Question time!

We had a hum-dinger today at LCC as the Conservatives shut the door on written questions at full Council, only having verbal ones in future. This is a seriously retrograde step, as it closes doors on publically holding portfolio holders to account and flies in the face of open, transparent government. There is no guarantee that detailed information will be provided in a timely fashion other than under the Freedom of Information Act, which gives 28 days. However this does not report the answers to all members in full council. Challenging the Executive with the facts at hand in the public forum of full Council is now abolished. The leader called it an 'abuse of the system', complaining that members asked a lot of detailed questions about the service the Council provides (and challenged the Executive to do something about it!) Strange, I thought that was what we are elected for!

2005/6

I attended 115 parish meetings last year and umpteen meetings at County Council, both as a group leader involved in County policy at an early stage and on several working groups, notably older persons panel of health scrutiny and school transport.
Local Policing
I have been vociferous this year seeking improved policing in our rural areas. As leader of the Independent Group at County Council, I called for a proper level of rural policing to be ring-fenced and have had a series of meetings with all of the "top brass". It seems we have some success at last. We have a ring-fenced minimum policing level in each area in addition to the emergency coverage and the Anti-social behaviour teams at NKDC. Our Chief Superintendent, Elaine Hill has assured us that these front-line community police will not be hived off to Lincoln, nor onto paperwork, but will remain active in our villages and we will have their phone numbers. The number of police at Bracebridge Heath covering our area has risen from 8 to 12, a substantial increase. In addition, the County Council and District Council added funding for Police Community Support Officers. We shall need to make sure the promised improvements arrive and are maintained, but I do see this as a big step forward, spear-headed by our area.
Following objections, there is now further consultation on the police going regional. Having ring-fenced community police is the best way to counter a drain that might otherwise occur towards urban areas.

Please continue to report all crime, to demonstrate our need. Please contact me if you would like to be involved in supporting Neighbourhood Watch or the new "neighbourhood panels".

Harmston Quarry

Recently, the application to lift the conditions on the quarry was recommended for refusal by North Kesteven District Council and refused by Lincolnshire County Council.