West Lindsey’s Conservatives Dedicate Benches to Former Colleagues

Conservative Councillors on West Lindsey District Council have had two benches in Marshall’s Yard, Gainsborough dedicated to the memory of former colleagues, Christopher Underwood-Frost and William Parry who both represented the Scotter Ward.

Double sadness struck last year when Cllr. Underwood-Frost lost his long-term battle with cancer in October and then a few weeks later, in December, Cllr. Parry also passed away.

Conservative Leader of West Lindsey District Council, Cllr. Jeff Summers, paid tribute to both men saying:

“Both Chris and William were real gentlemen; Chris with his determination and courage to fight for what he believed in and William with his gentle patience and resolute nature. They are both missed very much by their colleagues on the Council.”

The Conservative Group on the Council wanted to ensure a memorial to the two councillors was in a public place. It was agreed that benches close to the Guildhall would be a fitting location and following consultation with the families two benches were identified near Next and a form of wording agreed for the plaques. Cllr. Giles McNeill, who was Agent for both men in their recent election campaigns said:

“I cannot think of a better site, nor a more fitting tribute to William and Chris. Both men were very different characters. I had the enormous privilege of knowing both of them, helping them with their re-election campaigns in recent years. We are diminished by their loss, but strengthened by their memory.”

Conservative-led West Lindsey District Council Named Best Council For Refuse Collections Service

Conservative-led West Lindsey District Council's Operational Service Team has been voted the best in the country for its bin collections, for the second year running.

Steve Leary with Coronation Street star Catherine
Tyldesley and Cllr Malcolm Parish

West Lindsey District Council kerbside collections of the black, blue and green bins have been awarded Best Performer in England: Refuse Collection by the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE). APSE is a national benchmarking group that promotes excellence in public services among over 300 councils.

The winners were announced at a charity dinner in Blackpool, hosted by Coronation Street star Catherine Tyldesley who plays Eva Price. Chairman of Prosperous Communities Committee, Cllr. Malcolm Parish , Conservative (Welton Ward), said:

“I am very proud of our waste people, they have done a brilliant job. To have won this award two years in a row, is absolutely amazing. 

“It is fantastic news, and our residents should be really proud that we have been voted as having the best refuse collectors in the country. 

“Every week our collection teams empty up to 60,000 bins across an area of 447 square miles. Winning this award is national recognition for their efforts in delivering highly valued public services."

Opening the awards APSE National Chair Leon Unczur said:

“Local councils have led the way on delivering first class local public services. Using performance information has been a vital tool in that success.”

Leader of West Lindsey District Council, Cllr Jeff Summers, Conservative (Waddingham & Spital Ward), said:

“West Lindsey residents are doing fantastically well to recycle more than half a tonne of waste materials per household each year.  

“It is testament not only to all the hard work that council officers have put in but also the way in which residents have played their part in making the triple bin scheme such a success. Together, we prevented more than 20,000 tonnes of waste going into landfill last year – saving money and protecting the environment.”

The council was considered against several measures including cost, quality of service, the tonnes of domestic waste recycled per household, the percentage of household waste that is diverted from landfill, and customer satisfaction. The council was highly praised for maintaining its position as one of the highest recycling authorities in the country – despite making significant cost savings. The recycling rate stands at around 54% and the cost of all collections is only just over £1 per property per week on average.

West Lindsey District Council's Conservatives Elect New Leadership Team

Conservative Councillors on West Lindsey District Council have elected a new leadership team at their Annual General Meeting.

 

Cllr. Jeff Summers, who represents the Waddingham and Spital Ward, has moved up, from his previous role as Deputy Leader, to become the Leader of the Conservative Group on the Council. Meanwhile, elected as his Deputy, is Cllr. Mrs. Anne Welburn, who represents the Cherry Willingham Ward.

 

Cllr. Summers paid tribute to his predecessor at the meeting, saying:

“Cllr. Keimach has done a magnificent job over the past three years in leading our group and providing leadership at the council enabling it to deliver for the people of West Lindsey. I am proud to have served as his deputy and am pleased to succeed him.”

 

Cllr. Summers has committed to continuing the Conservative Group’s work at the authority to provide quality frontline services to residents whilst keeping Council Tax low. Cllr. Summers commented:

“I am naturally grateful to the Conservative Group for electing me in to be their Leader. Such a position is a both an accolade and a responsibility. I will be working hard to build consensus.”

 

The election means that Cllr. Jeff Summers will be the majority Conservative Group’s nominee for Council Leader at the Annual Council Meeting on Monday 20th May and is therefore expected to become Leader of the Council. Cllr. Summers added:

“West Lindsey District Council has to become increasingly efficient to keep Council Tax down for residents, and maintain services, in these difficult times. The Conservative Group will work together to achieve that.”

 

Cllr. Summers has appointed Cllr. Giles McNeill, who represents the Nettleham Ward, as the Group’s Chief Whip.

Community Awards Celebrate Local Heros

Dedicated volunteer Mrs. Shirley Sanderson has been voted the first ever West Lindsey Citizen of the Year 2012.

For more than forty-two years Mrs. Sanderson, from Gordon Field in Market Rasen, has selflessly supported many of our communities including Market Rasen, Tealby, Walesby, Kirkby cum Osgodby, Owmby and Toft Newton. Much of that time has seen her as parish clerk to these councils, but she has also been a West Lindsey District Councillor, a school governor and chairman of Brookenby Development Ltd.

Mrs. Sanderson was surprised to be nominated and to win the award for Market Rasen Area Champion, before being named as the overall Citizen of the Year as well. She said:

“I was astounded to be nominated for something I have enjoyed doing for many years. It’s just normal work for me and I have enjoyed making things happen.

“It would be good if more younger people got involved. It’s far more difficult now because so many people have got to work and don’t have as much time.”

Mrs. Sanderson was presented with her awards at a packed ceremony, hosted by Chairman of the Council Cllr. Mrs. Jessie Milne and Cllr. Jeff Summers, in the Council Chamber at the Guildhall in Gainsborough.

Cllr. Jessie Milne was very moved by the community spirit of people across the district. She said:

“It was very hard to select a winner in all the categories, as those nominated have done such sterling work. There are so many people who seek no reward for their outstanding effort.

“I hope these annual awards will help recognise these people and highlight just how much work is carried out by volunteers, and how much of their free time they give up.”

Volunteer of the Year 2012 winner was Mrs. Cathy Andrews from Hackthorn. Mrs. Andrews, who always has a cheery smile, has great enthusiasm and pride in her voluntary work. She has worked hard to make sure that the village hall is fully utilised and helps out at many events in order to keep up the community spirit. She said:

“I was humbled at actually getting nominated. You don’t do it for that. I do it because I’ve always done it. If you live in a village you have to do bits to support your village. If you don’t you miss out with a lot.

“I would absolutely encourage other people to get involved in their communities. That’s when you actually start to live in your village.”

Cllr. Jeff Summers, who put forward the idea of the Community Awards, said:

“Our first Community Awards was, for me, a resounding success.

“We have a significant number of people in the district who make a dramatic positive impact upon all age groups. It was a great privilege for me to be able to present the awards and we look forward to making this an annual event.

“Thank you to every one helping to keep our towns and parishes safe and clean for all to enjoy." 

Upton Parish Council was chosen as Parish Council of the Year 2012 for the excellent work they do to keep a safe, secure, clean and tidy village. This is achieved by allocating each parish council member an area of the village to keep an eye on.

Chairman Cllr. Peter Rushton has been on the council for ten years and chairman for six years. He said:

“I’m flabbergasted. We’re only a little council and we were nominated by a village resident. You don’t get a lot of general public coming to meetings. This award is recognition for all our councillors, we work as a team. I must admit if it weren’t for the parish clerk we wouldn’t be where we are today.

“We don’t do it for reward. I don’t think anyone does, but it’s nice to be appreciated. I think if we can recognise people publicly that will encourage other people to get involved.”

The winners in the other categories are:

Volunteer of the Year 2012 runner up was Mrs Mary Galbraith from Lea, for her unlimited support she offers to the vulnerable and elderly residents in her community and the voluntary work that she carries out at both community buildings. Mrs Galbraith couldn’t understand why she had been nominated. She said:

“I do these things because I want to help my friends and neighbours.”

Parish Council of the Year 2012 runners up were Saxilby parish council and Brattleby parish council.

Area winners were:

• Market Rasen Area Champion 2012 was Mrs. Shirley Sanderson from Market Rasen.
• Fossdyke Area Champion 2012 was Mr. Mick Slack from Ingham for his work with the elderly in the village and as village caretaker.
• Caistor Area Champion 2012 was Mrs. Louise Drakes from Keelby for her hard work with the cub and beavers, and also for setting up the Allotment Association. Mrs. Drakes was unable to attend, so Mr. John Hodson accepted the award on her behalf. He said:

 “She’s a real hard worker. We’re very proud of her. I think the awards are good because it recognises the work we do for our village.”

• Trent Area Champion 2012 was Miss Sue Hunt from Willoughton for tireless devotion to the ‘Tuesday Club’, which is the youth club that runs throughout the year, and has made her a big favourite with the young people of Willoughton. Miss Hunt was unable to attend the ceremony.
• Witham Area Champion 2012 was Mr. Charles Shaw from Nettleham, known as ‘the man of sport’ in Nettleham, for all his hard work and commitment to sports in Mulsane Park. He said:

“I’m very pleased to have got this.”

• Gainsborough Area Champion 2012 was Mr Matthew Gleadell from Gainsborough for his work for the Morton Playing Field Association. He helped bring the field back to life, applied for funding and now coaches young people in cricket. He said:

“I’m absolutely overwhelmed. It’s both an honour and a privilege to receive this award. I was quite surprised. I only found out I’d been nominated today!

“I’ve always believed if there are people out there that have got the skills and the knowledge to help communities then they should do. Far too many people don’t get involved with their community and half the time people don’t know the name of their next door neighbour and it’s a real shame. It’s great to celebrate the work these people do.”

 

Big Improvement Plans for Gainsborough

The cost of bringing all homes in Gainsborough's South West Ward up to the national Decent Homes Standard has been estimated at £5.5 million.

The figure is contained in a Neighbourhood Renewal Assessment commissioned by West Lindsey District Council aimed at making improvements to the whole area.

The report says that on average each property in need of work will cost £6,300 to repair and it is envisaged that only a very small number of properties will need to be demolished - instead the emphasis is likely to be on retro-fitting existing properties to bring them up to scratch.

At a meeting of the Economic Development and Regeneration Committee, councillors agreed to take the next step towards making improvements by holding an open day with residents to discuss the options and gather local views.

Housing and Renewal Manager, Mr. Grant Lockett said:

"The consultation report confirms much of what we already thought. The area contains 1,390 homes and 75% of them are terraced with 85% built before 1919.

"Much of the area has little or no open space or play areas and there is not much in the way of off road parking.

"Sadly, the most common type of crime in the area is criminal damage and this is a common finding in areas with high levels of deprivation."

The area also suffers from high levels of unemployment (7.5% compared to the West Lindsey average of 5.9%) and it is officially the most deprived area in the district. House prices are 38% lower than the district average and 52% below the national average.

Mr. Lockett added: "

In general, local people like the area, they find it friendly with a real sense of community with good access to shops and takeaways.

"And what most people seem to be agreed on is that more green space and children's play areas would be a great boost as would a really good clean up which would improve the way people feel.

"There is quite a lot of litter in the area and when this is coupled with a large number of run down properties there is a feeling that no-one cares - which is really unfair because we believe the residents really do care."

Sadly, consultation has revealed that 50% of over 75s feel very unsafe but any idea that young people are the main 'threat' does not hold true as 35% of them said they too feel unsafe on the streets.

Chairman of the Economic Development and Regeneration Committee, Cllr. Jeff Summers, Conservative (Waddingham & Spital Ward) said that the survey had also revealed that 42% of residents were receiving benefits, 15% were disabled, 25% had an income of less than £10,000 and there is a broad range of house types and ages.

"Throughout the consultation, unemployment was a common factor and many thought this was the major contributor to many of the other issues suffered in the area. More than 70% of people thought that unemployment was a big problem.

"People told us that the main barriers to getting a job were the low number of opportunities available, poor transport links, a low skills and education base and a benefit culture which means there is little incentive for people to find work."

Another plus point was that 57% of people in the area believed the police are providing an above average service and 58% believe that the refuse collection service is above average.

But dog fouling, vandalism and the misuse of drugs were all considered to be problems and more than half the business owners felt the Council could do more to help them make improvements to commercial buildings.

In terms of the homes themselves, the survey revealed that 90% of properties would benefit from having new central heating installed. This would also improve the energy efficiency and reduce running costs to householders.

The major hazard of excess cold was found in 48% of properties, 35% had a danger of a fall on the stairs and 15% had the danger of a fall on the level. There were also major problems with electrical hazards, food safety and the presence of carbon monoxide.

As a result of all these issues, the average price of a house in the area in 2009 was £61879 - well below the national average of £160,000 and the Lincolnshire average of just under £130,000.

Cllr. Summers added:

"There is no doubt that there is much to be done in South West Ward but we believe that with the co-operation and understanding of local residents we can make real and very tangible improvements."

West Lindsey District Council Leadership Contenders Emerge

West Lindsey District Council's ruling Conservative group were left leaderless after voters in the Market Rasen Ward kicked out the council's leader Adam Duguid, who had become the Conservative leader in January earlier this year.

Following a net gain of one seat in local elections the Conservatives now have the opportunity to select a new group leader who will ultimately become Leader of the Council, and are expected to do so at the Group's Annual General Meeting on Thursday, 20th May 2010.

The first names to emerge into fray are Cllr. Ian Fleetwood, Conservative (Bardney Ward) and Cllr. Chris Underwood-Frost, Conservative (Scottor Ward). Two men from opposite sides of the district - Scotter in the north-west and Bardney in the south-east.

Cllr. Fleetwood previously held the position of Conservative Group Leader at the authority and is also a Lincolnshire County Council member representing the Bardney and Cherry Willingham Division. In previous contests Cllr. Underwood Frost has also feature as a possible leadership figure.

Cllr. Burt Keimach, Deputy Leader under Adam Duguid's leadership is also expected to enter the leadership contest.

Cllr. Geoff Summers, Conservaitve (Middle Rasen Ward) and Cllr. Jeff Summers, Conservative (Waddingham & Spital Ward) are both expected to enter the race for Deputy Leader.