September - December 2007 Report

WHAT DOES MY COUNCILLOR DO FOR ME?

OCTOBER 2007 Report from Cllr Mrs Marianne Overton

Congratulations to residents of Addison Close, Navenby for their work in our effective campaign to protect the Open Space on East Road. The Council has reviewed this and agreed to keep it as it is. It was a big effort, well done indeed.

New affordable houses for part sale or rent are well underway in Twenty Row, Navenby. Allocation will be according to need, as usual. Register with the NKDC "housing allocations" 01529 414155 and let me know, so I can support your application.

Congratulations to Branston
A brilliant launch of the superb heritage trail around the village was held on September 8th. It is part of the Spires and Steeples 27 mile walk opening from Lincoln Cathedral to St Denys in Sleaford.

Branston Speed Limit – disappointment.
I have worked to support the Wheely Rally Group, Branston residents and the Parish Council to get reductions on the speed limit through Branston. Unfortunately the committee at LCC turned it down by one vote. We will resubmit the application and continue to work on alternative methods to improve safety in the meantime.
Traffic is still a problem in Station and Beech Roads, so please take extra care here. The national speed limit guidelines are changing which is likely to lead to generally lower speed limits, though our work on this has put us ahead of the trend.

Harmston Conservation Area Review public consultation is also this week.

Branston Parish Plan
The plan of what we want in Branston over the next twenty years is being written. The big launch of the questionnaire is at the village hall on Thursday 4th October from 7pm. Do come along.
Shaping health consultation
Thank you for responding to this major consultation. Over 1000 responses were received from individuals and organisations as well as a petition of 2000 signatures. The recommendations will be put to the Primary Care Trust Board, (on which I sit) on November 19th, after which will begin the process of commissioning of the newly agreed services.
Flooding
The Emergency Planning Unit is in the process of organising a County Flood Fair to take place on Friday 23 November 2007 at the Engine Shed at Lincoln University. All the relevant authorities will be there and trade stands on flood protection measures. Following the wettest summer on record, lessons learned include an improvements needed in communication and sand/sandbags to be stored in villages where the Parish Council can assist. Parish Councils may also keep directories up to date, enormously helpful for the authorities in an emergency. You can register with the Environment Agency to get relevant personal flood warnings by e-mail. 0845 988 1188 and the website gives practical advice on preparation.
www.environment-agency.gov.uk
Learning
The East Midlands Learning and Skills Council is encouraging adults to take up adult learning grants. Call 0800 100 900 or visit learndirect.co.uk to check availability and sign up, LSC.
Planning
All planning applications are compared against a set of policies, called the Local Plan, written by the District Council. It has to comply with regional and national policies as well. The new plan has just been adopted on September 21st and can be viewed at www.n-kesteven.gov.uk or e-mail talkplanning@n-kesteven.gov.uk
Climate Change New Websites
The Royal Geographical Society has launched a new website for schools on climate change and how it affects all aspects of life. It supports the KS3 geography and citizenship curriculum and links to GCSE and A-level syllabuses. There are student worksheets to download, as well as teachers' notes. To view the site, go to http://www.yourclimateyourlife.org.uk 'Operation: Climate Control' is a new online game to teach students about climate change. It's intended for use in schools (KS4), and players get the chance to create environmental policy for Europe for the 21st century. It is free to use and there are resources for teachers. http://www.operationclimatecontrol.co.uk/content/
Register for this newsletter
If you know anyone who would like to be on the mailing list, please let me know.
Best wishes and thank you for all you are doing for our communities.
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
WHAT DOES MY COUNCILLOR DO FOR ME?
NOVEMBER 2007 Report from Cllr Mrs Marianne Overton
Congratulations Branston Arts Trail and Parish Plan
Congratulations also on the excellent launch of the Brilliant Branston Arts Trail and of the Parish Plan consultation on October 4th. Working on the committee, I can vouch for their hard work and professionalism and encourage everyone to respond to the forthcoming questionnaire. Congratulations to the Branston Community College on achieving an "Outstanding" offsted report. Fantastic!
Branston Access Point
This was expensive and the District Council decided to allow the access point to fall. I called in the decision and after some discussion, the County agreed to continue providing NKDC services for very little and this is to continue for now. However, it is proposed to run the library for 35 hours a week, open Sat am and until 6pm on Wednesday, on the basis it is less used at this time. If you feel there is a need for longer hours, please let me know, as I need evidence to argue the case. A petition is in the library or from me.
Post Offices
The Leadenham, Welbourn, Navenby, Nocton and Branston post offices are secure for now. However, I still wrote to add support of our post offices, just in case! Deadline is Monday 12th November. Local geography, transport, demographics and importance to the community are relevant. Reduced hours are planned at Brant Broughton. consultation@postoffice.co.uk 08457 22 33 44
Rural Transport
There are several problems coming together to make rural transport more difficult next year and we may need to think about reviving the Voluntary Car Schemes.
The Cliff Dial-a-ride ceases at March end 2008. It carried over six hundred journeys last year, 40% health related, but was expensive to run at a subsidy of £36 per journey. High overheads in staffing and vehicle costs, relatively low take-up compared with the Lincoln Dial-a-ride which is continuing. (Sleaford Dial-a-ride is ceasing.) Part of the problem has been the difficulty in booking. (Membership fee in advance, limited booking hours, limited hours of provision, having to book over a week in advance.) I have asked for more support to revitalise the voluntary car schemes from for vulnerable people and we need to rethink this for next April. Some schemes do work extremely well.
The issue coincides with a reduction in hospital transport and possible reduction in bus routes as negotiations are underway regarding the payments to the bus companies for the concessionary fare travel. The countryside funding has ceased and the growth we have seen in national funding of local government is expected to reduce from a national average of 4% to 2%.
Booking Halls
Multi-use village halls can be booked on www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/lmuc
Vote for Mrs Smith’s Cottage and Welbourn Forge
To cast your vote, log on to our website www.n-kesteven.gov.uk and click on the Pride of Place icon, which is placed on the bottom right hand side of the home page. You only get one vote!
Spires & Steeples
is a new long distance arts and heritage trail running from Lincoln Cathedral to St Deny’s Church in Sleaford a distance of some 27 miles. Partners include artsNK, LCC, NKDC, Parish Councils and local groups. Nocton and Branston have already established art projects and heritage trails that share their distinctive stories, and produced excellent leaflets and web sites. Maybe Dunston and Potterhanworth next? The route passes through Branston, Potterhanworth, Nocton and Dunston. At my request, the route is on the web to enable you to check it and suggest improvements by November 15th. http://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/countryside/section.asp?catId=14791
Police Funding
Lincolnshire Police are so poorly funded that serious consideration is being given to precepting higher than 5% on the police funding portion, if the government does not give better support. LCC and NKDC have already put in considerable on-going funding to have more PCSO’s. A petition is attached.
Leadenham Landfill Recycling Centre
Lastly, I am continuing to work towards getting Leadenham Landfill open more days and am making some progress. I hope to get it open on Fridays as well as the weekend from next April.
Affordable Housing
First-time buyers interested in part owning/part renting a house should contact Housing at NKDC (01529 414155). I have looked into it in detail but you would have to be convinced that the value of the house you get will go up by more than the set-up charges and interest that you pay (currently 7%pa at least), and that you can afford the total outgoings.
LCC Planning
Local Development Scheme & Statement of Community Involvement: These are two important documents in planning, just updated and make up the Local Development Framework for Lincolnshire. The first contains the planning guidance and the second explains how the County Council will consult on planning applications. www.lincolnshire.gov.uk or request a free copy from Planning Policy on (01522) 554849 dev_pcg@lincolnshire.gov.uk

This month, Mrs Smith’s Cottage hosted the Kesteven Museums Panel-getting into the spirit with period hats!
Latest population statistics
Recently released statistics show that Lincolnshire's population has continued to grow at rate of almost double the average for England and Wales. Of the 82,000 people who migrated into Lincolnshire between1996-2006, 23% migrated into North Kesteven. www.research-lincs.org.uk I wrote and made representations at the public inquiry to object to the regional plan which proposes to increase the rate of development, without adequate provision for infrastructure, but who listens?!!
November Events
Other than the election, I have been busy organising a few events this month - do come along! I can e-mail you a poster on any of them. Limited places on the Seal Visit and Share a Story Event.
Have a green day! Navenby Methodist Church Sat 17th November 10am-noon
Free biofuel for those who helped with the pilot last year, and for purchase. Sculptures from wood, wood burning stoves, free light bulbs and energy saving devices, information on "green building". All welcome.
Wheely Rally Branston Library on Thurs 8th November 2pm Anyone with wheels, buggies etc to meet highways staff to encourage improved paths.
The Collection Tues 13th November 6pm Institute of Biology Chairman’s buffet (that’s me) and talk by "big-wig" Julian Richards on bringing the past to life; Science and the Ancestors.
Relate Lincolnshire Thurs 15th November 5-8pm (of which I am Chairman) AGM & talk at the United Reformed Church, St Andrews Sq, Lincoln.
Independents for Election Nov 15th of County Councillor seat for Washingborough, Heighington and Canwick.
Seal Visit Saturday 24th November Our Wildlife Watch & RSPB Explorers group and guests are off to see the seals at Donna Nook.
"Share a story" Champagne Reception Fri 26th Oct and Thurs 1st Nov at Siren Community Radio Station at Lincoln University to mark 100 years exactly since women were elected to local government. Champagne reception and sharing of stories about women councillors! Come and spill the beans! Part of the series of events organised with the Women in Local Government Society.
Looking forward to seeing you soon!
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
WHAT DOES MY COUNCILLOR DO FOR ME?
DECEMBER 2007 Report from Cllr Mrs Marianne Overton
Congratulations
• North Kesteven has retained its poll position as the best at recycling in the whole country, achieving over 55%. Well done everyone! I have pushed for recycling of commercial waste and this month the offer letter goes out to include village halls on the recycling round. This will be free if it is on the normal rota.
• Congratuations to Potterhanworth for winning the Best Kept Village Class II. Well done indeed.
• Congratulations to the Thorold Arms in Harmston on winning the East Midlands Pub of the Year Award 2007, presented on Sat 1st December.
• Congratulations to Sheila Redshaw & Sue Morris, authors of new a book.
↑Launch of the fantastic Nocton History, copies from co-author Sue Morris 01526 321455
Health
As you know I sit on the Lincolnshire Primary Care Trust board and we made the final decisions following the "Shaping Health" consultation last Monday. The impressive number of 3,600 people responded with a great collection of useful suggestions and comments. The recommendations to the board were changed accordingly. Grantham A & E is to stay. Cases of severe injuries will continue to be taken to the appropriate major trauma hospitals, Nottingham, Sheffield and Lincoln, as they are now. Other services in Grantham are planned to expand and the midwifery has been given two years to achieve the necessary number of 250 births/year. Full information is available on the website. http://www.lpct.nhs.uk/55/55/0/Public_Consultation.htm
New Vehicle to tackle fly-tipping
Lincolnshire County Council has purchased a new lorry to collect fly-tipped waste around the County, spending a week at a time in each District. Work started on the High Dyke recently. Please continue to report fly-tipped waste, so that it doesn’t encourage more! 01529 414155. On the FIRST collection after Christmas, waste left next to the green- lidded recycling bin and the black residual bin will be collected.
Tel: 01400 273323 marianne.overton@biosearch.org.uk
Post Offices
I had a very interesting meeting with the Heads of the Network Services on 7th November, who decide on which post offices to close. If they find that the ones named this time have to be withdrawn from the list, then others will need to be found. These will then have to go out to consultation again. The next review is in 2010.
Not all those planned for closure are loss-making, some are profit-making, but the PO hopes that customers will just go and use the next one along. As not everyone will do this, they expect to lose 20-40% business, hoping to keep it at the 20% end. I raised the logistical difficulties with the outreach service that would lead to further loss in takings. In Lincoln, the Bailgate PO may be saved by the fact that it is separated from its neighbour by the steep hill. A fact that the staff members had missed!
Relate Lincolnshire www.relate-lincs.co.uk
Relate Lincolnshire is looking for a new manager. We need someone who is good with people, competent with budgets and contracts and keen to make a difference. Do you know anyone who would be interested? National salary. Please e-mail me or ring.
Lives
Lives is the charity that has trained volunteers who save lives by being first on the scene with a defibrillator. A new group is starting in the Heath Villages of Branston, Potterhanworth, Nocton and Dunston. Anyone wanting to help raise funds or be a responder, should contact Julie Hill 01526 322615.
Safe driving
With Christmas coming up, please take care! New laws enable a £5,000 fine for failing to stop and for "unsuccessful manslaughter" for "careless driving whilst under the influence of drugs or alcohol". www.justice.gov.uk/news/newsrelease240907a.htm
Neighbourhood Watch: Who is our Neighbourhood Policing Team?
Lincolnshire Police Web site; on the right hand side there is a box "Help me find" with a drop down menu. Select MY NP Team, then enter the post code for the area you wish to find. This will show you your personnel with their contact numbers.
Enhanced youth services
Two half-time detached workers, Luke Winn and Rebecca Hill, have started 18½ hours/week each as the new workers with responsibility for the cliff villages within NK. They will be based in Bracebridge Heath and Waddington and will integrate with young people from the villages along the A607.
Green Success
Our "Green Day" helping people be more sustainable in Navenby was very successful with a steady stream of visitors. The stands included energy-saving gadget giveaways and professional advice from our sustainability officer, sustainable biofuel from cedarwood shavings was on offer. There were woodstoves, compost bins, "Art from waste" by schools and displays by green organisations.
We have a good recipe now, so maybe another village would like something similar?
→Our little Green Team planning in Branston library
Tel: 01400 273323 marianne.overton@biosearch.org.uk
→Coleby School writing and presenting their own programme to help launch the new Siren radio station at the University of Lincoln. Wow!
↓Baby seal photographed on our trip to Donna Nook this week. (Branston & West Kesteven Wildlife Watch & RSPB Explorers Group.)
→Some of the team celebrating 100 years of women in local government with a champagne reception at Siren Radio at Lincoln University. Debbie Wilson from Nocton is far left and Lesley Caro from Harmston is 4th from the right, next to Ursula Lidbetter, Chief Executive of the Co-op.
←Julian Richards of "Meet the ancestors" TV fame with event organisers and museum staff at The Collection. (Institute of Biology AGM)
I have just heard we did not get the Lottery grant for the Navenby Village Hub, despite everyone’s hard work. Thank you for your generous support. We shall have to rethink our strategy.
Looking forward to seeing you soon! Best wishes for a very happy Christmas and successful New Year.
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 marianne.overton@biosearch.org.uk