South Kesteven District Council is to work with all its partners, including contractors and the police, to help stamp out the scourge of modern slavery.

The new agreement will build on work already under way to make the community safer and will help realise the council’s ambition to make South Kesteven a better place to live, work and visit.

The decision came after presentations to councillors by Det Ch Supt Chris Davison, from Lincolnshire Police, and the council’s own Community Engagement Officer, Carol Drury.

They outlined instances of Modern Slavery in the county, including Operation Pottery, where vulnerable people were held captive working for a controlling family in various locations, one victim for over 20 years. The resulting prosecution saw jail sentences of up to 15 years for 11 defendants.

Cabinet Member for Communities, Wellbeing and Skills, Cllr Jacky Smith said: “This has been an eye opener. What we’ve seen and heard today certainly makes you sit up and think.

“Wherever we are and whatever we are doing, if ever we see or suspect something then we should take note. Better one false report than more wrecked or neglected lives. People should also take the message home to family and friends. If you see something that doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t right.”

Chief Executive Aidan Rave said: “We can’t avoid being shocked by what we have heard today. A safe community is not just the responsibility of the police.

“If our officers see signs and are alert to Modern Slavery, there is more chance of being able to do something about it.

“The council is more than just the jobs we do, it is also about shaping the community. We will communicate this message to staff, not just about modern slavery but about the many things we do to make our community safer.”

Det Ch Supt Chris Davison also welcomed the pledge. “I am heartened by the amount of energy, enthusiasm and willingness to work together,” he said.

South Kesteven District Council’s motion, supported by the Communities and Wellbeing Overview and Scrutiny Committee, states: “In the spirit of working to do everything within its power to eradicate this and recognising recent changes in the way projects and services may be delivered, the Council resolves to work with contractors, police, and HM Revenue and Customs to deal with instances of modern slavery and to build on its existing Public Statement.

“The Council further undertakes to request the Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee review the council’s existing commitments, including those set out in the Equality and Diversity Annual Position Statement 2017 and propose any further recommendations as appropriate.”

Child crime investigations falling short, report says

Infection concerns at ‘inadequate’ patient transport service

Grantham barracks to close for new homes development

OVER £9,000 AWARDED TO HERITAGE PROJECTS IN SOUTH KESTEVEN

InvestSK, South Kesteven District Council’s economic growth and regeneration company, has made the first five awards under its Heritage Alive! funding programme. Grants totalling £9,200 have this week been presented to community groups, charities and places of worship across the district.

The first five groups to receive funding for their projects are: The ChristChurch Community Project, The Lincolnshire Rivers Trust, Grantham Civic Society, Stamford Community Orchard Group and The Lincolnshire Vintage Vehicle Society.

Grantham Civic Society will use their £2,000 grant to carry out a public archaeology project to investigate the former chapel and Eleanor cross which once stood on St. Peter’s Hill.

The ChristChurch Community Project was awarded a £2,000 grant to produce a booklet, a short interpretation film and some displays to explain the history of Finkin Street Methodist Church in Grantham.

The Lincolnshire Rivers Trust will use their £2,500 grant to produce a geocache train and ‘treasure map’ interpreting the history and ecology of the River Witham and how this has been shaped and altered by Grantham’s mills over time.

The Stamford Community Orchard Group was awarded a £2,000 grant to produce botanical drawings of the six variations of apples developed by Brown’s Nurseries in Stamford and Grantham in the 1850’s. The drawings will highlight the loss of traditional apple varieties and encourage the planting and conservation of more local types.

And The Lincolnshire Vintage Vehicle Society will use their £700 grant to fund seven vintage buses to visit Grantham on 14^th September for the Heritage Open Day festival, with free trips on the buses being offered around Grantham and the surrounding area.

Chief executive of InvestSK, Steve Bowyer, said: “South Kesteven’s rich heritage is a huge asset to the district. With funding made available through the Council, we’re delighted to support projects that conserve and protect this heritage so it can continue to be enjoyed by visitors and residents for years to come.”

Councillor Matthew Lee, the Leader of South Kesteven District Council, said: “I am delighted to see such a fantastic range of Heritage Alive! awards being made in this first round. These grants provide very practical help to community groups and charities that work tirelessly to conserve South Kesteven’s heritage and I would urge other local groups working within the sector to consider applying for funding too.”

InvestSK’s Heritage Alive! funding programme is designed to celebrate South Kesteven’s built and cultural heritage. Applications can cover a range of projects – from inspiring engagement with local heritage, intervening to protect heritage or making heritage more accessible.

Grants are still available but applications for funding from the current financial year must be submitted by March 16th. For more information and to apply, visit: www.heritagealive.co.uk

Hare coursing reports fall across the county

The number of reports of hare coursing has significantly decreased in Lincolnshire since 2016.

This shows a continued and significant downward trend. This season we have seen 686 incidents reported so far, compared to 1,175 at this point in 2018 and 1,579 in 2017.

Chief Inspector Phil Vickers said: “This has been achieved by close working with our rural communities and partners, having the right equipment available to us and effective coordination through the Force Control Room.

“Lincolnshire Police Rural Crime Team has focused on Prevention of Hare Coursing this season – targeting the offenders who have caused most harm in the past and utilising innovative, legally audacious tactics when appropriate.

“We continue to seize dogs, 76 last season, and retain them until the offence is dealt with at court. We know this prevents offending and is recognised as being the most effective tactic we use.

“We have used Anti-Social Behaviour Legislation to prevent offending and given offenders fair warning of what we are doing.

“We are already working towards the 2019/20 season – Lincolnshire Police is leading on a piece of work with the National Wildlife Crime Unit to coordinate Prevention, Intelligence and Enforcement work across 35 Police force areas and target key offenders.”

For further information on hare coursing visit our advice page https://www.lincs.police.uk/reporting-advice/wildlife-and-rural-crime/hare-coursing/

Please continue to report any suspicious activity in your area by calling 101.

We need to know:

• Area that they are currently located, whether on foot or in a vehicle.
• Person’s descriptions
• Vehicles being used ideally with registration plate no.
• Types of dogs being used.
•  Any photos, which show the activity being carried out.

Lincolnshire Trading Standards, Lincolnshire Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner are advising those who are looking to start a new relationship online or via a dating app to watch out for Romance scams. Sally Gray, senior trading standards officer at Lincolnshire County Council, explains: “Online dating can be a great way to find romance and companionship, but unfortunately its also a very common way to be scammed. “Romance fraud involves a stranger setting up a fake online identity or online profile, in order to enter into a relationship with someone. “The intention is then to scam them out of their personal funds, or figure out their personal information.” Nick Bates, Preventing Financial Fraud & Op REVIVE coordinator at Lincolnshire Police, added: “Shockingly, last year, more than £50m was lost to romance fraud in the UK.  This demonstrates the sheer scale of the problem. This fraud can have an devastating effect on the victim – not just economically, by losing large amounts of money, but also emotionally when the victim learns he/she isn’t in a legitimate relationship.”  Stuart Tweedale, deputy police and crime commissioner for Lincolnshire, commented: “I’m hearing about Romance scams fairly regularly- more than I ever would have thought possible! “Anecdotally, it’s probably about once a week, and that’s only to me whilst I’m out meeting the public.  “What’s clear is that it can happen to anyone. If it’s happened to you and you’ve become a victim of a romance scam – please do not feel foolish. These con artists are professionals that have been specially trained to deceive people.”  If you have you think you have been the victim of fraud, or you know this is happening to someone, contact the Police on 101 or report to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.  Top five tips to help you steer clear of a romance fraud are: 1. Take your time. Get to know the person and ask plenty of questions.2. Analyse their profile. Check the person is genuine by putting their details (photo and name) in to Google. Also put the phrase ‘dating scam’ in next to their details.  3. Talk more. Talk to your friends and family about who you are talking to online. Be suspicious of anyone who says keep quiet about your relationship. 4. Don’t give money. Never send money or share your bank details with someone you’ve met online. 5. Don’t overshare personal details. Revealing your full name, date of birth, home address or workplace could lead to fraud, identity theft or even personal harm.  Protect the names, details, and locations of your children or family members. For more information on keeping safe from scams, visit: www.actionfraud.police.uk

Demolition of part of council offices is complete as part of the new walkway to the new cinema.

Workmen are then laying special block paving in the seating area and then digging up the driveway to the lower level as seen and block paving all round the new cinema.

Members of the Grantham Labour Party took their opposition to the proposed closure of Grantham Post Office to the Post Office’s “Customer Forum” yesterday afternoon (Tuesday 12 February).

The Post Office is proposing to close the existing Post Office in St. Peter’s Hill, and relocate it to the back of WHSmiths.

Several members of the Grantham Labour Party attended, and raised concerns of the lack of space and fewer counters that would be available in WHSmiths, and the poorer working conditions leading to a higher turnover of staff.

Speaking afterwards, John Morgan, Secretary of Grantham Labour Party said: “I went into Grantham Post Office last week to renew a passport. I paid extra to have my form checked by the staff there. If they replace the experienced staff with new staff, I could be paying someone to check who doesn’t know any more than I do.”

Labour activist Stephen Diggines added: “I was shocked when the manager that I spoke to stated that he ‘didn’t care what the staff or (their union) the CWU thought’. He should care. The staff are the Post Office’s biggest asset.”

Villagers who want to try a new kind of art can brush up their skills thanks to support from a South Kesteven District Council Ward Member Grant.

Cllr Dr Peter Moseley has given Rippingale Art Group £200 to broaden their range and improve their prowess through new equipment and coaching.
He said: “One of the great things about this district is the range of hobbies and interests people can become involved with and I’m pleased to be able to support such a flourishing group of artists.

“The pleasing thing about the Rippingale group is that if you are new to art or are uncertain which medium is best for you, the members in this friendly club are more than happy to offer advice.”

The group meets each Tuesday evening in the village hall where members can paint or draw in pencil, ink, acrylics, watercolour – or whatever the artists fancy. It has a mix of abilities and the friendly group ensures everyone can relax and enjoy their hobby.

Organiser Phil Rippingale said: “We cover regular fees through subs but this additional money will be used to buy art materials so that people can try out different mediums without having to buy the equipment for themselves. Art materials are expensive, so this will enable people to try pastels, for example, which are not expensive in themselves, but requires costly paper.

“We would also like to introduce a training element this year. Visiting artists could put on one-day courses that produce a particular drawing or painting style or show the audience a particular medium. You can learn an awful lot in a short space of time.”

If you would like to go along for a free taster session, please contact Phil on 01778 440204.

Ward Member Grant support is still available in Cllr Moseley’s Aveland Ward. If you are involved in a good cause, please contact him via email at Peter.Moseley@southkesteven.gov.uk

New Year’s resolutions may already be a distant memory for some – particularly when it comes to lifestyle changes.

Lots of us will have pledged to improve our diet and eat healthier, but that can be easier said than done. A scheme has been launched, however, that should help people to make healthier choices.

Healthier Options is a collaboration between Lincolnshire County Council – Public Health and district councils, including South Kesteven.

It aims to help local small and medium-sized food outlets and businesses across Lincolnshire make healthier changes to their menu and food preparation and raise awareness of healthier eating.

Cllr Mrs Sue Woolley, chair of the Lincolnshire Health and Wellbeing Board, said: “Many of us eat a number of meals outside of the home, either at work or in cafes or restaurants, which can often be higher in calories, sugar, fat and salt.

“So to give people more choice, Healthier Options will work with local food outlets to include healthier ingredients, cooking techniques and dishes.

“It is a great way of providing healthier eating opportunities across the county. The aim is not to force people to eat healthier options, but to make them easier to find for those who want them when eating out.

“We are working with takeaways, restaurants, sandwich and coffee shops, mobile traders, leisure centres, canteens and more.”

Healthier Options is free to join and open to takeaways and food outlets with a hygiene rating of 3, 4 or 5.

The scheme calls on food businesses to consider introducing healthier option to the menu; reducing the amount of sugar, fat and salt used in cooking; and promote healthier drinks.

Among those already signed up are Knightingales café in Grantham, Newton’s Wine Bar and Tapas, Bourne, and Oasis Café, Market Deeping.

SKDC’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Health and Wellbeing, Cllr Jacky Smith, said: “Rather than telling people what they should eat, Healthier Options aims to help customers make healthier food choices with little effort – or even without them realising.

“Businesses could, for instance, make tasty vegetarian options, offer sugar-free and low-fat drinks, create a healthy children’s menu, or source healthier foods and ingredients.

“It doesn’t mean the whole menu has to be healthy – just that the business ensures some of the options are healthy.

“Signing up to the scheme could help businesses attract new, health-conscious, customers. It could also help existing customers adopt a healthier lifestyle.”

Hayley Pulfrey, of Knightingales. said: “We are proud to be part of the Healthier Options initiative. I was particularly pleased, particularly as our membership is based on the menu we already offer.

“I’m always looking at new recipes and ways to improve the menu so I look forward to offering healthier options to our customers in the future.”

SKDC Environmental Health Service helps businesses decide if Healthier Options is something they want to achieve and whether they are willing to make changes to their menu to do so.

Having agreed to make the pledge, the team will work with them to complete it within three months.

Once a pledge is successfully completed, the business will receive a certificate/window sticker and other promotional material.

The business details will also be promoted online via the Lincolnshire County Council website and a link from the SKDC website.

Businesses requiring further information should visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/healthieroptions or email HealthierOptions@lincolnshire.gov.uk

Grantham Museum is hosting their annual Do Something New event on Saturday 16th February 2019 between 10am and 4pm. Entry is free. Fundraising  Director Amanda Schonhut said: “For those interested in taking up a new hobby, meeting new friends or getting involved in the community this is a great opportunity to find out about the wide range of activities available in the local area. “Visitors of all ages will be able to talk to a variety of groups about what they do and ‘try before they buy’”.At this year’s event the confirmed bookings so far are:  Grantham Amateur Radio Club Lincolnshire Family History Society  Lincolnshire River Trust New Dawn Yoga Grantham Canal Society Early Birds WI Men’s Shed Lincolnshire Community and Voluntary Service Lincolnshire Amateur Radio Society

FWith local elections set to take place on Thursday 2 May, South Kesteven District Council is holding an information event for people interested in becoming a councillor.

The session will take place on Thursday 28 February at the Jubilee Church Life Centre on London Road, Grantham.

The event is designed to help people understand what it means to be a councillor and what types of activities a councillor can get involved in. There will also be an opportunity to hear from existing councillors.

Following the “Being a Councillor” session there will be a briefing for candidates and their agents to find out more about the election process.  All attendees are welcome to stay for this event.

Aidan Rave, Chief Executive and Returning Officer for the district, said: “There are many reasons why people want to be a councillor – to represent their community, raise an issue they feel passionate about, or to use their skills to help shape the future of the council and the place they live.

“If you are interested in hearing more, then come along and talk to current district councillors about their work, what the role entails and also chat to officers from SKDC about the services the council provides, and receive a briefing on the election process.

“The invitation is open to everyone who is interested or thinking about standing for the elections, so if you have ever wondered what being a councillor is all about, why not come and find out.”

Event details:	Thursday 28 February
Venue:	Shekinah Room, Jubilee Church Life Centre, 1-5 London Road, Grantham Lincolnshire NG31 6EY
Timings:	Registration starts at 4:15pm and the event finishes at 7:15pm

To book your place on this event or if you are unable to attend and wish to find out more please contact Member Services Team by email on membersservices@southkesteven.gov.uk or call 01476 406430.

Authorities are urging people to report illegal activity on the rivers after an otter – a protected species – was killed in an illegal crayfish trap.

The appeal comes from the Environment Agency and Lincolnshire Police, who are investigating and have launched a witness appeal. Trapping, injuring or killing an otter – whether deliberately or through carelessness – is a serious offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Offenders face an unlimited fine and up to 6 months in prison.

Environment Agency officers found the trap while carrying out routine inspections on the River Witham in Grantham.

It was in the river at Wyndham Park – an award-winning park popular with local families, where the Environment Agency and partners have carried out extensive works to improve the health and habitat of the river.

The sad discovery comes just weeks after local volunteers reported seeing a pair of otters swimming in the same stretch of river. Their return signals just how much the river has improved in recent years.

Crayfish trapping is illegal unless consent has been granted by the Environment Agency. In Lincolnshire, only drop-nets or hand lines are allowed and these must never be left unsupervised. 

The trap discovered at Wyndham Park was illegal as it was the wrong type and had not been permitted by the Environment Agency. Plus, crayfish trapping is banned on this stretch of the Witham as only the native, endangered and protected white-clawed crayfish are present there.

The illegal trap also risked introducing crayfish plague to the area, which has potential to wipe out this protected species.

Darren Randall, fisheries officer with the Environment Agency, said: “We all want to protect our precious and threatened wildlife, like otters, water voles and native crayfish, which is why it’s so important that activities like fishing and crayfish-trapping are carried out responsibly.

“This case is especially worrying because it threatens native, endangered species of crayfish, which are afforded the same protections under the law.

“If you see suspicious fishing or trapping activity, please report it to us on 0800 80 70 60 and help us prevent tragedies like this in the future.”

DC Flint, Lincolnshire Police wildlife officer for Grantham, said: “We were notified about this incident at 3pm Thursday, and were informed that an otter was found deceased in an illegal trap.

“We will be investigating this and will take appropriate action. If anyone has any information, please call us on 101 quoting incident 219 of 7 February or email me direct on Aaron.Flint@lincs.pnn.police.uk.”

Enforcement officers from the Environment Agency routinely look out for evidence of illegal traps – but are calling on local people to report suspicions by calling the 24-hour incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60. Alternatively, reports can be made to the police by dialling 101 or online, quoting incident 219 of 7 February. You can also make an anonymous report to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

More information about the rules for trapping crayfish can be found on gov.uk.

Otter populations have begun to recover across the country following a drop in numbers between the 1950s and the 1980s. Their return reflects the hard work done over decades to improve habitats and water quality in our rivers, which are the healthiest they’ve been since the industrial revolution. Otters remain legally protected as their numbers are still recovering. 

lint from Grantham is appealing for witnesses and information following the discovery of a dead otter in the water at the River Witham, at Wyndham Park in Grantham.

The otter was found in an illegal crayfish trap. Otters are a European Protected Species and protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act. Not taking enough care or deliberately injuring an otter is an offence that can be prosecuted.

Our wildlife officer DC Flint is asking for anyone who saw anything suspicious to contact 101 quoting incident 219 of 7 February, or by emailing him on Aaron.Flint@lincs.pnn.police.uk.