Edward Leigh MP Knighted

Local Parliamentarian for the Gainsborough Constituency has been named in Her Majesty the Queen's Birthday Honours List as a recipient of a Knighthood.

Sir Edward Leigh MP has received the honour for public and political service. He said:

"Naturally, I am delighted to be honoured in this way by the Queen. It is quite undeserved and I feel it is much more due to the efforts of others, particularly in Lincolnshire, than anything I have achieved, particularly their loyalty over thirty years"

Sir Edward has served the constituency of Gainsborough (formerly linked with Horncastle) for thirty years. He was a widely-respected Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, and - according to the National Audit Office - saved the taxpayer around £4bn during his eight year tenure.  His long career in public service includes work as a local Councillor and as a junior Minister. He remains a passionate speaker on religious issues and on the management of the European Union.

Nick Boles MP's Office Attacked

There has been a "minor explosion" at the constituency office of Nick Boles MP, Conservative (Grantham & Stamford).

A bang and the sound of breaking glass were heard at the junction of North Street and Burghley Street in Bourne, Lincolnshire, around half past one in the morning.

Police said there was only minor damage to the building and no-one was injured. A man has been arrested.

Mr. Boles, said:

"Obviously I deplore this act of violence. The incident is being investigated by the police and I know that everyone will do whatever they can to support the investigation. In the meantime, we should all carry on doing our jobs as normal."

The BBC Reported that Ms Caroline Glithero, who lives nearby, said she heard two explosions about 45 minutes apart.

"I heard two very loud bangs and on the second one I went to see what it was and found a lot of debris and a window broken."

Lincolnshire Police said a 24-year-old man had been arrested and was helping police with their inquiries.

A spokesperson said early indications suggested the incident was not linked to any wider issues or recent events in the county.

Lincolnshire's Members of Parliament have been targeted in recent years, including Gainsborough's Edward Leigh MP who was targeted with hoax anthrax packages last year.

Edward Leigh Responds to Saxilby Terror Attack Link

Edward Leigh MP, who represents the Gainsborough Constituency in Lincolnshire, has said he has ‘every confidence’ in Lincolnshire Police as they assist with the suspected terror attack investigation.

Mr. Leigh was speaking as the Lincolshire Police force was supporting officers from the Metropolitan Police during a search on a house in Saxilby.

It is believed that one of the men arrested in connection with the killing of a soldier in Woolwich on Tuesday used to live in a house on Hotchkin Avenue, Saxilby with his family. Mr. Leigh said:

“Every effort must be made to ensure terrorists feel the full weight of British justice.”

“I have every confidence in Lincolnshire Police and their work in coordination with the Metropolitan Police.”

The Woolwich attack happened at 2.20pm on Tuesday as horrified witnesses, including children, looked on. Eyewitnesses say the victim was hacked to death by two men, named locally as 22-year-old Mr. Michael Adebowale and 28-year-old Mr. Michael Adebolajo. After the attack they waited for police, asking people to film and take photos of them.

One man, thought to be Mr. Adebolajo, was filmed holding a meat cleaver and knife, his hands covered in blood. He told onlookers he carried out the attack because British soldiers are killing Muslims every day.

They were shot as police tried to arrest them, are now under armed guard at separate hospitals in London.

Residents in Saxilby, near Lincoln, have spoken of their shock after police raided the former home of Mr. Michael Adebolajo.

The house, in the normally sedate Lincolnshire village, is believed to belong to his father, Mr. Anthony Adebolajo, understood to be a nurse.

District and County Councillor Jackie Brockway, who represents the Saxilby Ward of West Lindsey District Council and Nettleham & Saxilby Division on Lincolnshire County Council, lives in Sykes Lane, Saxilby. She was on the estate this morning offering to help however she could.

“I heard about this on my way to an appointment and I have come here to give my card with my contact details directly to the police. I want to say that any residents who need support or help to get in touch.

“We want to make sure that everyone is comfortable and not concerned in any way.

“I understand the police have got this very well organised. Obviously it is a serious police operation and it’s important for them to know that the community supports them.

“Regarding the incident in Woolwich I am absolutely horrified that this could happen on the streets of Britain. But I think we must be calm and go about our daily lives and support the authorities in their duties.”

West Lindsey District Council Welcome Youngest Member

Conservative Giles McNeill, won the Nettleham by-election with 565 votes - a majority of 52 - and will take over from former councillor Raymond Sellars who passed away earlier this year.



Cllr. Giles McNeill with Manjeet Gill signing the
Declaration of Acceptance of Office at the Guildhall

 Giles, who works for local parliamentarian Edward Leigh MP, said he became interested in politics whilst studying in his sixth form at De Aston School in Market Rasen. He said:

"I am delighted to have won this by-election; and to join the council as its youngest member is an added bonus.

"I believe it is important that the council reflects the people of West Lindsey. Whilst older members of the council bring experience, younger councillors bring a different world-view.

"I am looking forward to learning from my colleagues, just as I hope to add value to the council with my own perspective.

"Ray Sellars was a good and popular councillor and very much appreciated by the community for all the work he did. His death was a sad loss. I have big shoes to fill."

Giles has lived in Nettleham since 1990 and studied at Hull University for his politics degree.

Local MP Edward Leigh said:

"Giles is a hard-working and committed individual and I am sure he will bring his talents to the council, delivering for both the people of Nettleham, Greetwell, Riseholme and Grange-de-Lings and all the residents of West Lindsey."

West Lindsey District Council Chief Executive, Manjeet Gill, said:

"We are pleased to welcome Cllr McNeill to the council and wish him well in this position.

"It is good that young people are getting into local politics, they can make a real difference to the district."

Edward Leigh MP Visits Nettleham Garderners Association Show

Above: (from left to right) Jackie Brockway, Giles McNeill
and Edward Leigh MP

Edward Leigh MP visited Nettleham Gardeners Association Show at Nettleham Village Hall yesterday to see the produce on show and support Conservative candidates Giles McNeill and Jackie Brockway, who are running locally for seats on West Lindsey District and Lincolnshire County Councils respectively. 

Weather in recent months have caused problems for gardeners. Following the freeze of winter, came the water shortages and hosepipe bans of spring, as the ban came into force on Thursday, 5th April  it did so, with perfect irony, with rain, rain and more rain - in fact the wettest summer on record.

Most gardeners will have shrugged and got on with sowing seeds and planting potatoes, but the relentlessness of the deluge meant early sowings failed, potatoes rotted in the ground and plants produced stunted roots in saturated soil. Conditions including low soil temperatures and lower light levels meant only the hardiest of crops made progress. Plants needing good light outdoors, such as beans and sweetcorn struggled. Tomatoes being grown under glass ripened weeks late.

Nevertheless a good crop of vegetables were entered for inspection. Cakes too and artwork also featured. Everyone involved had put in considerable effort to participate in spite of the difficult conditions.

'Nun' Convicted of Sending Hoax Anthrax to Local MP

A 'Roman Catholic nun' has been convicted of sending hoax anthrax packages to senior politicians including Edward Leigh, Member of Parliament for the Gainsborough Constituency, and the Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg.

Sister Ruth Augustus, was convicted of sending hoax anthrax packages to senior politicians yesterday. Sister Ruth posted six envelopes containing white powder to the high profile figures. Targets included were former Attorney General Baroness Scotland and human rights lawyer Baroness Kennedy.

An envelope intercepted at a mail screening centre was addressed to Mr. Clegg and on the envelope was written 'devil worshipping', 'freemason', 'sex with 30 plus women' and 'your poor Catholic wife and children'. Another was to Baroness Scotland, and had a swastika on it and two crosses, and 'stop this evil devil worshipping'. One to Baroness Kennedy said 'stop these evil devil worshipping freemasons'.


An analysis of the contents of the packages revealed the substance to be non-hazardous.

According to The Independent Harrow Crown Court heard that when Sr. Augustus, of Stratford, east London, who denied the charges, was arrested she told police:

"I look like a terrorist, don't I, working for a charity all over the world, with orphans?"

A jury took less than two-and-a-half hours to find her guilty by a majority verdict of 11 to one on all counts following a three-day trial.

Mr. Justice Saunders deferred the case until September for a hearing at the Old Bailey while a medical report is prepared on Sr. Augustus' mental health.  She was released on bail on condition that she does not make contact any MP or senior Government official.


Following her conviction, Augustus turned to the public gallery as she left the courtroom and said she would be appealing against the verdict.

Conservatives Hit Right Note in Langworth

Nettleham & District Conservatives have enjoyed an excellent summer's evening of entertainment and refreshment at the Memorial Hall in Langworth.

Members of the Nettleham & District Conservative Branch
with Mary and Edward Leigh MP

Over forty people, including local party members and supporters, gathered in the venue to listen to the first public performace of the Lesley Cullen Quintet, who had recently formed, together with other musicians.

A substantial cheese board was available for guests to indulge in, together with an impressive array of homemade desserts and strawberries and cream.

Edward Leigh MP, who represents the area, said:

"This has been an excellent event. The branch always puts on a good occassion and this is no exception. It is good to see many friends, and also new faces."

Local MP Welcomes RAF Scampton News

Edward Leigh MP applauded the decision by the Minitry of Defence to station the Red Arrows and the RAF’s Air Surveillance and Control System (ASACS) unit at RAF Scampton for the foreseeable future. This will include resurfacing the runway at RAF Scampton. Mr. Leigh said:

"I have just been informed by the Minister that they intend to keep RAF Scampton open. This is a vindication of our long campaign and a credit to all those who have worked so hard to keep RAF Scampton open. The Red Arrows are a treasured part of North Lincolnshire and I welcome their continued presence. The MoD’s investment in RAF Scampton’s runway demonstrates a welcome commitment to the future of the base. It is appropriate that the decision to keep open the historic home of 617 Squadron, the Dambusters, comes in the month which a lasting memorial will finally be opened to the brave men of bomber command, many of whom flew from bases in Lincolnshire. 

"It is fantastic news that we will keep all the jobs associated not only with the Red Arrows, but also with the ASACS unit, within the local area. 

"I have always been clear on my desire to keep the Red Arrows flying out of the home of the Dambusters and I welcome the MoD’s vote of confidence in North Lincolnshire."

Edward Leigh has been running a campaign to keep RAF Scampton open since the closure of the base was first proposed – triggered by the cost of runway resurfacing.

Edward Leigh MP Calls for Rethink on Nettleham Custody Suite

Local MP Edward Leigh today urged caution over Lincolnshire Police’s proposed new custody suite on Deepdale Lane.

"I think that it’s vital that Lincolnshire Police consider carefully the implications of putting a custody suite in a residential and rural area, as well as taking residents’ views into account."

People living locally have been concerned by the plans to relocate capability from the Force’s West Parade Station to a new privately run facility adjacent to Lincolnshire Police Headquarters in Nettleham.

Mr. Leigh has said that he supports the Police when it comes to innovative solutions to smaller budgets, 'I think that most taxpayers can agree that savings in the police budget which allow more focus on front-line policing in straightened times are a good thing'. However he added that 'schemes which cause large numbers of criminals to be released onto the streets of Nettleham are simply unacceptable. People write to me to tell me how worried they are for the safety of their homes, their children, and themselves if this plan goes ahead. It is crucial that the Police fully address these concerns before this project progresses any further.'

A number of local residents have made their opposition to the scheme clear, on the basis that released criminals will have nowhere to go. There are fears that they will commit robbery and burglary within Nettleham in order to fund alcohol or drug habits, or in order to get back into Lincoln.

Stagecoach Should Explain Decision to Reduce Bus Services

Edward Leigh MP has called on Stagecoach Lincolnshire to explain to local people the company’s decision to cut services along the number 3 route from Lincoln to Grimsby, which serves Nettleham, Dunholme and Welton.

Our local Member of Parliament, has responded to the significant change to the Number 3 service from Monday 2 April 2012. Which will include the loss of an hourly connecting bus service between the south east and north east of the Gainsborough Constituency during the daytime. Through journeys will now end during the middle part of the day with the last through departures from Lincoln and Grimby at 8:40am and not resuming until 1:40pm.

Stagecoach have admitted that they are eliminating less economical services because of the Department of Transport’s twenty percent reduction in the Bus Service Operators Grant, equivalent to an additional 39p to the cost of a gallon of diesel. But talk of local authority intervention might be overly optimistic, given the £1.3m savings to the county transport budget and the need to find £125m in savings to put the County Council budget on an even keel. Edward Leigh said:

"I am relieved that the cut to the Number 3 service won’t be as deep as originally proposed, but it is still regretful that those who will need to travel outside the peak period will have their options severely curtailed. 

"In rural parts of the country such as ours, providing connections by regular public transport is challenging, but important. I’m not convinced Stagecoach have made a proper case for curtailing the Number 3 service. This follows from their cuts to Sunday and Bank Holiday services from last year.

"This situation is the responsibility of the bus company, and I hope they find more imaginative ways of responding to public demand. They can’t solve their problems simply by demanding subsidies from taxpayers who are hard-pressed to make end’s meet already. All this underlines the overriding importance of cutting the vast deficit we have inherited from the previous government."

Edward Leigh MP Believes Euthanasia Is An 'Encouraged Exit'

Local Parliamentarian, Edward Leigh MP, has said he believes any moves to introduce euthanasia would result in an 'encouraged exit.'

The Conservative MP has rejected calls for assisted dying, or euthanasia, to be introduced for the sick and elderly during a debate on care for the dying. Mr. Leigh said:

"There is no doubt in my mind that, if we allow assisted dying, it will eventually become encouraged exit. 

"One of the witnesses to the Falconer inquiry said: 'I think we can only go for terminal illness at the moment, so this doesn't actually apply to the people who are probably about to go into care homes. But, you know, baby steps'. That is a chilling statement. 

"To us, this is a moral issue. We believe that the body is simply the mirror of the soul, and however old, crippled or useless someone might seem to society – our society seems to be dominated by the worship of youth and beauty – they are of immense value to society and should be sustained by society to the very end of their lives."

Local MP Wants State Schools to Replicate Private Schools

Advice to improve schools by 'replicating what goes on in the independent sector', including selection, is 'entirely in line' with the Government's intentions, a minister has said.

Speaking at Education Questions in the Commons, Edward Leigh, MP, Conservative (Gainsborough Constituency), said independent schools had many things to teach about boosting standards. Mr. Leigh asked:

"Will you agree with me the real way to improve standards in the state sector is to replicate what goes on in the independent sector?

"Mainly to allow headteachers to hire and fire teachers, to select their own curriculum and to select and de-select pupils."

John Hayes MP, Conservative (South Holland & the Deepings), Minister of State for Further Educations, Skills and Life Long Learning, who attended a dinner in the Gainsborough Constituency in the summer of 2011, replied:

"What we seek is a system driven by demand, the choices of pupils, helped to make informed judgments by the information they are given, businesses driving the skills system and headteachers and college principals free to respond to local needs.

"That is precisely our mantra, entirely in line with your intentions and ambitions."

United in Condolence for Red Arrows Pilot

Edward Leigh MP offered his condolences to the family and relatives of the RAF pilot killed in the Red Arrows during Prime Minister’s Questions today. Mr. Leigh, whose constituency includes RAF Scampton, asked

"In joining me in giving our condolences to the relatives of the Red Arrows pilot killed at RAF Scampton yesterday, will the Prime Minister acknowledge the overriding need for safety, and that our campaign to save RAF Scampton from closure is not just based on sentiment for the historic home of the Dambusters but on the overriding need for the kind of safe, uncluttered skies above north Lincolnshire which the Red Arrows need to practice safely."

The Prime Minister, David Cameron responded: 

"I’m sure the hearts of everyone in this House go out to the family of the pilot who was killed in this terrible accident. It comes on top of a second accident that happened in the Red Arrows and this has obviously been a very tragic time for something the whole country reveres and loves."

The Prime Minister said he knows the Red Arrows consider their Lincolnshire home 'extremely important' and added that 'we must get to the bottom of what happened'.

Edward Leigh has campaigned for the Ministry of Defence to state its intention of keeping RAF Scampton open, especially as home to the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, known as the Red Arrows. Mr. Leigh has met with MOD ministers and written several letters putting the case for the base’s continued usefulness as part of Britain’s defence community and a large contributor to the local economy.

Cllr. Roger Patterson, Conservative (Scampton Ward) said: 

"I am very sorry to hear about the death of Flt Lt Shaun Cummings, of the Red Arrows. 

"Coming so soon after the tragic loss of Flt Lt John Egging it has really it the community of Scampton Hard. 

"Sometimes the things you take for granted are appreciated more when tragedy strikes and right now the community at Scampton realise how blessed we are to have The Red Arrows as part of our community, and we stand resolutely behind the team and all our brave servicemen and woman at Raf Scampton. 

"We are steadfast in our belief that The Red Arrows must fly again as soon as possible and continue to bring joy to the millions of people around the world who hold them in such high esteem and that they continue for many more years and that they do this from Raf Scampton because we as a community are proud that they are based here. 

"My sincere condolences go out to his family, friends and his team mates at such a tragic time."

Edward Leigh MP Demands Action on Insult

Edward Leigh MP has called on the Government to amend a law that criminalises the use of insulting words – as MPs were blocked from debating the issue in Parliament.

The Conservative MP for the Gainsborough Constituency has tabled an amendment to the Protection Of Freedoms Bill, which is being debated in Parliament this week, that removes the word 'insulting' from Section 5 of the Public Order Act. The amendment, which was tabled in conjunction with Labour MP Tom Watson and Lib Dem MP Alan Beith, has been backed by 65 MPs from across the political parties.

It has also won the support of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights and backed by civil liberties groups like Justice. However, Mr Leigh claims the Government is using a procedural device in the House Of Commons to block debate on the amendment – even though it is far and away the most well-supported amendment tabled to the Bill. Mr Leigh said:

Edward Leigh MP for the
Gainsborough Constituency

"It is ironic that MPs should be denied the opportunity to speak about the freedom to speak."

Writing on the ConservativeHome blog, the Conservative parliamentarian said that while freedom of speech is 'perhaps, our most precious civil liberty after the right to life itself', there is a 'widely held concern that civil liberties such as freedom of speech are being eroded'.

Although some blame the previous Labour Government, 'policing practice' has also contributed to the 'erosion of freedoms'.

Mr Leigh explained that 'insult' has a low threshold and 'is open to misuse'. He said:

"Whatever self-restraint the police exercised in the past in applying the law against insults appears to be melting away.
"No doubt we can blame it on external pressure from activists and internal pressure from out-of-control 'equality and diversity' programmes."

Mr Leigh noted that while freedom of speech 'does have its limits', he cautioned that it is not 'legitimate' to 'criminalise words or behaviour that are merely insulting in the ordinary meaning of the word'.

Edward Leigh MP Welcomes Eric Pickles' Visit

Mrs. Suzanne Scott, Rt Hon Eric Pickles MP,
Edward Leigh MP and Cllr. Burt Keimach.

Edward Leigh, who represents the Gainsborough Constituency, welcomed the Rt. Hon. Eric Pickles MP, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to the Gainsborough Constituency on Thursday, 13th October 2011 together with fellow Conservatives, Leader of West Lindsey District Council, Cllr. Burt Keimach and Cllr. William Parry, the authority’s Chairman.

The Secretary of State visited the Hemswell Cliff Primary School to open the community’s new ‘Room of Requirement’ – named with the Harry Potter books in mind. Head teacher Mrs. Suzanne Scott said:

Eric Pickles MP is shown Marshall's Yard
in Gainsborugh flanked by Cllr. Keimach
(Left) and Edward Leigh MP (Right)

“It's a great honour to welcome the secretary of state to our school.

“We are looking forward to using this facility along with our community.”

After opening the facility, The Secretary of State, Edward Leigh, Councillors, council officers and other stakeholders were briefed on the need to regenerate dilapidated former RAF bases into thriving communities. Mr Pickles said:

“I will rattle the MoD's cage on this as this is a place we should celebrate.”

Chancellor Announces Reform of Queen's Accounts

The Queen's accounts are to be subject to full National Audit Office scrutiny and open to questioning by the Commons' Public Accounts Committee, in a radical reform of royal finances unveiled by Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne MP.  
Mr. Osborne said that his Sovereign Grant Bill will provide for the Sovereign Grant accounts to be audited by the comptroller and auditor general and laid before Parliament, where they will be subject to the Public Accounts Committee.

Public Accounts Committee Chairman, Mrs. Margaret Hodge MP described the move as 'historic', adding:

"It is hugely important for the future stability of the monarchy and its role in our constitutional settlement that we should modernise our structures, so that they are fit for purpose in today's world and properly meet the legitimate expectations of the taxpayer and the general public.

"This puts, for the first time, those parts of the royal finances that come directly from the taxpayer each year on a transparent basis, consistent with other public expenditure.

"The PAC has a long and well-established history in effective public scrutiny and we will, I am sure, approach these new responsibilities in our traditional way, working objectively and thoroughly on behalf of Parliament and the taxpayer."

Gainsborough Parliamentarian Edward Leigh MP, and Mrs. Hodges' immediate predecessor, said the committee had, under his chairmanship and that of Mrs. Hodge, fought to improve scrutiny of royal finances but added:

"I never thought this day would come."

"This will be tough for the royal household – there is no doubt about that – and there will be strong questioning in the committee, as there is on all these subjects, but that is absolutely right because that is what we are about: accountability. I think they have absolutely nothing to fear."

Shadow chancellor Ed Balls MP welcomed the change and remarked that it was vital Parliament should properly scrutinise such significant sums of revenue.

Conservative economic secretary Ms Justine Greening MP, an accountant, said the Bill brings accountability arrangements for the royal household into line with those for other government departments. She commented:

"Sovereign grant expenditure will be audited annually by the comptroller and auditor general and those reports will be laid before Parliament. Should it wish to do so, the Committee of Public Accounts will also be able to scrutinise grant expenditure and will be able to invite the royal household to give evidence."

Local Conservatives Welcome Minister of State, John Hayes MP

Local Conservatives yesterday evening welcomed Minister of State for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning John Hayes MP to a dinner at the acclaimed Cross Keys Restaurant and Bar in Stow, north west of Lincoln.


Above: John Hayes MP, Minister of State for Further
Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, answers
a question, Cllr. & Mrs. Parry observe.

Speaking to local activists the Minister talked about renewal as the key theme of what he wants to achieve and the achievements that have already occurred since becoming a Minister last year - including the creation of 90,000 apprenticeship places. The Minister paid tribute to Gainsborough parliamentarian, Edward Leigh MP, he said:

"Edward is my closest parliamentary colleague; which comes from, as yet, not having found anything that we disagree about."

Chairman of West Lindsey District Council, Cllr. William Parry, Conservative (Scotter Ward), who is the Gainsborough Constituency Conservative Association's Deputy Chairman (Membership and Fundraising), chaired proceeding giving local party members - both young and old - and others from outside the constituency, the opportunity to ask questions of the Minister. The questions were answered with considerable poise and the minister gave a number of undertakings to bring local people's concerns back to the Departments of Education and Business, Innovation and Science and their respective Secretaries of State. The Minister noted that he was in the unusual position of belonging to two departments. In a surprising revelation the Minister described his working relationship with Secretary of State for Business, Rt. Hon. Vince Cable MP (Liberal Democrat):

"I have never had any interference from the Secretary of State, he has supported me in a number of areas: but I am delivering the Conservative manifesto on further education that I was elected on, and you voted for, and spent my time in opposition, in apprenticeship - if I may put it like that - preparing."

EXCLUSIVE: Local MP Shows Support for Community Swimming Pool

Local Parliamentarian, Edward Leigh, Member of Parliament for the Gainsborough Constituency, today visited the Wragby and District Swimming Pool located on Silver Street, behind the Town Hall, in Wragby and congratulated those participating in a fundraising sponsored swim.

Above: Edward Leigh MP enjoys the water of the Wragby
& District Swimming Pool.

© 2011 John Edwards

The valued community facility is struggling to survive, but Mr. Leigh, a keen swimmer himself, wanted to praise the efforts of the local volunteers who run the pool and the individuals who were swimming to keep it open. Edward said:

“It is a real pleasure to support the Wragby and District Swimming Pool with their sponsored swim this afternoon. This pool is a vital community asset which needs to be supported and used if it is to have a viable future.

“'I have always been a great advocate swimming, the benefits of which are numerous. When I am in London I try to swim in the Serpentine in Hyde Park every morning, rain, shine or snow.

“This facility is made available to local residents because of the hard work of the committee, volunteers, and staff who give their time, efforts, and money to support the pool. I hope that it will continue for many years to come and that local people who may not have visited the pool will come and give it a try.”

Wragby & District Swimming Pool is a small, privately owned pool that is 15m long x 6m wide, with a depth ranging from 1m to 1.8m. There are male and female changing rooms, as well as a toilet and shower room for the disabled.

The pool offers a range of swimming sessions to suit all ages, from Mother & Toddler sessions, under 12s fun sessions, through to Adults and Over 60s sessions. A number of disabled groups use the pool.

Following the decision by West Lindsey District Council not to proceed with plans to build a swimming pool in the nearby town of Market Rasen the pool in Wragby remains the nearest facility. With the only other public swimming pool in the constituency being at West Lindsey Leisure Centre in Gainsborough, this facility is an important amenity.

Edward Leigh MP Wants 'Insulting' Removed From Public Order Act

Edward Leigh MP has urged the Government to repeal the word "insulting" from Section 5 of the Public Order Act. Mr Leigh's comments came during a Parliamentary debate on the Protection of Freedoms Bill on 1st March 2011.

During the debate Mr Leigh listed numerous examples of people whose free speech had been restricted by the existing law.


You can watch footage here.

The Rasens Recycling Centre Marches to Opening

A new facility will soon be opening its gates in Market Rasen. Construction commenced in May 2010 and will open on Friday 4th March 2011.

The site will be open on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays. The site is closed at all other times, including Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

The Rasens will provide a user friendly site for residents to bring their household waste. The Household Waste Recycling Centre will be able to receive approximately 30-35 types of waste to maximise recycling and minimise landfill tonnages. The types of waste it can receive and redirect for recycling include:

• Green waste (grass cuttings/ hedge clippings, etc)
• Waste engine oil
• Cooking oil
• Car Batteries
• Small batteries
• Fridges and Freezers
• Electrical Appliances
• Wood (MDF/ Laminate etc)
• Rigid Plastics
• Cardboard and paper