enjoy very positive relationships with registered social landlords and

Photo: Roy Ealden

Now in her 38th year of continuous service to North Kesteven District Council, Leader Marion Brighton OBE reflects on the poignant words of a resident who stopped her on the recent election trail and pledges ‘much more of the same’ in terms of efficiency and effectiveness

housing associations locally. I feel very strongly about economic regeneration all over the district. If we are going to improve employment prospects in our Communities we must improve our economy in all areas, in Sleaford and right across the District. The regeneration of Sleaford is obviously a key priority, helping the town to prosper as it should and restoring the balance to regain the 85 pence in every pound that Sleaford people spend outside of the town. There are many strong reasons for focussing so keenly on Sleaford as we do and having such bold ambitions for it as laid out in the Sleaford

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Call 01529 414155 / 01522 699699 Click www.n-kesteven.gov.uk Visit North Kesteven District Council

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Masterplan, but building on this we are also very sincere about our vision for North Hykeham and playing our part in enhancing fortunes for the local community there. Tourism is a strong part of our economic regeneration aspirations, especially building on our unique aviation tourism. The spin-off from visitors buying petrol, staying over in our many excellent B&Bs, eating, drinking and generally spending has a direct affect on the prosperity of all of our communities. Something else I sometimes look back on are the kind words of one of the local newspaper men back in 1995 when Labour, as the largest

group working in administration with the NK Independents, took control of the council. Among other things, he said that while he didn’t always agree with my ideas and opinions, he had no doubt that they were all done with the best of interests for North Kesteven at heart. I can assure you that everything any of us at the Council do is done with the best interests of North Kesteven at heart. None of it could be done without our officers being behind us. It’s their day-to-day contact with residents and endeavours that make the difference. We have a small workforce for such a large area but it’s what they do that matters and that has never held us back. The work all district councils do is really very good, being at the closest level to the people in need and the issues which matter; the contact district councillors have with residents is first class and especially so in North Kesteven. I would want that to continue but I anticipate all district councils facing increasing challenges and difficult decisions in the years ahead as we are encouraged to come closer together. North Kesteven is widely regarded – and recognised – as one of the best district council’s in the region on many levels and it’s my aspiration that we maintain that status and our residents continue to appreciate what we do in the same way as that man I met who lives in Washingborough.”

Community access network A network of community access points dotted across the District makes it easier for residents to make payments, enquiries and contact with the Council. In addition to the customer service centre at the Sleaford Kesteven Street offices, there are the two Info-Links centres in North Hykeham and Metheringham and nine smaller offices which open for variable amounts of time each week. All addresses are all detailed on page 2 of this and every newsnk Sleaford: Monday - Thursday 9am - 5pm; Friday 9am - 4.30pm North Hykeham: Mon, Tues & Thurs, 9am - 5pm; Friday - 9am to 4.30pm Closed from 1pm -1.45pm daily Metheringham: Mon, Thurs & Fri, 9am - 1pm Billinghay Cottage and Parish Office: Mon, Tues & Fri, 9.15am - 3pm Branston Connect: Mon, Wed & Fri, 10am - 7pm; Saturday 10am - 1pm Heckington Parish Office: Monday - Friday 9am - 2pm Navenby Village Office: Tuesday - Friday 9am -12pm Osbournby CAP: Monday 10am - 3pm Skellingthorpe Village Office: Monday - Thursday 9.30am - 2pm The Witham Office: Monday - Thursday 9.30am -12.30pm Waddington Parish Office: Monday - Friday 9.30am -12.30pm Washingborough Civic Office: Tuesday - Friday 9.30am -1pm

To develop plans for the future growth of North Kesteven, including the provision of new communities, affordable housing and community infrastructure

We all know that we should take responsibility for our financial affairs, but, some of us just don’t know where to start. Do you want to try to manage your money better and make it go a little further, or want to start saving for the future? Help is available from a whole range of organisations offering free advice online, on the phone and face to face. There are also a number of useful guides, tools and calculators you can use to help you work out your financial priorities, plan your budget and to get organised. For Information and Advice you can contact: North Kesteven Money Advice Service at NKDC’s Sleaford Offices 01529 414155 or 01522 699699 Advice on managing your financial affairs, increasing your income or reducing your expenditure and contacting anyone you owe money to. Citizens Advice – for money and debt advice 08444 111 444, visit at Money’s Yard Sleaford or Beaumont Fee, Lincoln, or www.citizensadvice.org.uk Lincolnshire Credit Union – for a wide range of local community services such as Safe Saving and Affordable Loan schemes. 01522 528886 www.lincscreditunion.org.uk or ask at an Info links office Money Made Clear – lots of selfhelp information and interactive budgeting tools to help you manage your money. Set up by the Financial Services authority it also helps with retirement and pensions, mortgages, credit cards, basic bank accounts, savings and different types of insurance. 0300 500 5000 www.moneymadeclear.org.uk Directgov -– a government website with information about money, tax and benefits www.direct.gov.uk National Debtline – a free phone helpline for people with debt problems. 0808 808 4000 www.nationaldebtline.co.uk

Our Communities Our Homes

More Council houses will be built Just as the second pair of straw-built houses were being finished ready for tenants, the process of delivering even more homes in Martin was in its early stages A further 11 homes will be built by the Council in the coming year to help local families within North Kesteven find secure, sustainable and high quality accommodation. NKDC will be half-funding the £1.1m project at Pound Road, Martin, after the Homes & Communities Agency agreed a third round of funding. The Council has already received £1,823,982 through two previous rounds of HCA funding towards the £3.7m cost of building 35 new council

houses across the District. The next 11 new homes will be a mix of two and three bedroomed properties arranged as flats, semi and detached houses. They will be built on land the Council has identified for use by demolishing two existing houses, to give a net gain of nine properties and build up the housing stock to 3,848 homes. Cllr Stewart Ogden, Executive Board member with responsibility for housing, said: “Being able to build up

our housing stock further can only be a further boost to local families in need of good quality housing at affordable rents, in the communities where they wish to live and where there is recognised demand. “Given the positive remarks we’ve had from all of the tenants moving into the first 17 homes we’ve built in this way, reassures us that we are right to make provision of affordable, accessible and attractive homes in areas of greatest need a priority.”

Seventeen houses built in Round 1 at Waddington, Wellingore, Sleaford, Ruskington, and North Hykeham are all tenanted, the two built of straw in Martin are now finished and work is well underway on the next 16 being built in Round 2 in Sleaford, Ruskington and Branston. “By next year we will have 46 new homes built to a very high standard, in excess of the Code 4 requirements for Sustainable Homes and in areas where need is identified,” added Cllr Ogden.

Neighbours become good friends... Pioneering a new sense of neighbourliness, residents of Pound Road in Martin were the first in North Kesteven to form a bond which will promote and protect the community spirit which has formed over the years. No matter what their age, or how long they have lived on the street, they have shown their trust in each other by signing a Good Neighbourhood Agreement. Put together by NKDC housing officers, tenants and homeowners in the area, it is a public expression of neighbourly co-operation.

Many others are set to follow as residents in mixed tenure communities shape the future of their neighbourhood by making this long-term commitment for a better living experience. When new tenants move in, they will also be encouraged to sign up to show a strong understanding of what new neighbours expect of one another. They agree to: > Show consideration for their neighbours and not to cause nuisance or disturbance to them or their visitors

> Show respect to their neighbours’ property and privacy > Park vehicles with consideration and courtesy > Keep gardens maintained and to a reasonable standard > Keep pets under control > Take responsibility in informing the Council of any arising issues > Help keep the road clear in poor weather conditions. The Council in turn pledges to provide a good quality of life for all residents, a thriving and prosperous economy and a clean, green and safe environment.

Tenants and home owners in Pound Road sign up to be ‘Good Neighbours’ together

Over £14m has been secured to build 388 new affordable homes across the District

Billinghay’s opportunity to shape the future

Working with affordable housing provider partners, NKDC has secured more than £14 million to invest in better homes for District residents in the last three years. This funding has made a significant contribution in delivering 388 new affordable homes that are inexpensive to

The process of drawing up a Neighbourhood Plan is helping the community of Billinghay to have a greater say in the village’s future. Billinghay is pioneering the way in this new initiative using £20,000 secured from Government by the Central Lincolnshire Joint Planning Unit. It means that the local community can get more involved in shaping future development where they live, work and play. Neighbourhood planning is a key reform designed to encourage communities to embrace growth by giving local people a real voice in deciding the look and feel of development in their area; from determining the locations of shops, offices and schools to setting standards of design for new housing. Cllr Mike Gallagher, Executive Board member with responsibility for planning, said: “Billinghay already has a Parish Plan but creating a Neighbourhood Plan will enhance residents’ ability to shape future development in the village. There is a long history of community engagement in the village which can be demonstrated through the vast amount of community projects so widely supported by residents. We look forward to working with the residents and Parish Council to develop their own Neighbourhood Plan”.

maintain and decent to live in, as outlined in the District Council’s corporate priorities. During 2010/11, £3,754,496 was attracted to build 118 new affordable homes for rent or shared ownership. In total since 2008, NKDC and partners were successful in securing funding from the

Rural Affordable Housing With average house prices in North Kesteven being around eight times the average household income, it is important to deliver affordable housing in rural areas. The Council has completed 27 surveys around the District in the last five years, which are vitally important in being able to identify and meet village-specific demand for affordable housing. People with a local connection

Homes & Communities Agency of £12,367,372, plus £1,823,912 for the Council’s 35 new houses. Cllr Stewart Ogden, Executive Board member with responsibility for housing said: “This is a staggering amount of money secured for housing in the District and will help significantly in addressing local housing need.”

With affordable housing sites across North Kesteven ready to welcome residents and more planned this year, now’s the time to register your interest. Sites in Ruskington, Heckington, North Hykeham, Washingborough, Martin, Sleaford and Branston offer flats, bungalows and houses in Copies of the surveys and the varying sizes and tenure options. To discuss your housing options Rural Affordable Housing Plan further, contact the Housing are available at www.nNeeds Team on 01529 414155. kesteven.gov.uk

to a village through residence, family or employment are given priority when allocating the properties, which is why the surveys are the most useful and successful way of discovering land availability and meeting the housing needs of the village.

Summer 2011 newsnk 13

Our Economy

To encourage economic development, support business growth and develop tourism

Arable showcase helps firms to flourish The return of Cereals, the UK’s largest crop-growers’ event, to the District will reap a rich economic harvest Local agricultural seed and machinery merchants will be on home soil at the Cereals 2011 event to promote the District as a prosperous field in which to develop business opportunities. Cereals is the UK’s largest arable event for the farming trade, featuring more than 450 leading suppliers of equipment, machinery, business services and advice to the arable farming sector. Annually it attracts more than 25,000 visitors, alternating between Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire. Previously staged on land near Leadenham, it has now set down roots at Boothby Heath between the A15 and A607. On June 15 – 16 there will be a traffic plan in place on roads surrounding the event site, so local residents and commuters are advised to bear in mind extra traffic on the A15, A17, A153, A607, A46 and Aubourn to Harmston road when planning journeys. The 64 hectare site has been chosen in part for its accessibility and for its suitability in showcasing crop trials of wheat, barley, oilseed rape, oats, sugar beet and potatoes. In addition there are major static

and working displays of machinery, professional conferences and an emphasis on renewable energy sources and biomass. The entire event is very businessfocussed and naturally brings a massive boost to the local economy too. Local businesses benefit from visitors and exhibitors staying in hotels, B&Bs, pubs and caravan/ campsites. Restaurants, pubs and cafes feed these thousands of people and many of the catering contractors on the site are also from the local area. Local contractors and neighbouring farmers’ land are used for myriad operations on-site, which started several months in advance. Council Leader and Executive

Board member for tourism and economic development, Cllr Marion Brighton, said Cereals 2011, as previous Cereals events had proved in the past, would bring incalculable benefits to the District. “With weeks to go we were aware that almost every hotel and bed and breakfast room in a wide area well beyond the District was booked up for Cereals. “We are very pleased that the organisers have chosen to return to North Kesteven, recognising it a very good place to do business, to grow and to prosper.” Maps detailing the event traffic management can be viewed at www.n-kesteven.gov.uk

Sleaford Greylees to Sleaford footpath Forward Our town, our future is moving forward apace Upwards and forwards; that’s the direction Sleaford is being taken in. Fresh new branding signifies the forward direction in which the town is moving under the co-ordinated approach presented by the Sleaford Masterplan. The Masterplan has been drawn up through detailed consultation to steer the way Sleaford develops over the next 25 years. It will guide many aspects of life in Sleaford from the location of homes, school and leisure provision, to new transport infrastructure, services, shops and employment opportunities. In keeping with the plan’s ethos of partnership and joint working, the logo was developed with public input. Indicating forward movement, the arrow is constructed from individual circles to represent the various facets of the plan, with the different tip colour suggesting the achievement of the final goal. Green was chosen for its natural balance of cool and warmth and the sense of renewal and harmony it presents.

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Work will begin soon on improvements to the foot and cycle path between Greylees and Sleaford to improve cycle and walking safety. Funded through Sustrans, Lincolnshire County Council and PartnershipNK, this response reflects concerns raised in a survey last year to assess residents’ travel issues. One of the main points was the lack of a safe walking and cycling route. A funding bid was made to the sustainable transport charity Sustrans to improve the existing foot/cycle path to provide a safe, sustainable route. Simultaneously bids were made to

PartnershipNK and the county council to match fund the project. Work is scheduled to start in July and should be completed by September, ready for the new term. It is hoped that by extending and improving the path, more Greylees residents will consider cycling or walking to and from Sleaford instead of travelling by car. It will also give residents increased opportunities for cycling and walking and improving their general health and wellbeing. The work will close the Sleaford to Grantham side of the A153, with diversions in place. Sleaford bound traffic will not be affected.

Arts funding success bucks trend

The creation of one unique organisation for the delivery of arts in North Kesteven will help in focusing a £600,000 award from the Arts Council. NKDC’s ongoing commitment to arts and culture over the years has been rewarded by the Arts Council, meeting 85% of the Council’s bid request at a time when others had had their funding reduced significantly or stopped. The funding enables North Kesteven to transform arts delivery locally and regionally by merging the National Centre for Craft & Design, the community arts support arm artsNK and creative development agency Design Factory to provide a unique organisation.

Inspiring stories re-cycled to encourage others into the saddle

Cyclists Nev Crane, Mark Gould and Oliver Harding (pictured left to right) will be immortalised on a new bench, similar to the one above, for the Connect2 route between Sleaford and Leasingham In celebration of the invaluable new crossing bridge linking Sleaford and Leasingham for walkers and cyclists a bench is being commissioned to feature silhouette portraits of three local cyclists. The examples of the late bikeshop owner Nev Crane, retired dental surgeon Mark Gould and cycle-crazy nine-year-old Oliver Harding are enough to inspire others onto their bikes and across the bridge. The enhanced bridge and path link across the A17 ensures safer cycling and walking between the village and the town because anyone travelling by foot, cycle or with wheelchairs and pushchairs no longer needs to negotiate the dual carriageway. Although no longer cycling himself, Mark Gould is delighted by the bridge and hopes it will inspire others to commute to work or to make the odd journey into town by foot or cycle. For 30 years he cycled between his Leasingham home and Carre Street practice four times daily, forced to negotiate his way around Holdingham roundabout or take a long detour. His wife Pat said: “He was a keen, strong cyclist but there was always a fear that a lorry could shed its load or something. “We’ve since been across the bridge and he was delighted it’s been developed to make cycling so much easier and safer than it was when he was making the journey.” “He remains keen for others to experience the joys of cycling”. Nev Crane was so passionate about pedalling that he travelled the world

competing and regularly took part in the Milk Race – winning a stage in 1964. His daughter Linda Foster said he would be very impressed with the Connect2 route, bridge and the bench he’s been chosen to feature on. She said: “Anything that makes it safer has to be encouraged, and given all the work my father contributed towards safer cycling in Sleaford it’s great that, through the bench, his memory can continue to have a positive influence.” The love of cycling crosses all generations as seen with the youngest of the portrait subjects, Oliver Harding from Leasingham who’s always out and about on his bike. He said he was really pleased to be added onto the bench, which would be a good way of showing other people how cycling can be enjoyable and fun. “In the past we’ve had to put our bikes on the car if we’ve wanted to go anywhere, so the Connect2 path and bridge is a real asset in connecting through to a wider network of cycling options,” said mum Lisa Foster. The bench will be installed at the end of the summer on the ramp up to the bridge in the Leasingham side. It is funded entirely by sustainable transport charity Sustrans as part of its support for 79 similar routes across the country all designed to encourage increased cycling and walking locally. In all locations a portrait bench is being put up, featuring cut-out steel portraits of up to three people with a local association. Nev, Mark and Oliver were chosen from 16 nominations made by the public.

Our Economy

New boost for enterprise at Sleaford’s railway station The first tenant of the District’s newest workspaces is setting out on the right track by establishing business operations at Sleaford Railway Station A telecoms operation is the first to take up one of the eight new offices at the Sleaford Station Business Centre, with three more potential tenants showing strong interest. The units range in size from 97 to 883 sq ft and are designed to meet demand for small start up office space throughout the town. They have been created through a £125,000 refurbishment of a 2,000 sq ft portion of the station buildings, leased from Network Rail for 15 years and funded by NKDC and Lincolnshire County Council. As well as the benefits of smartening up a part of the station which has been empty and boarded up for many years and bringing added vibrancy to this area of the town, the aim is to create up to 30 jobs and support up to 15 new businesses during the project’s 15 year lifespan. Cllr Mrs Brighton has Executive oversight of economic regeneration in North Kesteven. She said: “As well as encouraging fledgling new businesses, we hope that by taking a lead in this way we can encourage fresh fortunes for this part of the town. The workspace conversion fits in with NKDC’s wider aims of enhancing Sleaford through a series of initiatives linked to the long-term vision of the Sleaford Masterplan; central to which

Pictured receiving the keys from Taylor Pearson site manager Liam Clarkson are Cllr Mrs Brighton, Economic Development Manager Alan Gray and Economic Development Officer Suzanne Feneley are the economic aspirations for the wider Southgate area centred on the railway crossing. “We can only hope that as tenants move in to these useful and attractive workspaces, they enjoy every prosperity and success and develop their enterprises to the point of further expansion.” The units are being marketed by Hodgson Elkington on behalf of NKDC, on flexible terms based on annual rents of £10 per sq ft. They add to the portfolio of 66 offices, workspaces and industrial units spread across the District, but

these are the first ones in an urban setting, principally aimed at start-up office-based buisinesses. “The refurbishment has been carried out with this start-up office businesses in mind; the sort of people who are looking to move out of a back bedroom or garage and develop a more professional image and profile as the next stage in their business development,” said Economic Development Manager Alan Gray. “They’re on a scale that few private sector developers would consider economic, but which is vital for a one or two-man start-up operation.”

Going green can Small business views valued save firms cash An undertaking has been made equal status as a consultee to the Free business support shows how going green doesn’t cost the earth, but can save money. In these belt-tightening times it makes sense for businesses to cut whatever costs they can – and energy consumption is a great place to start. By reducing requirements for heat, light and power through insulation, smarter working, greater efficiency and better building design you can not only achieve significant environmental savings, but on the bottomline too. There are many schemes, grants and incentives which help to make the switch more profitable and attractive. NKDC’s SustainNK team is here to offer onsite advice and bespoke reports on environmetal impact,improvement suggestions and initiatives. Call them on 01529 414155 or visit: www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/sustainnk

by NKDC that will ensure stronger links with small businesses. By signing up to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Engagement Accord, the Council has established a best practice in the way it consults and promotes participation by small businesses in local democracy. This will enable stronger, clearer and more productive dialogue on all matters affecting business development and economic regeneration. The principles of the Accord fit perfectly with the Council’s recently adopted Sustainable Rural Economy priority and merely formalises existing and established practice. With 90 per cent of businesses in North Kesteven being sole traders or micro enterprise, the FSB is the most relevant member organisation to most. The Accord ensures the FSB has

Chamber of Commerce or Sleaford BID. Nominated champions ensure the views of the local business community are considered at every stage of any consultation exercise and can help to ensure that businesses are claiming all of their entitlements to rate relief. Council Leader and Executive Board member for economic development, Cllr Marion Brighton, said: “As the foundation to the District’s economy, small businesses are important partners of the Council. We have always valued a clear understanding of their wants and needs and strive to encourage regular and reciprocal dialogue at all levels. Brian Heward, chairman of the local FSB branch said NKDC’s adoption of the Accord represented a real commitment to take a proactive approach to engaging with local firms.

A Day in the Life Suspending seeds, strutting about in Vivienne Westwood heels and cranelifting priceless art through windows are all in a day’s work for Melanie Kidd, The Hub National Centre for Craft & Design’s Head of Exhibitions ... “The Hub National Centre for Craft & Design stages around 11 largescale exhibitions a year, plus four or five ‘window-space showcases’ on the stairwells, which are dedicated to young artists in the first years of their fledgling careers. The centre is also a huge resource for local schools, with a vast active learning programme on offer. My role is to strategically plan The Hub’s exhibitions programme in relationship to the agenda of The Hub - which overall is to celebrate, promote and exhibit the best of national and international contemporary craft and design practice. I generate ideas for future exhibitions based on what’s going on environmentally, sociologically and politically, so that the programme is relevant to society. Planning a programme can take up to three years, so being superorganised is essential. I’m currently working on shows for 2012 and 2013 researching artist’s and commissioning artworks. I have curated the current exhibition ‘About Time’ which features work that’s never been seen before. One of the pieces ‘Gone to Seed’ has been inspired by the associations of The Hub and Sleaford with seed warehousing, so it will really resonate with local visitors. Claire Morgan is an award-winning artist working predominantly in sculpture. Her astonishing suspended artworks, for which she has become best known, are manifestations of her obsession for making and her passion for materials. Thousands of hand selected and individually hung elements are arranged in exacting formations. Whilst both beautiful and fascinating, the sculptures also bring with them a sense of wonderment and illusion. The works incorporate natural and manmade materials, and most notably, a range of taxidermy animals. Rabbits, a crow and even a fox will inhabit the gallery during the exhibition! Claire’s work is collected and shown globally with recent shows in New York, Florence, Cologne, Paris and Tasmania and this is her first UK exhibition since

2008 and therefore represents an exciting and rare opportunity to see this accomplished artist. Before this we had an exhibition of Vivienne Westwood shoes running for three months, which attracted massive national interest; opening night alone saw more than 300 excited visitors from across the country turn out in their designer shoes and towering platform heels in support of the doyenne of British fashion and we received hundreds of visitors over the course of the show. Further highlights connected with the Westwood exhibition included a fascinating lecture exploring what footwear reveals about our personalities, a high heel masterclass catwalk presentation by celebrity Chyna Wynne, a huge party thrown in the main gallery to celebrate Westwood’s 70th birthday and nearly 500 entries to a Design a Shoe Competition. The exhibition was previously shown at The Civic in Barnsley, a partner organisation with The Hub. Sharing exhibitions saves money, time and labour, while still bringing a huge variety of challenging and contemporary arts and craft to North Kesteven. The V&A and Design Museum in London are also partner organisations. But it’s not just about established artists like Vivienne Westwood. For eight weeks up to June 12 the new ‘open’ exhibition Gateway was awash with the creative talent of designermakers from across the East Midlands. And we’re also in the process of hunting out the next local artist or group to take part in the annual exhibition ‘The National Centre Presents...’ which allows the artists to reach new audiences and buyers and take their work to the next level. Apart from the art, The Hub brings a great deal to the local area. It helps put Sleaford on the map, is an important resource for the town and nationally and it’s also the perfect place to stop for coffee, to shop for unique cards and gifts or just to pop in for free, seven days a week. NKDC has forward-thinking aspirations for the environment and the arts and The Hub is its flagship for promoting those aspirations.”

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News Focus

mynk

Name: Neil Woodmansey MBE Job title: Team leader and canine handler, UK International Search and Rescue

Where do you live? For the last 15 years we’ve lived behind the Old Rec in Sleaford.

when I hear people moaning about Sleaford or Lincoln; they often don’t appreciate what they have got.

How did you end up living there? Originally from Hull, I served on submarines in Strathclyde before the fire service in Milton Keynes. When my son was small I got a transfer to Lincolnshire. I thought it would be a nicer way of life and a better place to raise children and I was right; it’s a friendly, sociable place to live.

Where would you recommend people to visit in the District? My favourite places are the walks around Sleaford where I go with my rescue dogs Holly and Maisy. There’s some cracking countryside around Sleaford and I especially like the riverside, Cogglesford Mill and around Kirkby la Thorpe.

What’s the best thing about where you live? The education system in Sleaford. Both my kids went to Leasingham and St Georges schools and their education’s been fantastic. I also love the fact that it’s an undiscovered county. We’ve been doing a lot of training with the London Fire Authority and everyone who comes up is always surprised by Lincoln and ends up coming back with their family.Given all the travelling I do in my job and the scenes of utter devastation I see, it frustrates me

What NKDC service do you appreciate most? I’m always impressed at how clean and graffitifree the streets, parks and open spaces are. I take my hat off to the people responsible as they really are doing a good job. What does North Kesteven mean to you? In a word, safety. I’ve always lived in cities and find life in Sleaford so friendly and safe. I don’t mind the kids playing in the street. and I always feel safe walking about at night.

War talk’s a great success

More than 50 guests from across the country descended on College Hall RAF Cranwell to join in NKDC’s symposium on Aviation Past & Present. In addition to former E-3D Sentry AWACS Fighter Controller Andy Johnson and former Tornado pilot Group Captain Dave Waddington they heard from ITN War Correspondent Michael Nicholson OBE who detailed 25 years of reporting more wars and conflicts than any other British newsman. “I always tell would-be journalists wanting to be war correspondents that they’d better work out quite quickly if they’re lucky or not! Luck has always followed me - which is why I am still alive today,” he said. Impressed by the Council’s involvement with its local RAF stations, which is the

foundation to so many successful aviation heritage events, he said: “The public should always be reminded of what service personnel have done on their behalf and the sacrifices they have made. It is excellent that NKDC has put together this programme of events - I take my hat off to the Council.” NKDC Leader, Cllr Mrs Marion Brighton OBE, said: “NKDC remains committed to the positive and imaginative development of the aviation heritage of the county in ways that will enable more people to learn about aviation heritage across Lincolnshire. “Tourism is a key to our economic development, as is aviation, so these events are a wonderful chance for us to show visitors what we’re made of.”

The District Council set a Band D Council Tax of £1,380.06 (District Council £135.09, Lincolnshire County Council £1,065.69, and Lincolnshire Police Authority £179.28) for ithe year from April 1, 2011. Additional amounts were added as laid out below. All charges are quoted at Band D. Local Precept Local Precept 2010/11, £ 2011/12, £

16 newsnk Summer 2011

4,500 0

11,509

8,334

0 7,500 0 40,000 3,900 34,000 0 700 66,000 80,000 12,300 350 5,000 9,200 7,917 24,850 0 8,000 2,650 2,300 3,700 11,067 10,300 4,000 7,500 8,100 67,017 76,891 10,000 6,700 7,000 17,833 1,200 3,405 82,000 34,597 0 7,875 350,101 2,800 7,000 2,200 6,000 12,224 3,399 0 137,600 11,250 2,825 3,000 84,663 582,277 6,000 3,000 0 1,700 8,738 5,000 0 474 4,150 94,709 6,400 92,000 16,500 14,000 7,500 15,040

0 7,500 0 40,000 4,500 34,000 0 700 66,000 77,785 12,300 250 5,000 9,200 7,917 30,0000 0 8,250 2,650 2,300 4,300 11,067 10,900 3,500 7,500 8,100 68,358 76,479 10,000 6,700 7,000 17,833 1,8900 5,898 85,075 37,506 0 8,270 359,086 2,900 8,000 2,300 5,000 12,591 3,399 0 137,221 11,250 3,225 3,000 86,360 587,215 6,000 3,100 0 1,700 9,437 5,000 0 474 4,150 94,709 6,400 92,000 16,500 14,000 6,800 21,940

Local Council Anwick Asgarby and Howell Ashby, Bloxholm, Temple Bruer with Temple High Grange Aswarby and Swarby Aubourn and Haddington Aunsby and Dembleby Bassingham Beckingham Billinghay Blankney Boothby Graffoe Bracebridge Heath Branston and Mere Brant Broughton and Stragglethorpe Burton Pedwardine Canwick Carlton-le-Moorland Coleby Cranwell, Byard’s Leap and Brauncewell Culverthorpe and Kelby Digby Doddington and Whisby Dogdyke Dorrington Dunston Eagle and Swinesthorpe Ewerby and Evedon Great Hale Harmston Heckington Heighington Helpringham Kirkby-la-Thorpe Leadenham Leasingham and Roxholm Little Hale Martin Metheringham Navenby (includes Skinnand) Newton, Haceby and Walcot Nocton North Hykeham North Kyme North Scarle Norton Disney Osbournby Potterhanworth Rauceby Rowston Ruskington Scopwick Scredington Silk Willoughby Skellingthorpe Sleaford South Hykeham South Kyme Stapleford Swaton Swinderby Thorpe on the Hill Threekingham Thurlby Timberland Waddington Walcott Washingborough Welbourn Wellingore Wilsford Witham St Hughs

Local Council, £ 32.5851 0.0000 33.5782 0.0000 57.6037 0.0000 77.1159 31.8021 48.4676 0.0000 7.6754 33.9681 52.0719 45.5387 6.0533 33.1785 40.6360 49.5432 41.8177 0.0000 40.2832 22.4767 19.8447 34.2629 40.8075 37.9262 23.0719 27.6855 28.8873 54.8177 72.7678 31.8776 16.4337 47.6190 30.7997 25.4958 20.9664 70.0494 49.2205 0.0000 29.8556 77.5497 18.8802 35.9066 23.6626 33.6474 44.8557 15.3871 0.0000 74.1280 43.8768 33.7343 24.0770 72.8162 104.0700 18.6858 21.2912 0.0000 23.9437 39.2228 21.8723 0.0000 13.5043 20.4232 52.6893 34.4271 72.1003 67.5952 45.4250 45.3333 32.2552

Footway Lighting, £

Total Council Tax, £

13.5144 1,426.16 0.0000 1,380.06 8.9749 1,435.61 11.8306 0.0000 10.0676 8.9372 10.6368 12.7876 3.9435 4.6210 0.0000 6.7306 11.3678 10.2042 12.3845 9.5732 7.5350 8.8956 15.0511 16.4622 0.0000 13.5058 13.4321 11.3216 0.0000 13.4934 9.77.85 0.0000 6.0349 8.8789 11.3231 5.0207 16.7917 6.5507 12.7913 12.1993 0.0000 0.0000 12.8642 0.0000 0.0000 14.1104 0.0000 11.1490 14.1801 10.9385 10.9017 13.9760 4.2934 13.1492 11.9653 14.0123 0.0000 0.0000 7.3123 12.4048 0.0000 16.1111 12.7616 10.2271 16.0308 0.0000 13.6290 0.0000 15.2211 10.3801 0.0000 14.6507 14.0477 0.0000

1,391.89 1,437.66 1,390.13 1,466.11 1,422.50 1,441.32 1,384.00 1,392.36 1,414.03 1,438.86 1,436.97 1,396.32 1,425.62 1,430.27 1,437.14 1,430.77 1,395.11 1,436.81 1,402.54 1,413.41 1,427.76 1,432.19 1,417.99 1,416.63 1,417.52 1,408.95 1,440.91 1,461.71 1,423.26 1,401.51 1,444.47 1,417.41 1,418.35 1,413.23 1,450.11 1,429.28 1,392.92 1,409.92 1,457.61 1,413.05 1,415.97 1,414.87 1,427.89 1,435.85 1,406.35 1,394.04 1,458.48 1,437.09 1,425.76 1,418.15 1,452.88 1,484.13 1,406.06 1,413.76 1,380.06 1,420.11 1,432.04 1,412.20 1,396.09 1,393.56 1,414.11 1,432.75 1,429.71 1,462.54 1,447.66 1,440.14 1,439.44 1,412.32

Community Awards

NK Community Champion Awards Do you know someone who does good deeds or has made great strides in support of the environment, arts, sport or community? North Kesteven District Council knows that there are hundreds of Unsung Heroes working quietly, tirelessly and voluntarily all across the District and we want to celebrate their endeavours at a celebration event on July 19. They may be someone who looks after an elderly or disadvantaged person for no reward; a dedicated charity fundraiser; someone who inspires others and encourages involvement in the arts, sports or for environmental enhancement; or somehow goes beyond the call of duty. We’re also looking to applaud businesses which give something back to their community. To ensure these people get the recognition they deserve we’d like you to nominate them for one (or more) of six categories: > Young Achievers Award A young person aged 19 or under who has shown amazing bravery or excelled in any way, perhaps under adversity or through leadership. > Community Business of the Year A company or sole-trader whose business initiatives have made a difference to their local communities. > Community Spirit Personal service to the community through hard work, dedication and commitment.

> Contribution to a better environment A group, school, club, business or individual whose actions have a positive impact on the environment, locally, in a broader way or globally. > Contribution to the arts Any group, school, club, business or individual whose actions have a positive impact on the cultural richness of the District. > Contribution to sport A group, school, club, business or individual whose actions have a positive impact on sports and physical activity locally. The categories are detailed further at www.n-kesteven.gov.uk where a nomination form can be downloaded. Alternatively use the form (right) and attach a follow-on sheet if required. All nominations must be made by Monday, June 27 and sent to NKDC Community Champions, Communications Team, NKDC, PO Box 3, Kesteven Street, Sleaford, NG34 7EF. This year’s NK Community Champions Awards are being held in association with the Sleaford Target and Lincolnshire Echo newspapers and sponsors Duncan & Toplis, Pygott and Crone, Lindum, Lincolnshire Cooperative, DPS, Leisure Connection and WatchNK.

NK Community Champions For those who care in North Kesteven

Category: Name of nominee: Address of nominee:

Tel (if known):

Referee: Address of referee: Tel (if known): Reason for nomination (attach seperate sheet if necessary):