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.

Support Available for Community Projects

You can receive funding with expert advice from West Lindsey District Coucnil's partners CAN, the Plunkett Foundation and Community Lincs. They have a strong background in supporting community and social enterprises that can help stimulate employment, community impact and volunteering.
The Community Assets Fund has up to £1 million to support local projects in West Lindsey.

Chairman of the council’s Prosperous Communities Committee, Cllr Malcolm Parish said:

“If you have an idea that can have a positive impact on the people of West Lindsey, we would really like to hear from you. At a time when money is much harder to come by for community projects – we hope you take advantage of this fund. Together we can all really make a difference to our communities.”

The fund is looking to support ideas that fall under the following four key themes:

1. Community halls - seeking funds for improvement work or equipment to increase their sustainability.
2. Social enterprise - businesses trading for a social purpose and looking to start or grow in West Lindsey.
3. Community-owned enterprises - run by communities who see a need for a service in their area and want to start and own a local business, like a shop, pub or post office.
4. Community sports groups - looking to increase their local impact by refurbishing venues or purchasing equipment to widen participation.

Kate Markey, Managing Director of CAN Invest, said:

“Do you have an idea for your community that meets one of these themes? There is different funding available depending on which theme you apply for and business support to turn ideas into reality. We hope this call out under these four themes will inspire the people of West Lindsey to think about ideas for their community.”

Register your interest or find out more about the fund by telephoning The Plunkett Foundation on 01993 810730 or visit www.communityassetsfund.org.uk.

Opportunities On Offer At Annual Skills Fair

A second Employment and Skills Fair will take place next month following the success of the inaugural event last year.

More than two hundred and fifty people attended the district-wide event in February last year and this year the event has moved to a larger venue at the Lincolnshire Events Centre at Lincolnshire Showground.

Organised by West Lindsey District Council in partnership with City of Lincoln Council, the event will take place on Thursday, February 14, from 10am until 2pm.

The aim of the fair is to expose members of the public and students to potential career an opportunities and information on how they can best prepare themselves. Training providers will also be on hand to help attendees explore opportunities for training and skills development.

In support of West Lindsey District Council’s 'Apprenticeships Work 4 You' campaign, this year there will be a special focus on apprenticeships, with a number of employers attending offering this as a starting point into a career for school and college leavers.

Cllr. Malcolm Parish, Conservative (Welton Ward), Chairman of the Prosperous Communities Committee, said:

 “The skills fair is a chance for students, jobseekers or any member of the public to find out more about employment, training and volunteering opportunities that will develop their skills and improve their chances of finding long-term work.

“We are grateful to all the organisations that take part and support our aim to help more people in the district find employment and opportunities to suit them.”

Exhibitors so far include the National Apprenticeships Service, Lincoln College Apprenticeships, Riverside Training, the Royal Navy and Marines, Gelder Group, Allied Healthcare, NHS, voluntary centre services, LAGAT, ISIS and Bishop Grosseteste University.

Organisations with job, apprenticeship and/or training opportunities who are interested in taking stand space should call 01427 676631 for more information.

Free transport to the venue will be available through a return bus service from Gainsborough via Hemswell Cliff and Scampton, a return service from the Lincoln Access Centres and through the Call Connect service. To book call 01427 676631.

Two Successful Prosecutions Following Rubbish Warnings

West Lindsey District Council took legal action against two men after they failed to clear rubbish from their gardens.

Cllr. Malcolm Parish, Conservative (Welton Ward), Chairman of the Prosperous Communities Committee at the Council said:

"Allowing rubbish to build-up in gardens is not acceptable and is not fair on your neighbours. We’re always willing to work with people and provide advice if they need it. But, when they repeatedly ignore that advice and their responsibilities we can and we will take action."

Mr. Alex Bratton, of Grey Street, Gainsborough was found guilty of failing to clear domestic waste and household items from his garden. A complaint was made to the council on 16th May 2011, that there was a build up of household waste and rubbish in the garden. The council asked him to clean up the mess, using its powers under Section 92 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Mr. Bratton did not attend the court hearing at Lincoln Magistrates Court on Monday, 30th April 2012, which was held in his absence. He was found guilty, fined £600 and ordered to pay £350 costs to West Lindsey District Council plus a £15 victim surcharge.

In a separate incident, Mr. John Dukes, of Harrow Close pleaded guilty of failing to clear domestic waste and household items from his garden. Mr. Dukes attended Lincoln Magistrates Court on Monday, 30th April 2012 and confirmed the area is now clear. He was fined £200 and ordered to pay £350 costs to West Lindsey District Council plus a £15 victim surcharge.

Court action was taken after final legal notices went ignored.

Changes to Waste Services At West Lindsey

Garden waste collections in West Lindsey will be suspended from November until the end of February 2012, councillors have decided.

This decision was approved by the Prosperous Communities Committee on Wednesday and will help the council save a total of £168,000.

Waste Services Manager, Mr. Glyn Pilkington explained that during the winter months there is a dramatic reduction in the amount of garden waste collected. He said:

“All councils have to make significant savings and we’ve had to review everything we deliver and make some tough decisions – including suspending garden waste collections.

“We apologise for the inconvenience, and we are here to answer any questions residents may have.”

Prior to the decision, the council consulted with members of West Lindsey’s Citizens’ Panel where more than 850 responded to a recent survey.

Residents are now being encouraged to consider composting their garden waste or take it to their local household waste recycling centre (HWRC).

There will also be a restructure of the refuse and recycling collections from the start of November 2011. This may mean a change of collection day for some residents.

New waste collection calendars will be delivered to all homes in West Lindsey during October and residents are asked to read their new calendars carefully to see how the changes will affect them.

The changes are aimed at giving local people better value for money by making the refuse and recycling collection rounds more cost effective and at the same time reducing carbon emissions.

Chairman of the Prosperous Communities Committee, Councillor Malcolm Parish, Conservative (Welton Ward), said:

“Councils have no choice but to be smarter about how they spend money.

“By restructuring our rounds we can make this considerable saving without reducing the quality of service to local people.

“The green garden waste service is popular and well used throughout most of the year but our lorries collect much less during the winter months and our residents have told us that this is an area we should look at to make efficiency savings.”

Other options for garden waste disposal include home composting.  Subsidised composters starting at £15 are available by contacting 0844 571 4444 or by ordering on line at http://www.lincscc.getcomposting.com/

Alternatively, you can use your local Household Waste Recycling Centre – further information is available at www.west-lindsey.gov.uk/hwrc
.

Law Breakers Caught in Multi-Lateral Sting

Scrap metal dealers believed to be flouting the law have been caught in a multi-agency sting.

West Lindsey District Council, the police, the Environment Agency, Smartwater and the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency all worked together in an operation that resulted in several vehicles being seized after inspections discovered safety faults, road traffic offences and insurance irregularities.

Investigations are also continuing to discover if the vehicles have been used to transport stolen scrap metal after a marked increase in the number of reported thefts.

Chairman of the Prosperous Communities Committee, Cllr. Malcolm Parish, Conservative (Welton Ward), said:

"This is really good news, and shows how well multi-agency operations can work.

"It is disgraceful that so much theft of lead and scrap metal goes on. Working together is a really effective way to cut crime."

Smartwater officials were in attendance to examine scrap for possible theft of metal as part of the campaign. SmartWater is a clear liquid that is used to code valuable items such as jewellery, ornaments, electrical items and even motor vehicles. It cannot be easily seen by the naked eye and is almost impossible to remove. The liquid glows under ultraviolet light making it easy for the Police to detect.

Conservatives Cleared Over 'Inappropriate Behaviour' Allegations

Two members of West Lindsey District Council who faced allegations of inappropriate behaviour have been cleared following the investigation undertaken by Standards for England.

Standards for England have revealed that Mr. Adam Duguid, formerly Leader of the Council, and Cllr. Malcolm Parish, Conservative (Welton Ward) did not breach the code of conduct when they met a suspended council officer last year.

The two men were accused of bringing West Lindsey District Council into disrepute after they were present at a meeting with a suspended council worker in September 2009. However, Standards for England has concluded neither man discussed a disciplinary hearing that was ongoing at the time.

Cllr. Parish was said to have acted out of 'genuine concern for the officer's wellbeing' whilst Mr. Duguid's behaviour was described as 'not likely to compromise the impartiality' of the council's investigation.

Mr. Duguid, who lost his Market Rasen seat at the local elections in May, told the Echo:

"I think they did a very fair investigation. There were plenty of opportunities to raise points. My only criticism was it took rather a long time to be sorted."

Bernard Theobald addresses
the council lst year.

Meanwhile an announcement made by Eric Pickles MP, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, means that local residents may never know the outcome of a report by the Audit Commission - which is pending publication in to matters related to governance at the authority - after the body was announced that it is to be scraped with the loss of 2,000 civil service posts as part of government cuts. Doubtlessly Mr. Bernard Theobald, Mr. Duguid's predecessor as Leader of the Council, who also lost his seat in recent elections, is probably delighted at that news.

WLDC Grant Up To £100,000 To Help Welton Reach Their Goal

The Lincolnshire Echo is reporting that sports facilities in a village, identified as important to football development, in Lincolnshire could be given £100,000 funding.


Welton Manor Park playing fields, in Welton, are the subject of redevelopment plans by the village's football club and parish council which could cost up to £600,000.

West Lindsey District Council has agreed in principle to provide £100,000 from a cash pot for sporting projects in villages near Lincoln, if the two groups can secure the remaining funding within the next two years.

According to planning documents, the village football club runs more than thirty teams but some have to play in nearby areas due to a lack of facilities at the playing fields.

This situation is believed to be 'hampering' the club's development and prevents it from offering opportunities to women and disabled footballers.

Welton is viewed by the Football Association as a 'strategic area' for developing the game within the county and improving the site is expected to help this progress.

Welton-by-Lincoln Parish Council has been working in partnership with the football club for a revamp of the site, which aims to include new football pitches, changing rooms and accommodation for a number of sports activities plus meeting rooms.

Clerk to the Parish Council, Mrs. Julie Murray is reported to have said financial help from West Lindsey would be of 'great benefit' to the proposal.

"It's a project which is really in its infancy at the moment and we are trying to raise some funds for it to go ahead.

"Several funding sources have been approached and West Lindsey is one of them. We have been talking about this project for two or three years. It's been something on the back burner for a while as we have been trying to raise funds."

Tourism Goes On Red Alert

Lincolnshire's multi-million pound tourism industry is set to get a boost from a new group set up in West Lindsey.

The Tourism Development Forum brings together all aspects of the tourism business to promote the area as a destination for visitors.

Chairman of the district council's Economic and Regeneration Committee, Cllr. Malcolm Parish, Conservative (Welton Ward) said:

"Members of the group include hoteliers, garden centre owners, proprietors of bed and breakfast businesses and people who run food outlets. In fact there a members from a whole host of tourism-related businesses.

"The aim is to promote tourism in as many ways of possible and for the group to work together to promote West Lindsey as a great place to visit."

The last Forum meeting was held at RAF Scampton when members were treated to a guided tour of the Red Arrows - the world famous aerobatic display team.

Owner of the Black Swan guest house in Marton, Mr. John Patrick, said:

"The visit was arranged by the Council and we are very lucky to have their direct involvement in tourism; because not all local authorities do."

The group is currently planning two training courses - one on marketing at the Beckett Arms in Corringham on Tuesday, 2nd March 2010, and the other on bed and breakfast profit at the Welton Manor Golf Centre on Tuesday 23rd March 2010.

Cllr. Parish said:

"Both events cost £15 per person and represent fantastic value for money. The marketing course examines latest trends on how to capture new customers and retain existing ones, how to maximise returns and how to make best use of the internet and social media.

"The bed and breakfast session includes sessions on stock control, minimising waste and menu planning that are all aimed at increasing profits."

The group is also planning a tourism brochure to be paid for by advertisers. Cllr. Parish said:

"The idea is to produce 7,000 brochures and each advertiser would have to pay at least £30 for their space. The brochures would be available at Tourist Information Centres, from car hire companies and at attractions including Market Rasen Racecourse, Gainsborough Old Hall and the Hemswell Antique and Craft Centre.

"We hope to be able to follow this up with another publication designed to help visitors tour our district whether they be on a day trip, a weekend visit or staying for a few days. The routes would be supported by advertisers.

"Tourism is the third largest foreign exchange earner in the United Kingdom and in West Lindsey alone it provides hundreds of jobs. It is important that we support tourism providers and I am sure that this Forum can play an important role in bringing more visitors to our district."

It's Official, West Lindsey Still In Growth Despite Recession

The latest figures recorded by the district council on business rates show an increase of 1.23% which equates to thirty-two additional businesses that have begun trading in the last financial year.

Chairman of the Economic and Regeneration Committee, Cllr. Malcolm Parish, Conservative (Welton Ward), said:

"The whole country has suffered a down turn during the recession and West Lindsey has been no exception to that.

"However, these figures show that overall our district is still growing and that is a tremendous feat which really does bode well for the future as trading conditions begin to ease."

Cllr. Parish was optimistic that growth would continue throughout the district - and particularly in Gainsborough.

"A £3 million facelift for the town centre is already underway which will make Gainsborough an even more attractive proposition for businesses and retailers.

"Key features of the plans are the use of York stone paving on the footpaths and in the pedestrian areas, timber seating, a performance area in front of the old Town Hall, improved lighting and signage, 'pop up' electricity supplies for the market and events, and new canopies for the market stalls.

"The project will reinstate the Market Place as a key focal point and provide a vital link between Marshall Yard and Riverside Walk and make the whole town even more attractive."

Gainsborough has been granted Growth Point status by the Government and the town is set to double in size over the next 20 years.

Four Councillors Referred to Standards Board for England

The Lincolnshire Echo reports today that for members of West Lindsey District Council have been referred to the Standards Board for England.

The, recently elected, Leader of the Council, Cllr. Adam Duguid, Conservative (Market Rasen Ward) together with colleague Cllr. Malcolm Parish, Conservative (Welton Ward) and Independent Group Leader Cllr. Bernard Theobald, Independent (Wold View Ward) and Cllr. Stuart Kinch, Independent, (Torkesy Ward) face allegations of inappropriate behaviour.

The Standards Board has confirmed it is assessing a request to investigate allegations against Cllr. Theobald, Cllr. Duguid, Cllr. Stuart Kinch and Cllr Parish. The cases of the four men were referred to the national board by the district council's own standards committee.

Spokesman for West Lindsey District Council, Geoff O'Neill is reported to have confirmed to the paper that the complaints had been made by the Liberal Democrat Group and outgoing Chief Executive Mr. Duncan Sharkey, who it is understood had an increasingly strained relationship with Cllr. Theobald during his leadership of the authority.

As previously reported in the paper, Cllr. Duguid admitted meeting a council officer who had been suspended as part of an on-going inquiry into fraud and mismanagement allegations made against the authority's planning department. Leader of the Opposition, Cllr. Reg Shore, Liberal Democrat (Stow Ward) later alleged at a full council meeting that both Cllr. Parish and Cllr. Theobald were also present at this meeting. The Liberal Democrat Group at West Lindsey will want to make as much hay from this matter as possible in preparation for local elections on Thursday, 6th May 2010. They are fighting to regain control of the authority, which they lost two years ago, and have been sliding backwards, with two by-election defeats and one resignation, ever since.

The second issue which may require an investigation concerns a controversial planning application submitted by Cllr. Theobald to develop a house on land owned by himself, Cllr. Kinch and their respective wives.

West Lindsey District Council Leader Cllr. Duguid is reported to have said he was not surprised the issues were being investigated by the Standards Board and accepted he had made a mistake.

Free Car Parking on Saturday Afternoons

Shoppers in Gainsborough are to enjoy free parking on Saturday afternoons starting this week.
All the town centre car parks are covered by the scheme which is designed to support shops and market traders during the £3,000,000 refurbisment of the Market Place.

Chairman of West Lindsey District Council's Economic and Regeneration Committee, Cllr, Malcolm Parish, Conservative (Welton Ward) said:

"The new-look town centre will be a fantastic improvement for Gainsborough which will be enjoyed by local people and be an added attraction for visitors.

"But in the short-term there will inevitably be some disruption and we feel that by making parking free from 1pm on Saturdays we are going some way towards helping traders in what is already a difficult economic time."

The refurbishment work is scheduled to last until June, and the free parking concession is expected to cost the Council between £3,000 and £4,000 in lost revenue.

Cllr. Parish added: "

The car parks which will be free after 1pm on Saturdays are: North Street, Ship Court, Roseway, Bridge Street and the multi-storey in Beaumont Street.

"Clear signage is being put up to stress when payment is not necessary and I am sure people will take advantage of the opportunity to shop without having to pay to park."

The town centre refurbishment scheme is already underway and will provide a new-look Market Place with something for everyone.

New features will include designated seating areas, access to wifi and a space for entertainment by performance groups.

Cllr Parish said:

"Since Marshall's Yard opened in 2007 more and more people have been visiting Gainsborough. Now we want to bring the rest of the town up to the same standard and really show what we have on offer."

The project will initially focus on Market Place, Silver Street and Lord Street and further work will take place in Market Street and Church Street subject to funding.

On Course to Boost Tourism in West Lindsey

Two courses are planned to boost tourism which will take place in March this year West Lindsey District Council has announced.

The first is 'Focus on Marketing' on Tuesday, 2nd March 2010 at the Hume Arms in Torksey and the second is on Tuesday 23rd March 2010 when 'Bed and Breakfast Profits' come under the microscope at Welton Manor Golf Centre. Both events are being organised by West Lindsey District Council, and Chairman of the Economic and Regeneration Committee, Cllr. Malcolm Parish, Conservative (Welton Ward) says they will contain practical tips to boost business.

"Marketing is key to any business plan and the first course will examine the latest marketing trends to capture new customers and retain existing ones.

"The second course focuses on bed and breakfast profits and practical knowledge to ensure that day-to-day operations are as cost effective as possible.

"Waste, menu planning, and stock control are included and the course is aimed at owners, chefs and operators of bed and breakfast businesses."

Both courses cost £15.00 per person. The marketing course starts at 10:00am and finishes at 1:30pm and the bed and breakfast course starts at 10:00am and finishes at 2:30pm. Lunch is included at both events.

For more information contact Marion Thomas on (01427) 676676, e-mail marion.thomas@west-lindsey.gov.uk.

Welton Surgery to Expand

The village surgery in Welton is set to grow. Work on extension plans is underway and the whole job is expected to be complete by March next year.

The project is proof that West Lindsey’s planning applications procedure really does work as pre-application discussions allowed the project to be approved speedily.

Planning Officer, Mr. Eric Marcroft said:

"It was a good lesson learnt, and came out of a team effort, with the agent, architect and planning staff all working well together. It shows that the pre-application discussions can save a lot of time and distress."

After discussions at an early stage, an acceptable and agreed way forward meant the plan could sail ahead. It was a straight forward application, where the Parish Council was supportive and there were no objections.

A contract has been issued to Horsman Construction and agent Peter Banks said:

"Set-up and some ground works got underway before Christmas so we should be reasonably comfortable to complete this project before March 31 2010. This will be for the benefit, I am sure, of all residents."

West Lindsey District Council has refocused the way it works within the Planning Department, placing the emphasis on help and advice to customers throughout the process.