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
In October, Mrs Smith’s Cottage hosted the Kesteven Museums Panel
- getting into the spirit with period hats!


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

 

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