WHAT DOES MY COUNCILLOR DO FOR ME? August 2007

WHAT DOES MY COUNCILLOR DO FOR ME?

AUGUST 2007 Report from Cllr Mrs Marianne Overton

Flooding
Causing great distress, unprecedented floods invaded houses in Leadenham and in Welbourn, also blocking the A607 as fire engines sought to pump out the water. Highways staff were much occupied clearing blocked drains in the short term and will then be working on the longer-term improvements in known problem areas of our drainage systems.
Lincolnshire County Council to report flooding and potholes 01522 782070
For updates on flood risk area, the Floodline is 0845 9881188 http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/
For weather forecasts http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/em

08/07/2007Congratulations to…
The Navenby Archaeology day for a brilliant Roman Day, with archery, finding real Roman coins, marching lessons, spinning and weaving, mosaics and even food. More pictures at www.navenby.net

To Boothby Graffoe for a brilliant summer barbeque. Not a drop of rain in sight!

To West Kesteven Wildlife Watch and the Institute of Biology for their great wildlife weekend at Gibraltar Point. http://www.iob.org/

Congratulations to Branston Booths
Village Hall for winning the Queens Award for voluntary service, the only one in Lincolnshire. I was pleased to serve many long evenings with them working on the successful funding applications and seconded them for this award. Building the hall has been a great achievement for a small village.
The residents of Addison Close met for a Coffeehouse Challenge and raised the roof over a suggestion to sell off the green in Addison Close for more housing. A petition is being raised. I’ve summarised and submitted their views to the NKDC Executive meeting on August 2nd.

Coming soon…
Branston Sheepwash Project Grand Opening, September 8th at 10am

Magna Carta was on display at an exhibition in Virginia Beach, from March 25th to June 18th this year to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the first landing of English settlers there. Events taking place that week are starting on July 27th 7pm (refreshments) 7.30 pm The Magna Carta lecture, in the Chapter House. Also tours of the Cathedral and photographic exhibition in the Chapter House. 01522 561601

School Surplus Places
Two advisory panels cover our area, I chair one and sit on the other. These have been created since the recent outcry over school closures, some of which I also fought and the external panel supported us. Our excellent small schools are more expensive to run per pupil, so we need to demonstrate their value. Our area has had a lot more housing and numbers are not falling as much as other places.

Regional Planning
The Regional Plan lays out the planning guidelines with which NKDC will have to comply. It proposes 40% increase in housing over the next 20 years. I wrote to object to the plan and attended and spoke at the Examination in public, pointing out that whilst some development is welcomed, there are major difficulties of excessive increased development without adequate infra-structure, especially congestion, flooding and protection of the quality of rural village life.

Reducing our carbon footprint
LCC has agreed a Strategy and Implementation Plan to reduce their emissions by 20% from the 2005-6 baseline, by 31 March 2012.

Trade Waste
Complaints from pubs and village halls revealed that NKDC takes all their waste to landfill. Our independent group has been investigating with staff and a fascinating tour of the Caythorpe recycling Centre with Chris Mountain. Caythorpe could take more local waste in place of that coming from further afield. We are working on it!

Wishing you an enjoyable August and safe driving!

Marianne

Cllr Mrs Marianne Overton
Independent County Councillor for Branston and Navenby Division
and for Cliff Villages Ward of North Kesteven District Council
Tel: 01400 273323 http://www.independentvoice.org.uk/

WHAT DOES MY COUNCILLOR DO FOR ME? July 2007

WHAT DOES MY COUNCILLOR DO FOR ME?

JULY 2007 Report from
Cllr Mrs MARIANNE OVERTON

Congratulations to
Coleby for their Fantastic Great Gatsby Picnic
Branston Booths for their brilliant first birthday celebration for their new hall.
Welbourn for a host of weekend activities, including peace flags and polish dancers!
Waddington Air Show for a good first day, where I watched with Maggie Thatcher!
Nocton for their sculpture trail just opened http://www.noctonvillagetrail.com/

Next: The Romans are coming to Navenby!
Navenby Archaeology Group have organised a big event on Sunday July 8th 10am-5pm, with Romans setting up camp and a host of activities on offer. We had a professional costumier give us lessons in how to make our own authentic costumes, so do join in! I shall be dressed as Roman and others are Romans or Iron-age Britons. Cars park on the Playing field. Do come along! Preview on www.romanarmy.net

Youth Council
14-16 year olds from Navenby, Branston and Potterhanworth were with the Youth Council at the full County Council meeting in June. They presented a motion calling for good quality sex and relationship education across the County. After a very exciting debate, with brilliant rousing speeches from the young people, they won! I think this has been a first in the country, where young people have had a very direct impact on policy. View it on line at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/indexLCC.asp

Cigarette Stubs & litter £75 fine
Not only are we non-smoking in public enclosed places from July 1st, but dropped cigarette stubs also attract an on-the-spot fine of £75. The District Council has a stock of pocket pouches so smokers can stub out and store their cigarette ends until they can safely dispose of them in a litterbin, available from the environmental officers. Time to be litter-free! Please feel free to report litter directly, 01529 414155.

Working Progress

Branston B1188 Speed Limit
People walking along this road and disabled people in ride-on wheelies have felt unsafe with the speed of traffic along this road. Both the Parish Council and I asked for a reduction in the speed limit. The proposal to reduce the speed limit on the B1188 Lincoln Road from 50 to 40 and from 40 to 30 has been passed by committee at County Council and is now out for the statutory consultation of eight weeks.

Branston Junior School Crossing- Update
The children and parents are continuing their campaign to reduce traffic problems outside the school. They have put a plea for a lollypop lady/man to help them across the road. If you know someone who might help and take the job, please contact Pauline.Mckinlay@lincolnshire.gov.uk or 01522 805823

I supported the petition to the County Council on September 8th. The County has tested the traffic and pedestrians and concluded that the numbers are not high enough to meet the criteria for a crossing, nor for a 20mile/hr zone. I have asked for the criteria to be reviewed. In the meantime; signs have been improved and a person to assist at the crossing is sought. Also the school is encouraging parents to use park and walk, to try and reduce the congestion at the school gates themselves, making it safer for children.

Harmston Quarry Update
We did get enforcement action on the height of the bund, which was a breakthrough in the way LCC deal with transgressions. The timing of opening of the site is being enforced, but the number of vehicles is more problematical. We need to argue that the road cannot cope with the extra vehicles over and above those numbers already agreed and those already using the road.

Harmston Park
There has been much difficulty getting the road completed at Harmston Park and in getting compliance with the usual procedures, but work continues. LCC has now developed a more robust system for dealing with the process, including fines for delays, so that hopefully, the Nocton development will not suffer delayed completion in the same way.

Flooding
North Kesteven suffered in Waddington, Skelllingthorpe, North Scarle, North Hykeham, Heighington and Washingborough. Over 17,000 sandbags and sand were distributed by NKDC.

Overflowing River Brant

Opportunity?
Grants for New Shops
£40,000 is on offer for each new village shop, a mix of grant and loan funding and advice from the Village Retail Services Association. In partnership with Esmee Fairbairn Foundation and Co-operative and Community Finance, the Village Core programme that will provide £2 million of start up funding to new Community owned shops in rural areas of England. Eligible applicants will include community-based organisations located in rural communities of not less than 200 residents. Deadline 30th July 2009. http://www.virsa.org/index.cfm/villageshop/News.Custom/page_id/36

Celebration!
100 years of Women in Local Government
I represented all the Independent women in England on a committee celebrating 100 years of women in Local government. At our last conference in London, we had a lady ex-councillor, aged 101 who stood and spoke brilliantly, rousing the troops!

100 years of women in local government; oldest (101) and youngest (16), local (me) and a peer of the realm celebrate in City Hall, London.

Useful Numbers
· North Kesteven District Council to report litter, dog fouling or fly-tipping
01529 414155 (and 9 - to avoid the annoying front message)
Lincolnshire County Council to report road repairs, flooding and potholes 01522 782070
To report a crime 01522 882222 (24hrs)
NKDC Hotlines are 01529 308308 and 01522 699650.

Flooding
For updates every 15 minutes on flood risk areas, the Environment Agency Floodline is 0845 9881188 http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/
For weather forecasts; http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/em/em_forecast_warnings.html

Monthly Surgery dates
Navenby July 12 10am
Branston July 12 2pm Wishing you a very happy summer! Best wishes,

Marianne

Cllr Mrs Marianne Overton
Independent County Councillor for Branston and Navenby Division
and for Cliff Villages Ward of North Kesteven District Council
Tel: 01400 273323 http://www.independentvoice.org.uk/

WHAT DOES MY COUNCILLOR DO FOR ME?

JUNE Report from
Cllr Mrs MARIANNE OVERTON

Invitation
If you are at the Lincolnshire Show, why not join me for coffee and biscuits at the Lincolnshire County Council stand on Wednesday June 20 or Thursday, June 21, 11-12pm? I may well be about at other times as well. Welcome. Show entrance tickets are cheaper in advance from the tourist office 01529 414294. Book dial-a-ride & a ride-on 0845 456 4474.

Election success
Congratulations to all in the Cliff Villages for coming out to vote, giving the highest turnout in the District and giving me the highest personal vote of any candidate in the County! I also had one of the biggest gaps between the next best candidate and me! Brilliant. People aged from 18 to 101, on crutches, wheel chairs, and even from their sick bed, took the trouble to vote. Thank you! There are lots of ward issues, which I am working through steadily. We have formed a team of Independents at NKDC, have already prioritised some key issues you have raised for the District and will be making progress during the year.

In Lincolnshire, the vast majority of the 300 seats were won by Independents (30%) and by Conservatives (51%). (Liberals won 11% and Labour 8%.) My County Council Independent group member, Richard Austin, leads the Boston Bypass Independents and indeed, Boston Borough itself, so we are certainly a strong team!

Health in Lincolnshire: Time to have your say!
Now is the time to have your say! The Lincolnshire Primary Care Trust, on which I sit, has launched the three-month consultation on how to improve our services. The nearest big consultation events are at
Sleaford on June 5th 2-7pm at the New Life Christian Church Centre,
Grantham on June 12th 2-7pm in the Guildhall Arts Centre or
Lincoln on Sat July 12th at the Waterside centre 9am-6pm.
You can use on line questionnaire at www.lpct.nhs.uk or public.involvement@lpct.nhs.uk

This consultation follows a series of seven big discussion days, which has led to the content of the options in the consultation. The trusts are now required to listen to the public, and I do believe they genuinely want your response to the proposals. Closing date is 5pm August 9th.

Renewable energy and the Home information pack
From August 1st, houses for sale need an accompanying information pack which includes a rating on how “green” is your house. Following the launch of Biofuels into Lincolnshire by Together with a colleague, Andrew Chick, I have collated a short talk on the various renewable energy and energy saving measures available, which was launched at the Leadenham Annual Parish Meeting. Contact me if you would like a talk or some information.

Smoke Free
From July 1 2007, it will be against the law to smoke in enclosed (or substantially enclosed) public places and workplaces. Advice is available from the Council’s Environment and Health Promotion Officer at NKDC 01529 414155.

Entitlements
A new service is set up to help people access their entitlements and the services needed to live in your own home. “Supporting people” can be accessed on 01522 782155 or supporting_people@lincolnshire.gov.uk. If you have more than £10,000 in the bank, you will be eligible for less, but with under £16,000, it is still worth applying. Do ask, anyway, in case.
Mrs Smith’s Cottage
This museum, run by volunteers, continues to be a huge success, receiving the highest accolades from the regional tourism inspection body and from the District Council. The 20,000th visitor passed through the doors last August and a great number of special events have been enormously successful. More volunteers are always welcome. It is well worth a visit and helping is a great way to get involved in village life. Please let me know if you are interested, drop a note in the Parish Office or contact the Chairman, Dr Rodney Wilson.

Local Events
Congratulations to all on the brilliant Navenby Art Exhibition in May and the Mrs Smith’s Cottage Plant Sale. Congratulations also to the many people who worked on the fantastic Nocton Trail of art, launched May 28th - in the pouring rain! Leaflets at library & village office.

“NKDC is performing well” and LCC is “Improving well”
Latest external inspection has recorded NKDC as providing services “consistently above minimum requirements – performing well.” They assessed value for money and financial controls. Lincolnshire County Council has been awarded the status of fair but “improving well” which is encouraging.

What happens in Council meetings?
Lincolnshire County Council is attempting to make democracy more accessible by putting the full meetings on the web. Accessed at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/indexLCC.asp

Lottery Funds
In our area, we have been good at accessing external funds for big local projects. In April, the government announced a cut of £675m from the grants available at the National Big Lottery, the Sports and Arts Councils. These grants benefit the whole country, and it has been a major source for projects our villages. It is very hard for us to benefit from Olympic funds, largely going into the two London Boroughs and some other areas that were part of the original bid - which Lincolnshire was not. At the May Council meeting, I tabled a motion to object to the “raid” on Lottery Funds. Both the Conservatives and the Liberals supported this motion put forward by the Independents, so that it was successfully passed. A scrutiny committee will now look at the effect of the Olympics on the economy of Lincolnshire, and seek ways in which local businesses might benefit.

Big forthcoming Events for the Diary
Grand opening of the Sheep wash project in Branston postponed to Sept
Sunday June 24th Open gardens Welbourn
Saturday and Sunday June 30th July 1st coinciding with the Waddington Air Show
Big family event in Welbourn on the Castle Hill, including Saturday evening.
Sunday 8th July Navenby Archaeology Group have a fantastic day of heritage activities on the Open Space at the corner of High Dyke and Chapel Lane. Roman Legion marching in, re-enactment of Roman Camp, falconry, spinning and weaving, Rare Breeds, Bee-keeping, LCC Antiquities Officer, Wildlife Watch and more…

Looking forward to seeing you and wishing you all a happy and successful summer!

Monthly Surgery dates
Navenby July 12 10am
Branston July 12 2pm
June 23 10amBest wishes,

Marianne

Cllr Mrs Marianne Overton
Independent County Councillor for Branston and Navenby Division
and for Cliff Villages Ward of North Kesteven District Council Tel: 01400 273323 Fax: 01400 273003 www.independentvoice.org.uk

WHAT DOES MY COUNCILLOR DO FOR ME?

WHAT DOES MY COUNCILLOR DO FOR ME?

may Report from
Cllr Mrs MARIANNE OVERTON

Navenby Hub Community Centre
The application is from the Parish Council to the Big Lottery for a new community centre on the John Cutforth Memorial Field, to replace the current village hall in the primary school and provide improvements. The plans integrate with existing facilities on site and with the village office, to provide a natural hub in the Cliff villages and complimenting other facilities in the area. Questionnaire responses represented well over 400 Navenby people and over 170 letters of support were received. It was a fantastic effort and congratulations and thanks to all involved. We have certainly done our best and now we await the response!

Coleby village hall
The new village hall at Coleby was formally opened with a great party on April 21st. A great team effort, many congratulations to all involved, especially Chairman Andrew Long and project manager, Graham Warne. A super new facility and open for business!

NEW BUSES
Several of us from our no. 1 route went to support the launch of seven new double-decker buses, needed as the route is now so popular. The improvements in our bus service were as a result of a joint bid for national funding put in by the Bus Company and Lincolnshire County Council, championed by local resident and Director of the Bus company, Paul Hill and myself. Our support was vindicated, as this route is their best, showing increases from 5,500 to 11,500 passenger journeys per week in the 4½ since we began.

navenby bowls club
Following restoration of the green, the opening went well with razzmatazz on 21 April. There was an excellent turnout and new members welcomed. The next big event is Navenby Bowls Festival is on August 22-26th

Chicken farm application below boothby graffoe
The application went to the Planning Committee on 24th April and was refused on several grounds. There was much concern about the lack of proper assessment of the effect on the environment and about increased traffic on our small rural roads.

MAY 3 ELECTION
Cliff Villages has done it again - the highest turnout by far and the biggest personal vote in Lincolnshire. Thank you. There are many issues picked up on the doorsteps which I shall be working through steadily and I look forward to a successful four years for the Cliff Villages.

Best wishes,

Marianne

Cllr Mrs Marianne Overton
Independent County Councillor for Branston and Navenby Division
and for Cliff Villages Ward of North Kesteven District Council
Tel: 01400 273323 Fax: 01400 273003 http://www.independentvoice.org.uk/

2007 August Report

WHAT DOES MY COUNCILLOR DO FOR ME?

AUGUST 2007 Report from Cllr Mrs Marianne Overton


Flooding
Causing great distress, unprecedented floods invaded houses in Leadenham and in Welbourn, also blocking the A607 as fire engines sought to pump out the water. Highways staff were much occupied clearing blocked drains in the short term and will then be working on the longer-term improvements in known problem areas of our drainage systems.
Lincolnshire County Council to report flooding and potholes 01522 782070
For updates on flood risk area, the Floodline is 0845 9881188 www.environment-agency.gov.uk
For weather forecasts http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/em

08/07/2007Congratulations to…
The Navenby Archaeology day for a brilliant Roman Day, with archery, finding real Roman coins, marching lessons, spinning and weaving, mosaics and even food. More pictures at www.navenby.net

To Boothby Graffoe for a brilliant summer barbeque. Not a drop of rain in sight!

To West Kesteven Wildlife Watch and the Institute of Biology for their great wildlife weekend at Gibraltar Point. www.iob.org
Congratulations to Branston Booths
Village Hall for winning the Queens Award for voluntary service, the only one in Lincolnshire. I was pleased to serve many long evenings with them working on the successful funding applications and seconded them for this award. Building the hall has been a great achievement for a small village.
The residents of Addison Close met for a Coffeehouse Challenge and raised the roof over a suggestion to sell off the green in Addison Close for more housing. A petition is being raised. I’ve summarised and submitted their views to the NKDC Executive meeting on August 2nd.



Coming soon…
Branston Sheepwash Project Grand Opening, September 8th at 10am

Magna Carta was on display at an exhibition in Virginia Beach, from March 25th to June 18th this year to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the first landing of English settlers there. Events taking place that week are starting on July 27th 7pm (refreshments) 7.30 pm The Magna Carta lecture, in the Chapter House. Also tours of the Cathedral and photographic exhibition in the Chapter House. 01522 561601

School Surplus Places
Two advisory panels cover our area, I chair one and sit on the other. These have been created since the recent outcry over school closures, some of which I also fought and the external panel supported us. Our excellent small schools are more expensive to run per pupil, so we need to demonstrate their value. Our area has had a lot more housing and numbers are not falling as much as other places.

Regional Planning
The Regional Plan lays out the planning guidelines with which NKDC will have to comply. It proposes 40% increase in housing over the next 20 years. I wrote to object to the plan and attended and spoke at the Examination in public, pointing out that whilst some development is welcomed, there are major difficulties of excessive increased development without adequate infra-structure, especially congestion, flooding and protection of the quality of rural village life.

Reducing our carbon footprint
LCC has agreed a Strategy and Implementation Plan to reduce their emissions by 20% from the 2005-6 baseline, by 31 March 2012.

Trade Waste
Complaints from pubs and village halls revealed that NKDC takes all their waste to landfill. Our independent group has been investigating with staff and a fascinating tour of the Caythorpe recycling Centre with Chris Mountain. Caythorpe could take more local waste in place of that coming from further afield. We are working on it!

Wishing you an enjoyable August and safe driving!

Marianne

Cllr Mrs Marianne Overton
Independent County Councillor for Branston and Navenby Division
and for Cliff Villages Ward of North Kesteven District Council
Tel: 01400 273323 www.independentvoice.org.uk