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 on 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 uptake 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