The newspaper for all North Kesteven residents Summer 2013

newsnk

Our Homes– pages 7-9

Our Communities– page 6

Our Economy – pages 10-11

01529 414155 / 01522 699699 info@n-kesteven.gov.uk www.n-kesteven.gov.uk

Speak out on the District’s

future growth

See page 12

District households will be among the first to benefit from the rollout of a £48m project to deliver superfast, affordable broadband connections to most of Lincolnshire.

While parts of Sleaford and North Hykeham are already enjoying the benefits of newly improved internet connectivity as a result of BT’s own commercial rollout of the technology, the Onlincolnshire initiative will reach the rest of the District, stretching into areas which would not otherwise be commercially viable to equip so soon.

Different parts of North Kesteven will be switched on to superfast broadband - to achieve download speeds of at least 24 Megabytes per second (Mbs) - at different times as the eight phases sweep across the county between this October and October 2015.

The first homes to benefit will be those in North Hykeham and on the fringes of Lincoln which haven’t yet been equipped by BT.

Improvements here are timed to begin in October, followed next January by remaining parts of Sleaford and villages to its south, east and north, the Cliff Villages, settlements along the B1188 and villages west of Lincoln.

Next will be the Kymes, Billinghay, Cranwell and the Raucebys; then Brant Broughton at the halfway point in autumn 2014; the Swinderby, Witham and Bassingham area early in 2015 and then a smattering of smaller settlements as more rural parts are completed up to October 2015.

By 2016 the project aims to ensure at least 88% of the county

Speedier, better broadband rolled out in North Kesteven Big internet expansion project will be huge boost to economy and make a massive difference to everyone’s everyday living

has superfast broadband – defined as a minimum of 24 Mbs – with everyone else able to get a minimum of 2 Mbs. In all cases this will be an improvement on current standards and in many areas speeds will be significantly higher.

For the first time, broadband will be available everywhere in the county.

The improvements are being carried out by BT through the Onlincolnshire project which involves the investment of £48m of public and private sector money in broadband infrastructure. The improvements will be delivered by BT building on its existing telecoms infrastructure.

In addition to the £11.2m put up by the county council, NKDC has made a contribution of £600,000 towards the shared £4m from district councils,

national government has provided £14.3m and BT £18.8m. The deal is the largest of its kind in the East Midlands and sixth largest nationally.

Council Leader Cllr Marion Brighton OBE said: “Improved broadband connectivity has been a key priority for NKDC for some time as we have some significant areas where it is grossly inadequate or blatantly non-existent. Fast, reliable broadband is essential to modern living and will make such a difference to people’s personal fortunes as well as being a welcome boost to the local economy.

“It is fantastic that by working together this partnership can achieve better broadband for the whole county and lift us to a more competitive footing for attracting business and promoting our high-ranking quality of life.”

Craft Centre marks its first decade

Superfast broadband provides a connection of at least 24 Mbs download speed, the connection to you - which is more than two and a half times quicker than the current UK average of 9 Mbs.

With superfast broadband :> People will be able to stream HD movies, download music in seconds, play

online games and keep in touch with friends and family via video calls. They can also access better utility deals which are often exclusively online and manage pension and benefits accounts which are being moved increasingly online.

> Businesses will enjoy improved efficiency, better connections with customers and exposure to an expanding global market.Broadband speeds can also be a factor in the price and speed of house sales.BT will concentrate on an intervention area of more than 150,000 premises

where existing or planned commercial rollouts would not deliver superfast speeds.Where there are already speeds of 2 Mbps or higher, this scheme should

improve speeds beyond this.More detail on when superfast broadband will come to you, can be found at www.onlincolnshire.org searching by postcode. If your phone exchange is equipped and accepting orders, you need to contact your internet service

Sleaford’s National Centre for Craft & Design celebrates its tenth anniversary this summer, as England’s largest space entirely dedicated to the exhibition, celebration and promotion of international and national craft and design.

Previously known as The Hub, it offers four exciting exhibition spaces, a stimulating programme of special events, workshops, talks, short courses and demonstrations. An inspiring shop stocks the latest contemporary British craft and a licensed cafe provides relaxation and a creative respite.

On a visit to see what the NCCD and NKDC’s broader cultural programme have to offer, local MP Stephen Phillips was enchanted.

“I was blown away by the quality of work and performance on show, it really brought home to me just how important this resource is. As a National Centre, it is a huge asset not only to Sleaford but the whole of Lincolnshire and I will be inviting the Secretary of State for Culture Maria Miller to see for herself just how good it is,” said Mr Phillips, pictured above on his visit to the NCCD.

See inside for what’s happening at the NCCD, on pages 14 & 15.

Making better, faster connections

is your newspaperThe newspaper is edited by the Communications

Team at North Kesteven District Council. Each issue costs 6.3 pence to produce and print

and 9.75 pence to deliver direct to your door.

EditorialPhone: 01529 308116

Email: communications@n-kesteven.gov.ukAddress: North Kesteven District Council

District Council Offices, Kesteven Street, Sleaford, Lincolnshire NG34 7EF

Council EnquiriesPhone: 01529 414155 or 01522 699699 if calling

from a Lincoln numberMinicom: 01529 308088

Emergency: 01529 308308 or 01522 699650Website: www.n-kesteven.gov.uk

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Twitter: @northkestevendc

INFO-LINKS North Hykeham North Kesteven Centre, Moor Lane,

North Hykeham, Lincoln LN6 9AX

INFO-LINKS Metheringham15a High Street, Metheringham, Lincoln, LN4 3DZ

Billinghay Cottage & Parish Office The Old Vicarage Cottage, Church

Street, Billinghay, Lincoln, LN4 4HN

Branston Connect Branston Community Library,

Station Road, Branston, LN4 1LH

Heckington Parish Office St Andrew’s Street, Heckington, NG34 9RE

Navenby Village Office The Venue, Grantham Road, Navenby, LN5 0JJ

Osbournby Village Hall London Road, Osbournby, Sleaford, NG34 0DG

Skellingthorpe Village Office Lincoln Road, Skellingthorpe

Community Centre, Lincoln, LN6 5UT

The Witham Office 16 Torgate Lane, Bassingham, Lincoln, LN5 9HF

Waddington Parish Council High Street, Waddington, Lincoln, LN5 9RF

Washingborough Civic Office Fen Road, Washingborough, Lincoln, LN4 1AB

This document is available in large print, Braille, audio, electronic formats such as

CD, or in a different language.

newsnk

Printed on Recycled Paper

inside

4

Waste not want not What happens to your recycled waste once it goes beyond your gate 4

Riverside refurbishment BBC radio’s Melvyn Prior gets dug in to a new garden project linked to the refurbishment of Sleaford Leisure Centre 5

Leading the way on Localism Council wants to ensure all communities are well-placed to make the most of Localism in their locality 6

Revitalising empty homes Council makes a massive difference in turning around the fortunes of the District’s 700 empty homes 8-9 Business boost Companies flock to fill the Council’s estate of workshops and start-up units 10

Directing growth Have your say on where housing, jobs, shops and schools should go in the District in the coming decades 12 5

2 newsnk Summer 2013

North Kesteven District Council’s new chairman Cllr Terry Boston has pledged to do his best on behalf of all residents of the District.

In accepting his year of office, he said it was an incredible honour for him to have been selected by his fellow councillors, which made him feel ‘very humble’.

He praised the hard work of predecessor Cllr Ray Cucksey, engaging with and encouraging local enterprise, supporting countless communities through his civic engagements and guiding and assisting him in readiness for his role.

“I promise with all my heart that I will try my very best to live up to the measure of my predecessors and to work for the benefit of the residents of North Kesteven by representing them and this Council to the best of my ability,” he said.

“No matter what perspective you choose to view from, whether national statistics or overall public approbation, this is consistently one of the best performing councils in the country, particularly thanks to the dedicated support, advice and sheer hard work of our officers. It is that skill and care that makes me particularly proud to be a member of this Council.”

He will be supported in his year by his wife Ingrid and new vice-chairman Cllr Lance Pennell.Cllr Boston is a solicitor by profession. As well as having been an NKDC councillor for

Ruskington for the past four years, he is a Governor of Winchelsea Primary School in Ruskington and on the village Youth Club Management Committee, taking a keen interest in youth affairs.

The costs of financing one air ambulance mission and one thousandth of the annual running costs for LIVES have been met by the Chairman’s charity fund.

In his year as Chairman of the Council Cllr Ray Cucksey raised £2,688 which was split equally between the Nottinghamshire & Lincolnshire Air Ambulance, and the LIVES First Responders Group.

Cllr Cucksey, from Branston, said he was particularly proud to have been Chairman in the Jubilee and Olympic year when there was such a strong feel-good factor and community cohesion in the District.

“Barbara and I have enjoyed enormously our time representing North Kesteven and ensuring it continues to play a significant role within Lincolnshire.

“There have been so many highlights, but none more so than receiving an invitation from the Lord Lieutenant to attend a Jubilee Picnic in the presence of the Queen. I judge myself very fortunate and deem it a great privilege to have been given this opportunity.

He paid particulate tribute to ‘the many members of our communities for the part they play through volunteering’.

During the year a further £450 was raised for LIVES from a jointly-organised cathedral concert and the air ambulance received an extra £300 raised during an annual staff football match in which the office team beat the refuse crew 8-5.

Residents of North Kesteven have one of the best and most peaceful qualities of life in Great Britain.

The District ranks 32nd out of 119 rural local authority area in the 2013 Halifax survey for quality of life, while another survey singles it out as the 15th most peaceful place to live in relation to exposure to violent crime.

An earlier Halifax survey marked out NK as the 83rd of all 405 British local authority areas for quality of life.

The quality of life assessment is based on the District’s low incidence of burglary, ease of traffic movement, good employment rate, broadband access, small primary school class size, low population density, good housing quality cost and size and even factors like sunshine hours, rainfall and life expectancy.

The UK Peace Index measures absence of violence, fear of violence and looks at numbers of murders, violent and weapons crime, public disorder and police officers per 10,000 population.

NK rated one of most peaceful places to live

New Council Chairman pledges to do his ‘best for all residents’

Life-saving funds given to two causes

Do you know someone who does good deeds in the District?Nominate them for an NK Community Champion AwardSee the back page of this newsnk or visit www.n-kesteven.gov.uk

Duo mark 40 years of dedication to DistrictTwo stalwart councillors whose service to North Kesteven District Council stretches back longer than the authority itself have each clocked up 40 years of continuous service.

Both Council Leader Cllr Marion Brighton OBE and Planning Committee Chairman Cllr Pat Woodman MBE were first elected in 1973.

They initially joined the shadow authority tasked with shaping NKDC as it took over from three former urban and rural district councils ahead of Local Government reorganisation in 1974.

Remarkably they have each stood for election 11 times and won each time.

Cllr Mrs Brighton represents Heighington & Washingborough and Cllr Mrs Woodman Bassingham & Brant Broughton. Both have been chairman of the Council and both maintain high profile positions at NKDC and beyond which requires a significant degree of daily input, committment, resilience and stamina.

Both said they owed a debt of gratitude to their families and wider communities for their support and loyalty, as well as Council colleagues.

News Focus

Summer 2013 newsnk 3

In keeping with its long-term track record for high collection rates of Council Tax, NKDC is again poised to be one of the highest performers.

The successful collection of 99.1% in the year up to March 31 should keep the Council within the top 25% of local authorities based on collection rates.

NKDC’s final place won’t be known for a while, but it should be close to – if not at – the top spot among English authorities where it has been for the past four years. For the past two years NKDC’s collection rate was 99.4%, with 99.3% previous to that.

In the financial year 2011/12, NKDC received £45,992,000 (99.4%) of

the £46,285,000 it collects on behalf of the county, town, parish councils and police as well as its own service delivery.

At the end of 2012/13 the outstanding sum from a £46,692,423 liability was £411,693 which was a collection rate of 99.1%.

Cllr Geoff Hazelwood, Executive Board Member for revenues, said: “Thanks to residents making the link between what they pay in taxes and what we can deliver in services, we enjoy enviable success in our local collection rates and are able to maintain one of the lowest charges in the country.”

Crime has fallen by a greater margin in North Kesteven than elsewhere across Lincolnshire.

While overall crime rates dropped across Lincolnshire by an average of 14.2% from year to year, the reduction in North Kesteven was 16.2%.

Locally there were 565 fewer crimes recorded in the year up to the end of March than the 3,482 recorded in 2011/12. Detection with sanctions increased by 25 cases to 766, which meant 26.3% of crimes reached a successful conclusion.

Significant reductions were made in respect of violence, where incidents involving injury fell 23% to 204 and those without injury dropped 31% to 194; criminal damage was down by 30% to 497; serious sexual offences dropped 34% to 31 and other sexual offences were down 27% to 11.

An increase of two cases pushed incidence of robbery up to five; house burglary rose by six cases to 179; burglary of other premises was down 10 to 353 and drug crimes rose by 39 to 112. Theft from vehicles rose by 27% to 308, thefts of vehicles dropped by 3.1% to 62 and other thefts fell 26% to 791 cases.

Community Safety Partnership chairman, Cllr Mike Gallagher, said that reductions in the areas of greatest public concern – burglary, violence, theft and sexual offences – was a great testament to the partnership response on local law enforcement which included police, council and community input.

“While I would like to see decreases in all areas, these figures show progress in the right direction, in some very key areas and within our District,” he said. “The most important thing is that there were 565 fewer victims of crime in the last year than the previous 12 months, particularly where it affects quality of life and community safety, and that is a trend we need to build on.”

More than half of North Kesteven households have signed up to the new garden waste collection arrangements.

As of the beginning of June, 25,707 residents had opted to pay the £25 annual charge to have their brown bins emptied on alternate weeks instead of going to the trouble and expense of taking it to the recycling centre themselves, paying a contractor to take it away or composting at home.

At 53%, this level of take-up is in line with what the Council anticipated when it introduced the charge in order to achieve a £500,000 saving towards

a requirement to save £2.6m during the next four years.

Residents can still sign up throughout the year, but the charge remains £25 through to March 31 when the next year’s charges are due.

“After offering this service as a complementary one for eight years we knew how much it was appreciated by residents and so it is heartening that so many have been happy to pay for it in order to continue receiving it,” said Cllr Richard Wright, Executive Member with responsibility for waste.

“Such confidence has encouraged most of the other Lincolnshire districts to introduce a charge too.”

North Kesteven has been identified as now the seventh safest place to live in the country.

This new ranking is based on information collated from centrally recorded police statistics on reported crimes and shows an improvement from eighth place held for a number of years.

Data collected by the British Crime Survey of all 322 Community Safety Partnership areas in the country shows 14.44 crimes being recorded per 1,000 population in North Kesteven.

The lowest is 12.14 in the Isles of Scilly, with only Broadlands in Norfolk, Ryedale in North Yorkshire, Ceredigion in Wales, Derbyshire Dales and Ribble Valley in Lancashire being lower.

Cllr Mike Gallagher, Chairman of the North Kesteven Community Safety Partnership, said that coupled

with Lincolnshire Police’s own figures showing a 16% annual cut in crime in NK, a decrease in reports of anti-social behaviour and another new status as the 15th most peaceful place in the country based on police numbers and incidence of violent crime, this was ‘really positive news for all residents of North Kesteven’.

“To be ranked the seventh safest area in the country is a great achievement. In North Kesteven a strong emphasis is placed on a partnership approach to ensure we work together in reducing crime and disorder, as well as a strong emphasis on preventing crime and ASB.

“The work of the police and all partners involved in these results is a really positive approach, and further emphasises the many reasons why people enjoy living and working in the District,” he said.

Preparations are underway for events to honour the contribution of Armed Forces personnel in North Kesteven.

In the week up to Armed Forces Day NKDC will fly the commemorative flag, run children’s competitions to raise awareness among the younger generation and present badges to veterans in recognition of their dedicated service.

With the main national Armed Forces Day event taking place in Nottingham on June 29, personnel from stations in North Kesteven who would normally be involved in a local parade will be engaged there. For that reason, and in order to encourage District residents to join the larger city parade, there will not be an event in Sleaford as usual this year.In North Kesteven, the District Council is arranging:> A formal flag-raising event at NKDC on June 24 at 10.30am> Children’s competitions, with details available from Navigation House, the

National Centre for Craft & Design, NKDC’s offices in Sleaford, Whisby Natural World Centre and online at www.n-kesteven.gov.uk

> A veterans’ celebration event on Friday, June 28. > And many local businesses will be offering discounts to service personnel.

Council Leader Cllr Marion Brighton OBE, said: “Armed Forces Day is a key date, when we commemorate our forces personnel and show our respect and thanks for all that they do and have done in the past. While we won’t be holding our own parade this year, I hope that many people will support the national parade in Nottingham, pay tribute to our Armed Forces, past present and future, and enjoy the broader activities taking place.”

Show your support for Armed Forces by flying the flag and saluting them

The Armed Forces Day flag will be flown by the Council in late June

Bomber Command Memorial designed for District site

District is now named as the seventh safest area in UKDelight as local crime rate reduces by a greater margin in NK than rest of county

Most residents sign up for service NK maintains high collection rate

The appeal has been launched to raise more than £3million to part-fund a memorial to the 25,000 Bomber Command airmen based in Lincolnshire who died in World War II.

Following extensive consultation, a 50m high Spire of Names has been chosen as the prefered design. Subject to planning permission, it is proposed to be placed at the top of Canwick Hill in the north of the District.

It will be on top of the hill, opposite the cathedral, alongside a visitor centre within gardens.

The aim is to have the 164ft steel spire featuring the names of all 25,611 county-based veterans who died in service, installed by May 2015, the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

Each name will be cut into the corten steel – itself made of 95% recycled material – to a size which can be viewed from the ground regardless of how high the name is up the spire.

The memorial is promoted by the Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire Tony Worth, heading up the Lincolnshire Bomber Command Memorial Trust which NKDC is supporting.

Council Leader Marion Brighton OBE said she was struck by the simplicity, sustainability and longevity of the chosen design which would have a direct relationship with the Cathedral, a familiar landmark to the aircrew.

“The trustees sought to have a significant and contemporary memorial to serve as a location for remembrance, an opportunity for today’s and future generations to learn of the Bomber Command story, the bravery, courage and sacrifice and also something with international appeal. I really do believe that they have achieved all of this in this design and hope that District residents will support the appeal to realise this in North Kesteven,” she said.

Donations can be made at www.lincsbombercommandmemorial.com or by texting LBCM01 followed by the amount to give (£1, £10, £100 etc) to 70070. Or look on Twitter @LincsBCM or on Facebook.

4 newsnk Summer 2013

News Focus

Unanimous approval has been given for pipes to transfer surplus heat from Sleaford’s renewable energy plant to more community facilities in the town, including a primary school.

With pipes currently being laid from the Boston Road plant to serve Sleaford Football Club, bowls club and the refurbished Leisure Centre, the Council’s planning committee has now agreed for an extension under the River Slea to the NKDC Offices at Lafford Terrace and the William Alvey School on Eastgate.

They will be installed over coming months ready to transfer hot water which will be used for heating, saving each recipient hundreds of thousands of pounds in utility charges over the scheme’s 25 year period.

The energy plant is scheduled to start generating electricity next

January through the burning of dry biomass, chiefly straw. This process also generates waste heat which the firm offered up for community use to support wider aims of reducing reliance on alternative carbon-emitting fossil fuel heat sources.

Cllr Richard Wright, NKDC’s Executive Board Member with responsibility for energy efficiency, said: “The transfer of free heat into the Council and school buildings has an environmental benefit and will also help to reduce running costs, which is a benefit to all taxpayers across the District.”

The transfer of this free heat is part of a significant package of around £200,000 in community, economic and environmental benefits.

“These support the District Council’s long-term plans to make the District a more sustainable place to live. As a

positive by-product of the generation of green electricity, this transfer of heat also makes a key contribution to the Council’s broader aspirations for reducing carbon emissions from public buildings,” said Cllr Wright.

The heat is offered under a package of seven community benefits undertaken voluntarily by Eco2, which also includes provision of electronic teaching aids at Kirkby la Thorpe Primary School, public art to the value of £50,000, healthy walks fund and total of £120,000 to distribute to community groups in Sleaford and Kirkby la Thorpe.

A further community benefit is the provision of up to seven two-year apprenticeships, two of whom are working on the refurbishment of Sleaford Leisure Centre.

The plant will create around 80 jobs, fitting within the aims of the

Sleaford Masterplan, the 25-year plan to transform Sleaford, including sustainable measures to retain and expand Sleaford’s employment base and enhance leisure amenities.

Council Leader Cllr Marion Brighton OBE said: “This is another example of where the Council has been able to work in partnership to broaden the positive outcomes of such a project for maximum benefit in the wider community.”

“It is with particular thanks to previous chairman of Sleaford & District Chamber of Commerce Fran Mackereth who saw the potential for positive outcomes from this development when it came to us for planning permission that we are seeing these benefits. This was inspite of significant opposition at the time from Sleaford Town Council and Kirby la Thorpe Parish Council.”

With most cases of food poisoning originating in the home, NKDC’s Environmental Health Team is getting its message across to parents at the school gate.

As well as being a vehicle for the delivery of healthy eating messages, as it makes its way around District schools, the NK Food Cart helps to spread the message on hygiene standards, safe food storage and cross contamination in the kitchen.

This summer the cart is out for a fourth term, bringing ideas for quick, easy, affordable and nutritious meals to parents waiting to collect their children after class, distributing free recipe booklets and dispensing useful advice.

Parents will find it at:> The William Alvey School, Sleaford

on June 11 and July 2> Digby School on June 18 and July 9 > Cranwell on June 25 and July 16.

Cllr Richard Wright, said: “The Food Cart has so far inspired almost 2,000 people in the District to cook tasty, healthy, quick and easy meals. Supporting families in the District is extremely important to the Council, and it’s really fulfilling to do this in a fun and exciting way for everyone to enjoy.”

A major campaign will be underway during the summer for householders to consider how clean their kitchens are and precautions to be taken at home to avoid food poisoning.

There’s a helpful checklist and self-assessment test available at www.food.gov.uk/kitchen-check to guide you on use-by-dates, cleaning, chilling, cross-contamination and other matters.

Learning has become much more interactive for pupils using whiteboards financed by a green energy source.

The equipment was bought by Kirkby la Thorpe Primary School using a £10,000 award committed to the school by Eco2 Lincs Ltd, operators of the Sleaford Renewable Energy Plant being built in the parish.

This fund was a specific element within the £285,000 of broad community benefits being made available by Eco2Lincs Ltd.

The five new whiteboards replace older ones, enhancing learning and enabling teachers to access the internet to draw down more classroom resources.

The award was approved by the Sleaford REP Community Liaison Panel which is made up of district, Sleaford town and Kirkby la Thorpe parish councillors.

Panel chairman, Cllr Richard Wright said: “This funding has provided an invaluable asset to the school and aims to enhance pupils’ education attainment and experiences. It is exactly the type of investment we envisaged when the Sleaford Renewable Energy Plant agreed to the funding and we hope to spread more benefits into the community over the next few years through bids for the £120,000 community fund.”

Community groups in Sleaford town or Kirkby la Thorpe Parish are urged to apply for grants between £500 - £20,000 to extend their community outreach.

Details of the fund, eligibility criteria and how to apply can be found at www.sleafordrep.co.uk

Needles are still being found in the green-lidded recycling bins - which pose a danger to everyone involved in the collection and sorting process and undermines the good work of everyone else who recycles carefully.

Needles and syringes were one of the major items highlighted – along with dead pheasants and food waste – when we started to clampdown on contamination last summer.

Most people are making sure the right things go into the right bins now

but needles are still a problem.“Putting needles into your

green-lidded bin is dangerous and irresponsible and could easily cause someone to have an injury – not only at the recycling centre where the material is sorted but also at home as people fill the bin,” said Cllr Richard Wright, who has Executive Board oversight for waste and recycling.

If you use needles, you should obtain a yellow sharps box from your GP and then contact the Council to arrange for it to be collected safely.

After washing out those cans, separating paper from plastic and working out what can be recycled, do you ever wonder what happens to it after it’s emptied from your green-lidded bin?

In a new feature for newsnk we bring you details of where your recycling goes once it goes beyond your doorstep.

By recycling plastic you can reduce the amount of fresh oil that is needed to make new plastic. Recycling glass and metals means there’s less need for new sand, minerals and ores to be mined and of course recycling paper and cardboard reduces the need to fell trees.

In the first stage, if we are able to reduce the amount of packaging and materials we use, that reduces impact on the environment, cuts energy, fuel and water use and the greenhouse gas emissions created.

But where you can’t do that, the next best thing is to follow the recycling guide and place all the right things into the green-lidded bin for recycling.

It is then:> Collected by our recycling crews

in our own vehicles and unloaded at local waste transfer stations.

> Collected by our contractor HW Martin and transported by lorry to their recycling facility in Leeds where it is sorted into material type, first by hand and then by machine.

> HW Martin process plastic and glass onsite, which goes straight back into use as new items, reducing the number of miles it travels.

> Other materials are baled and sold to reprocessors in the private recycling market. Although they cannot control demand for materials or reprocessing location, HW Martin does always try to reduce the miles recycling travels.

Plastic – milk bottles: Washed and flaked by HW Martin onsite in Leeds and sold to UK reprocessors to be made into various plastic products such as stock board, used in the construction industry as a protective cover for underground electric/gas service pipes.

Plastic – bottles, tubs and trays: Sent to a Lincolnshire company which works closely with Coca Cola and process them so that they can be made back into bottles.

Newspaper & Magazines: Sent to paper mills in Kent and Norfolk to be made back into newspapers. It takes six weeks from a resident’s wheelie bin back into a newspaper.

Glass: Sent to reprocessors in South and West Yorkshire for re-melting and transfer on to companies such as Pilkington Glass to be made back into glass products.

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Needles are a danger to refuse crew

Pipe dreams extended for free heat to schoolHot water will transfer residual heat from eco power station to community buildings

Community Panel awards Eco grant for state-of-the-art school equipment

Pupils Isabel Andy, Jake Walzak, Emily Wilson, James Andy, Charlie Koscinski-Drayton and Oscar Scholefield are pictured with Headteacher Katie Bartle, Panel vice chairman Cllr Rob Hipworth, Cllr David Dickinson, Panel chairman Cllr Richard Wright, and Sleaford REP’s Communications Manager Mike Harrison.

Food hygiene lessons begin at home

What happens to your waste once it’s been binned?

Summer 2013 newsnk 5

News Focus

A green corner outside the newly refurbished Sleaford Leisure Centre is being transformed in readiness for the new-look facility’s autumn launch.

After bidding to be a part of a joint initiative between the BBC and the Royal Horticultural Society, BBC Radio Lincolnshire has selected the small triangular space alongside the River Slea as its project.

The Green Corners scheme is devised to celebrate this year’s 100th Chelsea Flower Show.

Fresh from her attendance at the show, North Hykeham garden designer Penny Meadmore created a design and planting scheme suited to the location.

The Riverside Community Garden was due to be installed during June, in time to bed in for the October opening of the refurbished centre.

Penny is BBC Radio Lincolnshire’s resident garden expert and intended to feature the transformation live on Melvyn Prior’s programme as it happened.

Her vision was for seating to overlook the river, within an area planted with shrubs and perennials which needed minimal maintenance to remain vibrant all year round.

“It’s a terrific site which everybody will see and hopefully enjoy. It would

If you feel you or someone you know is being subject to a hate crime, you should report it to the Police or NKDC’s anti-social behaviour team.

Hate crimes include physical attacks, threats, verbal abuse, arson, graffiti, bullying and harassment. They can be directed at someone through prejudice or hostility towards anything ranging from race and gender through to pregnancy, religion or age.

It is important that hate crimes are rooted out as they affect not only individuals but whole families, the wider community and broader society too.

Don’t suffer in silence.The Stop Crime 24 hour hotline can

be called on 0800 138 1625. NKDC’s team is on 01529 414155 and call 999 or 101 (non-emergency) for the police.

North Kesteven District Council is extending its commitment to raising economic fortunes within the District by committing to take on apprentices and pay a living wage to its lowest paid employees.

Both measures have been adopted in order to support school leavers in finding work, enhance motivation and staff retention and promote career progression.

From next September six apprentices will be offered a two year programme, which would be extended in future if it proves to be successful. Places would be targeted at young people leaving school with a good standard of education, but not wanting to move into university or higher education. There would be two each in the areas of general council administration, housing and economic development.

The Living Wage initiative is being implemented by the Council in order to raise salaries in line with the increased cost of living.

Around 60 staff, including cleaners, refuse loaders, tourism assistants and a few administrative posts, will have salaries raised from £13,874 or less to £14,373 – a rate of £7.45 an hour.

NKDC is one of the first councils to introduce the Living Wage, which Council Leader Cllr Marion Brighton OBE said illustrated its progressive attitude towards supporting a stronger economy and personal wellbeing.

“It is our anticipation that by paying the Living Wage, colleagues will remain motivated, feel more valued and will deliver increasingly high customer service. It is also a fair and equitable initiative supporting greater staff retention, reducing turnover and recruitment costs and supporting them in financially difficult times.

“Coupled with our support for young people to get into work through apprenticeships, our small investment has potential to heap significant rewards for the local economy,” said Cllr Mrs Brighton.

“This is another way in which we are investing in the future of our District, supporting our young people and strengthening a legacy of excellent service at the Council.”

The refurbished swimming pool will bring the outdoors in as a rabbit, deer and otter help tots to discover the joys of watery play.

These are some of the animals to be featured along a river bank in the new splash pool being incorporated into the ongoing leisure centre refurbishment.

When artist’s impressions of the splash zone were shown to pool users and the wider public, they received positive feedback as a fun way to introduce the under-fours to swimming.

The splash pool will be separate to the main pool, featuring very shallow water, fountains and small slides. It’s incorporation is a result of public desire expressed during consultation on the centre’s design options.

Cllr Lindsey Cawrey said the team masterminding the pool’s refurbishment felt that such an intricate, well-designed pool with many levels of interest would really appeal to younger members of the District’s families.

The refurbishment is on schedule to be open to the public at the beginning of October.

Contractors refurbishing Sleaford Leisure Centre have ‘proved themselves at the forefront of industry best practice’ according to assessors.

That’s the verdict of monitors who scored RG Carter Ltd’s site at

Eastbanks to be exceptional with 44 out of 50 in the Considerate Constructors Scheme.

The final assessment showed that the contractors are demonstrating the very highest level of achievement far above the required standards

in maintaining a tidy and safe site, showing consideration for neighbours, making a positive impact on the local environment and creating a lasting legacy of the project for the local community – which is the commissioning of a mosaic feature.

Cllr Lindsey Cawrey, Executive Member with oversight for leisure said the score reflected RG Carters’ great commitment to the project and the strong partnership between dedicated teams at the Council and the company.

A digital photo competition is open to amateur photographers to capture a flavour of the District.

The theme for this year’s Community Lincs competition is ‘Producing, Cooking and Eating the Locally Grown Food of Lincolnshire’.

Entries are accepted up to August 31 in two categories - under 18 and 18 years and above.

The competition is free to enter, with details at www.community.lincs.com/photo-competition

Pictures should be 3Mb max. Call 01529 301952 or email tracy.ingram@communitylincs.com

Riverside path gets a refurbishment makeover all of its own

Communal garden created at pool

be easy to do something fantastic in every sense of the word, but that wouldn’t last. We need something here that virtually looks after itself and has lasting appeal,” she said.

Her aim was to incorporate the new colour scheme and stylish canopy design into her planning and hard landscaping, with potential input from artsnk and the wider Sleaford community.

In an extension to the existing mosaic art along the adjacent path a large-scale mosaic is also being created to Alan Potter’s design, helping to link the outside riverside environment to the pool through the glazed reception.

This is being put together over the summer by experienced mosaic nibblers whose work enriches public spaces right across the District.

Cllr Lindsey Cawrey, whose Executive Board brief covers leisure and the arts, said this scheme was an excellent way to enhance the riverside and involve the wider community in celebration of the £2.85m being invested by the Council in the new leisure centre.

“We are delighted that BBC Radio Lincolnshire has chosen to invest its project in Sleaford and I am sure that the garden will be something really special for us all to enjoy,” she said.

NKDC Leisure Services manager Mike Lock. garden designer Penny Meadmore, NKDC surveyor Scott Masterman and Melvyn Prior assess the community garden’s potential

Swimming on the wild side for tots

Leisure centre contractors considered to be ‘exceptionally considerate’

Double economic committment to support workers

Don’t suffer hate crimes in silence

Capture District’s flavour on film

You can rely on a little bird to keep you informedFollow us on Twitter@northkestevendc@slcrefurb@talkplanning

Do you know someone who has made great strides in support of the arts, environment, sports, community or other people’s health & wellbeing in the District? Nominate them for an NK Community Champion AwardSee the back page or visit www.n-kesteven.gov.uk

Train crash tests emergency plansOfficers from NKDC were among more than 400 people testing out the resilience of the county’s emergency plans.

For two days in May, Waddington’s Fire & Rescue Service Training Centre became a specially constructed crash site to simulate both a train crash and a collapsed school.

Exercise Georgiana involved all Emergency Services, the county and some district councils, civil response units such as the Red Cross, charities, community and volunteer groups as part of an emergency planning exercise designed to test emergency response to a transport disaster.

Cllr Mike Gallagher, who oversees

NKDC’s emergency planning, said: “It is important that the councils’ plans are tested to ensure we can support the emergency services and provide the best possible response to our residents in an emergency, as was called upon a number of times last year in response to localised flooding.”

6 newsnk Summer 2013

NK’s Community Safety Partnership has also drawn up an advice leaflet for older drivers, available for free by calling 01529 414155.

Our Community To promote the sustainability, wellbeing, safety and health of North Kesteven’s growing communities

A fund is available to communities wanting to draw up Neighbourhood Plans to be involved in shaping the future of their area.

Through a Neighbourhood Plan, residents can decide on where they want new homes and shops to be built and what they want them to look like.

It is part of the Localism Act in 2011 and now the Department for Communities and Local Government has put up a fund of £9.5m offering up to £7,000 per community to help them draw up their plans.

Communities will be able to apply for grants and support

from a number of organisations working with nationwide charity Locality.

The website www.mycommunityrights.org.uk offers advice and links to support on Neighbourhood Planning and other localism rights.

Communities who want to develop a Neighbourhood Plan can call Community Lincs on 01529 301962 or visit www.communitylincs.com

The experience of NKDC’s Communities Team also puts them ahead of the game. They can be contacted on 01529 414155 or email community_initiatives@n-kesteven.gov.uk

Students wanting to get stuck in to projects during the summer holidays can make a real difference to where they live.

Through the National Citizen Service, 16-17 year olds are able to team up and deliver a range of initiatives based on local need and desire, learning practical and social skills in the process.

There is also scope for students of the same age to act as paid programme mentors, overseeing the work being carried out.

Each programme normally lasts four weeks, during which time the team works to deliver every aspect of a project. The following are areas set to be addressed and worked on:> Metheringham Parish Church -

painting railings and brightening up the church grounds

> Sleaford Riverside Church – painting rooms

> Dorrington - renovating children’s play area

> North Hykeham - maintenance of boats at Hykeham Sailing Club

> North Hykeham – decorating and gardening at Fosse House

> Branston – various activities to interact with residents at Woodview/Greenwood care home

> Branston - creation of wildlife haven in Garden of Rest

> North Hykeham – create outdoor ice cream parlour and other projects for residents of Boultham Park House care home.Details at www.ncsem1.org.uk or call NKDC’s Community Initiatives Team on 01529 414155.

Community Spirit is buoyant in Bracebridge Heath where a series of events has sprung up following last year’s successful Olympic Torch relay festivities.

For the first time this summer, the village entered Britain in Bloom, with plans for village improvements really capturing the imagination and local businesses and organisations playing their part in the planting and tidying process ready for July’s judging.

Building on the success of the artsnk Olympics festival last June, the village formed an events group.

The tenth Fit for Life programme will be running in the Sleaford area this autumn, encouraging changes in lifestyle.

Although not exclusive to parents with children under five, they are the main emphasis so that the lessons learned in healthy eating and active lifestyles can be passed on to a new generation.

Dates and locations are yet to be fixed but if you are interested in benefitting from 10 weeks of advice and support about health, nutrition and exercise, register now.

It is open to anyone aged 18 and over and a free crèche is available.The course, run by the NK Health Trainers, covers weight loss, becoming

more active, learning about healthy food and meals, different exercise and lifestyle change.

Apply and find out more about healthy options by calling NK Health Trainer Debbie Chessum on 07733 368676 or email Deborah_chessum@n-kesteven.gov.uk

Have you any idea how the Localism Act could benefit you and your community?

If you are part of a community group it might be that there’s something in it to help your organisation raise its profile and achievement locally.

As part of a commitment by NKDC to spread awareness of the Localism Act and showcase examples of how NK communities are already ahead of the game in many areas, an event will be held on September 19, 4.30pm to 7pm, in the NKDC Council Chamber.

In advance we’d like you to book in and share details of your group – name, size, focus, purpose etc – by contacting the community initiatives team to ensure you don’t miss out.

Email:Community_initiatives@n-kesteven.gov.ukCall: 01529 414155

It has become clear that many NK communities are already ahead of the Localism game in many areas.

The Council has created a Localism Plan for the District, drawing together the elements of the Government’s Localism Act as they affect communities and outlining the Council’s proposed approach in response to these.

In doing so it has become clear that North Kesteven truly embodies the ethos of Localism and Big Society.

The plan includes an easy-reference guide to how communities could progress things such as a right to challenge, a right to bid for community assets, call for local referenda and

prepare Neighbourhood Plans. It also demonstrates the approach and continued commitment NKDC takes to long-term community engagement.

Within the initial three-year plan the Council also outlines its proposals to increased volunteering within communities, find local solutions to need and continue its service provision despite a decrease in public resources.

Cllr Lindsey Cawrey, Executive Member with oversight of Localism, said: “This plan is just the starting point of Localism for North Kesteven. Many of our communities are already embracing the Localism ethos and this plan complements the fantastic work being undertaken across the

District, capturing the essence of community spirit in North Kesteven and extending the vision and priorities embraced by the Council.”

“The Council’s vision of achieving 100 Flourishing Communities is in essence what Localism is all about. The Council has taken a proactive approach to supporting communities and I am sure that through the measures outlined in our evolving Localism Plan we can continue delivering towards that aim,” she said.

The Government’s Department of Communities and Local Government is already very excited about NK’s Localism Plan and is following it with great interest.

NK communities are leading the way on LocalismPlan sets out opportunities for increased local involvement

Funding is available to help create a Neighbourhood Plan

Ten weeks can turn your life around

The District’s seven Children’s Centres are the perfect place for parents of under-5s to meet people, have loads of fun and get support and advice for the whole family.

There are centres in North Hykeham, Washingborough, Witham St Hughs, Waddington, Sleaford, Billinghay and Heckington, with two

more nearby in Ancaster and Caythorpe. Lots of new sessions have started

at the local centres including messy play, little explorers and rhyme time, with further groups tailored especially for younger parents, dads and child minders.

Citizens Advice Bureau now offers appointments at Waddington,

Washingborough and Billinghay Children’s Centres and the NK Health Trainers use the centres to extend their Fit for Life and exercise programmes.

The centres are open during school holidays with lots of fun activities.

Locations, opening hours and timetables can be found at www.nksurestart.com

Making sense of Localism for you

Refresher courses for safer drivingDriving skills refresher courses are available to older drivers and those who feel

they would benefit from supported tuition.Cars have changed, roads have changed, we have changed and the law has changed.

Don’t get overtaken by the changes, but keep up to speed with road safety.Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership has day-long courses at Boston, Grantham, Lincoln and North Kyme through to September. They cost £30 each and include

a theory session, practical drive, lunch and refreshments.

For details and booking call Andreea on 01526 861170. or email andreea.dixon@lincolnshire.gov.uk

Children’s Centres are the perfect one-stop advice shopParents looking for ways to amuse the kids in the summer holidays can pick up a passport detailing selected activities in Sleaford.

Produced by the local children’s network, it will be handed to all Sleaford school children, available at local Children’s Centres or email community_initiatives@n-kesteven.gov.uk

Passport to play

Holiday work for teens on tasks

The entire Cranwell community is benefitting from the endeavours of five ladies who organise holiday and weekly activities.

Using various funding sources, mainly from the church, the Wednesday night drop-in for 10s and above and summer holiday sessions reach out to scores of youngsters, helping to reduce vandalism.

Broader benefits

Olympic legacy

Summer 2013 newsnk 7

Our HomesTo promote housing growth that meets the current and emerging needs of North Kesteven Our Homes

Six two-bedroomed flats being built in North Hykeham are pioneering a new standard of quality homes for the District Council.

This latest extension in NKDC’s determination to increase the supply of readily-available high-quality affordable homes in the District is underway at Hutson Drive.

The homes, which are due for completion in December, are taking the place of garages. In recognition of the need for improved parking in the area there is a plan to compensate for this loss in the near future. Only 11 of the 28 garages were used.

Lindum BMS is building this block, the first to be constructed entirely to the Council’s new NK Fabric First standard where significant effort is placed on the initial design and build quality.

They are built over three storeys and also include high levels of insulation, more than 25% better than the current Building Regulations, and triple glazed windows.

The introduction of three new categories means that fewer people are now affected by changes to the level of Housing Benefit they receive to support them in their homes.

Of all the changes made by Government to Housing Benefit last April, the most significant relates to an under-occupation subsidy which is commonly known as ‘bedroom tax’.

Where Housing Benefit is being paid for a property which has more bedrooms than the Government’s assessment of what the household needs the level of benefit is reduced by between 14% and 25%.

In North Kesteven this has had an impact on 637 of the 1,713 households receiving Housing Benefit and below pension age. This is 37% of working age tenants living in all forms of social housing in the District and in receipt of Housing Benefit.

These 637 homes were caught by the initial changes on who could claim what level of support.

Up to last April NKDC was able to meet the full rent for tenants, regardless of property size and how many people lived there, but now the level of support given is calculated

according to family size and how much room they are considered to need.

In addition to the original rules, extra capacity is now also allowed for foster children, disabled children who cannot share and anyone temporarily absent such as Armed Forces deployment, students, people working away from home, in care, hospital or prison.

It is thought that fewer than 100 tenants within North Kesteven are saved from being affected by the cuts by these new categories.

The 556 claimants who have one spare bedroom will have to pay at least 14% of their rent, at a cost of around £10, and the 81 claimants with two or more spare bedrooms will have to pay at least 25% of their rent, around £20 weekly – this is about a sixth of the income of those living solely on a means-tested benefit like jobseekers allowance, income support or employment and support allowance.

Within North Kesteven the Council has been working extensively and proactively to support everyone it knows who looks to be affected through the process, helping to draw up individual plans and schemes for budgeting.

More than 1,000 people in North Kesteven have been supported by First Contact in staying safe an independent in their own homes.

By filling out First Contact’s simple checklist of 13 questions the over-60s are able to easily identify the sources of information and advice they need, in areas such as money and benefits, home and fire safety, housing, social care, preventing falls, activity groups, energy efficiency, domestic help and local transport.

First Contact then asks the relevant agency to contact the customer; with almost 3,000 referrals being made to public and voluntary services to help clients in the past five years. It is a particularly useful way to access support with money-saving insulation and energy efficiency in the home.

Checklists are available at www.firstcontact.org.uk and from GP surgeries, NKDC offices, libraries or call field co-ordinator Kathy Lote on 07971 244801.

The new homes built at Billinghay really have made the world of difference to the new tenants.

While the Council has built 46 new homes in the past four years right across the District, these three bungalows at The Whyche plus a pair of houses in St Clement’s Close, Rowston, are the first wholly funded by NKDC in 23 years - marking the beginning of a £46m programme to deliver hundreds of new homes over the next ten years.

Not only does this £530,000 investment represent the start of a new era for the Council, but also for each of the families now settling in.

Just weeks before their marriage Robert Blackwood and Carol Hunt moved in with her daughter Naikita (19) and son Scott (23).

With Scott being a wheelchair user, the move brought enhanced dignity since the wider doors, level access, easy-navigation layout and wet room allow him to move around and wash independently.

“We are so grateful that we’ve been able to get a council house at all and to get one of these new ones, and one so suited to Scott’s needs is amazing. It means so much to us, and especially because it gives Scott a bit more independence to shower himself and get about more easily. It’s a new start for us all,” said Carol. She is pictured with Robert and Deputy Council Leader Cllr Mike Gallagher.

For another couple, moving to a new home in Billinghay is a dream come true, allowing them to stay in the village where they have been for 70-plus years.

Cllr Gallagher said these were both clear examples of why the Council places such high importance and emphasis on ensuring there’s an adequate supply of quality, affordable

Unanimous support has been given to a scheme to replace the former Bonner House nursing home in Sleaford with 26 new homes.

All of the units will become part of NKDC’s housing stock, built with a thermal performance in excess of regulation standards so that they are cheaper and more efficient to heat.

When the application came to the Council’s planning committee in May there were no objections to the principle of demolishing the derelict Bonner House and making better use of the site on Mareham Lane.

There will be 13 houses, seven bungalows and six flats, with 30 parking spaces. All would be suited for general-needs tenants, with the bungalows allocated to the over 60s or those with medical need for ground

Elderly provision included in development of much-needed new council housesCentral site agreed for more homes in Sleaford

If you agree that new homes, shops, schools and workplaces are needed - so long as they’re not in your backyard - now is the chance to state where you’d rather they go.

By having a say on land allocations for growth over the next 20 years you will influence what happens, where and when.

See the survey on page 12 which you can fill in and return freepost, with the chance to win £100 in vouchers.

floor accommodation.Cllr Mike Gallagher, who has

Executive Board oversight for planning, said this was considered to be an ideal re-use of a highly sustainable location, close to the town centre, with good access to public transport, jobs and education and meeting identified demand for increased supply of affordable homes.

The scheme is designed to enhance the street scene and historic environment, with an influence from Bass Cottages opposite and a curved aspect to the entrance to allow retention of a mature cedar and provide for the approved South East Regeneration Route at Maltings Way.

Lincolnshire County Council closed the facility in mid 2012, with plans to extend its care provision with

alternative provision locally.These 26 new homes are the

first major contribution to a £46m commitment by the Council to increase the availability of quality, affordable homes by at least 300 new

units over the next ten years, wholly funded by the Council itself.> Planning permission has also been given to replace the Northfield House sheltered units in Ruskington with a mix of 13 bungalows and houses.

New homes make a fresh start

homes to meet local need.“As a responsive and listening

Council we always have our residents and tenants in mind in everything we do, which is why it’s such a delight to hear how lives are being improved by our commitment to increasing the availability and quality of social housing in the District,” he said. “I wish all of the tenants every happiness in their new homes.”

At Billinghay, as well as the full-access three-bed bungalow, there are two two-bed options designed for the over 55s, making good use of a previously grassed area. At Rowston the new two-bed semis replace a pair destroyed by fire some years ago.

Once more Robert Woodhead Ltd built all five homes to an exceptional standard, with particularly high thermal insulation ratings to minimise heat loss and make heating as affordable as possible. Their business development director Glenn Slater, said: “NKDC should be applauded for their resolve to invest in new homes for their District. It’s commendable that they are pressing on with building more houses and adopting enhanced standards to make them warm to live in and low-cost to run.”

Change to benefit rules covers Armed Forces and more children

People affected by the changes are being advised to try the following> if they can afford it to pay the rent shortfall > consider moving to a smaller property by registering on

www.homeswapper.co.uk for a transfer or discus options with their landlord> taking in a lodger after checking if the extra money will affect their benefit

entitlement> find work or increase hours to earn more> apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment from the

Council for a top-up to their Housing Benefit.For more details contact the Council on 01529 414155 or 01522 699699.

Making contact

New housing in place of garages meets local need

Artist’s impression of how the new homes will replace Bonner House, enhancing the street scene and accommodating change at Maltings Way

Backyard homes?

Summer 2013 newsnk 98 newsnk Summer 2013

Our Homes To promote housing growth that meets the current and emerging needs of North Kesteven Our EconomyOur Homes

A scheme which offers a tax break on empty home renovations has helped a young couple transform a dilapidated house into a family home.

Mark and Zoe were able to stretch their limited budget further by taking advantage of reduced VAT on building work, refurbishment and materials which can mean paying only 10%, 5% or in some cases zero VAT instead of 20%.

They were able to claim back £2,000 of VAT paid on £15,000 of expenditure.

Mark’s mum Vanessa, who processed all the paperwork, felt it was a great boon – but so very complicated and poorly promoted that had Luke not highlighted it, they would easily missed out.

She appreciated the help of builders Lindum who understood the need to invoice at the required reduced VAT rate.

It has helped them transform a property which had not been lived in for well over 15 years, in a very desirable part of the District, at a fraction of the cost they would otherwise have faced.

This is the first case supported by the Government’s VAT discounts offered to properties empty for 10 or more years and it proved a steep learning curve for everyone involved – including HMRC, Luke, the clients and their suppliers – but Vanessa is happy to share her experience and broaden awareness.

“The best advice is to read all the

fine detail and make sure all suppliers understand it and invoice appropriately as you cannot claim back any VAT charged at the wrong rate”, she said.

New triple glazed windows, a new central heating system, complete rewiring, decorating materials, tiled floors, some brickwork and plastering, plumbing and kitchen all qualified for reduced or zero VAT.

Having rescued this property in the nick of time – another four years and it would have faced certain demolition – Vanessa advises anyone who takes a fancy on an empty house to contact the owner, or Luke, to begin the process, even if they don’t know who owns it.

While one million homes sit empty and decaying across the country, more than two million people are sitting on waiting lists in need of one. This is known as the Great British Property Scandal, against which significant work is underway within North Kesteven to turn vacant houses into vibrant homesWhichever way you look at it, having homes sitting empty is a wasted resource.

From a community perspective they can be a blight on neighbourhoods, a drain on local authority resources, a magnet for vandalism, theft and criminal activity and do nothing to contribute towards the local economy, character or wellbeing.

For owners they are a financial drain, slowly decaying, leaking, rotting and becoming increasingly costly to maintain and keep-up.

More significantly they fall short of meeting housing need when people are clamouring for homes locally and they cause significant concern to neighbours.

North Kesteven District Council recognises this and is committed to action to redress the imbalance.

There are currently 697 empty properties within the District – 209 of them having been empty for over two years and scores

dating back decades without having been anyone’s home.Meanwhile there are 1,300 people on the local housing

waiting list, and whilst the Council is working hard to increase the availability of council housing and other affordable, social housing options on one hand, it has made restoring empty homes back into use another key priority.

To this end it has a dedicated Empty Homes Officer and set up a working group of officers to cut through the complicated issues and legal complexities involved in bringing homes back into use – whether through partnership with the owner or supported by court orders.

Over the past three years this route has resulted in 80 properties being brought back into use, which has made a massive difference to the finances of the owners now receiving rent or sales receipts, to the welfare of the people living both inside and alongside them, and to the general character and wellbeing of the wider community.

There are many good reasons to tackle the empty homes in the District, from increasing

the available stock of homes to choose from and helping more people off the housing waiting list, to supporting the local economy. But for me one of the greatest benefits is to tidy up the District by getting rid of eyesores.

By falling derelict these homes can be a magnet for vandalism, theft and anti-social behaviour, they end up becoming overgrown, decaying and attract vermin and sometimes rough-sleepers.

That’s not great for anyone living next door and has an affect not only in the value and integrity of their own house but also the wider community. It’s also cheaper to heat and maintain a home if the adjoining one is heated, intact and water-tight.

Empty Homes Project Officer Luke Taylor has made a world of difference, sometimes by prompting owners into action, sometimes by just opening their eyes to the options and possibilities and generally pulling things together and offering help and advice through whatever it is holding them back.

It must be stressed that it’s all quite bureaucratic. You can’t just say we’re going in there and do the work or force them into action. There is a lot of partnership, liaison, process and legal hoops to jump through. It’s like leading a horse to water; the owner has got to want to take Luke and the team up on the support they can offer.

By focussing on the 200 or so of the 700 empties we know about, which are long-term empty – vacant for two years or more – we are responding to the most problematic cases. In all these cases there are complications and nothing is easy; it’s a slow old process and it’s frustrating sometimes. But with 80 odd successes so far – 24 in the last year alone – we are making a difference.

It’s important that residents keep notifying us where there’s an empty property causing them concern, and in this way the parish councils are an important ally.

I can only encourage anyone who owns a house that’s been empty long-term, anyone living near one, or anyone interested in talking one on to get in touch with Luke and start the process of turning it into a useful and viable home.”

In just over a year NKDC’s endeavour, chiefly through its Empty Property Working Group, has resulted in 30 houses being brought back into use.

Five of these are since April, with the others in the previous 12 months; not only contributing towards the District Council’s aims of increasing the availability of affordable housing and helping the 1,300 families on the housing waiting list, but also gives a welcome fillip to the economy and tidies up our neighbourhoods.

All of the 697 homes currently empty over six months are in private ownership. Each one has a different history and each one requires its own tailored advice for its re-use.

The project provides advice and information such as assisting in building schemes, available grants and tax concessions, helping with selling and letting and enforcement against owners who neglect their properties.

By bringing together a range of council officers with legal and logistical

expertise with councillors, the Working Group is able to co-ordinate joined-up responses when cases become complicated and also strike the balance between bringing homes back to meet housing need and addressing local concern over untidy or unsafe properties since both are important objectives for action.

The work of an Empty Homes Officer is much like that of a detective, having to source and piece together all sorts of strands of information, pursue many leads and delve deep into obscure documentation and legal requirements.

When there’s a property you may think needs attention, or an owner needs tracking down, it’s always best to give as much information as you can when you report it. An address makes the job much easier and photos are even better.

Following referral, every case is assessed and scored as a priority depending on its condition, length of vacancy, degree of public nuisance and other factors and the highest ranking

cases are maintained under close monitoring by the group as they progress.

This group illustrates the value of working as a team and proves invaluable in making full use of the specialist skills and knowledge held across different departments such as housing renewal, building control, anti-social behaviour, environmental health, planning conservation, public protection and enforcement.

Close liaison with parish councils has been crucial in the success of the campaign, offering local knowledge and helping the team to focus on those homes causing particular concern.

In some cases owners take some tracking down, in others they are the ones who make initial contact. For some, direct enforcement is needed, or specific packages of assistance; but for others regular prompts and reminders can be most successful.

In all cases close and regular liaison is maintained which can significantly reduce the amount of time taken to bring a home back into use.

The campaign led by architect and TV presenter George Clarke to raise awareness of empty homes and bring them back into use was so successful that last year he was appointed the Government’s Independent Empty Homes Advisor.

Whenever his Channel 4 series The Great British Property Scandal was screened the Council saw an increase in referrals and interest from owners, neighbours and would-be occupants of the District’s empty homes.

In the main his campaign has focused on entire streets in cities such as Hull and Liverpool, but the principle remains in respect of increasing the availability of stable secure homes and neighbourhoods.

When appointed last year, the numbers of empty homes had fallen to their

lowest level since 2004, with 720,000 homes sitting empty across the country, 280,000 of them vacant for six months or more.

The Government made £150m available for bringing them back into use as affordable housing - £70m of it to help local councils address 5,600 homes, 15 of which are targeted in NK for delivery by 2015.

One of Clarke’s roles was to encourage councils, housing associations and voluntary groups to identify and share innovative and good ideas, which NKDC was already ahead of in partnership to respond to Lincolnshire’s 4,000 empties.

He said: “There are hundreds of thousands of empty homes that could and should be saved and refurbished. I totally support the building of new homes when it’s necessary but not when it’s cheaper and quicker to refurbish empty ones. It can be kinder to communities and the environment - and it makes sense in these tough

Owners of empty homes are missing out on more than £6,000 a year.

This figure varies according to property size and many other variables but represents around £4,500 in lost rental income potential and up to £2,000 in Council Tax costs.

Increases in charges, insurance, costs, lost value and the way Council Tax is applied on empty properties – now charged at 150% of the standard bill rather than with a 50% discount – have brought this figure up by around £1,500 in the last year alone.

The alternative is to improve the property and let it out, which is something NK Empty Homes Officer Luke Taylor can help with. Contact him as detailed in the panel to the left.

If you own an empty home and want to discuss your options, or live near one and want to report any concerns, Call project officer Luke Taylor on 01529 308297 or email on luke_taylor@n-kesteven.gov.ukMore detail at www.lincsemptyhomes.org.uk Or download the app for Great British Property Scandal and make referrals that way.

Owners of houses which sit empty are no longer eligible for extended discounts on their Council Tax.

Depending on how long the property has been vacant, they now face having to pay one and a half times the full charge.

Since coming into effect on April 1, this change has incentivised at least a dozen more owners of empty NK houses in bringing them back into use.

Any property that remains empty after two years will now be charged at 150%; it was previously awarded 50% discount.

The charge is determined by banding, and at Band D this will now be £2,190 instead of £730 as it was before.

For the first two years unoccupied, the discount is now 25% so that 75% of the charge applies. But for the first

two months of being unfurnished and unoccupied there is a full 100% discount.

This fits within NKDC‘s determination to promote houses for habitation.

Cllr Stewart Ogden said: “Just because they’re empty it doesn’t mean that they don’t cost anything for the councils to service. The reality is that they’re probably a greater burden on Council Tax funded resources such as the police, fire service, anti-social behaviour, building control and environmental health teams, than an occupied house.

“Hopefully the increased levy will also help incentivise owners to bring their properties back into use to improve neighbourhood amenity and help meet demand.”

NKDC’s determination to turn empty houses into living homes

NK is ahead of the partnership stance proposed by Property Scandal’s George

Collaborative approach to tackle empty homes complexities

Cllr Stewart OgdenExecutive Board Member

for Housing

“

Steady progress

More than 20 years after last being lived in, a Cliff Villages cottage is now on the market waiting for new owners to snap it up and move in.

It came to NKDC’s attention through the Parish Council having deteriorated to such a condition that a large hole in the roof was letting in rain water; the inside was damp and ceilings had fallen in.

The house was still fully furnished with cupboards full of clothes and a half finished jigsaw on the kitchen table.

Through council records and neighbours, the owner was located and the Council worked with him to repair the roof. With the Empty Homes Officer’s support the home was cleared for sale.

With neighbouring properties affected by its advanced disrepair, making a mid-terrace weather-tight, sound and habitable was a key priority.

The first task was for Housing Renewal officers to fix the six foot hole in the roof, which was letting in so much damp that neighbours’ homes were suffering, the previous owner was restricted to downstairs rooms and the upstairs was littered with bird carcases.

With this done, the Council began the process of an ‘enforced sale’ in order to get the rest of the work done and recover its costs. The person now living there was successful from 12 bids and once legal fees and the roof costs were taken from the sale proceeds the previous owners received the surplus.

Two years later the new owner began clearing the wild garden of six-foot tall vegetation; stripping out all plasterwork, woodwork, floors and ceilings; fitting bathroom, kitchen and heating to comply with an improvement notice; re-fitting and re-decorating – ready to move in just 15 weeks later.

He feels the Council’s action saved his home and those either side, as well as securing him an affordable option to buy a house. From the Council’s perspective it involved significant and close liason internally and with outside parties.

Distant deployment of owners by the Forces can leave some empty homes out of sight and out of mind.

One typical case demonstrates the amount of work invested in trying to resolve issues where an owner cannot be traced and shows the benefit of cross departmental work within the Empty Property Working Group.

This particular home caused repeated concern for the Council. Gardens were very overgrown and it was deteriorating with a hole in the eaves letting in birds, and extensive damage from a water leak.

A neighbour was concerned that the damage and appearance would attract anti social behaviour.

Using reports that the owner was in the RAF, had moved away years earlier and not returned since, the Council exhausted considerable efforts tracing them, involving a trawl of Council Tax records and NK’s community safety team liasing with a distanrt police force who eventually made contact.

When entry was obtained, the house was full of dead birds, damp and ceilings had collapsed

The owner has now agreed to enter into a lease and repair scheme, which means that the property will be renovated and then rented out through the Council.

Sentimental value can be worth much more to an owner than the financial benefits a property can reap.

Many homes across the District are sitting empty, falling in to disrepair and presenting a problem to neighbours as the owner wants to hang on to them

In one of the longest vacancies, of 18 years, an owner cited sentimental value. Although he refused a range of options, including lease and repair and support on selling or renting – saying it was worth more to him for storage of furniture which had deteriorated in the damp house – he did tidy the garden. Enforcement action is not possible but the group maintains a watching brief.

Through the intervention of the working group, four cottages which had been empty for 20 years in the heart of one of the District’s villages where there is high demand for smaller cheaper rental properties, are now renovated and lived in.

They were brought to Empty Homes’ attention by local councillors who considered them an eyesore and a wasted resource.

Through careful negotiation, discussion and persuasion the two owners were brought together and extensive renovations were completed. Three of the four are now occupied and the fourth is advertised to let.

Vacancies come at a cost of £6,000

Empty homes’ Council Tax bills rise three-fold as an incentive for action

Tax break supports welcome restoration of family home

Empty Dwelling Management Orders are made by the courts to force owners into action with renovations.

They also enable the Council to take on an empty house and manage lettings.

The Council has had two EDMOs approved by courts for North Hykeham and Washingborough. They are also seen as a solution elsewhere, where voluntary measures are not enough and a legal nudge is needed to make a house liveable; their main aim being to get it habitable and occupied.

They strike a balance between an owner’s rights to do as they wish with their property and the rights of neighbours and the wider community who require homes to be brought up to a standard.

An Interim EDMO allows a year to bring a home up to habitable standard. After this, if the owner doesn’t comply, the Council can then obtain a full order and set out a plan to manage and lease it for up to seven years, ensuring it becomes a home for someone and returns some income for the owner.

Locally, the very existence of interim orders has forced owners to carry out work they would probably otherwise fail to without legal pressure. Owners are never at a financial disadvantage as they stand to gain long-term from an improved asset and income.

Orders to improve assets and income

Sentimental value Helped to market High demand met

One fixed roof helps three homes

Typical case of an absent owner

George Clarke, host of TV’s Great British Property Scandal

The Council has maintained contant pressure in relation to one of the largest and most prominent empty properties in the District, a former residential home, where it didn’t allow complexities over ownership to restrict its response and progress in finding a solution.

10 newsnk Summer 2013

Our Economy To promote the prosperity of North Kesteven

In their fifth year of owning the Washingborough Hall Hotel, owners Edward and Lucy Herring are enjoying the venue’s status as the second highest-rated hotel in Lincolnshire.

The Trip Advisor rating takes account of guests’ feedback to its restored Georgian splendour, seasonal dishes created under the watchful eye of Cordon Bleu trained Lucy and the care taken by 33 staff across 12 individual bedrooms.

Most trade is business related or associated with its popularity as a wedding venue, with 42 weddings booked this year. With food being a key strength at Washingborough Hall, funeral teas have become an unexpected growth market in the discreetly elegant hall.

> Solicitors Sills & Betteridge have been a legal force in Lincolnshire for 254 years, with its Sleaford office being in one of the town’s oldest premises on Northgate.

With an £8million turnover handled by nine offices in eight locations, Sills & Betteridge are the biggest solicitors in the county, with a record number of files open and 85% of business coming through client recommendations

To celebrate their 250th anniversary in 2009 the firm held 100 community projects including the planting of 250 trees.

Of the 197 employees, most are recruited locally and 73% are female. All staff benefit from flexible working policies and clients have the benefit of accessing a broad range of specialist solicitors.

> Across the road, accountancy firm Duncan & Toplis has found that academy schools are good for business, representing a strong growth area.

The company works closely with schools, offering work placements and supporting trainees but finds that newly qualified accountants often move away before returning to settle down with families. In order to present more options for retention and market growth it is considering opening offices overseas.

> A company engaged in all aspects of project management from compiling finance and design to delivery and evaluation has been involved in a series of projects close to home.

Focus Consultancy LLP has had a base on an Aubourn farm conversion for seven of its 19 years. Other offices are in Boston, London and across the East Midlands from where 48 experts are involved in wide ranging fields pulling in financial support, commissioning work and making ideas happen.

In North Kesteven Focus has been involved in projects including Welbourn Village Hall, Barley Close in Metheringham and a new housing proposal in Sleaford.

They have delivered more than 200 affordable housing units in NK over the past decade, secured £50m of funding for county projects which includes a 100% hit rate with the Heritage Lottery Fund and supported more than £1bn of developments across all sectors since setting up in 1994.

After an unprecedented third year in the District, the UK’s largest crop growers’ event will be taking a break in 2014.

Cereals has remained at Boothby Graffoe since 2011, breaking a format of alternating sites every year.

Drawing 26,000 visitors from across the UK and overseas, this brought an enormous boost to NK and proved a popular choice with local farmers and exhibitors. But having reverted to an alternating format it will return in 2015.

Making sure all of your customers can access your premises safely makes perfect business sense. It’s also a legal requirement.

Under the Equality Act 2010 businesses are required to take positive steps to ensure disabled people can access their service.

Carrying out an access audit may be all that’s needed to comply. An audit will also identify any problems, outline ways to reduce or eliminate them, and set up a review.

Regulatory Reform 2005 requires fire risk to be assessed to identify hazards, escape routes, detection and alarm. If you’ve not had as assessment recently or it’s not as thorough as it should be, you need to have one done.

The Council’s Building Control Team is perfectly placed to carry out access audits and fire risk assessments. Contact them for an appointment and a quote on 01529 308136, building_control@n-kesteven.gov.uk

A familiar face in the local business support world, Phil Means has now been taken on by NKDC to enhance its support to those wanting to set up their own enterprise.

Phil offers regular start-up surgeries and delivers one-to-one business advice to customers, either at the NKDC offices in Sleaford or at a convenient location.

This enhancement to the Council’s front desk operation for entrepreneurs underlines its commitment to supporting business and being pro-growth for job opportunities.

It is a new investment awarded

through competitive tendering.Up until its closure in 2010, Phil

was the BusinessLink skills co-ordinator for Lincolnshire & Rutland and previously worked in retail management, with experience of the financial services industry, corporate finance and investment markets - as well as time served in the RAF.

Recently he has been one of theprivate sector providers offering support through LinBis, a network of accredited business advisers working across North Kesteven, Lincoln, West Lindsey and East Lindsey. The LinBis service is mananged by NKDC.

A fledgling brewery is the toast of everyone involved in the creation of the District’s newest - and most popular - workshop units for start-up businesses.

The new Cathedral Heights Brewery will share space in the final unit to be let at Bracebridge Heath’s Seven-O-Seven Industrial Units.

This last letting completes the tenancy of the 14 units, only nine months after the Council took them into its portfolio.

On signing up for the well-located fully-serviced space on behalf of Stance Security Ltd, director Steve Marston said: “We are excited to be the final tenant at Seven-0-Seven. We

see this as an opportunity to really push our company forward by using the premises for both our Head Office and to expand and push forward our Cathedral Heights Brewery.”

As with the letting of all 77 Council units, these ones are handled by chartered surveyors Hodgson Elkington who say the site has been a roaring success - from even before its completion.

Surveyor Lewis Cove said: “From its inception we were always confident that this park would perform very well, even in a difficult market. However I don’t think anyone would have anticipated full occupancy in fewer than nine months. The

newsnk visits businesses across North Kesteven to establish firm facts about the local employment scene

Fledgling small and start-up firms flock to fill NK’s workshop units Full house at newest site leaves just one current vacancy

combination of modern premises, in the right location, at an affordable rent and on flexible lease terms has clearly proved very appealing.”

Cllr Geoff Hazelwood, the Council’s Executive Member for capital investment, said the Council was clearly responding to local demand by building and offering such outlets.

“To have filled all 14 units so soon is a satisfying endorsement to our vision to bring forward these industrial units,” he said. “We were aware of a demand in the north of the District for such flexible, affordable workshop spaces, let on an easy-in, easy-out basis to support businesses looking to set-up, relocate and expand.

“Before they even opened last October there had been unprecedented interest in them and to have them all signed up and trading is a great boost to the District’s reputation as the place to do business.”

As of the start of June there was only one vacancy at the new units at Sleaford Station, illustrating the importance of these workshop facilities offered by NKDC to support new business, promote jobs growth and meet the needs of companies which need only small premises with low overheads.

You can contact Phil on 07920 472671 or email phil_means@n-kesteven.gov.uk

Phil means business in new enterprise support role

Break for CerealsAuditing access is good for business

Contact Building Control on 01529 308158 or email building_control@n-kesteven.gov.uk

The Seven-0-Seven units at Bracebridge Heath

NKDC’s Building Control Unit gives a solid foundation to builders, architects and

developers to ensure full, safe compliance> Dealing with dangerous structures and demolitions to ensure public safety > Keeping the register of Approved Inspector building regulation applications > Land Charge enquiries > Access audits promoting disability access> Pre-submission advice> SAP assessments> EPC certificates> Air testing> Noise testing Building

Controlnk

Summer 2013 newsnk 11

Our EconomyTo promote the prosperity of North Kesteven Our Economy

Straight talking on a series of frequently-asked questions relating to Tesco > What’s happening to Lords Garage? Will it be forced to close?

The approved plans have been purposely designed to allow Lords Garage to continue operating.

> When will Compulsory Purchase take place and how soon will the Tesco and Maltings developments start?

The Council will need to take a view on whether to progress with a CPO once commercial negotiations between Tesco and the landowners are concluded which maybe within the next couple of months or so. Thereafter, if the Council does proceed with a CPO, the likely timescale of such a legal process is 18 months.

> What will happen with the cycle lane on Boston Road when the access road is built?

The Boston Road/Link Road junction has been designed to allow both pedestrian and cycle provision, as with all new road junctions.

> Is all this talk of new shops in Sleaford realistic, or just more pipedreams?

New shops are planned for Sleaford. As part of the Tesco scheme its existing site at Northgate would be redeveloped for non-food retail units. Associated with construction of the new Link Road it is likely that the Southgate area of the town centre, would interest developers of new ‘High Street’ type outlets. For some time NKDC has known about developers keen to invest in Sleaford town centre but they are concerned there aren’t units of the right size. Potential redevelopment of the Southgate area would open up the prospect of providing unit of the right size.

The District Council’s economic regeneration aspirations for Sleaford have been given renewed vigour by Tesco’s confirmation of its commitment to invest in the town.

Development on the former Advanta Seeds site is central to a broader regeneration programme for Sleaford, with the store committed to financing a new link road to ease traffic flow in the town and support the approved redevelopment of the historic Maltings.

Collectively these three initiatives dovetail into what NKDC Leader Cllr Marion Brighton OBE describes as ‘the biggest and most economically significant commercial investments in Sleaford since the opening of the Navigation more than 200 years ago’.

This enormous expression of investor confidence also supports the Council in achieving wider regeneration aims and helps bring forward measures outlined in the adopted Sleaford Forward masterplan to support the community, develop infrastructure and promote increased employment and business prosperity.

Tesco’s creation of a larger store, as initially approved in 2009, will create another 230 jobs on top of its existing 200-plus staff. In addition, a further 120 jobs would be created in non-food retail at new stores on Tesco’s current Northgate site.

Collectively the £100m-plus being invested in the Tesco and Maltings projects has scope to create some 1,000 much-needed jobs, with broader jobs growth achieved through renewed business confidence.

NKDC Chief Executive Ian Fytche said: “Tesco’s reaffirmed commitment to Sleaford could not come at a better time. Against global financial pressures, Tesco has thought long and hard about all investments and remains focussed on its vision for Sleaford. Such a strong expression

of investor confidence sends a strong message that Sleaford is somewhere to do business and gives us a boost in pushing forward with our broader regeneration vision.”

Council Leader Cllr Marion Brighton OBE said: “It is our hope that with Tesco leading the regeneration of this part of Sleaford, creating 600 extra parking spaces and delivering a new link road to ease traffic flow, this will be a catalyst for renewed fortunes for the town as a whole and the wider District.”

There is still a way to go for Tesco to finalise legal agreements to secure an anticipated opening in 2016.

Lincolnshire County Council’s head of highways Brian Thompson said: “Confirmation of Tesco’s intentions represents an important milestone in Sleaford’s regeneration. I look forward to working with partners to deliver the next stage of this development.”

Simon Beardsley, Chief Executive at the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “It’s encouraging to see a national organisation, such as Tesco, showing continued confidence in Sleaford’s local economy. Building a store, appointing a construction firm, setting up supply chains and recruiting new members of staff shows that the supermarket has a long-term plan for the town.

“Any new development being built in an established market town must be done in partnership with local businesses and I hope to see an open dialogue between all parties involved, so that any concerns local businesses have can be swiftly resolved to avoid unrest,” said Mr Beardsley.

Although Sleaford Town Council stands by its 2008 decision not to sell part of the Recreation Ground to Tesco to accommodate the link road, it has continued discussions and said, “We fully support the regeneration of this land and that of the Maltings.”

A pioneering solution to managing the District’s countryside whilst also broadening skills and opportunity for vulnerable youngsters has been extended for a further two years.

NKDC has partnered the environmental social enterprise Hill Holt Wood for the past seven years, during which time scores of socially-excluded youngsters have benefitted from a programme of training and employment in woodland and outdoor skills – using them across the District network of Stepping Out walks and in countryside management.

Called watchNK, tere are two aspects to the service – maintenance of the North Kesteven footpath network and litter-picking allied to the reporting of fly-tipping and abandoned vehicles.

This is all carried out by the youngsters trained up by Hill Holt Wood within its sphere of work as a social enterprise which has broad-ranging mutually beneficial consequences – the Council being able to secure a cost-effective service which brings employment and training to local people, lifting them out of difficult circumstances, giving them increased hope and opportunity and delivering long-lasting social benefits. Main areas of WatchNK’s work for the Council’s Leisure & Cultural Services are to:> Undertake grass cutting and maintain the Stepping Out Walks network.> Manage Specialist Nature Sites> Manage North Kesteven’s conservation volunteers programme> Deliver countryside events across the District. Main areas of work for its Environment and Public Protection: > Report fly-tipping> Issue Fixed Penalty Tickets for litter and dog fouling> Undertake both proactive and reactive litter picking > Report abandoned vehicles

In fulfilment of its contract, Hill Holt’s watchNK team regularly and proactively inspects and litter-picks lay-bys and renowned fly-tipping hot spots in the District. During February alone they made 192 inspections of fly-tipping hot spots; undertook 113 visits to litter pick the 49 lay-bys in the District; and found and reported 29 incidents of fly-tipping which was collected by the Council’s staff within its target of three working days.

The Countryside Rangers from Hill Holt maintain the 135 miles of Stepping Out Walks which include two new additions made during the contract’s seven years, at Doddington Hall and Hill Holt Wood itself.

This includes grass cutting and maintenance of signs, bridges, information boards, carparks, picnic areas and countryside furniture.

The rangers also maintain specialist nature sites at Lollycocks Field and the Nettles in Sleaford and newly-added Millennium Green in North Hykeham, all in association with dedicated conservation volunteers.

Some of these projects have helped junior rangers, under the leadership of paid senior rangers, achieve Duke of Edinburgh service awards. Having studied arboriculture for two years and being unable to find employment, one junior ranger returned to Hill Holt Wood on a volunteer programme – where as a result of his excellent attendance and attitude he was signed up as an apprentice to study horticulture at Riseholme over the next two years.

Throughout the year popular events are led by the rangers such as pond dipping, shelter building, bushcraft and bat detecting.

Over and above all of this and the 18,000 annual users of the countryside resources, is the value for money delivered by the partnership over and above the basic bottom-line.

Hill Holt Wood’s learners receive invaluable life skills and can attain BTEC qualifications in land-based studies and work skills, which for someone excluded from society marks a substantial stepping stone to restoring self esteem and a place in society.

The service also allows the learners to gain an understanding and a respect for the environment, to learn the effects of littering and appreciate the work required to keep it clean.

There’s also the excellent working relationship with the police and an extension of forestry, fencing and countryside management with parish councils.

Looking forward to the continued watchNK partnership, it will undoubtedly ensure the District remains a cleaner place as Hill Holt Wood and its learners continue to develop the service by finding new litter and fly-tipping hotspots and reporting problems for rapid-response clearance.

A series of top tips for doing business with councils and other public sector customers is on offer, for free.

As the Council continues to explore ways to support the local economy and engage with businesses better, it is organising two half day Meet the Buyer events to be held in late autumn, on a date still to be fixed.

These will be held in NKDC’s Kesteven Street offices with the support of Procurement Lincolnshire and the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce.

Highlights will be workshops on top tips for procurement, a chance to meet with experts involved in purchasing, find out about public sector procurement and tendering and responding to contract opportunities effectively.

If you are interested in doing business with the Council and want more detail, it will be advertised on the Council website at www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/business.

You can also look out in the next newsnk, or email laura_bath@n-kesteven.gov.uk for details of the event date. To discuss procurement, call 01522 553649 for a newsletter or email procurement.lincolnshire@lincolnshire.gov.uk

Watching brief extended for Hill Holt Wood’s work

For enquiries and to report any issue relating to litter, fly-tipping, abandoned vehicles or countryside maintenance the watchNK team can be contacted on 0800 174499, www.n-kesteven.gov.uk & www.hillholtwood.com

Confidence renewed in Sleaford regeneration

The time is nigh for considering how Sleaford Town Centre should operate in order to meet the needs and aspirations of shoppers, residents and leisure users.

Looking ahead, it is felt that the town needs to be about much more than just shops, needs to offer activities into the evening and become more vibrant and vital if it is to survive.

These and many other thoughts will be up for discussion at an autumn workshop being arranged by NKDC to get people thinking and talking about how the town centre should function in the future.

Although the level of shop vacancies is half the national average - at 5% of the available space - the District Council is still determined to ensure the heart of the town remains strong, vibrant and relevant to a wide-range of users.

Bringing together the findings of a number of recent studies and public desires, the key question will be ‘has the high street had it’s day, or can it be revived to function differently?’

Keep your eyes peeled in local press, in the September newsnk and at www.n-kesteven.gov.uk for details of when, where and how to discuss this and other essential matters

Future functionality focus Perfecting procurement

Our Communities

12 newsnk Summer 2013

To promote housing growth that meets the current and emerging needs of North Kesteven

Where do you think new homes, jobs and community facilities should go over the next 20 years?

By highlighting areas you think

Directing growth to where it’s needed most for our futureHave your say on making sure growth happens at the right pace, in the right places and to the right level

are ripe to satisfy housing or employment need in North Kesteven and specifying sites for protection or planning consideration, you can make

meaningful contributions to the way land is allocated for future use.

It is recognised that if the places where we live, work and shop are to

continue meeting our needs – and the needs of future generations – they need to grow and be well served by a network of roads, transport options, services, healthcare and other infrastructure.

To ensure this growth happens in the right place, at the right pace and to the right level, NKDC is collaborating with West Lindsey, Lincoln City and the county council on a joint approach to direct the forward planning of Central Lincolnshire through to 2031.

An essential part of that is the allocation of land.

Between now and September 16 you are able to:> Consider what you think is needed

in the way of homes, jobs, schools, shops, roads and other infrastructure;

> Specify how much potential for

You can find out more about the Central Lincolnshire joint plan, the importance of land allocations and your part in the process on:

> Monday, June 17 – at The Venue, Navenby, Club Room, 6pm to 8pm> Thursday, August 6 – at City Hall, Lincoln, committee room, 6pm to 8pm

Officers will also be on council stands the Lincolnshire Show (June 19 & 20), Waddington International Airshow (July 6 & 7) and Heckington Show (July 27 & 28).

Village or neighbourhood-specific maps showing all of the local areas put forward by landowners as potential development sites to date can be seen at all local parish and district council offices through to September 16.

There is significant growth projected for Central Lincolnshire over the next 20 years – with identified need for 42,800 homes to accommodate an anticipated population growth of 72,300 people.

Coupled with the housing growth, 210 hectares of land needs to be designated to bring forward 26,700 new jobs and other land set aside for roads, schools, health facilities, shops and other community assets.

This is for the whole 820 square mile area making up Central Lincolnshire – the whole of North Kesteven, West Lindsey and the City of Lincoln.

This growth is necessary to keep pace with demand for new housing as the existing population ages and more and more people are attracted by the area’s quality of life, jobs and prospects. It is also required to support the growth of the local economy.

A significant portion of this growth will be focused in and around Lincoln, Gainsborough and Sleaford – with about a third of it delivered through eight sustainable urban extensions.

growth you think your local area has; and

> Identify any areas within your neighbourhood where you think this could be accommodated to best serve the wider community.

You can fill in the simple survey on this page and either drop it into the District Council office, InfoLinks or Local Offices – detailed on page 2 – or pop it in an envelope addressed ‘Freepost NKDC’, no stamp needed.

Survey forms can be picked up at all council offices in the area, including parish, town, district, city and county councils, every library, including mobile units, and downloaded from the Central Lincs website at www.central-lincs.org.uk

It comes with an opportunity to win £100 in High Street vouchers for every survey returned.

Growth is necessary to keep paceWithin the rural parts of Central Lincs there will be around 9,500 new homes.

Cllr Marion Brighton, vice-chairman of the Central Lincolnshire Joint Strategic Planning Committee, said: “It is important to plan ahead for future growth, making sure the right choices are made to maximise benefits and maintain viable, vibrant communities – where shops, schools, pubs and transport can be sustained.

“This is why we are seeking your input in identifying the potential of where you live. By you highlighting the priorities as you see them for your local area, we can aim to match growth opportunities to growth potential and plan improvements alongside houses so that neighbourhoods grow in a sustainable way,” she said.

“As well as identifying scope for housing and areas for jobs creation, there’s a need to ensure issues such as flooding, drainage and access to public transport are considered when planning for new development. Alongside community facilities, shops and schools these will be assessed in the process.”

Further detail can also be found at www.central-lincs.org.ukOr call the Central Lincolnshire planning team on 01522 699013 or

01529 414155, email talkplanning@central-lincs.org.uk or call in at the Sleaford or Lincoln offices of the partner councils.

Summer 2013 newsnk 13

News Focus

To promote housing growth that meets the current and emerging needs of North Kesteven

Where do you live? I’m a tenant farmer on 1,500 acres at Asgarby growing winter wheat, oilseed rape, beans and sugar beet. The family has been here since the 1870s and we can’t easily move the farm.

What do you like most about where you live? I’m the fourth generation of my family to farm here and there’s something very compelling in having put sweat and toil into the same bit of dirt for all of those years. I’ve had a lot of fun playing sport with Sleaford RFC and really enjoy coaching rugby and hockey now with the junior teams. I’m also a very proud steward of the countryside and spend a lot of time looking after it, building up habitat for wild birds, wild game, pollinators and such like. I see myself as a custodian and it really offends me when people question what we do as farmers for the countryside.

Where’s your favourite place in the District? I guess I’m happiest when walking my farm and fields, but there’s a point – I’d hardly call it a hill since it’s only 55 feet above sea level – where it’s said you can see 16 churches on a clear day. I’ve only ever counted 11 but often like to try.

What does North Kesteven mean to you? I think there’s a lot of resilience around here. The farming community’s a wonderful community and I’ve got to meet a lot of them through the NFU and other things. Farming went through a recession 15 years ago but we came through it and while things have been tough with the weather, we remain positive and progressive. It always impresses me how many businesses there are around here which are big players in the industry, like Simba, Bailey Trailers and Househam Sprayers, seed merchants, agronomists and a dozen or more firms in Sleaford we do trade with. Having a vibrant farming community is obviously good for local industry. There’s also an historic legacy as my grandfather Tom was one of NKDC’s first chairmen in 1975-77.

What NKDC service do you appreciate most? I guess the one that affects me most is the fly-tipping swat team. I often have to report fly-tipping on my land or in the local ditches but it’s always dealt with really quickly and cleared up and I appreciate that. I appreciate that NKDC has to make cuts and

make them where it sees fit, but knowing how there are morons who already don’t think twice about fly-tipping I’m worried that the brown-bin charging might lead to an increase in that. I guess we just all have to be more vigilant against those people that don’t give a monkey’s about the countryside.

Chris Godson, aged 47Arable farmer & current Chairman of Lincolnshire National Farmers’ Unionmynk

Former District Councillor Jean Morris has been awarded for her voluntary community efforts.

Past High Sheriff of Lincolnshire John Burke made his High Sheriff Award for the role she plays in helping to keep her community active.

Described as a pillar of the community, she has been involved with the Lincolnshire Playing Fields Association for many years. Now group chairman, she is committed to ensuring adequate playing fields and play areas in the county.

She served on NKDC for 12 years from 1983 - during which she chaired the Council and its housing and environment committee - and is a South Kyme parish councillor and churchwarden. With her husband, Jean also cares for injured and sick domestic and wild birds.> Entries are now invited to the NK Community Champions for 2013. See the back page for a nomination form.

The owner of a Chinese takeaway was fined more than £5,000 after admitting 13 food hygiene breaches in a kitchen so filthy inspectors could barely stand without slipping.

NKDC brought the prosecution against Mr Jin Lang Wang of the Jade Garden, North Hykeham, as part of its clampdown on food hygiene standards to ensure a high level of public health and confidence when eating out or buying takeaways.

He pleaded guilty at Lincoln Magistrates Court in April to the series of charges relating to an inspection of the Newark Road premises by NKDC’s Environmental Protection Team on November 12, 2012.

The court heard that as soon as the officers arrived at the premises it was clear that multiple offences had been committed. Circumstances included:> A mix of raw and ready to eat food

on every surface without separation. > The washing up sink was part-full

of raw beef and a joint was being sliced next to filthy cleaning cloths.

> A cooked chicken stored in water next to an open waste bin.

> Cooked egg noodles dumped directly onto the table.

>The floor was so greasy officers had difficulty standing without slipping.

Food samples were found to contain partial remains of two woodlice and numerous rodent hairs.

Conditions were described as appalling, there was increased risk of cross contamination and no recorded food safety management system in place at the time.

Mr Wang voluntarily closed the premises in order to clean it up and satisfy the 20 hygiene improvement notices the Council imposed requiring improvements to be made.

The premises had been owned by Mr Wang since March 2010, during which two previous inspections identified poor cleaning and poor food handling, with a lack of control over management of the premises.

Cllr Richard Wright, Executive Board Member for food hygiene, said: “It is essential that the public has confidence in the quality of all food premises across the District, which is why we are so rigorous in our inspections and enforcement.

“Wherever we identifiy serious failures in hygiene standards we take action to protect the public.”

Mr Wang had fully complied with the improvement notices, cleaned up the premises and resumed full charge of the business management.

Nimble-fingered counters were so speedy in collating the votes cast in May’s County Council elections that they returned the first results in the entire country.

There were 35 county and unitary authority elections held on the same day, including Lincolnshire’s with 2,467 seats up for grabs across England and Wales on the different councils.

The first results of all emerged from the North Kesteven Sports Centre where NKDC was conducting the counting of the 11 Lincolnshire County Council divisions within North Kesteven.

In total the 50-odd counting staff flicked through 24,246 votes cast from a 28.87% turnout of the District’s

83,994 registered voters. The entire exercise, managed locally by NKDC, involved around 300 people and 97 polling stations.

Across Lincolnshire there was a total turnout of 29.27% with 161,315 votes cast to choose the 77 councillors to act on residents’ behalf through to 2017.

This resulted in 36 Conservatives, 16 councillors representing the UK Independence Party, 12 for Labour, three Liberal Democrats, eight Lincolnshire Independents and two other Independents; 38 of whom are new to the council.

The Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and some independents have formed a coalition to lead the county council.

Fast fingers deliver early in election

Apart from the Sleaford Division switching from Conservative to Independent and a new councillor retaining the Ruskington & Cranwell Division for the Conservatives, everything else remains as before:

> Bassingham Rural – Ray Phillips, Conservative> Billinghay & Metheringham – Tricia Bradwell, Conservative> Bracebridge Heath & Waddington – Christine Talbot, Conservative> Branston & Navenby – Marianne Overton, Lincolnshire Independents> Heighington & Washingborough – Ron Oxby, Conservative> Hykeham Forum – John Marriott, Liberal Democrat> Ruskington & Cranwell – Stuart Tweedale, Conservative> Skellingthorpe & Hykeham South – Reg Shore, Liberal Democrat> Sleaford – Mark Allan, Lincolnshire Independents> Sleaford Rural South – Barry Young, Conservative> Sleaford West & Leasingham – Andrew Hagues, Conservative

Their contact details can be found at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk

A by-election is likely to be held in July to elect a new councillor for NKDC’s Sleaford Holdingham ward.

This follows the resignation at the end of May of Cllr Peter Haysum BEM, who had been involved with NKDC since its inception in 1974.

Apart from a four year gap up to 1999, he had been the Ward Member continually from 1974. He reluctantly resigned through ill health.

During his 35 years of service Cllr Haysum served various planning and housing committees, with a strong passion for improving the Council’s housing provision, and was also chairman of the Council.

Aged 89, he also served the community as postman, Sleaford Town Councillor, Town Mayor and with the RAF, awarded the BEM for meritorious, civil or military service.> See local press and the Council’s website at www.n-kesteven.gov.uk for detail of the election.

Passion for housing Community award

Tough action on public food safetyMore than half of District households have signed up for garden waste collection – and you can still do so at anytime.

The grace period has ended during which collections continued whilst customers decided whether or not to subscribe. Fom now on, garden waste will only be collected from those who have signed up.The cost is £25 for the rest of the year

up to next April. You can sign up: > Online at www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/

gardenwaste > By telephone: 01529 414155/

01522 699699 > Or in person at any NKDC office.

You will be sent a sticker to place on the back of your brown bin, which informs the refuse collectors that your household has joined the scheme.

If you decide not to pay your garden waste will no longer be collected.

You can either:> Take it to your nearest household

waste recycling centre at Sleaford, Leadenham, Whisby or Great Northern Terrace in Lincoln

> Or compost at home – using a subsidised compost bin available by calling 0844 571 4444 or online at www.lincscc.getcomposting.com Quote LCC08L.

No time to waste

Our Communities

14 newsnk Summer 2013

What’s On

Summer celebrations of creativity and flair Marking ten years of making at the National Centre, counting creepy crawlies and walking on the wildside

National Centre for Craft & Design

Whisby BioblitzTerry O’Toole Theatre

Friday, June 28, 7.30pm A culmination of secondary school dance created over 10 weeks. Year 9 and 10 students compete for various awards. Tickets: £3.Friday, July 5 to Sunday 7Lyndsey Ellis School of Dance pupils showcase their ballet, tap, jazz, breakdance, hip hop and musical theatre skills. Always popular, booking advised. 7pm on July 5 and 6, 3pm on July 6 and 6pm on July 7. Tickets: £8, £7.50 and £7.Sunday, July 14, 7pmTOTT Readers book club look at Lincs author Karen Maitland’s The Falcons of Fire and Ice. Free.Saturday, July 20, 7.30pmMusic from the movies with The Band of RAF Waddington. Proceeds to the Lincolnshire Emergency Blood Bikes Service. Tickets: £8.50 & £6.50.

June 22, 10am – 4pmKeep Calm & Carry YarnCelebrate all things textiles, with workshops, gallery activities and demonstrations from spinners, weavers, knitters and more. For new and accomplished knitters, felters, crochet workers and weavers. Free.

June 26, 10.30am – 12pmDinky DesignersMessy and creative fun for children and carers. For ages 2-5, £3.50.

June 29 & 30, 10.30am – 4.30pmContemporary BasketryDesigner / maker Stella Harding introduces simple basketry techniques to create sculptural wall drawings over two days. £90/ £75.

July 3, 1pm – 3pm Listen, Make & CreateProfessional storyteller Kirsty Mead, combines storytelling, music, movement and making. For ages 4-10 & families, £5.

July 6, 10am – 4pm Life drawingArtist Phil Bowman leads a series of life drawing classes, for all abilities. Materials available. £18 per session.

July 20, 11am – 4pmWe are 10Navigation Wharf will be full of artistic creativity offering lots of opportunity for everyone to see, take part, learn and experience craft and design. Free.

July 24, 1pm – 4pmVinyl RevivalDesign and create your own street art on 12” vinyl records using spray paint, markers, stencils and collage. Ideal for ages 8+, £8.

July 25, 1pm – 4pmPaper MagicMake pop-up cards or start to put together a book. All supplies provided but bring old cards, photos, drawings, prints or other paper bits you want to use. £8.

July 26, 1pm – 4pmHandmade SketchbooksLearn how to design and make your own sketchbooks, notebooks or diaries, personalised with a custom fabric cover and fastening using collage, stitch and appliqué. £5.

July 27, 1pm – 4pmiPad WorkshopJoin digital artist Jason Wilsher - Mills to develop your skills in design and new media. Ideal for whole family. £3.50 each.

July 29, 1pm – 4pmDesign & MakeWork with artist and designer Jasleen Kaur to design and make your own tools and contraptions inspired by the main exhibition. £8.

July 30, 10am – 12pmTwined BasketsJoin Stella Harding to make baskets with string and raffia, decorated with beads. For ages 5+ and families, £6. July 30, 1pm – 4pmMore advanced basketmaking with Stella to make woven spheres using techniques displayed in this summer’s

two main shows. £8.

July 31, 10.30am – 12pmDinky Designers, as June 26

July 31, 11am – 4pmContemporary Wire SculptureLearn how to work with different types of wire to create your own incredible sculptures. For ages 14+, £15.

August 1, 11am – 4pmContemporary MillineryMilliner Emma Yeo helps you construct your own sculptural paper headpiece similar to her work in the Growing exhibition. For ages 14+, £15.

August 2, 1pm – 4pmAnimateMedia and sound artist Andy Penny guides you in making a short animation using objects, paper, moulding materials and high quality digital equipment, for use in the Zygote festival in October. £8.

August 3, 10am – 4pm Life drawing, as July 6iPad Workshop, as July 27

August 10, 10am – 4pmDrawing with ThreadUsing thread and both hand and machine stitching to make drawings and combine and layer materials to create innovative surfaces. Supplies and machines are available. Book, £45.

August 16, 1pm – 3pmListen, Make & Create, as July 3

September 6, 1pm – 3pmListen, Make & Create, as July 3

September 14, 10am – 4pmLife Drawing, as July 6

Turn your hand to the task of trying to find and identify more than 1,000 species at Whisby during a 24 hour wildlife survey.

The Bioblitz is open to all to join in with – especially children who are particularly good at finding stuff.

During the Bioblitz survey experts come along who can identify a range of different group such as beetles, spiders, millipedes and flies, fully illustrating diversity.

During the past five years, Bioblitzes have been held at the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust’s Horncastle HQ, recording more than 900 species including some rare ones.

Whisby Warden Phil Porter has set the ambitious target of finding and identifying 1,000 species of plant, animal and fungus at Whisby Nature Park over the weekend of the Bioblitz.

Building on a focus for species identification at Whisby, involving amateur naturalists who are keen to learn more, the BioBlitz could lift it to the top site in the county for number of species recorded.

Join in at Whisby Nature Park on Friday and Saturday, July 12 and 13, 10am to 4pm at the Education Centre, with moth trapping from 9.30pm on Friday. This event is suitable for all, from families to regional experts. Drop in at any time through-out the two days.

Monday, July 29 to Wednesday, August 2, 9.30am to 3pmFor ages 8-14, MADD performing arts summer school offers an exciting week of music, dance and drama skills to devise an original piece of theatre for performance on August 2. Book early on 01529 410595 or email artsnk@leisureconnection.co.ukSunday, August 4, 7pmTOTT Readers book club look at Tolkein’s The Hobbit. Free.

Growing: Celebrate our past, explore our futureSaturday, July 20 to September 29The 10th anniversary of The National Centre for Craft & Design comes at an exciting time for contemporary craft.

Coupled with the major exhibition

Growing, a series of events showcase an evolution in craft technique and conceptual innovation over a decade during which there has been a re-evaluation of traditional methods and material re-use.

In this time craft has leapt forward

in exciting and unexpected ways and this exhibition will provoke new ideas and stimulate new ways of thinking about craft as a whole.

Growing takes its lead from the very first exhibition held at The Hub in 2003 called ‘What is Craft?’ Ten years on, more than 30 artists, proposed as innovators of the future, create an exhibition demonstrating a wide range of craft media and forms: textiles, ceramics, glass, jewellery, basketry, furniture and millinery.

Alongside the Main Gallery there will be an online gallery of all nominated artists’ work which includes work not included in the physical show and offers opportunity to comment on the future of craft and design.

Saturday, July 20, 11am – 4pmWe Are 10Join in the opening of the 10th birthday exhibition and celebrate a decade of The National Centre. Free. Thursday, July 25, 1pm – 5pmCraftNet: Green Machines: Sustainability and TechnologyFree event for artists and makers and those involved and interested in craft and design. Booking is essential.

Wednesday, September 11, 1pm – 4pmGrowing: The Shape of Things to ComeFree event for curators and writers and those involved and interested in craft and design. Booking is essential.

Main GalleryContinuing to June 30Beauty is the First TestAn exploration of how mathematical concepts underpin craft techniques and artistic development.

Unique and stimulating work demystifies y a subject that intimidates both adults and children, showing how knotting, interlacing, stitching, counting, hooking, measuring and cutting are all produced through mathematical means.

Check the website at www.nationalcraftanddesign.org.uk for full exhibition listings and the season’s full learning programme.

Booking on 01529 308710 or email info@nationalcraftanddesign.org.uk

NCCD Events & WorkshopsNorth Kesteven Centre, North Hykeham. Booking on 01522 870251 or www.terryotooletheatre.org.uk

Navigation Wharf, Sleaford, 01529 308710 or www.mationalcraftanddesign.org.uk

Summer 2013 newsnk 15

What’s On

Sunday, July 14, 10.30am to 3.30pmSummer Festival with displays, activities ans re-enactments forr all the family. Free admission.

The Council operates Cranwell Aviation Heritage Centre, Cogglesford Mill, Navigation House and Mrs Smith’s Cottage as visitor attractions.

Mrs Smith’s Cottage is temporarily closed while further survey work establishes the extent of a possible structural problem which was identified during a routine inspection in the spring.

The Cottage could be open at any time during the summer months, so please refer to the website www.mrssmithscottage.co.uk , email denise_spearman@n-kesteven.gov.uk or call the NK Tourism Unit on 01529 308102 for latest details.

Visitor attractions offer wide appeal

Thorpe on the Hill, 01522 688868 www.naturalworldcentre.co.uk

Heath Farm, North Rauceby, Sleaford, NG34 8QR 01529 488490 or 01529 308102

Cranwell Aviation Heritage Centre

Cogglesford Watermill, East Road, Sleaford, NG34 7EQ01529 413671 or 01529 308102

Cogglesford Watermill

Sunday June 9, 11am to 4pm Discover the history of local waterways. Exhibitions, activities and displays. Free admission.Sunday, July 14, 11am to 4pmSee the historic watermill in operation. Free admission.Sunday, August 11, 11am to 4pm Re-enactments of life in Medieval times and chance to try some tasty Medieval treats. Free admission.Sunday, September 8, 11am to 4pmSee the historic watermill in operation. Free admission.Sunday, September 15, 11am to 4pmLincolnshire Heritage Open Day with free guided tours and children’s trail. Free admission.

Entries are now open for this year’s sixth annual Spires & Steeples Challenge, a marathon-length arts and heritage trail through the District.

With options to walk or run either the 26 mile or 13 mile options to Sleaford, starting at Lincoln or Metheringham, the event is in aid of Wheel Appeal which provides sports wheelchairs, training and support to disabled people.

It is organised by the Council’s leisure provider Leisure in the Community with aims to make this year’s challenge on October 13, the biggest yet.

Lincolnshire Co-op has become the main sponsor, with organiser Donna Lill inviting broader offers of sponsorship towards the vitally important first aid and communications aspects of the day.

Every year more and more participants join in, travelling from across the country.

Cllr Lindsey Cawrey, Executive Board Member with responsibility for leisure initiatives said, “The Spires and Steeples Challenge is unique because as well as being able to walk or run the course, raising money for a charity if you want to, you get to see beautiful artworks and the sight of some of the county’s finest churches. We hope lots of runners and walkers get involved this year.”

With only 1,000 places available, you are advised to register in advance.

Pre-registration costs £15, or it is £18 on the day. Participants for the 26-mile run must be aged 16 or above, but accompanied 14-16 years can take part in the 13-mile run.

Sign up now to walk or run a 26 or 13 mile countryside course Spires and Steeples Challenge entries open

Navigation Wharf, Sleaford, NG34 7TW Open 11am to 4pm. 07966 400634

Navigation House

Sunday, July 20, 11am to 4pmFree events, exhibitions and activities in conjunction with the NCCD’s 10th birthday. For details, see the websites www.nationalcraftanddesign.org.uk or www.navigationhousesleaford.co.uk Sunday, September 15, 11am to 4pmLincolnshire Heritage Open Day showcasing the historic life and trade on River Slea. Free entry, free prize

To enter or get involved, contact Donna Lill on 01522 870273 or email EventsOfficer@LITC.org.ukEntry forms are at www.spiresandsteeples.com Follow the event on Facebook and Twitter @Spires_Steeples

Making use of the Council’s network of way-marked Stepping Out Walks, these free events are for all ages.

Book with Theresa Hobbs on 01522 688868 or email whisby@LITC.org.uk Times and details given on booking.Sunday, June 30 A dog-friendly walk over four miles through woods and open countryside at Nocton. Friday, July 19, eveningJoin WatchNK’s Countryside Rangers for a moonlit walk through Hill Holt Wood in search of native bats. Hill Holt Wood is off the A46 near Norton Disney.Sunday, July 28A dog-friendly walk of six miles around Welbourn Lowfields. Friday, August 30Join WatchNK’s bushcraft expert, Alan Eley, to build a shelter for surviving in the wild, using only nature’s resources. Gloves and insect repellent recommended. Takes place in Skellingthorpe Woods.

Countryside walks

Events at the Natural World CentreAll activities suitable for ages four and above. Children must be accompanied at all times. £2.50 per child. Booking essential on 01522 688868 or email whisby@LITC.org.uk

Monday, July 29, 10.30amA look at fossils that might be found around Whisby and make your own from clay.Wednesday, July 31, 10.30amPrint artwork using potatoes, apples, imagination and lots more.Monday, August 5, 10.30amMake your own game of skittles to take home using recycled materials.Wednesday, August 7, 10.30amMake a froggy board game.Monday, August 12, 10.30amUsing more recycled and found materials, make a kite.Wednesday, August 14, 10.30amInspired by the Clay Mates in the shop, create your very own clay companion.Monday, August 19, 10.30amBring in beach treasurers and delve into a trove to create a beach scene in a box.Wednesday, August 21, 10.30amUse wooden spoons and pegs to create and dress your own spoon people. Wednesday, August 28, 10.30amDesign and decorate packets to collect seeds from this year’s flowers for next year’s garden. Monday, September 2 - 29Visit Aviation Heritage Lincolnshire’s exhibition of the role played by Fighter Command in Lincolnshire, with British, American, Canadian and Polish pilots contributing to the Battle of Britain. Free event, during opening hours.

Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Education Centre at Whisby offers a range of activities, wildplay sessions and workshops. Various age restrictions and prices apply. Booking is essential for all activities on 01522 696926 or email whisbyeducation@lincstrust.co.ukChildren must always be accompanied

All through the summerI-Spy Summer Trail throughout the summer holidays, leading you around the nature park to discover the secrets nature holds. A self-guided trail to collect from the Natural World Centre between 10am - 4pm daily, requiring adult supervision. £2.50 per pack including notebook and crayons.

Wednesday, July 3, 10am – 11amNature Tots seasonal activities for the under 5s. £2 per child.Sunday, July 7, 10am – 3pmSecond of three wildplay for parents to inspire your kids into the great outdoors. A fun filled day packed with ideas and activities to equip you to explore. Suitable for 16+, £25 per person, or £20 by quoting ‘newsnk’.Tuesday, August 6, 10am – 2.30pmWild Play: Enjoy a full day of pond dipping and investigating creepy crawlies. For ages 6-12, £10 per child.Wednesday, August 7, 10am – 11amNature Tots seasonal activities for the under 5s. £2 per child.Thursday, August 8, 10am – 2.30pm

Wild Play: A fun filled day of orienteering, tracking and den building for the budding adventurer. As August 6.Friday, August 9, 10am – 2.30pmWild Play: Netting bugs in the undergrowth and investigating what insects do for us. As August 6.Tuesday, August 27, 11am – 2pmLearn the arts of bushcraft and experience the woods as the seasons change. Details on 01522 696926.Friday and Saturday, August 30/31Family Bushcraft Weekend: A totally wild weekend sleeping under the stars, cooking on an open fire and learning the essentials of bushcraft. For ages 8 – 16 years. £150 per adult and child, £75 for each additional child. Details 01522 696926.Wednesday, September 4, 10am – 11amNature Tots seasonal activities for the under 5s. £2 per child.Saturday, September 14, 10am – 12.30pmWildlife Watch and Explorers. Learn more about skimmers, darters, hawkers and dragonflies. £2 per child.September 14, 10am – 12.30pmLearn the safe and correct use of edged bushcraft tools. For age 16 and over. £40 each, or £25 for NK residents by quoting ‘newsnk’.First Saturday of the month, 10am – 1pmJunior Wardens. Monthly themed activities for budding young naturalists. £2 per child. Call for details and booking.

Whisby Nature ReserveThe Local Nature Reserve within Whisby Nature Park is managed by Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust to encourage biodiversity. Unless stated, booking is essential on 01522 688868 or contact the wardens on 01522 500676.

Thursday, June 13, 2pmA guided walk to enjoy the reserve’s flora and fauna, with a special emphasis on the many orchids. £1.50 per person.Sunday, June 23, 10amFree guided walk to survey species. Boots are advised. Booking is not necessary.Friday and Saturday, July 12 & 13 Free Bioblitz to find and record as many species as possible. Suitable for all; from families to regional experts. Evening moth trapping on Friday from 9.30pm.Sunday, July 21, 10.30amGuided Morning Walk to experience the birds, invertebrates and plants on the Nature Reserve. £1.50 per person.Sunday, July 28, 10am Free guided survey walk. As June 23.Sunday, August 11, 10.30amGuided walk. As July 21.Sunday, August 25, 10am Free guided survey walk. As June 23.Wednesday, August 28, 2pmGuided wildlife walk. As June 13.Sunday, September 8, 10.30am Guided walk. As July 21.

Whisby Nature Park & Natural World Centre

orchids: Les Binns

A beer festival, bakery demonstration and late-night tearoom will be highlights at Heckington Mill during Heckington Show weekend.

Bread and beer On Friday and Saturday, July 26 and 27, the tearoom is open 11am to 10.30pm, and 11am to 5pm on the Sunday. The on-site brewery has its beer festival throughout. Details at www.heckingtonwindmill.org.uk

North Kesteven District Council knows that there are hundreds of Unsung Heroes working quietly, tirelessly and voluntarily all across the District and we want to celebrate their endeavours at a celebration event in September 2013.

They may be someone who looks after elderly or disadvantage people for no reward; a dedicated charity fundraiser; someone who inspires others and encourages involvement in the arts, sport or for environmental enhancement; or somehow goes beyond the call of duty. We also want to applaud businesses which give something back to their community.

Awards will be presented to the winners in September 2013

Presenter: Lincs FM’s John Marshall

Enter now at:www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/communitychampions www.lincsfm.co.uk

Sponsored by:

NK Community Champion Awards

NK Community Champion Awards 2013

For those who care in North Kesteven

Do you know someone who does good deeds or has made great strides in support of the environment, arts, sport or community?

Young Achiever Award

Community Business Award

Community Spirit Award

Contribution to Sustainable Transport

Contribution to Arts & Culture

Contribution to Sport

Contribution to a Better Environment Award

Contribution to Health & Wellbeing

Category:

Name of nominee:

Address of nominee:

Contact number of nominee: (if known)

E-mail address of nominee: (if known)

Referee (you)

Your address:

Your contact number:

Your e-mail address:

Reason for nomination (attach follow-on sheet if necessary)

All nominations must be made by Monday, August 12, 2013. Return completed forms to: NK Community Champions, Communications Team, NKDC, PO Box 3, Kesteven Street, Sleaford, NG34 7EF or email: communications@n-kesteven.gov.uk

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