Viking Way

The Rights of Way for Lincolnshire are to be improved. A plan is out for consultation now until December 4th. There are some key sections for us, relating to the Viking Way about which we have had petitions and public meetings. Now is a good time for you to add support or to ask for change. Actions in the plan are as follows;

Action ST3 Identify and improve routes to schools, workplaces and local services.
This could help the Harmston/Coleby link

ST17 Review of Definitive Map Modifications Order (DMMO) Priority system to key cases that will improve connectivity of existing network.
DMMO's are simply recording on evidence where the route goes. Public Path Orders are needed to change it. This means spending money on connecting fragments, not on improving the Viking Way. The current priority is on "providing the most benefit," but officers feel this is open to wide interpretation.

T10 Develop interactive web walks with links to local shops and services
Sounds good

T13 Review Viking Way route and promotion
I would like to see "Review and Improve" the Viking Way route! Especially near villages where it is most used.

CT1 Review of DMMO policy and establish a new priority system for Public Path Orders(diversions, creations, extinguishments) applications in the light of the ROWP (Rights of Way Improvement Plan) to give priority to key routes that will improve or increase access. Public Path Orders making changes to the map, are not a statutory duty of the council and low priority ones can take a long time, so the system of priorities will be important.

Relevant officers at LCC are Andrew Watson or Chris Miller. The Rights of Way Improvement Plan consultation draft) is on the web. Do send in your comments and copy to me. andrew.watson@lincolnshire.gov.uk

Care about wildlife?

Interested in wildlife? Last chance to have your say
Thanks to everyone who responded to the survey on the value of wildlife and the Lincolnshire Biodiversity Action Plan, which I have been working on for Lincolnshire, as part of a team.
http://www.lincsbap.org/

Exam results

I spoke to the Director of Children's Services this afternoon.

Both A level and GCSE results are better this year than ever. The majority of schools have held their results or improved. Sir William Robertson School has held their good standard of results achieved last year. The number of "failing schools " (where less than 25% of the pupils get five GCSE A-C grades) has been almost eliminated. (From six to one.) I am impressed to see how hard children and young people work for school and for themselves and offer my congratulations.

For Looked after children, the examination results are ahead of national figures and more children are being placed in County, rather than sent to expensive out-of-county placements.