Obituary for Nettleham Parish Councillor Allan James Bonney

Nettleham Parish Councillor Allan James Bonney , born Monday, 18th September 1939, passed away on the morning of Friday, 3rd October 2014. 

Allan was by trade a Builder and Civil Engineer having served his apprenticeship under John Laing & Sons Ltd. After his retirement he came to Nettleham in October 2006 and settled in Highfields, Nettleham with a smaller and more manageable garden than he had been used to.

Allan James Bonney 1939 - 2014

Before moving to Nettleham he had been President of the Middlesex Bowling Association and a member of the English Bowls Association Committee. He was a member of the Nettleham Bowls Club where he collected old newspapers on their behalf to raise funds and was the ‘Greens Advisor’ for Bowls Clubs in Lincolnshire.

He was first elected to the council in 2010 where he filled one of three vacancies following the retirement of councillors Meg Davidson, Alf Frith and Ray Sellars. It was not long however before he would have to seek re-election to council the following year. He was successful and continued his service to the parish.

In 2011 Allan was appointed by the council to the Skate Park Steering Group and served as a Deputy on the Property Committee, Planning Committee and Mulsanne Park Users Committee. In 2012 he was appointed to the Nettleham Neighbourhood Plan Steering Committee and became a full member of both the Planning Committee and the Mulsanne Park Users Committee. He was also appointed as one the the parishes first two Snow Wardens, along with the Vice-Chairman of the Council, Cllr. Mrs. Janice Clayton.

In 2013 he came off the Musanne Park Users Committee and was promoted by the council to be the lead Snow Warden, also becoming one of the parish's Flood Wardens. Finally, in 2014, with his health impaired, he stepped back to be a deputy again on the Planning Committee and relinquished his roles as a member of the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Committee, and both the Flood and Snow Warden roles.

Allan's four year service to the parish of Nettleham was characterised by a determination to ensure the best for local people, that the council's resources were properly spent and represented value for money. He was never afraid to challenge and enquire about the actions of other authorities and bodies which affected the lives of people within the parish.

Allan was no stranger to the local Domino and Cribbage Club where he was an active member. He served on the Committee of Nettleham Garden Club and helped at their Saturday morning store.

The flag at the Old School, Mill Hill, Nettleham is expected to be flown at half mast on Monday, 6th October 2014. A service of Cremation will take place at 11:10 on Friday, 17th October 2014 at Lincoln Crematorium. 

Allan is survived by his wife Teresa, daughter Hazell and son Ian, together with his seven grandchildren

Conservatives Improve Poll in Nettleham & Saxilby Contest Whilst Liberal Democrats Drop to Third Place

Conservatives were celebrating in the Nettleham and Saxilby Division as Cllr. Mrs. Jackie Brockway, Conservative (Nettleham & Saxilby Division), was re-elected as the area's Lincolnshire County Councillor.


Above: Cllr. Mrs. J. Brockway

In 2001 the Liberal Democrat's successfully got their candidate, Ray Sellars, elected who secured 44% of the vote, he was successful in securing re-election in 2005 with 48% and in 2009 again with a 61% share of the vote. In September last year, at the by-election, following Cllr. Sellars untimely death, they dropped into second place with a 25% share of the vote. Last Thursday they dropped further to 21% and, in an additional humiliation, dropped to third place behind the U K Independence Party's candidate.

Meanwhile the Conservatives have surged from having 34% in 2005 and 2009 to 43% in last September's by-election. In the most recent election the Conservative candidate improved both her poll to 44%, and increased her majority.

The UK Independence Party had a good night locally, picking up 24% of the vote, mopping up votes from the Lincolnshire Independents and English Democrats who where not fielding candidates, but did do so last September when they recieved 8% and 1% respectively, the other gains by UKIP came at the expense of the Liberal Democrats.

Finally the Labour party held steady in the division with 11% of the vote, which is what they recieved back in September, last year. There vote was up from the 6% they recieved in 2009, but down on the two polls of 18% achieved in 2001 and 2005

Cllr. Ray Sellars Has Passed Away

Cllr. Ray Sellars, Liberal Democrat (Nettleham Ward and Nettleham & Saxilby Division) passed away yesterday, following a battle with cancer. He is survived by his widow June, his children; Anita, Wendy and Mark and step-children Pauline and Debbie. The flag at the Old School, Mill Hill, Nettleham is being flown at half mast as a mark of respect.

Cllr. Sellars' funeral service will take place at 10.45am at All Saints Church, Nettlehamon Wednesday, 18th July 2012. This will be followed by a private family cremation at the crematorium.

The Family request family flowers only, but donations can be made to Marie Curie or St Barnabas through the undertakers Co-operative Funeral Services, 11 Proctors Road, Lincoln LN2 4LA. Telephone 01522 535800.

Press Hostility Forces Councillor's Resignation

Lincolnshire County Councillor, Rev. Sara Cliff, Conservative (Lincoln East Division), has resigned as a member of the county council following 'unwarranted hostility in the press'.

Rev. Cliff was born in Manchester and had been resident in Lincoln for four years, when she was elected in 2009. She was a Governor of Waddington Redwood School. Rev. Cliff left teaching in 2001 when she held the position of Head of Year, as a science teacher, with responsibility for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme. Her work as a Methodist Minister reflected her lifetime involvement of working with the voluntary and community sectors.

Rev. Cliff's attendance had been a cause for concern and the Daily Mail reported that a Lincolnshire County Council spokesman had confirmed her poor attendance as having been flagged up to the Conservative Party by authority clerks. She is the only county councillor to have this happen in the three years of this council.

Leader of Lincolnshire County Council, Cllr. Martin Hill, Conservative (Folkingham Rural Division) admitted he had spoken to Rev.Cliff about her attendance levels six months ago, the paper reported.

"There is no doubt her attendance of late has not been good at all."

In a statement to the Lincolnshire Echo, Rev. Cliff said:

"I have taken the decision to resign my position from the county council.

"While I did feel willing and able to carry on representing the people of Lincoln East, in view of the unwarranted hostility in the press, I am clear that this action is in the best interests of the Methodist church, the county council and my own family.

Following criticism from local residents, and in the press, that the outgoing councillor had not allocated her 'Big Society Fund', Rev. Cliff clarified that:

"As a matter of record I have awarded my Big Society Fund to St Barnabas to help support the excellent services they provide."

Refurbishment Continues at Nettleham Village Hall

The refurbishment of Nettleham Village Hall is continuing apace with the Village Hall Committee agreeing to refurbish the hall's kitchen at their meeting on Monday evening.

Nettleham Village Hall, located near the village centre, on Brookfield Avenue, has already seen a substantial improvement with the completion of the new £85,000 pitched roof being jointly funded by Nettleham Parish Council and The Village Hall Committee. Disabled toilet facilities have been introduced and the ladies and gentleman toilets in the foyer have been refurbished too.


In the Lounge, windows have been replaced with double glazing and a new ceiling with better lighting has been put in place, paid for by funds from West Lindsey District Council's Councillor Initiative Fund and money available to County Councillors to spend in their divisions from Lincolnshire County Council. A further significant improvement has been replacing the interconnecting, concertina door which separated the Lounge from the Hall with a new solid, dividing door mechanism. This has reduced noise transmission between the two rooms allowing both spaces to be rented out to different clients concurrently.

Village Hall and Cricket Club Recieve Cash Boost

New covers will keep the cricket pitch, at Mulsanne Park, Nettleham, dry before important games thanks to Conservative-controlled West Lindsey District Council.

Nettleham Cricket Club was in need of some new covers, after the previous covers got damaged last season.  Mr. David Wheatley, Secretary for Nettleham Cricket Club, said the money is much appreciated.

"We are extremely grateful to West Lindsey District Council and in particular Cllr Ray Sellars for providing a £500 grant towards replacement covers.

"The covers were more than 15 years old and unfortunately couldn’t be used any more. It means a lot to us and our many players."

The club was awarded a £500 grant from the West Lindsey Councillor Initiative Fund, re-introduced by local Conservtives some years ago aftter being cut by the previous Liberal Democrat administration. The funding is available to all thirty-seven district councillors who are allocated £4,000 to spend over two years on projects in their ward.

Nettleham Village Hall has also received a grant of £1,500 to replace ceiling and lighting within the Hall's Lounge, which needed renewing after the flat roof leaked.

Phil McGuiness, who is on the Village Hall Committee, said:

"We are really pleased with this money because it has allowed the work to be done. This has made the hall more appealing for people and will help us to be a venue of choice for people who are hiring venues for weddings and parties. The place looks outstanding."

Cllr. Ray Sellars, Liberal Democrat (Nettleham Ward), who is a member of the Village Hall Committee was really pleased that he could help out with local causes.

"It is always good to be able to give help where it is needed, and to help a club which encourages children from a young age to adults to play sports is good news.

"I was also really pleased to be able to help the Nettleham Village Hall. It is a very busy place and the activities that are on offer there entertain all ages."

The village hall has a busy timetable of events and activities, but if you would like any further details or information, please contact Mrs. Sheila McGuiness, Booking Secretary on (01522) 822315.

For more details on Nettleham Cricket Club and how to join go to http://www.nettlehamcc.co.uk/

Liberal Democrat's Attendance at Meetings Slumps to New Low

Cllr. Malcolm Leaning, Liberal Democrat (Nettleham Ward), a Nettleham Parish Councillor, is revealed to be the poorest attending member of Nettleham Parish Council.

Cllr. Leaning, has been ranked as the poorest attending member of Nettleham Parish Council in figures attached to the  Chairman's Annual Report. Cllr. Leaning - who is both a district and parish councillor - is known to enjoy extensive holidays away from representing his constituents. This has lead to a slump in the number of meetings he has managed to attend.

In the third year running, figures showing the attendance of Nettleham's Parish Councillors have been attached to the Chairman's Annual Report. On average Cllr. Leaning's colleagues attended between 82%-97% of their meetings.  It would be remiss not to mention that Cllr. Leaning, having both district and parish roles, will potentially have diary conflicts; but such a low figure of attendance brings in to question the viability of fulling the expectations of  local residents to do both functions properly. The wards second district councillor and county councillor, Cllr. Ray Sellars, Liberal Democrat (Nettleham Ward and Nettleham & Saxilby Division), has sensibly not re-joined Nettleham Parish Council after stepping down in 2010 - but even he managed an attendance figure of 69% that year. The county council also meets during the daytime, whilst the district council in the evening.

Cllr. Leaning's figure is even more surprising when considering that his presence was only required at the 13 Full Council Meetings (of which he managed to attend 7). Other councillors take on significant additional roles and contribute hundreds of hours a year to help the village. The parish council's Deputy Chairman, Cllr. Mrs. Janice Clayton, was expected to attend 30 meetings during 2011-12, achieving a 97% attendance rate. Meanwhile, Cllr. Alf Frith, who was expected to attend 20 meetings during 2011-12, achieved a 90% attendance rate.

Cllr. Leaning hasn't attended a single meeting since the start of the year and was notably absent from the meeting held on Tuesday, 20th March 2012 - when many villagers turned out to express there concerns over controversial plans to develop a 'custody suite' at Nettleham Police Headquarters. Local residents can only hope that Cllr. Leaning will make an effort to improve his attendance.

Are Local Liberal Democrats Suffering From Schizophrenia?

It was not all that long ago that Cllr. Ray Sellars, Liberal Democrat (Nettleham & Saxilby Division) was taking credit for saving Linelands from closure. 'Threat to home lifted by people who really care' read the headline in a Lib Dem leaflet.

"Thanks go not just to the Lib Dem Group but also to the many dedicated people who protested loudly at the threatened closure of an excellent care facility with dedicated staff and volunteers."

No one can dispute that those who work at Linelands are some very dedicated individuals, but suggesting that the Lib Dems can take credit was ridiculous. Even as the leaflet landed on doormats in Nettleham, the Council had been clear that the reprieve was only temporary until suitable alternative provision was available.

The leaflet continued:

"Liberal Democrats are concerned, not only about Government cut-backs, but also charges on our national debt...giving us a bleak financial outlook." 

This would presumably be the same Government that has five Liberal Democrats within the Cabinet, including the Chief Secretary to the Treasury?  The article by Cllr. Sellars concludes:

"...remember that Lib Dem common sense brough vital balance to the spending review: Personal tax allowance is up by £1,000 while banks must pay a new levy."

So the Liberal Democrats are in government after all.

 'West Lindsey Focus' delivered
prior to the 2010 General Election

Let us not forget that it was of course Cllr. Reg Shore, Liberal Democrat (Stow Ward), the Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on West Lindsey District Council, who surprised many, shortly before local elections last year, with comments made to the Lincolnshire Echo. Cllr. Shore was quoted as saying:

"I don't agree with Nick. I never have and that's based on the issue of student fees."

The disclosure that Cllr. Shore does not and has not ever supported Nick Clegg, the Liberal Democrat Leader is somewhat at odds with the facts. Cllr. Shore having appeared in election literature IN 2010 with Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for the Gainsborough Constituency, Cllr. Pat O'Conner, and the Deputy Prime Minister. 

But the local Liberal Democrats are in such trouble that on their website (here) they are pleased to declare that their 'Best Headline of 2011' was 'Liberals in Poll Shock' from the Gainsborough Standard in the 12th May 2011 edition following the local elections. Taking some comfort in the fact they lost three seats on West Lindsey District Council but took twelve seats on Gainsborough Town Council, meaning they could form an administration. Considering that people often dislike the increasing professionalisation of politics, this is not something to be proud of. It seems unlikely that anyone would think that loosing three seats on the district council (two in Gainsborough) and gaining the town council was really a success in the light that the Liberal Democrats were the only people to organise - squeezing out more independent candidates. It would be like David Cameron declaring at the next General Election. 'I'm glad I've lost 20 MPs, but I can take solice that we now have six councillors on Hull City Council.'

Perhaps the local Conservatives take pleasure in the fact that there best headline of 2011 was: Government Minister Eric Pickles in Visit to West Lindsey from the Lincolnshire Echo. A real coup that a Secretary of State would visit an otherwise perfectly safe Conservative seat.

County Council Care Home Consultation Will Come This Autumn

Update to 'Linelands Consultation Meeting is 'Frank and Emotive''.

The Lincolnshire Echo today reports on plans for the future of eight county council-owned care homes which will come forward this autumn and the small protest on the steps of County Hall yesterday.

The Executive at Lincolnshire County Council is understood to have voted in favour of moving forward the emerging 'vision' - shaping care in the 21st century - to develop care facilities for older people.

Conservative councillors believe that replacing respite and day care centres with more modern accommodation, to tackle the effects of ageing populations, would benefit Lincolnshire residents, although this could see care homes privatised.

Leader of Lincolnshire County Council, Cllr. Martin Hill OBE, Conservative (Folkingham Rural Division), is reported to have said that details on delivering improved service would come in 'late autumn'.

"This is a long-running saga. It's one thing to agree a vision and another to agree what will happen at a practical level. It's a difficult journey but one we must undertake and not shy away from."

Cllr. Mrs. Marianne Overton

Leader of the Opposition on Lincolnshire County Council, Cllr. Marianne Overton, Lincolnshire Independents (Branston & Navenby Division), commented:

"The current homes work really well and do a fantastic job, focused on getting people better and able to turn the key in their own front door. We need more of these facilities, not less."

Complete details on the proposals will emerge when a business plan has been drawn up and no decision has been made on whether the eight care homes will remain open or close.

Campaigners vowed yesterday, to continue fighting to keep all affected buildings open, including Linelands in Nettleham, Bonner House in Sleaford and Park View in Lincoln.

Protesters with placards lined the steps of the County Council's Offices, in Newland, Lincoln, yesterday campaigning under the slogan 'care not profit'.

Protesters at County Hall.

Mrs. Sylvia Laws, whose sister had benefited from help at Bonner House is reported to have said:

"We have a wonderful home in Sleaford. The carers are a wonderful bunch of people."

North Kesteven Seniors Chairman Mrs. Liz Peto said the group's seventy members were 'unanimous' in opposition.

No comments were made by the Liberal Democrat Group on the matter, despite Cllr. Ray Sellars, Liberal Democrat (Nettleham & Saxilby Division), taking a visible, if sometimes egregious, stance on this matter.

The County Council's Labour Group intends to 'call in' the decision. This means the executive's decision could be debated on Thursday, 17th June 2010, at the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.

Cllr. Robert Parker

Labour Group Leader, Cllr. Robert Parker, Labour (Lincoln West) said:

"We want to see improved services, but ones that remain under the control of the council with care provided by council staff committed to giving quality care.

"We want to see the Conservative council put care before profit for private sector companies. We will be challenging these proposals by calling in the decision."

Lincolnshire's Unison Branch Secretary Mr. John Sharman said the council had missed a chance to include the public sector in the care plan, and commented that:

"The fight to save our homes has not been lost. The fight goes on."

Nettleham's Lib Dems Fail To Support Flood Prevention Bid

Last night Nettleham Parish Council agreed to a proposal by Cllr. Giles McNeill to attempt to draw down new funding from West Lindsey District Council to assist in Flood Prevention.

The funding package of £165,000 was announced in West Lindsey District Council's Budget at the beginning of March and made a priority for the district by Cllr. Mrs. Meg Davidson, Conservative (Fiskerton Ward), who is also a Nettleham Parish Councillor. A bid for somewhere in the region of £10,000 will be made.

In the floods of June 2007 numerous properties were flooded and the Parish Council were active in investgating and seeking recommendations for solutions. To that end the Parish Council engaged the services of Faber Maunsell, leading consultants on such matters and a report was produced. A key recommendation was:

"Development of a hydraulic model of Nettleham Beck and its tributary through Danby Hill."

This would assist in the analysis of various scenarios and potential solutions. Whilst every other member of Nettleham Parish Council were able to support this proposal. Cllr. Alf Frith, Liberal Democrat (Nettleham Ward) and Cllr. Ray Sellars, Liberal Democrat (Nettleham & Saxilby Division) could not support the proposal.

Cllr. Giles McNeill said:

"I think it is what we have come to expect from [Cllrs. Sellars & Frith], they dither and attempt to rationalise their actions, but in reality they didn't have a good reason to object, it was political posturing and not in our community's interest.

"The money from West Lindsey District Council lets us take action that helps to build the argument for making improvements against the flooding risk situation in the village."

Linelands Consultation Meeting is 'Frank and Emotive'

Yesterday evening local residents met at Nettleham Junior School on Mill Hill around six o'clock for a two how consultation meeting. In attendance were members of the Adult Social Care team from Lincolnshire County Council.

Umoung those who are elected members of various councils there was Leader of the Opposition at the County Council, Cllr. Mrs. Marianne Overton, Lincolnshire Independents (Branston & Navenby Division). Cllr. Ray Sellers, Liberal Democrat (Nettleham & Saxilby Division) and Cllr. Mrs. Meg Davidson, Conservative (Fiskerton Ward), on West Lindesy District Council - who is Deputy Chairman of the Health Scrutiny Committee at the County Council.

A number of parish councillors attended, they were: Cllr. John Hill, Chairman of the Planning Committee, Cllr. John Evans, Chairman of the Parish Plan Committee, Cllr. Giles McNeill, Chairman of the Mulsanne Park Users Committee, Cllr. Mrs. Val Darbyshire. It was very good to also see Rev. Jenny Rowley who was in attendance.

No appearance was made by Nettleham's two district councillors; Cllr. Malcolm Leaning and Cllr. Alf Frith, Liberal Democrats (Nettleham Ward) which is surprising to say the least on such an important matter which will effect so many people living within the local community.

The attendance was somewhere in the region of between 70-80, which is very good considering that the meeting had to be rescheduled. This included a number of staff from the care home.

Many local residents and the politicians had their say on there views and the members of the Adult Social Care team did well responding to questions and presenting the information they had to hand.

Giles McNeill said:

"I think the evening went very well, whilst at times the discourse was frank and emotive, at all times it remained civil. It was clear to me that what the people of Nettleham and surrounding area want is to keep the respite and day-centre provision currently provided by Linelands and add to it additional care services, such as extra-care provision and nursing care."

Skate Park Caused Misery for Local Residents

Back in 2007 two local children Thomas Booth and Patrick Andrews came to a Parish Council meeting and put forward the idea of a skate park for Nettleham similar to that available in Welton.

Cllr. Ray Sellers, (Liberal Democrat) Nettleham & Saxilby Division county councillor and a member of the Parish Council had been approached and had recommended bringing the boys' suggestion to the Parish Council.

The Parish Council made enquires and commissioned Groundwork Lincolnshire to put together a feasibility study and ultimately to be prepared to project manage the development of a skate park.

Since 2007 the project has been marred by difficulties. Initially the feasibility study had to be returned as it did not cover Mulsanne Park or the possibility of Land off Lodge Lane and had focused on Bill Bailey's playing field. The project leader, Mr. Martin Ely, has left the organisation and at the end of 2009 a poorly presented, flawed report, littered with errors was circulated to councillors in preparation for discussion.

Above: Youngsters enjoy the mobile skate park facility provided by Nettleham Parish Council in the summer of 2009.

In spite of the problems in August and again in September, a mobile skate park was brought to Nettleham and set up in the car park at Mulsanne Park to enable youngsters from the village to try it out to see whether there was demand and if they would be in favour of a permanent one to be installed at a suitable location in the village in the future.

A number of youngsters came to sample the facilities, with more than 30 present at the peak of the action.

Now a letter has been received via email, tabled in correspondence for the Parish Council's meeting next week, which raises the concerns of local residents who live near Mulsanne Park and have experience considerable disruption during the mobile skate parks deployment.

A local resident writes:

"I am writing on behalf of the residents of the four properties on Poachers Meadow whose gardens are adjacent to the Mulsanne Car Park.

"During conversations over the past few weeks, it has emerged that we have all felt that the temporary skateboard facility which has been sited next to our properties on two occasions should not have been put so close to us.

"On both occasions the noise has been a severe intrusion on the peace which we ought to be able to expect at home. Not only has the sound of the skateboards and bikes on the surface of the equipment been noisy, but the resultant metallic banging caused by the erection and use of the unsecured equipment on the surface of the car park has been intolerable. Although is has occurred during daytime, it should not be assumed that no-one is present in our properties. In fact we all heard it at some point in the day.

"...I was present at the [Mulsanne] Park Users Committee when an idea was mooted for a 'youth shelter', where young people could gather... to be placed on the unused games area close to the children's play-park. The question of the nuisance this would certainly cause to us was not even raised...

"We accept that nothing can be entirely perfect, and do tolerate the existing disturbance caused by the newspaper skip behind our houses, and the brightness of the car park lighting which intrudes into our bedroom windows, but surely a car park should be used as such, and not be carelessly put to additional uses without thought for those living nearby, who ought to be able to expect that council members and officers will care about their interests."

From the beginning of this project I have been weary of it. It is certainly desirable to make Nettleham attractive to younger people to keep the village vibrant going forward, but I am increasingly convinced that this project is not the answer - and have voiced my concerns at meetings. One solution would be to lobby to get better bus services through the village which would be a positive step that would help youngster who wanted to use the skate park at Welton, for example, but would also be of benefit to the wider community.

Parish Council to Object to Rugby Club's Proposal

Nettleham Parish Council last night agreed to formally object to the proposal by the Lincoln Rugby Football Club, in their role as a statutory consultee.

At a packed meeting held in the village hall, Parish Councillors voted 4 to 3 (with two abstentions) on a proposal to object.

At the beginning of the meeting Cllr. Terry Williams, Chairman of Nettleham Parish Council, made introductions and welcomed the large number of the public who had made the effort to attend and participate.

Cllr. Williams gave a brief summary, by way of a background, to the activities that had led to the meeting last night.

Ultimately, despite pleas from the Chairman that all councillors should attend only seven participated in casting a vote one way or the other. Cllrs. Sellers and Hill were away on holiday and Cllr. Mrs. Davidson was absent on urgent business. Cllrs. Frith and Leaning both abstained as is their tradition in matters relating to planning.

The vote in the end was very close and represented very much the clear division that exists within our community between the 'yes' and 'no' camps.

I believe that the Parish Council will ultimately struggle to provide a substantive set of planning reasons for objecting. For now however all eyes turn to West Lindsey District Council's Planning Committee who will make a decision now expected as late as Wednesday, 3rd February 2010.

Report on Lincoln Rugby Club Residents Meeting

Update to Opposition to Lincoln Rugby Club Mobilises - Update 3, Opposition to Lincoln Rugby Club Mobilises - Update 2, Opposition to Lincoln Rugby Club Mobilises - Update and Opposition to the Lincoln Rugby Club Mobilises.

Readers of this blog will be aware of the Lincoln Rugby Football Club's intention to develop a site on Lodge Lane. An ad-hoc meeting of local residents was held at the Village Hall, Brookfield, Nettleham at 7:30pm on Tuesday, 3rd November 2009 on the matter of the Rugby Club plan.

It is understood that over two hundred people attended. The man who convened the meeting was a Mr. Steve Perkins, a local resident who lives near the proposed site on the poacher's meadow development. Mr. Perkins is reported to have said he was trying to be even handed about the issue but critics suggest his comments were those of a man opposed to the proposal. To Mr. Perkins credit he certainly was very effective in getting people to attend, even if his presentational style was not too good, unfortunately several people walked out after a about twenty minutes.

The meeting had a very lively atmosphere and on a number of occasions Cllr. John Evens, attending of the Parish Council's behalf, provided clarifications and explained to his best ability the Parish Councils position.

A number of key points were raised during the meeting by the residents.

1. The issue of noise pollution which does not seem to have been covered in the proposal in any detail, deciduous trees will eventually reduce noise as they mature, but this is only when the are in leaf during the summer months, not winter when rugby is played.

2. The issue of traffic turning out of Lodge Lane.

3. Planning creep; the potential for future change of use for residential use.

4. The current West Lindsey District Council Planning Notification states that residents should register any concerns by the Wednesday, 11th November 2009. Ian Dickinson at the district council's planning services has said that submission will be accepted up to the meeting of the Planning Committee on Wednesday, 6th January 2010.

6. It was observed that the Extraordinary Parish Council Meeting in held in July, which resulted in a poor turnout, could have been publicised more widely. Local residents reported that not many people knew about the meeting on Wednesday, 25th November 2009 until Mr. Perkins notices which were hand delivered to homes in Nettleham. It was felt that putting up notices throughout the village was not sufficient.

7. Those present were asked to complete a short questionnaire indicating there support or opposition to the proposal. After the meeting closed at around 9:00pm Mr. Perkins indicated that around 92% of respondents attending the meeting were against the proposal.

What is clear following this meeting is that interest in this issue has been galvanized. The Parish Council has therefore decided to move the venue of their meeting to the larger Village Hall for the meeting on Wednesday, 25th November 2009.

A video package of the public meeting organised by local resident Mr. Steve Perkins on 3rd November 2009 is available here.

Not Getting Anywhere - Ray Sellars

County Councillor Ray Sellars (Nettleham & Saxilby Division, Liberal Democrat) admitted at last night's Nettleham Parish Council Meeting that thoughout his two terms, or eight years, on Lincolnshire County Council he had been unable to make any real difference or progres

A resident of the village attended the meeting and raised the issue of the current state of the roads in the village and later in the meeting Cllr. Evans, giving a report on the Parish Plan Committee's progress raised the issue again.

Specifically addressing the matter of the state of the roads in the village Cllr. Sellars said:

“I pursue the matter everytime and I never get anywhere.”

Giles McNeill, also a Parish Councillor, later commented:

"You really do have to wonder what makes people keep standing for office election, after election when they make statements like that. I know that if I were elected as the County Councillor for Nettleham on June 4th I would be doing everything in my power and not just declaring defeat and hoping for a quiet retirement."