At a meeting with South Kesteven Chief Executive Paul Thomas SKDC on 9 December, Labour Group of Councillors Charmaine Morgan, Louise Clack and Lee Steptoe discussed a number of issues, including Riverside, Grantham. 

Looking at Riverside H, and plight of some residents still without heating or hot running water for up to three years, concern was raised that despite an offer of support to meet bills some residents were also receiving high energy bills from their suppliers as the cost of temporary heating arrangements exceeded what would normally be charged. 

A further concern was the timing of the compensatory payment. Cllr Morgan said payment should be made urgently and ideally before Christmas. 

The presence of asbestos was discussed. The group were advised there is little risk because the asbestos is contained in cupboards and safe unless disturbed. However on further questioning it was agreed a full examination of the site should take place and all areas with asbestos clearly labelled to avoid residents accidentally disturbing it. It was also proposed that the residents are made aware of the ability to claim should they be subsequently ill. 

Some residents advised that, despite promises, a number of premises still had no hot flowing water. This was due to some residents rejecting the offer of a temporary solution early on, and, technical issues, in particular a shortage of a specific valve, had affected other residents.

It was agreed all residents without flowing water should be contacted by SKDC to identify if they still wished to manage without flowing water. As Cllr Morgan said: Someone may have rejected an offer of help thinking the situation would not last long but they will have had to manage for months. 

The Labour group called for a thorough examination of what has gone wrong at the site and said any enquiry should examine who was responsible for failing to install a new system earlier once it became clear the old heating system was past its expected lifespan. The cost of failure should also be factored in. 

Cllr Morgan said such issues do not only affect Riverside residents. A more proactive and consistent policy is needed across SKDC so equipment is replaced and there is less reliance on things being constantly patched up. 

She said a risk assessment should be done looking at the impact of an issue, the number of people affected by it and vulnerability of those affected. Given the situation at Riverside the site should have been automatically been assessed as high priority. 

She said: “The replacement of kitchens has proven to be equally subject to the views of one or two officers with a lack of consistency. Cllr Clack stated that, as a guide, the council could plan to replace equipment as its manufacturer’s warranty expires. “

The Chief Executive agreed to look at this issue. 

The group also called for a fairer distribution of funding and resources for Grantham residents. Cllr Morgan said ‘It feels like villages are getting higher priority because village councils can demand action and have access to funds and a voice in how their funds are spent which Grantham residents do not.

In Grantham the decision on where to spend funds is made with minimal consultation with local councillors. Cllr Steptoe and Cllr Clack said the Earlesfield estate has been neglected far too long and they intend to fight for their residents. 

Cllr Morgan said other areas are also being neglected including the area near the Railway Station and London Road and parts of the Harrowby Estate.

Though many issues discussed, including the state of the roads and poverty among school children are outside the remit of SKDC, a solution to get more funding and resources for Grantham residents is required.

Cllr Morgan asked the Chief Executive to confirm the process needed for Grantham residents to call for a town council, which he agreed to provide.  

Equilibrium Gym + Fitness played host to the EST Novice Powerlifting Open 2019 on Sunday 8^th December.

Effective Strength Training lead coach Owen Leggett organised and ran the event giving those interested in powerlifting the chance to compete and gain valuable experience in front of a friendly and encouraging crowd.

The great atmosphere helped push the competitors to record some all time Personal Best lifts across the 3 competition lifts, the squat, bench press and deadlift.

Overall winner’s Tom Hartwright and Shona Coy scored a total of 660kg & 245kg respectively.

Feedback from the event was really positive and EST will look to run another competition from Equilibrium Gym next summer.

Owen welcomes those interested in taking up powerlifting or any fitness goals to contact Equilibrium and arrange an informal consultation with one of the coaches working from the gym to see how we can help.

Equilibrium is located on Springfield Business Park and offers a range of membership options and Personal Training packages.

A Grantham-based subsidiary of Belvoir Group has agreed to the acquisition of an estate agency network which operates in Lincolnshire and the Humber.

Newton Fallowell is to snap up the business and assets of the estate agency business operated by Lovelle Estate Agency and Lovelle Bacons LLP for £2m.

Lovelles is a third-generation family property business which was established in 1932 and currently comprises 19 branches.

The Lovelles network is centred around Grimsby and extends north to Hull, east to Skegness and south to Lincoln.

Lovelles will become part of the Newton Fallowell Group, which will then operate three brands; Newton Fallowell, Goodchilds and Lovelles.

The combined three networks will comprise 55 offices across the East and West Midlands and the Humber.

In the year to 31 March 2019 the acquired business made an operating profit of £500,000 and at that date had net assets of approximately £100,000.

Belvoir chief executive Dorian Gonsalves told Insider Media: “Lovelles offers the Belvoir Group the opportunity to expand its franchise network significantly by a further 19 offices operating under a highly regarded regional brand.

“I would like to pay tribute to Jonathan Lovelle who is well respected within the property sector and has built Lovelles into a highly successful franchise network.

“We believe that as part of the Belvoir Group, we can strengthen further the offering to the Lovelles network through our experienced and professional franchise support team.”

Lovelles managing director Jonathan Lovelle added: “Having seen how the Newton Fallowell network has flourished as part of the Belvoir Group, I knew that Belvoir would be the right home for the Lovelles network.

“Belvoir shares my vision of franchising as being the optimum business model for our industry and I know that its management team is committed to supporting the growth aspirations of all franchisees.

“I am proud of what our franchisees have achieved and of the strong reputation that Lovelles has within the Lincolnshire and Humber region.

“I look forward to seeing the network go from strength to strength as part of the Belvoir Group.”

The dust may be settling on the General Election result, but there’s another burning question that needs answering: ‘Brussels sprouts for Christmas dinner – Yes or No?’

It’s the latest light-hearted vote posted on a cigarette ballot bin in Grantham’s Market Place.

The bin was installed in the summer as part of South Kesteven District Council’s efforts to tackle litter and has featured a series of questions since then.

The bin displays a question and two answers. Smokers vote by putting their cigarette butts in the slots underneath their preferred answer. The litter stacks up behind the clear glass front in two columns, showing which is more popular.

The previous vote – ‘Favourite Saturday night entertainment, Strictly or X-Factor?’ – saw X-Factor come out on top.

Cigarette ends are the most common form of litter in the district. SKDC is encouraging smokers to have a bit of fun, while also getting rid of their cigarette butts in an environmentally-friendly way, to reduce the amount of smoking-related litter.

Cabinet Member for Commercial and Operations, Cllr Dr Peter Moseley, said: “We thought we’d go for a seasonal Christmas question this time, and it’s one that certainly divides opinion.

“Smoking-related litter is a serious problem and, despite the light-hearted questions, our message is clear: don’t drop litter.”

As part of the #16days campaign, Lincolnshire Police are promoting support for those who have endured domestic abuse.

They know that Christmas can be a particularly difficult time for survivors and witnesses (often children) who might be more aware of what they lack, in both necessities and non-necessities, as a result of having fled an abusive situation.

End Domestic Abuse Now (EDAN) Lincolnshire are the countywide specialist domestic abuse service who run a refuge in the county to house those affected. Other services are also available and more information can be found here.

Assistant Chief Constable Kerrin Wilson said, “Sadly we know the devastation that can be caused by domestic abuse. We also know the effects can be exacerbated at Christmas. This appeal promotes a small act of kindness that could make an awful situation a tiny bit easier. If we can all spare a thought for those less fortunate, it could add up to a big difference for the families who rely on the services of EDAN. It’s not just about making sure they have essential goods, it also sends a message that there are good people in our county who are on their side – something it’s easy to forget after years of abuse.”

EDAN Lincolnshire have identified the following much needed items;

• Mantel Clocks for properties (with batteries if possible)
• Vanity Mirrors (on stands or hand held)
• Kettles / toasters
• Washing up Liquid
• Tea Spoons
• Black Leggings for women – various sizes
• Washing Powder
• Toiletries i.e. shower gel, shampoo
• Tea and Coffee
• Single Bed Sheets / Duvets (new)
• Pillows (new)
• For Children and Teenagers – Pens, doodle pads, worry monsters (available at £7 from The Works in Lincoln)
• Sweets and Chocolates for children of all ages

You can donate any of these items to HQ Reception at Nettleham Police Headquarters or to any Town Enquiry Office. Items should not be Christmas wrapped.

The campaign will also be heavily promoted to all Lincolnshire Police and G4S staff. 

The last day for donating will be Friday 13 December in order to make the delivery by 20 December to EDAN Lincs.

You can also show your support by taking part in the Lincoln Santa Fun Run on the 15 December opting to donate your fundraising to EDAN Lincs via the Lincoln Santa Fun Run website.

Alternatively, you can also buy a gift for a child through the giving tree currently in HQ reception.

Candidates from Grantham & Stamford constituency took part in an educational hustings event at Grantham College on Friday 6 December.

All parties bar Conservatives were represented in a heated debate about why local people should vote for them and the positive changes their political parties would implement for the nation.

Anne Gayfer represented the Green Party, Kathryn Salt represented Labour and Harrish Bisnauthsing for Liberal Democrats. Each candidate started off with a three-minute introduction about them and their party.

This was followed by clever and challenging questions from students. Some questions were aimed at a specific party and others were open for discussion by all three candidates.

Questions included “if we were to vote Labour, is the party for or against Brexit?” to which Kathryn’s response was supportive of Jeremy Corbyn “sitting on the fence” about Brexit.

Other questions included “what will be done to support further education colleges more?” and “how will you help young people to get decent jobs that will lead to a stable career?”

Discussions included transportation issues, the closure of A&E in the evenings, economical and environmental issues and of course, the hot topic of Brexit.

Despite not all students in attendance being old enough to vote, students were engaged and asked sensible questions to help voters make an informed decision about the future of the country.

A lane of the southbound carriageway has been closed at South Witham

This is due to an accident

• Over 1/2 say they won’t be sending a Christmas card this year.
• 41% would be happy giving second-hand gifts.
• Tips for having a more sustainable Christmas.

For many, being a sustainable consumer is front of mind this holiday season. Endless amounts of wrapping paper, plastic toys and Christmas gadgets is enough to make most shudder in light of this year’s escalation in climate change news. There are many ways you can easily reduce your carbon footprint e.g. using brown paper instead of wrapping paper, switching off fairy lights when you are not there and where possible, buying second-hand gifts.

Experts in pre-owned luxury jewellery, William May, conducted a survey of 3,000 Brits to find out how many are willing to make significant changes for a more mindful Christmas this year.

The survey found that half (49%) of Grantham residents said they intend on being more sustainable this Christmas. For example, a significant 57% of respondents said they would reduce the amount of Christmas cards they send this year in order to cut down on waste. With so many ways to send them digitally, it does feel like one of the easier ways to reduce waste this festive season. 

Another way to help the environment is to recycle gifts. Two fifths (41%) say they would gladly give a pre-owned gift instead of buying new, and 44% say they would be happy to receive a pre-owned gift. 

When asked which items are the most acceptable to buy as second-hand gifts, 37% of people said jewellery, 18% said toys, 18% said games, 14% said home items, 9% said art and 4% said clothes.

William May have put together some handy tips and tricks for purchasing pre-owned jewellery: 

The research also found that 37% of Grantham residents say that the current economic climate would make them more likely to give a pre-owned gift this Christmas to save money. More than 1 in 10 (15%) even plan on making their own Christmas gifts this year and promisingly, over one third (38%) enjoy receiving these over shop-bought products!

Here are some tips for a more sustainable Christmas:

• Choosing gifts that last, such as indoor plants, which are also kinder to the environment.
• Use eco-friendly wrapping paper. Products such as sticky tape, ribbons and glitter can’t be recycled, so consider using recyclable brown paper. 
• Buy local – this helps support a local, sustainable economy.
• Make your own gifts – another great way to help the environment!
• Consider choosing organic, locally sourced ingredients when making your Christmas dinner. 
• Choosing LED Christmas lights is an easy way to make your holiday more sustainable. They are more expensive up front, but they last longer and use far less electricity than traditional lights.
• Artificial trees can’t be recycled and many are manufactured using harmful chemicals. Using a fresh, locally cut tree is far better for the environment. There are even some companies you can rent trees from, which they then re-plant.

‘As consumers, we have a responsibility to be more mindful with what we choose to spend our money on. Thrifting, charity shopping and purchasing pre-loved items is the perfect way to save some pennies and the environment whilst we’re at it,’ says Nick Withington, spokesperson for William May. 

‘Pre-owned gifts such as antique jewellery are one-of-a-kind and perfect for spoiling your loved ones this holiday season.’

With the law surrounding road traffic accidents proposed to change in April 2020, those suffering whiplash or soft tissue damage should look to progress their claims before the compensation process changes and becomes more complicated.

The government is working to bring The Civil Liability Act into effect from April 2020 meaning that the amount of money people could receive in compensation for soft tissue damage, or whiplash, could be significantly reduced.

Ian Howard, managing director and personal injury solicitor at JMP Solicitors said: “For those with a genuine injury and legitimate claim, The Civil Liability Act could make receiving compensation even more stressful as the victims may have to navigate the legal proceedings without any help, leaving them with a significantly reduced amount of compensation. 

“With the proposed Act coming into effect in April 2020, we’ve outlined the main changes to be aware of, so that claimants can fully understand the new Act and its implications.”

1. The small claims limit will be increased

The current small claims court limit for road traffic accident compensation is £1,000. From April 2020, this limit will increase to £5,000 for whiplash type injuries and £2,000 for other types of accident claims. While an injured victim can still bring a claim, if the injuries are worth less than the small claims limit, no legal costs will be payable, even if the claim is successful, meaning that claimants will have to represent themselves.

1. There will be a fixed amount on how much you can receive

For injuries that last for less than two years, there will be a fixed amount you can receive ranging from £235 – £3,910, which is a substantial decrease in what claimants can receive from the current system.

The new law will allow claimants to receive; £235 for less than three months, £805 for between six and nine months, £1,250 for between nine and 12 months, £1,910 for between 12 and 15 months, £2,790 for between 15 and 18 months, and £3,910 for between 18 – 24 months.

1. Solicitors fees will not be recoverable

As whiplash claims will now be dealt with by the small claims court, it is likely that anyone injured in a road traffic accident valued at less than £5,000 will be unable to receive representation from a lawyer as these fees will not be recoverable. Injured people will have to pay for legal costs directly or represent themselves against large insurance companies or solicitors.

1. Claimants will have to submit their own proceedings

Under the new Act, as well as claimants having to submit their own proceedings, it is envisaged that they will also have to manage their own medical evidence, including paying for medical assessments if necessary and their appropriate treatment before receiving any form of compensation.

Ultimately, the Act will bring huge financial savings for the insurance industry but it will be at the expense of those injured as a result of negligence through no fault of their own.

If you have been injured in a road traffic accident in the last three years, it is advised that you submit your claim before April 2020, to ensure that you receive vital legal and medical support, as well as your fair sum of compensation. 

Lincolnshire Police’s Superintendent Diane Coulson has been appointed as Lincolnshire County Council’s new Assistant Director of Public Protection and will take up the post in the New Year (6 January).

The role involves making sure that a host of agencies are working together effectively to keep communities safe. This includes Lincolnshire Police, Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, Lincolnshire Trading Standards and health and charity organisations.

Superintendent Coulson has 23 years of experience within policing and has worked in a number of roles including response and neighbourhood policing, CID, the force’s Protecting Vulnerable People Unit and Major Crime Investigation. Superintendent Coulson has worked across Lincolnshire and also within the wider East Midlands region.

Chief Fire Officer for Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, Les Britzman, says:

“We’re looking forward to welcoming Superintendent Coulson to the council in the New Year to carry on the good work of her predecessors from Lincolnshire Police. This role brings organisations together to co-ordinate our work together to keep residents safer in Lincolnshire. This includes work to reduce anti-social behaviour, domestic abuse and re-offending in Lincolnshire.”

Superintendent for East Operations, Diane Coulson says: “I’m really excited to be taking up this post in the New Year.

“There is already a lot of great partnership work happening in Lincolnshire and I am looking forward to being involved in this and developing this further so we can make the best use of the resources we have as different agencies to deliver the most effective service together to keep the local and visiting communities in our area safe.”

Items seized from three individuals after they were issued with confiscation orders under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) are being sold on the force’s eBay site.

In November confiscation orders were granted under POCA after Charlie Smith, Alfred Adams and John Doran after they were convicted in April 2018 for a series of ATM breaks.

A number of items were seized from the defendants during the investigation including a Mercedes E350D AMG, a BMW X5, a BMW 1 Series, designer clothing, Crown Royal Derby China and high value jewellery.

Some of those items have either since been sold on the site or are due to be listed in the coming weeks.

The site is used to sell surplus police goods, items that have either been recovered during a police investigation and not been claimed or reunited with their owners, and property that has been confiscated under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA).

Leicestershire Police was the first force in the country to use the eBay site to auction property in this way and began using the site in 2008.

Surplus police goods can include anything from unused electrical items to vehicles.

Paul Wenlock from the force’s economic crime unit, said: “Those who choose to take the path of criminality should not be allowed to benefit from their crimes.  When an individual is convicted of offences we have the powers to approach the courts and apply for confiscation orders under POCA.

“As well as goods from Leicestershire cases we also sell items on behalf of our regional forces. In 2016 Northamptonshire Police conducted an investigation, under the codename Operation Formula, into the supply of drugs and during the arrest of an individual they seized cash, drugs and high value goods.

(Picture courtesy of Northamptonshire Police)

“The defendant was convicted and the investigation revealed he benefitted by more than £650,000 from his crimes. He was issued with a confiscation order and designer clothing and jewellery was sold on Leicestershire’s eBay site on their behalf.

“This site is hugely beneficial for us in generating income from property which would just lie in storage or over time be destroyed. In the last seven months we have sold more than £230,000 worth of goods on the site.

“Income generated from the sales of POCA items is submitted to the Home Office who then return a percentage of the money to the force which is shared between the police, victims, courts and the criminal justice system. The remaining income from the sale of other items remains with the force.”

If anyone wishes to view the items currently on sale on the site please visit https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/leicesterpolicepocaproperty