SKtoday Autumn 2023

SKtoday

for residents of South Kesteven Autumn 2023

7

Welcome

Here is the latest issue of SKtoday, packed full of news and updates from South Kesteven District Council. Remember, you can read SKToday online by visiting www.southkesteven.gov.uk/sktoday

If you have any feedback about the magazine or any content you would like to see in future issues please get in touch.

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SKtoday editorial communications@southkesteven.gov.uk

General enquiries

01476 40 60 80

Council Offices

Grantham (head office)

The Picture House, St Catherine’s Road, Grantham, NG31 6TT

Bourne

South Kesteven Community Point Abbey Road, Bourne PE10 9EF

You can apply, pay, report and contact us on our website for a range of services and find the latest NHS and Government guidance.  www.southkesteven.gov.uk

Nice to know

• Alternative formats are available: audio tape, CD, large print and Braille

• The South Lincolnshire Blind Society distributes SKtoday to all of its members

Social housing schemes coming soon

New homes are in the pipeline in Grantham and Stamford to help meet demand for people on the Housing Register.

9 £8m depot will provide new base for Street Scene services

Read the latest news on plans to relocate SKDC’s waste collection operation to a purpose-built facility.

12-13 Vote of confidence in our parks

For the second year running, all three public parks in Grantham are awarded Green Flag status.

22-24 What’s On

Check out the live entertainment lined up at our fantastic arts centres and other arts venues.

Our Corporate Plan clearly sets out how South Kesteven District Council intends to help fulfill the District's promise and potential:

Housing that meets the needs of all residents

Growth and our economy

Front cover: Purple-lidded wheelie bins are coming to South Kesteven

Healthy and strong communities

Clean and sustainable environment

High-performing Council

Time to reflect on recent months

Summer always seems to come and go so quickly; it feels as though we have little opportunity to reflect before the time comes to face our postholiday challenges.

However, things never really slow down and there certainly is much to reflect on.

The first in a series of Cabinet drop-in sessions took place at SKDC’s Essex Road sheltered housing complex in Stamford.

Combined with an informal meeting of the Cabinet we answered questions from the public on the introduction of purple-lidded bins for paper and card, along with housing issues.

As part of our commitment to increase community engagement, we’re planning future drop-ins, including in our larger villages.

As Leader, I have pledged to get to know the wider District and have completed several ward walks with local councillors. Issues raised have included urban fly-tipping, parking, and the use of green spaces owned by the Council.

Back in June we were proud to

By Cllr Richard Cleaver, Leader of South Kesteven District Council

have been a finalist for 2023 as Most Improved Council in the Local Government Chronicle Awards. In addition, we have since learned that we are the only Council in the UK to be nominated in the Personnel Today annual HR awards, being shortlisted in two categories for 2023 – Employee Experience and Excellence in Public Service HR.

To further our commitment to respond to Climate Change, we have been able to put aside a reserve of £300,000 to react to the Climate Emergency – and we welcome views on how we can put that to good use.

We have also been busy

awarding grants from our Government UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocation, and are pleased to be supporting a broad range of community projects across the district (p10), including an Art Pop-up on Red Lion Square in Stamford (pictured below).

It has also been good to see new rural jobs being created at Magnavale, near Colsterworth, as its new 47-metre high cold store nears completion.

Finally, we look forward to working much more closely with the community on promoting new and exciting events in the coming months, to meet our commitment to the Arts under our new Cultural Strategy.

During the summer, for instance, Stamford Arts Centre opened up to excited children for arts and crafts, face painting, circus skills and a live theatre show.

A packed Autumn What’s On brochure offering something for everyone, from cinema to local drama groups, to comedy, music and poetry, is available at our Stamford and Grantham Arts centres, and also online.

Cllr Cleaver on a walkabout in Grantham's Harrowby Ward with Ward Councillors Ian Selby (left) and Chris Noon

Get ready to recycle!

New bins for paper and card will cut contamination

Arecycling scheme is being introduced across South Kesteven for paper and card to increase recycling.

It follows a successful roll-out across four other areas of Lincolnshire where residents separated paper and cardboard from the rest of their recycling keeping it clean and dry, with the new twinstream recycling scheme significantly increasing recycling rates.

South Kesteven District Council is working with the Lincolnshire Waste Partnership to help households with the change, which will see delivery of a new purple-lidded bin.

Cllrs Patsy Ellis and Rhys Baker, who share SKDC Cabinet responsibilities for Environment and Waste, said: “We want to help residents recycle as much of their waste as possible and reduce the overall carbon footprint.

“The current method of collecting recycling, the all-in-one silver bin, means that a large amount of the paper and card we collect is

contaminated by other items in the recycling bin, like food, and liquid waste from cans and bottles.

“Paper and card easily become damp, wet, and stained when mixed with other recycling, which means that the paper mills will not accept it.

“By collecting it separately in a different bin it will be kept clean and dry, which will allow it to be recycled rather than being unusable due to contamination.

“This also gives us the opportunity to focus our efforts on the recycling in the silver bin to ensure we get the right thing in the right bin.”

A bin collection calendar and letter will be sent out soon, setting out what happens next. It gives details of collection dates of black purplelidded, silver, and black wheelie bins, plus a ‘Right Thing, Right Bin’ guide. The new collections will start early next year.

The councillors added: “The introduction of the purple-lidded bin across other areas of Lincolnshire has been an incredible success with contamination rates in the overall recycling streams halving.

“The majority of residents there are happy with the enhanced recycling process, so we are excited to bring the scheme to South Kesteven.”

The first collection could be as early as February 2024 with one of the existing fortnightly recycling collections being replaced by the paper and card separate collection. There will be no increase in cost, mileage or associated carbon emissions for the Council.

Costs will be met by Lincolnshire County Council, which is responsible for disposing of waste across the county.

The new bins will be delivered later this year

Cllr Patsy Ellis, Cabinet Member For Environment and Waste

FAQs: all you need to know about paper and card collection

Do I have to have another bin? Yes, to recycle paper and card. The Environmental Protection Act 1990 gives the Council powers to direct which types of waste can be placed in each bin. Paper and card will only be accepted in the purple-lidded bin and SKDC will be working with you to make sure that we find the right solution for you.

What if I don’t have space for another bin? Every household in the District will receive a letter setting out what happens next. SKDC has a dedicated team in place to help people overcome their storage concerns. We will work together to ensure that we find the right solution for you.

What if I currently use pink or clear bags? If we currently provide you with bags for your collections, this will continue. Unfortunately, the paper mill will not accept plastic refuse bags and so we are unable to offer a separate paper and card collection. You will need to leave all your recycling out on your normal clear bag day. We are actively searching for a solution to overcome this issue.

What if I just put my paper and card into my silver bin? Paper and card will only be accepted in the purple-lidded bin. After the introduction of the scheme paper and card will not be accepted in your silver bins.

What has been happening to paper and card before now? Silver bin contents including plastics (bottles, tubs, and cartons), glass bottles and jars, metal cans and tins, and paper and cardboard have been sent to our contractor to sort and reprocess. Mixing paper and cardboard with other

products has often left it damp, wet and stained, which makes it unsuitable for recycling. Separating your paper and cardboard into a different bin keeps it clean and dry, allowing more to be recycled.

Why should we do the job of the Council, by sorting our own recycling? It is important that everyone takes responsibility for their waste to reduce impact on our climate where we can. Although the Council can put recycling collection services in place, we rely on everyone doing their bit by putting the right thing in the right bin so that as much as possible can be recycled.

What is SKDC doing with the profits? Will I get a refund on my Council Tax? Lincolnshire County Council will receive an income from this paper and cardboard. However, the scheme required investment of around £3 million county-wide, which is expected to be recouped in three to five years ahead of future long-term savings. Costs of fuel, resources and infrastructure continue to increase, with new homes meaning more waste to collect and dispose of. Any saving will be ploughed back into waste services for everyone, to reduce these increasing costs to the taxpayer.

Where will my paper and cardboard go? The clean, dry, quality paper and cardboard collected from the purple-lidded bins is kept separate from other waste and sent to a dedicated paper mill in Kings Lynn. The paper mill is operated by Lincolnshire County Council’s contractor, Palm Paper Limited.

More FAQs can be found online at www.southkesteven.gov.uk/waste

Youth Council offers next generation a chance to help shape the future

Young people across South Kesteven are being invited to play their part in helping to shape Local Government services in the District.

A South Kesteven Youth Council is being formed with a mission to amplify the voices of 11 to 18-year-olds.

Cllr Rhea Rayside, Cabinet Member for People and Communities, said: “This will be a great way for our younger residents to share their opinions on life in South Kesteven and work with us to create the changes they want to see.

“We have some really passionate youngsters here in the District and we look forward to hearing from lots of them who are interested in local democracy and want to make a difference to the area they live.”

Over the summer, SKDC invited a small group of young people to take part in a steering group ahead of the Youth Council officially launching.

They discussed issues important to young people and how they wanted the Youth Council to operate.

Tashan Mpundu, 17, from

The King’s School in Grantham said: “I wanted to be a part of the Youth Council so that the younger generation could be heard throughout South Kesteven and so that youth issues were put on the agenda.

“Our inaugural meeting was a success and I’m looking forward to seeing the difference we can make in our communities.”

To find out more about joining the Youth Council, please email:

youthcouncil@ southkesteven.gov.uk

First impressions count for Yasmeen

Among the youngsters already interested in joining a Youth Council is Yasmeen Ali, 16, who has just started at Grantham College. Here she describes a positive start.

At first, I was quite nervous and didn't know what to expect. This is something I have never done before but I was curious to see what happened.

To start we did a quiz about South Kesteven District Council and Lincolnshire County Council to look into what services they provide.

I think the Youth Council is a brilliant opportunity for young people to get together and voice their opinions and learn about local issues. Lots of subjects were brought up at the first meeting and exciting ideas were shared.

The meeting was led by the young people and our ideas about what we wanted the Youth Council to look like were taken seriously.

We talked about democracy and at the end there was a

vote about when the next meeting would be held.

Officers from the Council encouraged us to talk about things that we thought it did well and what improvements could be made in other areas.

It was really nice to meet new people.

I didn’t think I’d enjoy it as much as I did and I felt confident sharing my ideas with the other people who attended. I am really looking forward to next time!

A steering group is helping to shape a South Kesteven Youth Council

Projects in the pipeline to help meet demand for social housing

Anew development of four single-bedroom apartments on land currently used for parking could be complete by next summer.

Planning permission for the high quality, sustainable, social housing at Elizabeth Road, Stamford, was granted in March 2022.

The development comprises four one-bedroom, two-person apartments with associated landscaping and parking.

South Kesteven District Council has appointed D Brown Building Contractors to start work on the development this autumn, which would be for people on the Council’s Housing Register –those in the most urgent need of somewhere to live.

The demand for one-bedroomed properties in Stamford is high, with around 250 people on the Housing Register requesting this type of property.

Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, Cllr Phil Dilks, said: “We are pleased to be able to bring more homes to meet the demand of specific groups of applicants on our Housing Register.

“The private rental market in Stamford is high, which

unfortunately means that young people and families then must move away from the area to find affordable housing. This makes it imperative that SKDC provides more affordable housing options in this area.”

The latest development in Stamford complements recently completed social housing schemes in Kinoulton Court and Earlesfield Lane in Grantham, Meadow Close, Bourne, and Trinity Road, Stamford.

The next major development for those on the SKDC Housing Register is expected to be 20 new

homes off Swinegate, Grantham, comprising one and two-bedroom flats.

This proposal will free up larger properties from council house stock to ensure more residents have a home that suits their needs.

The new buildings have been designed to reflect the typically Georgian character of Swinegate which is in a conversation area, with stepped roof lines and a mixture of wide and narrow elevations. Other features typical of the area will include prominent lintels above windows, dormer windows and archways.

How the new Elizabeth Road apartments will look

An artist’s impression of the Elizabeth Road development

Countdown starts to celebration of community champions

Nominations are in and judges will meet this month to identify shortlists of those who go the extra mile for others. All eyes are now on a glittering presentation evening in October.

Excitement is building in the run-up to this year’s SK Community Awards celebration evening in Bourne.

A special panel of judges is this month voting on shortlists from the seven categories.

Judges included councillors, representatives from business, a previous winner and a new youth member from Stamford New College.

Last year’s awards recognised roadside medical assistance, a lifetime of support for the Royal British Legion, children’s environmental efforts, a school peer support pioneer and work to help community wellbeing.

Cllr Rhea Rayside, Cabinet Member for People and Communities, said: “Last year we were incredibly proud to shine the spotlight on an amazing collection of people, many of whom would otherwise not get the public recognition they deserve.

“I am looking forward to meeting more amazing people at our awards night,

hearing their stories and being able to thank them publicly.

“I remember, as an award winner myself in 2021, how special it made me feel to have my work with food distribution to the needy recognised. I want others to experience the same.”

The awards night is being held in Bourne Corn Exchange on Friday 27th October, with shortlisted nominations invited ahead of the announcement of winners.

Award winners will each receive a trophy, with plaques for the Community in Bloom Award to replace the Council’s former Best Kept Village competition and an Urban Space Award. All nominees will receive a certificate of recognition.

Seven different categories are judged: Community in Bloom Award, Urban Space Award, Inspirational Young Person, Business and the Community, Lifetime Community Champion, Health and Wellbeing and The Neil Smith Beyond the Call of Duty Award.

Looking to the future with plans for new Council depot

South Kesteven District Council is moving forward with plans to relocate its waste collection service to a modern purpose-built facility.

The existing depot, in Alexandra Road, Grantham, was built in the 1970s and no longer meets the operational needs.

A proposed new £8m depot at nearby Turnpike Close, would provide a modern, fit-for-purpose base to serve the District for years to come, with energy efficiency initiatives as a key component in its design.

It would also be home to the Council’s Street Scene team responsible for grounds maintenance and street cleansing, along with the Waste and Recycling team, housing maintenance and repairs, and a workshop for in-house fleet repairs and servicing.

Council Leader, Cllr Richard Cleaver, said: “We are a forwardthinking organisation, and this is a great opportunity to modernise essential services that touch the lives of every household in the District.

“Our existing depot is at the end of its operational life and will incur significant maintenance costs in the years ahead.”

The Deputy Leader, Cllr Ashley Baxter, said: “The Environment Act brings the Council a lot of new responsibilities, and recycling – waste management – is at the heart of what we do. If we don’t pick up the bins in an orderly fashion, our residents will be disappointed and would certainly let us know.

“We need to look at how we deliver waste collection: if we were starting from scratch, we would not locate a depot at Mowbeck Way. Around 29 vehicles roll out at 7am through terraced streets and

this is unacceptable. In addition, a new depot will bring improved welfare standards for a valued, frontline workforce.”

A generator at the new site would allow it to be used as a hub for Council officers to work from in the event of an emergency being declared.

The Alexandra Road depot would remain operational until the new one is ready, which would be no earlier than April 2025.

All options will be considered for potential alternative uses for the existing site.

The Council’s current depot

Demolition work is complete at the new site

Investment in a new facility will ensure that we are providing a service that is fit for the future and, with significant housing growth anticipated in the area, meets the needs of a growing population.

Cllr Richard Cleaver

Community grants available to help transform communities

Could your local community group be eligible for a grant from the South Kesteven Prosperity Fund?

Around £1m has been set aside for projects which improve community buildings, green spaces, or those which support culture, arts, and heritage initiatives within the District.

It is Government money from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, allocated by a dedicated board of South Kesteven District Councillors with advice from expert officers.

Recent grants approved across the District include:

• £20,000 to improve Rippingale Jubilee Playing Field, where temporary changing rooms will be replaced so that sports teams

District’s military heritage honoured

RAF Barkston Heath’s military heritage has been commemorated with a new information board installed at St Nicholas’ Church in Barkston.

The board was designed by South Kesteven District Council — tracing airfield origins, their roles in the 1944 milestones of D-Day and Operation Market Garden and the key wartime alliance between the British 1st Airborne Division and America’s Troop Transport Command.

Liz Parkin, who lives at Syston,

to make better use of the facility.

• Tallington Parish Council was awarded £14,475 to repair and restore 430 metres of footpaths through the Millennium Green.

• Open Door Baptist Church in Deeping St James will use £8,000 to upgrade to modern LED lighting, which will ensure

the church can continue as a community hub.

• A community cinema club based at Claypole Village Hall will benefit from £4,702, awarded to help set it up and pay for equipment.

• Denton Village Hall

Community Group will be able to install hand-washing and water boiling facilities thanks to its successful bid for £2,362.

There are no fixed deadlines and applications are considered on a rolling basis until the annual allocations are committed.

Full details of grants awarded and information on how to apply can be found online at www.southkesteven.gov.uk/ spf

used her late father Eric Motley’s bequest to fund the board to recognise his service in the RAF.

She unveiled it with her brother Peter Motley in a ceremony attended by SKDC Chairman Cllr Gloria Johnson and its Armed Forces Champion Cllr Richard Dixon Warren, RAF and Parachute Regiment

representatives and Terry Musson, whose Barkston Heath Research Group unearths airfield wartime history.

Liz Parkin said: “It’s such a beautiful and meaningful memorial to honour all those connected to Operation Market Garden. Our father would have been absolutely thrilled.”

Claypole Village Hall

Liz Parkin and Peter Motley (front) with assembled guests, including SKDC Chairman, Cllr Gloria Johnson and Cllr Richard Dixon-Warren

Say hello to the app designed to put businesses in the spotlight

Since its launch last year, the HelloSK app continues to bring businesses closer to their community and support them to promote their services.

The free app showcases small and independent businesses from across the District and connects them with the people who live and work here.

HelloSK uses GPS technology to alert users to shops, traders and attractions that are nearby and can even notify residents with exclusive offers and events.

Cllr Ashley Baxter, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Economic Development, said: “Supporting businesses is a priority for SKDC so it is wonderful to see the app helping to revitalise the high street and encourage residents to shop locally.

“There are some fantastic businesses across South Kesteven

and the HelloSK app puts a spotlight on the specific offers and events that make our District a great place to live, work and visit.” More than 1,200 residents have downloaded the app so far, joining the 200 businesses that currently advertise on HelloSK.

Marketing and Events Manager at Iron Horse Ranch, Verity Swinscoe said: “HelloSK has been a valuable part of our marketing as we promote the Iron Horse to potential customers right across Lincolnshire.

“We are delighted to have seen an uplift in new customers since we joined and look forward to welcoming more visitors from far and wide thanks to HelloSK.”

Download the app from your usual provider.

One of those businesses is the Iron Horse Ranch House in Market Deeping which uses the app to promote its authentic stateside diner and regular events throughout the year. Events include bike nights, open mic nights, spoken word evenings, live music and theatre.

Hidden history at your fingertips

Asmartphone app — Grantham’s Hidden History — has been created to provide visitors with a virtual tour of the town, allowing users to choose what to explore at their own pace on a set route, or pick their own series of highlights.

The free heritage trail app is available from the usual providers, thanks to Government funding through the High Street Heritage Action Zone.

It takes visitors around the town centre and shows historic photographs while also playing audio history so users can hear stories of the past as they walk.

Council Leader, Cllr Richard Cleaver, said: “Grantham’s Hidden History is always a popular trail with this route covering almost two miles.

“The beauty of the new app is that you can dip in and out, choose to learn only about the street you are on, or pick your personal highlights to learn more about places you already know.

“Anyone who can’t get out can see and hear the trail from their own home, if they wish.”

Featured highlights include Dawson’s and Hurst’s Almshouses, the King’s School, the Witham walk, Grantham House, St Wulfram’s, the story of

the Blue Pig and Beehive inns, Middlemore House, the Guildhall and old lock-up, the Conduit and Market Cross.

High standards put parks among best in country

Parks and green spaces across South Kesteven play a vital role in bringing people together, providing a safe environment for recreational activity and promoting healthy and active lifestyles.

The District Council’s commitment to preserving and enhancing these much-loved locations has again been rewarded with prestigious Green Flag status for the three public parks in Grantham, marking them out as among the best in the country.

Wyndham Park was recognised for an impressive 12th consecutive year, with Queen Elizabeth celebrating its third award in row and Dysart Park its second.

Wyndham Park also retained its Green Heritage Site Accreditation for the management of its historic features.

Cllr Paul Stokes, Cabinet

Member for Culture and Leisure, said: “It is a real honour for all three of our parks in Grantham to receive this accolade.

“The awards are testament to the hard work and commitment shown by those who maintain our parks to the highest standards for everyone who uses them.”

The awards scheme is run by Keep Britain Tidy. Scheme manager Paul Todd said: “These parks are vital green spaces for the community in Grantham, bringing people together and providing opportunities to lead healthy lifestyles.

“The staff and volunteers do so much to ensure that they maintain the high standards of the Green Flag Award and everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement.”

The Council also joined this year’s national Love Parks Week campaign when park users

were invited to take part in a range of activities organised at Wyndham Park Visitor Centre and a series of Wellbeing Walks were held across South Kesteven, providing opportunities for exercise and relaxation.

The Council’s Public Protection Team also carried out additional patrols to reduce anti-social behaviour (ASB) and help keep parks safe.

Cllr Rhea Rayside, Cabinet Member for People and Communities, said: “The positive impact of parks and green spaces for local communities should not be underestimated so it is vital people feel able to use and explore their parks safely.

“The additional patrols serve as a reminder that ASB across South Kesteven will not be tolerated and highlight the work we undertake on a daily basis to support our communities.”

The bandstand in Dysart Park

Flags raised over town’s three popular parks

Dysart Park (below): Assistant Director – Culture and Leisure Karen Whitfield; Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure Cllr Paul Stokes; Cllr Charmaine Morgan; Team Leader – Leisure, Parks and Open Spaces Michael Chester; Cllr Tim Harrison; Leader of the Council Cllr Richard Cleaver; Parks & Events Community Engagement Officer Alison Lewis; Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste Cllr Patsy Ellis; Ian Whittle, Dysart Park Action Group.

Queen Elizabeth Park (above): Friends of QEP member Steve Frisby; Cllr Charmaine Morgan; Assistant Director – Culture and Leisure Karen Whitfield; Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure Cllr Paul Stokes; Team Leader – Leisure, Parks and Open Spaces Michael Chester; Parks and Events Community Engagement Officer Alison Lewis; Cllr Tim Harrison; Friends of QEP member Ian Simmons.

Wyndham Park (right): Wyndham Park Forum member Steve Frisby; Team Leader – Leisure, Parks and Open Spaces Michael Chester; Assistant Director – Culture and Leisure Karen Whitfield; Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure Cllr Paul Stokes; Parks and Events Community Engagement Officer Alison Lewis; Cllr Charmaine Morgan; Friends of Wyndham Park Forum member Ian Simmons.

Riverside project improves environment

An ambitious £1.23m environmental programme along Grantham’s river corridor has concluded with a public celebration.

The Wyndham Park event marked the final phases of the Witham Slea Blue Green Corridor habitat improvements.

Children enjoyed wood workshops including a carving of a water vole for display in the park.

Projects included river berms, wildflower planting, hedgerow creation, wildlife habitat improvements, water meadow creation and fishing access.

SKDC has been the lead authority in the project partly funded by the European Regional Development Fund, working with partners North Kesteven District Council, the Environment Agency and National Trust.

Alison says new park role is her dream job

For Alison Lewis, her new role as South Kesteven District Council’s Parks Engagement Officer is simply a dream job.

“I live in Grantham and walk in Wyndham Park every day. I know it well, and helping more people to engage with our parks is a wonderful, new and exciting challenge,” she said.

Alison is based at the park’s Visitor Centre. She previously worked with the Grantham College Building Better Opportunities project helping the long-term unemployed to boost skills and confidence and get back into work and learning, and also helped to run Grantham Museum.

She was an equality and diversity officer for a local authority and social work assistant developing support networks and drop-in centres for deaf children and adults.

Alison was born profoundly deaf, but that’s never held her back. She uses lip reading, British Sign Language skills and a recent cochlear implant to the very best advantage, including as a guest speaker at seminars, conferences and corporate events.

“Although deafness is very much part of who I am, it does not define me nor limit me. I refuse to let my deafness be a barrier to my goals and dreams,” she said.

After completing a prenursing course, she studied audiology, training to identify and assess hearing and balance to recommend and provide therapeutic rehabilitation and management in NHS hospitals.

As a fund raiser for a large London-based national charity supporting deaf people, she organised major fundraising events, and has trekked the Great Wall of China and cycled from London to Paris to raise money for the National Deaf Children’s Society.

From here on, however, her focus is on the Council’s parks, their Green Flag status and helping residents and visitors of all ages use and enjoy them in new ways.

“I am very excited to see how we can organise more activities to attract people and maintaining the Green Flag awards for Dysart, Queen Elizabeth and Wyndham parks.

“The parks were our saving grace during lockdown. Let’s make the most of them, use them as places of learning, inspiration, recreation and engagement and as the wonderful assets that they are.”

Alison Lewis Parks Engagement Officer

Alison is developing a team of volunteers to help run the Wyndham Park Visitor Centre and support park activities and events.

For more information, email her at: alison.lewis@southkesteven.gov.uk

Alison Lewis pictured at the Visitor Centre

Wyndham Park, Grantham

Keeping residents and visitors in the know on food hygiene standards

Five-star ratings guide many consumer decisions, particularly on where to stay, but what about where to eat and shop across the District’s increasingly varied range of food

Hygiene standards at South Kesteven’s 1,268 registered food businesses all come under the watchful eye of the District Council’s Environmental Heath team.

The good news is that 944 of the 1,090 listed restaurants and caterers have the top rating of five (very good). Most will display their five rating with pride, although it’s not a legal requirement in England.

Of the remainder, this summer 99 had ratings of four (good); 38 had ratings of three (generally satisfactory); two had ratings of two (improvement needed); six had ratings of one (major improvement needed; and one had a zero rating (urgent improvement needed).

Hygiene ratings also operate across takeaways, food vans and stalls, canteens and hotels, supermarkets and other food retailers.

Cllr Rhea Rayside, Cabinet Member for People and Communities, said: “I think we can all be reassured by the Council’s monitoring of the food hygiene standards we expect from all types of food outlets.

“If there are problems we are there to help businesses improve. Our ratings are publicly accessible and speak for themselves on the quality of what consumers can expect and how our monitoring works.”

Inspections by environmental health specialists can take up to two hours.

Businesses are scored in three areas:

• How hygienically the food is handled — how it is prepared, cooked, re-heated, cooled and stored

• The physical condition of the business — including cleanliness, layout, lighting, ventilation, and pest control

• How the business manages ways of keeping food safe — processes, training and systems to ensure good hygiene is maintained.

Following an inspection

businesses receive a report and relevant food hygiene rating on the green stickers they often put on display.

They can appeal if they feel a rating is unfair or wrong or apply for re-rating after carrying out improvements.

A zero-rated business can stay open but must make significant improvements. If problems persist and if there is an imminent risk to public health or food may be unsafe to eat, they could be closed.

Poorly performing, noncompliant businesses can also face court prosecution, with a potential heavy fine.

The Food Standards Agency records all hygiene ratings, and is also the place to register consumer concerns.

Find out more by visiting https://ratings. food.gov.uk

Find your Councillor

Members of the Cabinet at South Kesteven District Council are keen to meet residents at a series of public drop-in sessions being held across the area.

The first took place in July at the Council’s Essex Road sheltered housing complex in Stamford.

The Leader of the Council, Cllr Richard Cleaver, said: “Anyone can drop in and ask a question or just come and talk to us – no appointment is necessary.

“People can find out more about what the Council does

and how it works, what the Cabinet’s role is and what our plans are for the future of South Kesteven.

“We are very keen to increase community engagement and, whenever possible, these sessions will take place in or close to residential areas.”

Future drop-in sessions will be held in the District’s four towns of Grantham, Stamford, Bourne and The Deepings and in some of the larger villages.

For more information and councillor details please visit www.southkesteven.gov. uk/councillors

Cabinet Members

Market and West Deeping

Grantham Arnoldfield

Key:

Cllr Richard Cleaver

E: richard.cleaver@ southkesteven.gov.uk n

Leader

Cllr Ashley Baxter

E: ashley baxter@ southkesteven.gov.uk

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Economic Development

Bourne East

Cllr Philip Knowles

E: phillip.knowles@ southkesteven.gov.uk n

Cabinet Member for Corporate Goverance and Licensing

Cllr Paul Stokes

E: paul.stokes@ southkesteven.gov.uk n

Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture

Stamford St. George’s

Cllr Phil Dilks

E: phil.dilks@ southkesteven.gov.uk

Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning

Grantham St Vincent’s

Conservative Independent Green Party

Liberal Democrats

Labour and Co-operative

n South Kesteven Coalition Group

n Democratic Independent Group

Cllr Rhea Rayside

E: rhea.rayside@ southkesteven.gov.uk

Cabinet Member for People and Communities

Cllr Patsy Ellis

E: patsy.ellis@ southkesteven.gov.uk

Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste

n Grantham Independent

St. John’s

Deeping St James

n

n

Belmont

Cllr Elvis Stooke E: elvis.stooke@ southkesteven.gov.uk n

Aveland

Cllr Richard Dixon-Warren E: richard.dixon-warren@ southkesteven.gov.uk n

Belvoir

Cllr Pam Bosworth E: pam.bosworth@ southkesteven.gov.uk n

Belmont

Cllr Phil Gadd E: phil.gadd@ southkesteven.gov.uk n

Belvoir

Cllr Robert Leadenham E: robert.leadenham@ southkesteven.gov.uk n

Bourne Austerby

Cllr Paul Fellows E: paul.fellows@ southkesteven.gov.uk n

Bourne Austerby

Cllr Emma Baker E: emma.baker@ southkesteven.gov.uk

Grantham Earlesfield

Cllr Steven Cunnington E: steve.cunnington@ southkesteven.gov.uk n

Grantham Barrowby Gate

Cllr Mark Whittington E: mark.whittington@ southkesteven.gov.uk n

Grantham Earlesfield

Cllr Lee Steptoe E: lee.steptoe@ southkesteven.gov.uk

Grantham Harrowby

Cllr Chris Noon E: chris.noon@ southkesteven.gov.uk n

Grantham Harrowby

Cllr Ian Selby E: ian.selby@ southkesteven.gov.uk n

Cllr Bridget Ley E: bridget.ley@ southkesteven.gov.uk n

Deeping St James

Cllr James Denniston E: james.denniston@ southkesteven.gov.uk

Deeping St James

Cllr Helen Crawford E: helen.crawford@ southkesteven.gov.uk n

Bourne West

Cllr Anna Kelly E: anna.kelly@ southkesteven.gov.uk n

Bourne West Bourne East

Cllr Zoe Lane E: zoe.lane@ southkesteven.gov.uk n

Casewick

Cllr Vanessa Smith E: vanessa.smith@ southkesteven.gov.uk

Casewick

Cllr Rosemary Trollope-Bellew E: cllrr.trollopebellew@ southkesteven.gov.uk

Castle

Cllr Nick Robins E: nick.robins@ southkesteven.gov.uk n Glen

Cllr Penny Robins E: penny.robins@ southkesteven.gov.uk n

Grantham Arnoldfield

Cllr Paul Martin E: paul.martin@ southkesteven.gov.uk n

Dole Wood

Cllr Barry Dobson E: barry.Dobson@ southkesteven.gov.uk n

Grantham Barrowby Gate

Cllr Gareth Knight E: gareth.knight@ southkesteven.gov.uk n

Grantham Springfield

Cllr Nikki Manterfield E: nikki.manterfield@ southkesteven.gov.uk

Morton

Cllr Susan Woolley E: susan.woolley@ southkesteven.gov.uk n

Stamford St George’s

Peascliffe

Cllr Peter Stephens E: peter.stephens@ southkesteven.gov.uk n

Stamford St John’s

Cllr Ian Stokes E: ian.stokes@ southkesteven.gov.uk n

Cllr

E: habib.rahman@ southkesteven.gov.uk

Stamford St. Mary’s

Cllr Max Sawyer E: max.sawyer@ southkesteven.gov.uk n

Toller

Cllr Murray Turner E: murray.turner@ southkesteven.gov.uk

Cllr Gloria Johnson E: gloria.johnson@ southkesteven.gov.uk n

Viking

Cllr Jane Wood E: jane.wood@ southkesteven.gov.uk n

Cllr Susan Sandall E: susan.sandall@ southkesteven.gov.uk n

Viking

Cllr Paul Wood E: paul.wood@ southkesteven.gov.uk n

Cllr

Bisnauthsing E: harrish.bisnauthsing@ southkesteven.gov.uk

Cllr Jane Kingman E: jane.kingman@ southkesteven.gov.uk n

For more information and councillor details please visit www. southkesteven.gov. uk/councillors

Stamford All Saints

Stamford St. Mary’s

Harrish

& Ridgeway

Peascliffe & Ridgeway

Stamford All Saints

Habib Rahman

Market and West Deeping

Cllr Virginia Moran E: virginia.moran@ southkesteven.gov.uk n

Market and West Deeping

Cllr Pam Byrd E: pam.byrd@ southkesteven.gov.uk n

Loveden Heath

Cllr Penny Milnes E: penny.milnes@ southkesteven.gov.uk n

Lincrest

Cllr Sarah Trotter E: sarah.trotter@ southkesteven.gov.uk n

Isaac Newton

Cllr David Bellamy E: david.bellamy@ southkesteven.gov.uk n

Grantham St. Wulfram’s

Cllr Tim Harrison E: tim.harrison@ southkesteven.gov.uk n

Grantham St. Wulfram’s

VACANT

Isaac Newton

Cllr Ben Green E: ben.green@ southkesteven.gov.uk n

Grantham St Vincent’s

Cllr Charmaine Morgan E: charmaine.morgan@ southkesteven.gov.uk n

Grantham St Vincent’s

Cllr Graham Jeal E: graham.jeal@ southkesteven.gov.uk n

Cllr Rob Shorrock E: rob.shorrock@ southkesteven.gov.uk

Grantham Springfield

Partners join forces to help communities make most of Prosperity Fund grants

Business leaders, charities, community groups and town and parish councils have formed a Local Economic Forum (LEF) to help South Kesteven District Council deliver key funding.

Around £1.5m has so far been committed from the District’s £3.9m UKSPF allocation to projects around three investment priorities – communities and place; supporting local businesses; and people and skills.

The LEF will use members’ local knowledge and expertise to guide decision-making and consult on future strategies, initiatives and funding programmes.

SKDC’s Economic Development team used the first meeting, held in Bourne, to update on allocations and commitments so far and outline details of the three-year programme’s priorities.

Cllr Philip Knowles, SKDC Cabinet Member for Governance

and Licensing, is also Chair of its UK Shared Prosperity Fund Board.

He said: “I am delighted to see the forum up and running. It’s essential that we work together to support businesses, community groups, skills providers and projects.

“Our forum partners and stakeholders will shape future activity and ensure that the benefits of this extremely valuable funding reach the whole of the District.”

Asupport service to help pensioners apply for additional financial help is being offered to residents across the District.

South Kesteven District Council’s Cost of Living team can offer Pension Credit checks over the phone or inperson for those with limited digital access.

Cllr Rhea Rayside, Cabinet Member for People and Communities, said: “We would encourage all residents over the State Pension age to check if they are eligible for this valuable form of additional support.

“The Council is pleased to be

Free Pension Credit checks

supporting those who need it most by providing free checks for residents without digital skills and access, alongside wider financial guidance.”

Pension Credit is additional financial support provided by the Government for people who are on a low income and over State Pension age.

Applying for Pension Credit can also open up access to other benefits, including Housing Benefit, help with energy costs

through the Warm Home Discount Scheme, a Council Tax discount, and a free TV licence. Some applicants may even qualify for free dental treatment. Applicants can access Pension Credit even if they have another income, savings, or if they own their home.

To check eligibility for Pension Credit, residents can visit www.gov.uk/pension-creditcalculator

For those who need help applying, the Cost of Living team can be contacted on 01476 40 60 80 or via email at CostOfLivingSupport@ southkesteven.gov.uk

Members of the LEF alongside SKDC Officers and Elected Members

Warm welcome for refugees fleeing conflict in Ukraine

More than 360 Ukrainian refugees have been welcomed to South Kesteven since the Russian invasion of their country in February 2022.

The District, as part of the Lincolnshire Resettlement Partnership, has been actively supporting refugees under the Homes For Ukraine scheme.

Cllr Rhea Rayside, Cabinet Member for People and Communities, said: “I am proud that South Kesteven has shown such exceptional warmth and hospitality, welcoming more refugee families than any other area of Lincolnshire.

“The conflict continues to devastate lives so it is vital that our support continues and new hosts keep coming forward.”

To ensure the safety and comfort of refugees, SKDC inspects host properties to make sure they meet cleanliness

and safety standards. It has completed more than 200 inspections for new hosts looking to join the scheme.

The scheme isn’t limited to new arrivals; hosts can also support Ukrainians who are already in the District and need to move on from their initial sponsorship arrangement.

Most hosting arrangements last up to 12 months, while Ukrainian refugees arriving under the scheme can live and work in the UK for up to three years, with access to healthcare, public funds, employment, and other support.

Krys Szokalo, from Billingborough, has provided a home for what he calls his extended family — Yevdokiia, Yuliia, and Lisa, who were rescued from Dnipro, Ukraine.

Krys, inspired by his parents’ past as Polish refugees in England, decided to offer the

same opportunity to a Ukrainian family suffering under the Russian regime.

He said: “Our attitude to hosting is quite simple, we treat Yevdokiia as a sister, Yuliia as a daughter and Lisa as a granddaughter. They are not our guests but our extended family.”

Thanks to their support and integration into the local community, the Ukrainian family has now moved into privately rented accommodation close to Krys’ home.

There are still opportunities to become a host. The scheme is open to anyone who can provide suitable accommodation for a minimum of six months.

Anyone interested can register their interest on the Lincolnshire Resettlement Partnership website: https://lincolnshire. connecttosupport.org/advicefor-ukrainian-arrivals/sign-upas-a-host/

Krys pictured with his family and his Ukrainian guests

Deputy Leader’s first-hand experience out on the rounds with bin crew

South Kesteven District Councillor Cllr Ashley Baxter made houseto-house visits but he wasn’t canvassing... he was working to empty the bins.

Cllr Baxter, who is SKDC’s Cabinet Member for Finance and Economic Development and its Deputy Leader, was on a factfinding mission to experience the bin rounds for himself.

Following the May election, he is a key member of the team that will decide the Council’s priorities and ambitions in all areas.

The Street Scene service has already welcomed Grounds Maintenance workers into its team as litter picking, grass cutting, and Big Clean projects are integrated.

Cllr Baxter said: “We have some important developments ahead concerning waste management in South Kesteven, including the introduction of a separate paper and card recycling bin early next year.

“This would reduce the amount of contamination from dirty plastic and unwashed jars, which will improve the quality and value of paper and card sent for recycling and far less will end up in the at the incinerator.

“Working in the Deepings with the experts in this crew has definitely helped me better understand how the bin collection system works, and where the problems and pinch-points are most likely to occur.

“The way the Council decides planning applications also has implications for the refuse collection service, which we must take into account.

“It’s been lovely weather for this work experience and great to

Emptying the bins is one of the services South Kesteven District Council provides for all households. Deputy Leader Cllr Ashley Baxter joined a crew for the day.

meet everyone again. I’ve seen plenty of familiar faces on my round.”

Cllr Baxter completed full training ahead of his shift and joined Driver Jamie Greenhall

and Loaders Luke Trim and Terrence Wilkinson for the shift, collecting general waste in SKDC’s black bins in his own ward of Market and West Deeping.

Cllr Baxter joined Jamie Greenhall, Luke Trim and Terrence Wilkinson

Cllr Ashley Baxter collected general waste in West Deeping

what’s on

Arts across South Kesteven

Enjoy live events at our fantastic arts centres and venues. With something for everyone, now is the perfect time to support and take part in the arts across the District.

Concessionary prices in brackets. For full listings visit ww.guildhallartscentre.com or www.stamfordartscentre.com

HIGHLIGHTS

SEPTEMBER to NOVEMBER 2023

SRISHTI PATHWAYS

THURSDAY 5TH OCTOBER, 7:30PM

Guildhall Arts Centre Theatre

DANCE

This is a triple bill of Bharatanatyam dance performed by a new generation of British-South Asian dancers who will showcase this Indian classical dance style from southern India, characterised by strong lines, geometry, symmetry, as well as highly expressive mime. Bharatanatyam is probably the most popular and versatile classical Indian dance style performed in the UK and worldwide.

n TICKETS: £16 (£14)

SIMON YATES – ‘MY MOUNTAIN LIFE’

THURSDAY 5TH OCTOBER, 7:30PM

Stamford Arts Centre Theatre

TALK

Come along and witness Simon’s tireless journey from Siula Grande mountain in Peru to some of the remotest on the planet and share with him the drama, excitement, and beauty of modern, lightweight alpinism. Told with wit, dry humour and lavishly illustrated with images and video collected on his great climbs.

n TICKETS: £20 (£18)

A MATTER OF TIME

FRIDAY 6TH OCTOBER, 7.30PM

Stamford Arts Centre Theatre, and FRI/SAT 15/16 OCTOBER, 7.30PM

Guildhall Arts Centre Theatre

DANCE

Chantry Dance presents A Matter of Time – a mesmerising triple bill exploring our relationship with time created by award-winning producers

and choreographers Rae Piper and Paul Chantry in collaboration with Kristian Cunningham.

n TICKETS: £17 (£14) 10% off groups of 10+

DISCOVERING ANTARCTICA: HEROIC TALES OF SHACKLETON, CREAN & SCOTT

WEDNESDAY 18TH OCTOBER, 7:30PM

Guildhall Arts Centre Theatre

DRAMA

Set during The Golden Age of Antarctic Exploration (1901-1916), discover the riveting stories of the only man who served standing alongside Scott and Shackleton in three of the most daring and challenging expeditions to the great white continent including Shackleton’s ill-fated Endurance expedition.

n TICKETS: £14 (£12)

FATHERHOOD

THURSDAY 19TH OCTOBER, 8PM

Stamford Arts Centre Theatre

DRAMA

Being a father in the 21st century is complicated. Being the father of a young son of mixed South Indian, Turkish and Austrian heritage, even more so. Bringing together physical theatre rooted in the Indian performing artform Bharatanatyam and multilingual spoken text and sign languages, Fatherhood explores the cultural and gender expectations on fathers and what it means to be responsible for a child navigating an increasingly complex world.

n TICKETS: £12 (£10)

SIMON EVANS: HAVE WE MET?

THURSDAY 2ND NOVEMBER, 8PM

Guildhall Arts Centre Theatre

COMEDY

After finally solving the mystery of his existence and true identity in Work of the Devil, Simon finds that he has still not overcome the more daily challenges of remembering what he came upstairs for, who these grownups are that live with him (and what they have done with his children?) and how can that footage be from 2009, when he only bought those shoes a few months ago?

n TICKETS: £18 (£16)

A Matter In Time

Discovering Antarctica

DORIC STRING QUARTET

SATURDAY 18TH NOVEMBER, 7:30PM

Stamford Arts Centre Ballroom CLASSICAL

Firmly established as one of the leading quartets of its generation, the Doric String Quartet receives enthusiastic responses from audiences and critics across the globe.

n TICKETS: £22 (£20)

THE NICK ROSS ORCHESTRA –THE GLENN MILLER & RAT PACK ERA ‘IN THE CHRISTMAS MOOD’

THURSDAY 23RD NOVEMBER, 7.30PM

Guildhall Arts Centre Theatre MUSIC

Recapture the sounds of a bygone era as the Nick Ross Orchestra presents ‘an unmissable evening of music and song’ – the Classic Big Band Sound of the 40s & 50s with a liberal “sprinkling” of very special Christmas Big Band arrangements. n TICKETS: £26.50 (£25)

THERE’S A MONSTER IN YOUR SHOW

TUESDAY 28TH NOVEMBER, 1PM & 4:30PM

WEDNESDAY 29TH NOVEMBER, 10AM

Stamford Arts Centre Theatre FAMILY

Tom Fletcher’s interactive adventures for big imaginations are leaping from page to stage, as the beloved Who’s in Your Book? series makes its debut as a brand-new musical show. A group of performers are preparing to start their show, but quickly discover they are not alone on stage. Little Monster wants to be part of the fun too! With an invitation to his friends, Dragon, Alien and Unicorn to join him, you can expect comedy and chaos as they help to create a magical show, learning about the joy of books and friendship along the way.

n TICKETS: £15 adult (£13 child)

£12 groups of 10+

Guildhall Arts Centre

St Peter's Hill, Grantham NG31 6PZ

www.guildhallartscentre.com

 01476 406158

Stamford Arts Centre

27 St Mary's Street, Stamford PE9 2DL www.stamfordartscentre.com

 01780 763203

Bourne Corn Exchange

3 Abbey Road, Bourne PE10 9EF www.facebook.com/ bournecornexchange

 01778 423579

Fulbeck Craft Centre

Including the Crafty Cafe, the centre prides itself on being an original retail, learning and food experience within a visitor attraction. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm.

www.fulbeckcraftcentre.co.uk

Mannakin Halloween Event

Doom Town – A Mannequin Mystery. October 20th and 21st from 6pm to 9pm at Mannakin Hall in Fulbeck. Inspired by the supernatural novel, The Doom Town Dummies, the event will have you riveted from start to finish.

https://mannakin.com/dt23

Ultra 90s vs 2000s – Saturday

7th October at 8pm at Bourne Corn Exchange

Experience this live show taking you on a journey through the best Dance Anthems, House, Chart, Club Classics, Drum and Bass, Trance and Hip Hop and other feel-good tunes from the 90s and 00s.

www.guildhallartscentre.com

Dysart Park Grantham

Dysart Park has held Green Flag status for two years. The park has large areas of open space, picnic areas and toilet facilities, as well as a children’s play area and tennis courts, and a historic bandstand. Tucked away in the south of the town, the park is Grantham’s hidden gem.

Houghton Road, Grantham, Lincolnshire NG31 6JD

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