countycountynewsnews WINTER 2017 RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR THE LATEST NEWS FROM AROUND THE COUNTY FOCUS ON WEST LINDSEY starts on page 21 countynews Leader’s welcome... As we start 2017, this council is already hard contents winter 2017 at work trying to balance the books for the new financial year that starts in April. Given the huge reduction in our support grants from the Government since 2011, it’s a big We listened on devolution challenge, but one we can and will meet. 3 In this edition of County News, we have a special Why we rejected the devo deal feature explaining the financial issues ahead of our budget meeting in February. 4 News in brief We also look at why the proposed devolution deal Three pages of stories from for Greater Lincolnshire was rejected by councillors, across Lincolnshire mindful of many residents’ opposition to having a 7 directly elected mayor. 7 Better rural broadband Elsewhere in the magazine, we highlight three Tackling the last “not spots” “good news” stories that I know we will be 11 welcomed by Lincolnshire residents. 8 Making ends meet in Lincolnshire First of all, there’s the next phase of the roll-out Our budget challenge for 2017/18 of superfast broadband across the county, making 21st-century connectivity available to even more 11 Roads for growth homes and businesses. County schemes lined up for 2017 Next, we look at the start of work on the long- awaited Lincoln Eastern Bypass, as well as other The best start in life road schemes that will keep Lincolnshire moving in 12 the decades ahead. Supporting children from birth Thirdly, we’re delighted to report on the new to college Gibraltar Point Visitor Centre, replacing the one 12 wrecked in the tidal surge of 2013. 16 Coping with a flood On the subject of flooding, the risk from both Your pull-out-and-keep guide rivers and sea is always there – despite the many improved flood defences now in place. 21 West Lindsey News The threat is particularly great over the winter Eight fabulous pages of district news months, which is why this County News has a pull- out guide advising residents what to do before and 30 Out and about after a flood. Your essential guide to winter events If you live in an at-risk area, please keep the 16 guide and – if you haven’t already – sign up to Contact us the Environment Agency’s free Floodline Service on 32 0345 988 1188. Web, email, phone or post – you choose! This edition also looks at the work of Children’s Services to support our children and young people, from birth through to college. Contact information Other features include one about Lincolnshire EDITORIAL MORE INFORMATION Credit Union, which provides a lifeline for many Lincolnshire County Council Printing: The National Leaflet Company. Tel: 01522 782060 Distribution: County News is published by Lincolnshire local people wanting to save and borrow safely, Email: [email protected] County Council. Each edition is delivered to about without falling prey to loan sharks. By post: County News, Lincolnshire County 345,000 homes and businesses by Royal Mail. In particular, the credit union offers a Christmas Council, County Offices, Newland, Lincoln, Next edition: The April-May-June-July edition of the LN1 1YL magazine will be distributed in late March. Savings Account – an ideal way to start putting Online: www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/countynews Audio versions: County News is available to download money aside now for next year. Editor: David Harding, communications officer in audio format at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/countynews Managing editor: Karen Spencer, or as a CD on request from Listening Lincs on 01522 communications manager 782010. West Lindsey News: Communications team, Sustainability: County News is printed on paper from 01427 676502, communicationsteam@west- responsible or well-managed sources. Please recycle the lindsey.gov.uk magazine when you have finished with it. Design: Neil Lamont and Associates Front cover photograph Cllr Martin Hill OBE St Wulfram’s Church, Grantham Leader of Lincolnshire County Council © Neil Lamont Photography DEVOLUTION We listened on devolution Council leader Cllr Martin Hill explains why – after consulting with residents – it was right to reject the Greater Lincolnshire deal Momentous events like the Brexit vote the Government again, but was told that a and the US presidential election should mayor was still regarded as a “must”. teach politicians one thing above all – to That – and the fact that South Kesteven “listen to the people. District Council also voted against – ended any That’s exactly what the county council did in hopes of the deal going through. the autumn when it turned down the devolution deal on offer from the Government. So what conclusions should we draw as As members voted, we were keenly aware of the dust settles? the views of the 4,400 residents who took part It’s clear that many local residents and councillors in the consultation. – including me – are absolutely committed to Most backed devolution in principle, with the principle of devolution. 59% saying the 10 local councils in Greater Put simply, we want more powers and funding Lincolnshire should pursue greater powers. transferred from the Government down to a local However, 53% in this area opposed the idea level, where they belong. of a Mayoral Combined Authority – a further In return, it’s right that we provide political tier of local government headed by a directly accountability – a single body answerable for the elected mayor. way local politicians use any new powers and It was clear from your comments that spend extra money. many residents did not want another layer of In our discussions with the Government over bureaucracy costing an extra £1.2m a year. the past two years, we found many areas of Most county councillors felt the same, as well agreement that we can build on for the future. as being concerned that the post of mayor would It’s also only right to acknowledge the concentrate too many important powers in one good intent of ministers in starting on the person’s hands. devolution road. There was also disappointment that the However, there was no common ground proposals fell well short of the full-scale about the most suitable arrangements, and the devolution we’d hoped to achieve. Government said a directly elected mayor was “Many residents did not want After a lengthy debate – and with residents’ central to the deal – a requirement that this another layer of bureaucracy concerns ringing in our ears – we voted by 43 to council firmly rejected. 17 to reject the deal. In doing so, we listened to local people – costing an extra £1.2m a year” As requested by members, I then contacted which is democracy at its best.” Reception places School admissions The deadline for applying for a Reception place for Is your child starting school for the first time or transferring to your child (date of birth between 01/09/2012 and secondary school in September 2018? 31/08/2013) in September 2017 is only two weeks away If so, from 15 March 2017, you can see the admission – all applications must be received by 15 January 2017. arrangements that affect your application at www.lincolnshire. You can apply online at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/ gov.uk/admissionsconsultation. schooladmissions or by phoning 01522 782030. Parents have a legal right to object to the schools adjudicator if For advice, email [email protected] they believe any arrangements are unlawful – this is explained or ask your local primary school on the website. For more information, email admissionspolicy@ headteacher. lincolnshire.gov.uk. countynews winter 2017 • www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/countynews 3 NEWS IN BRIEF Lincolnshire news round-up Smooth sailing for marina An impressive new gateway to Lincolnshire’s rivers will soon be ready to welcome its first visitors. The £900,000 Cross Keys Marina in Sutton Bridge will cater for about 20 leisure boats, as well as the Nene navigation pilot boat and a fisheries protection vessel. Each mooring point will provide electricity and water connections, while a car park will allow marina users to leave their vehicles safely. Cllr Colin Davie, executive member for economic development, said: “The new marina will attract more visitors to the area, with many using shops, pubs and restaurants, boosting the local economy.” Cllr Chris Brewis, who represents Sutton Elloe, added: “The new marina will be of real benefit to the community, and I look forward to the start of the boating season and welcoming our first visitors.” Cllr Chris Brewis (left) Funding for the project came from Lincolnshire County and Cllr Colin Davie at Council, a developer contribution and the two commercial the marina boat users. Poor parking risks lives Celebrating unsung heroes Firefighters are asking residents to park considerately to improve Thousands of volunteers across Lincolnshire go the extra mile to access in an emergency. help others, without expecting any thanks or reward. Faced with issues on a daily Now is your chance to nominate your “unsung hero” for special basis, Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue recognition in the Good Citizens Awards 2017. is reminding motorists to allow Whether they’re raising money, campaigning for good causes or helping enough space for an emergency local people, if they deserve to be praised, we want to hear from you! vehicle to get past if needed. As always, there are four categories – Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen Deputy divisional commander of the Year (aged 18 or below), Community Group of the Year and Couple/ Danny Moss said: “Our streets Pair of the Year.