EXCLUSIVE: 'Tractor' Spontaniously Combusts on Washdyke Lane, Nettleham

Remains of the 'Tractor' that caught fire on
Washdyke Lane, Nettleham

Residents of Washdyke Lane, Nettleham have been left shocked after what has been described as a 'tractor' caught fire earlier today. Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue were called to the scene shortly after midday.

According to an eyewitness account the driver of the vehicle was seen running from side-to-side of the engine with a small extinguisher trying to bring flames under control. The tractor’s fuel tank burst, spilling fuel down road, with flames up to twenty feet high, visible from the A46 ring road at its height.

Around lunchtime on Tuesday, 2nd October 2012 the vehicle caught fire and by two o'clock, the road remained closed between the end of Kingsway to the bus-stop and the Highways department had been contacted.

Firemen used two main jets and two breathing apparatus, and extinguished the fire. One fire engine remained on scene to clear out the area. The cause of the fire is still unknown. No one was reportedly injured in the incident.

Passengers on the No. 11 bus, arriving in Nettleham from Lincoln, as they turned on to Washdyke Lane were faced with a scene of carnage on the carriage way.

District Councillor for the Nettleham Ward, Giles McNeill, speaking at the scene, said:

"It seems to have been a very severe fire, and very serious incident. I have spoken with a member of Lincolnshire Police to understand what may have happened here today.

"I am not aware if anyone has been injured at this early stage. I hope that those involved are safe and well and that answers will be forthcoming." 

EXCLUSIVE: Labour Leader to Visit Lincoln

Leader of the Labour Party, Ed Miliband MP, will be visiting Lincoln tomorrow.

Complete details have been a closely guarded secret of the local Labour Party's team.  However, the Labour leader is expected to visit the Royal Naval Club on Coulson Road, off the High Street, in Lincoln tomorrow morning.

Cllr. Ms Karen Lee, Labour (Carholme Ward), the Mayor of Lincoln, is expected to meet her party's leader, but has caused some controversy by seeking to wear the chains of office as she meets the Leader of the Opposition.  Traditionally the role is seen as non-political, so the wearing of chains at a political event sets an unsettling precedent.  It is also a surprise that the Mayor has found time for the meeting when it is understood that she has turned down the opportunity of attending an awards ceremony for St John's Ambulance at the Lincolnshire Showground, believed to be on grounds that she was unwilling to get time off work.


Cllr. Ms Lee courted controversy last summer when she wanted to break with the eight hundred year-old tradition of the Mayor of Lincoln being styled as 'Mr. Mayor', when her term started earlier this year. She has also been criticised for not attending events for which she is booked. She left guests shocked by sending the Deputy Mayor to cover for her at the opening of the Doubletree by Hilton on the Brayford.


It is expected that the Lincoln Labour Party will use Ed Miliband's visit to announce their candidate for the Lincoln East Division By-Election expected in July or early August.


UPDATE:


The Labour Leader also caused controversy and has been forced to apologise to Karl McCartney MP for not informing him of his intention to visit the constituency. Mr. McCartney says his office has received an apology from Mr. Miliband after he failed to inform the Lincoln Parliamentarian of his intentions. Mr. McCartney said:

"The Speaker has reiterated the long-standing convention and practice that MPs should let the residing MP know that they are visiting their constituency." 

"Unfortunately, Mr Miliband did not inform me. I have now received an apology by email."

EXCLUSIVE: Lib Dem Council in Crisis

It was not too long ago, last year, that Gainsborough's Liberal Democrats were proud to announce that they had secured a majority on Gainsborough Town Council, after otherwise disastrous local election results for West Lindsey District Council - knocking them back to their lowest number of district councillors since 1992.

They got off to a flying start, suspending all committees to conduct a governance review (rumoured to be costing the authority several thousand pounds) and then later announcing a cut of 3.8%, in the Town Council's portion of the Council Tax for 2012/13, at the start of 2012. However, this momentum has stalled. Now the Council is in Crisis - with calls for the authority to be abolished.

In January the authority had it's first resignation.  Cllr. Mrs. Pearl Banyard, Non-Aligned (Gainsborough East Ward), who was first elected in 1996, and who resigned on grounds of ill health.  A by-election was called and Cllr. Sean Brennan, Non-Aligned (East Ward) elected.

Then in March Cllr. Ms Julie Nicolson, Liberal Democrat (North West Ward) resigned for reasons unknown.  The minutes of the subsequent Town Council meeting merely mention, perhaps tactfully, the fact of it, but not the substance.  On 26th April Cllr. Dave Dobbie, Liberal Democrat (North West Ward) was elected.

As April came to a close, Cllr. Robin Perry, Liberal Democrat (North West Ward) - who had replaced Cllr. Dobbie on the Council in August 2011, because post election paperwork had not been properly submitted - resigned from the Liberal Democrat party.

Cllr. Perry now sits as an Independent.   According to the Gainsborough Standard he no longer saw eye-to-eye with the party and claimed 'bullying' tactics were being used to make councillors toe the party line. He said:

"Being a councillor is about the residents of Gainsborough and they should come first, not our own personal agendas."

Then, only days later, just prior to the Town Council's Annual Meeting, on Tuesday, 7th May 2012, two councillors resigned. The first, and most dramatic, was Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Gainsborough Town Council, Cllr. Trevor Young, Liberal Democrat (South West Ward).

A spokesman for Gainsborough Town Council confirmed his shock resignation stating:

"Councillor Young handed his notice of resignation to us on Tuesday at 4pm stating personal and professional reasons."

Cllr. Young, who continues to represent the South West Ward on West Lindsey District Council, said the Town Council was 'drowning' after 'years of previous mismanagement', reported the Gainsborough Standard.  He said that despite the £4,000 governance review aimed at improving the council, there was still a 'lack of commitment to change'.

"Less than half the councillors and officers turned up for the workshops."

He also said there was a lack of openness and transparency between officers and councillors, which had created 'major concerns' over financial issues.

"No-one on that council knows if the accounts show significant over spending or under spending at any one time.  

"The only option, I believe, is for the council to self opt into special measures, so that the district council can take over for 12-24 months

"This council is in crisis. Other bodies desperately need to intervene to get it back on track."

Meanwhile, Cllr. Brennan joined Cllr. Young in resigning. He stated that his 'personal integrity' would not have allowed him to stay.

"I was motivated to stand for election by a desire to serve my local community."

Cllr. Brennan said in the short period he had served (six weeks), he had become convinced the public body was 'a horrifically poor waste of public resources'.

"The only way value for money can be achieved is by the town council being abolished." 

"In the meetings I have attended I have seen pure maladministration and an embarrassing level of incompetence."

 Two by-elections have now been called for Thursday, 12th July 2012.  In the East Ward contest there are four candidates:

• Richard Charles Banyard (Independent)
• John William Beaver (UKIP)
• James Alexander Plastow (Non Aligned)
• Michael Tinker (Liberal Democrat)

Mr. Michael Tinker, serves as both a District and County Councillor for Gainsborough and so is widely expected to win with a comfortable margin. However, the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) are eager to secure a by election win - even on to a first tier council  - There local Party Chairman, Mr. Nick Smith recently wrote, encouraging activists:

"John Beavers campaign will kick off with leafleting on Sunday 1st July at 2pm this is to catch the postal voters which get their votes on the 3rd July. 

"Followed up by leafleting on Tuesday the 3rd July".

They both have the potential to take the seat.

Meanwhile, In the South West Ward contest there is a straight fight between two candidates:

• John Butler (Gainsborough Residents Concerns and Issues)
• Timothy Mark Davies (Independent)

Little is known about John Butler and the 'Gainsborough Residents Concerns and Issues' name, is not a party but a description.  Mr. Davies is a former Town Mayor and is seeking a likely return to the authority. Either candidate has the potential to be successful, what is surprising is that in a ward which went solidly Liberal Democrat in May 2011 the party has not managed to field a candidate.

In conclusion there are significant difficulties being experienced by Gainsborough Town Council.  Both from internal factors, such as the machinations of the ruling Liberal Democrat group and mistrust of the authority's staff by councillors, and external factor such as dwindling public support for the council by the residents of Gainsborough.

For the Liberal Democrats the impact of failings, within and without, of Gainsborough Town Council is the loss of credibility with the local electorate.  Gainsborough Town Council is the only authority locally they can point to and demonstrate what the hallmark of a Liberal Democrat administration is. Looking at the current situation in Gainsborough perhaps the politicisation of the Council is nothing to be proud of.

EXCLUSIVE: Nettleham Parish Council Object to New West Parade in Nettleham

Nettleham Parish Council, tonight, held over two hours of discussion and debate on a proposal, brought forward by Lincolnshire Police and G4S, to build a replacement to the West Parade Police Station, in Lincoln, at the force's Headquarters site on Deepdale Lane, Nettleham, with a firm resolution to oppose the current plans.

At a packed meeting of over 200 residents at Nettleham Village Hall, Brookfield Avenue the Parish Council welcomed Cllr. Barry Young, Conservative (Sleaford Rural South Division), Chairman of Lincolnshire Police Authority, Chief Constable Neil Rhodes, together with Mrs. Judith Hogan, Head of Strategic Development (Lincolnshire Police), Chief Inspector Steve Taylor, Super Intendant Paul Gibson and Mr. Jerry Mayor from G4S - the private company involved in delivering £200m of services to Lincolnshire Police over the next decade.

All twelve Parish Councillors were in attendance. At the beginning of the meeting, so that, subsequently, it would be possible for anyone to know how the Parish Councillors voted, Cllr. Giles McNeill called for all votes taken to be recorded votes, under Schedule 12 Section 40 of the Local Government Act 1972.

Proceedings began with a presentation by Cllr. Young and Chief Constable Rhodes. Cllr. Young hightlighted that this was not a 'done deal' and that they were very much at the beginning of the process. In difficult fiscal circumstance the police authority 'would rather invest in police officers and not in buildings'. Cllr. Young confirmed that the new facility would operate as the the main operational divisional headquarters for Lincoln and West Lindsey.

The Chief Constable made it clear that G4S would be providing only back room, support services, saying:

"Lincolnshire Police is run by the Police, not G4S"

Seeking to reassure the meeting the Chief Constable said:

"I choose my words carefully. This is not a done deal. We look forward to a sensible conversation with our neighbours. However, we will not discuss any other sites or commercially sensitive matters.

"I used to live on All Saints Lane, I still have a pint in the Black Horse Pub, This is our village too."

It became clear during the course of the discussion that the proposal was for a significantly more substantive facility than merely a custody suite with 30 cells, but in fact is a replacement for the majority of the West Parade  facility.

Following the presentation a question and answer session took place with residents and councillors participating, broadly the questions were hostile to the proposals and many went unresolved. Cllr. Hill made a substantial point, having been the chartered engineer, who in the 1970s, working for Lincolnshire Laboratories investigated the site and published a report that it was unsuitable for development for various reasons, primarily because the site is a formally uncontrolled public tip with unknown contaminants, possibly vehicles with varying depths.

A number of residents raised concerns over the release of those detained at the site, which, at the conclusion of the meeting, it was felt had not been sufficiently addressed by some councillors.

Cllr. McNeill raised concern about the plans were being done to tie the hands of the Police and Crime Commissioner, expected to be elected on Thursdsay, 15th November 2012. Cllr. Young informed the meeting that the Police Authority were conducting 'business as usual'.

Prior to the debate by the Parish Council, Cllr. Young and the Chief Constable left the meeting.

Each Parish Councillor commented on the outlined proposals. Cllr. Evans, having reviewed a considerable amount of the relevant planning documentation considered that the 'proposals fail on a number of levels, sustainability and edge of a settlement development' contrary to many established policies. Cllr. Siddall highlighted that this was not Nimbyism, it was an objection based on the depth of feeling in the village and the concern over the impact of the proposal, particularly the traffic on Deepdale Lane and the A46. Cllr. McNeill raised his objection, referrring fellow councillors to Planning Police Statement 23 Annex 2 (Contaminated Land) 

Cllr. Downs stated his view that  we should 'applaud the desire to improve facilities and minimise costs' but that as times move on, requirements alter. He believed that 'there are a lot of problems associated with this development and it really should be sited in a much more urban area'. Cllr. Hill made one of the most damning crticisms stating that:

"Others [developers] have been open, honest and frank. They have not answered the questions we wanted to know."

Cllr. Spencer concurred saying 'I think they are not being truthful'.

Cllr. Mrs. Clayton, the Vice-Chairman, stated

"Here we are again, finding ourselves up against another unwelcome intruder - and it's the police!

"This will turn them into the neighbours from hell. Not this. Not hear. Please Don't make us pay the price."

The Chairman of the Parish Council, Cllr. Williams, echoed the comments of his fellow councillors however he wanted to make mention that the Parish Council recognises the enormous task the Chief Constable has in policing the county. He said he was 'completely opposed to the current formulation of the proposal as previously outlined'.

The Chairman proposed, seconded by Cllr. McNeill and the Parish Council resolved that:

"The Parish Council request that Lincolnshire Police Authority defers any further action in relation to this Project until the new Police Commissioner has been appointed; 

"In any event, meaningful dialogue needs to be held with the Parish Council before any decision is taken to submit a planning apllication; and 

"In the meantime, the Parish Council is opposed to the current proposals as formulated by the Lincolnshire Police Authority."

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.

GE2010: Lincoln: EXCLUSIVE: Video of Karl McCartney's Campaign Day One

EXCLUSIVE: Cllr. Meg Davidson in Sunday Express?

It is understood that Cllr. Mrs. Meg Davidson, Conservative (Fiskerton Ward), is likely to appear in tomorrow's Sunday Express in a story about the proposed joint human-animal burial ground proposed for Stainton-by-Langworth.

In a publicity coup that any local councillor would be proud of Cllr. Mrs. Davidson has secured, it is understood, coverage in the national paper which has a circulation of over 600,000.

The relationship between a man and his dog, has been widely documented as being something of a special bond. Now, that bond – whether it be with dog, cat, horse or reptile – can go beyond the grave.

West Lindsey District Council has granted planning permission for a human and animal burial site, near Stainton by Langworth, north of Lincoln. According to the council, the applicant is from Cherry Willingham in Lincoln, but they were unavailable to talk about the scheme.

However, the application states that one acre of the four and a quarter acres will be dedicated to animal burials. The rest will be a 'green' human burial ground.

Langworth Group Parish Council members said it had not raised any objections to the plans.

Mrs. Deidre Oswin who lives in Langworth said:

"Some people could take to it, but it is a very peculiar sort of planning application to put through.

"It's quite unusual to say the least, but I guess there is no problem with it."

Exclusive: Local Couple In Favour of the Rugby Club's Development

Local Couple speaks out in favour of Rugby Club Development
A Nettleham couple,has sent http://gilesmcneill.blogspot.com their views regarding the Lincoln Rugby Football Club's proposed development.

They say:

"As Secondary School PE teachers, we believe that any development that encourages children to get involved in physical activity and gives them another focus is to be welcomed. In this instance children from four years old to eighteen years old will be actively involved, and the nature of rugby itself promotes self discipline and respect which are admirable qualities."

In their communication they point out their veiw that the 'green belt' will in effect be kept green, with only one building and a relatively, proportionally small tarmaced area for parking. Secondly that there is already an established sports ground abutting the proposed development - namely Mulsanne Park. Thirdly they believe the Rugby Club will make the effort to engage the community and become part of it, whilst not imposing themselves.

The couple attended the residents meeting organised by Mr. Steven Perkins and the following were raised at the recent meeting, they respond that: Regarding increased traffic. Whilst the Rugby Club claim they will direct the traffic on to the A146 (and we do believe they will, as it is in their best interests), the fact is some traffic will go through Nettleham. In their opinion this will not impact greatly on the village. The two busiest times for the Rugby Club are Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, and should people decide to drive through Nettleham when there is a Church wedding or Service on then they will quickly realise there is already a bottleneck and the A158 would in fact be the easier option. Mention was also made of buses coming through the village – there already are school buses and others on a daily basis rather than once a week.

Secondly, regarding the potential for increased light and noise pollution. They believe that when put into context there seems little impact on the surrounds when taking into consideration the light and noise pollution that already exists from the traffic on the A158, the football pitches on Mulsanne Park and street lamps. Taking into account that the light pollution would only be there two nights a week.

Thirdly they mention that there were other complaints at the meeting which seemed rather frivolous, although we are sure no less important to the people involved, for example the impact on horseriding on the bridlepath and the effect the new development will have on those that overlook it; assuming they can see over the existing football pitches!.

"We do know that some residents of the village are concerned about the village ‘growing in size’ or becoming a ‘town’. Once the University decided to expand in Lincoln then expansion has become inevitable. The owner of the land in question is presumably willing/wanting to sell, therefore one must assume there will be a development of some sort in the future. Whether residents are willing or not, change may be on its way in the near future.

"...[W]e are wholeheartedly in support of the proposed development of Lincoln Rugby Club."

Exclusive: One Resident Against the Rugby Club's Development

Local Resident with Experience of Rugby Club Development Voices Her Concerns
A Nettleham resident, with experience of living near a szable rugby development, has sent http://gilesmcneill.blogspot.com her views regarding the Lincoln Rugby Football Club's proposed development.

She says:

"My views on the proposal reflect our years of experience of the Rugby Union development at Twickenham! Thank Goodness we have left all that behind and the chaos which ensued on match and pop concert days/evenings."

The points made can be summerized as an assumption that if development at Lodge Lane goes ahead, it will open the floodgates for evening events, helping to pay for the redevelopment (Subject to a licence being issued by the council for each performance - residents will not be consulted at all and many people will just have to put up with loud music whether they like it or not). Residents should not have to endure this inconvienience. The village that local residents are familiar with will change almost overnight.

Further she expresses concern over unsubstantiated rumours that the Rugby Club will not use all the land owned by the University; that a housing development is likely alongside the A158 following the Rugby Club development.

On match days when, visiting teams arrive, in coaches, with their supporters, it should not be forgotten that the fast food outlets will also pitch up in their vans. They will provide plenty of unwelcome aromas for hours from fish & chips, burgers, onions, hot dogs and so on and so forth. From her experience she states:

"I know that rugby players and supporters do not care for club housecatering and require a regular intake of fried food from mobile vans!"

A further disadvantage of mobile caterers is that they will produce, all be it indirectly, a serious litter problem; particularly in Lodge Lane and potentially beyond - no matter how many refuse bins are provided.

Noise and light pollution will carry for some distance.

Her final point is that traffic will increase drastically, she believes, throughout the village as not all cars will arrive from Lincoln via the A158. Some drivers from further afield will want to save petrol by using their Satnavs to access Lodge Lane via Scothern Road and Vicarage Lane, and also via Brookfield Avenue. They will return the same way as, even now, no-one now wants to queue to turn right for Lincoln from Lodge Lane. Lodge Lane she believes is an extremely dangerous T-junction and will require traffic lights, thus rendering delays to passengers driving towards the City from Sudbrooke, Wragby, Market Rasen and Skegness as well as villages east of Nettleham.

One suggestion that is made is:

"Why can't the Rugby pitches be built at the Showground? There's plenty of land there with few neighbours around to be disturbed!"