SKtoday Spring 2024

SKtoday

Sowing the seeds for

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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Contact your Councillor

There are 56 elected members of South Kesteven District Council who represent 30 wards. Their contact details are available online at:

tinyurl.com/findSK

The Leader of the Council is Cllr Ashley Baxter (Independent, Market and West Deeping) who was voted in by a majority of Council Members at a meeting of the Full Council in January, 2024.

Although the South Kesteven Coalition Group is the largest group, the Cabinet is selected by the Leader of the Council and has Members from the Democratic Independent Group (2), The Independent Group (2), Green Party (2 Members job sharing one portfolio) and one each from the Liberal Democrats and the Grantham Independents.

The current make-up of the Council is:

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.

 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

• South Kesteven Coalition Group 25 (22 Conservatives + 3 South Kesteven Independent Group)

• Democratic Independent Group 8

• Grantham Independent Group 7

• The Independent Group 5

• Green Party 4

• Liberal Democrat 4

• Labour and Co-operative 2

• Independent (unaligned) 1

Be ready to vote!

Two important elections are coming up on Thursday 2nd May 2024 − one in which all eligible voters in Lincolnshire can take part, and the other for the residents of Grantham.

County-wide voting will take place to choose the Police and Crime Commissioner for Lincolnshire, while in Grantham electors will decide who sits on a new Parish Council that will replace the town’s Charter Trustees.

Voters are now required to take photo ID to their polling station.

Eligible voters will receive their polling cards as election day approaches, which will give full details, including the location of their polling station. There will also be opportunities to vote by post or proxy ahead of polling day.

Visit www.southkesteven.gov.uk/elections2024 for more information.

Front cover: Sowing the seeds for Coronation orchards

On a journey to make SKDC more efficient and effective

It is my honour to introduce myself as the new Leader of South Kesteven District Council.

I have represented the Market and West Deeping ward as an Independent councillor since 2015. For most of that time I have been in opposition but since May last year I have been the SK Cabinet Member responsible for Finance and Economic Development.

My goal is to make our Council services more efficient and effective while promoting wellbeing and prosperity across the whole of our District.

As councillors, we make decisions and provide services for everyone, everywhere in the District.

Our vision is set out in the recently published Corporate Plan (see page 4). Our priorities are improvements to communities, housing, the environment, the local economy and the Council.

South Kesteven covers an area of 364 square miles. As one of the Councillors who lives furthest away from the SKDC offices in Grantham, I am well aware of the geographical distance between our four towns as well as the rural parishes between them.

Since May, we have invested in local events and community facilities across the District, not least through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (see pages 6 & 7).

In the years ahead, we will invest in play areas, car parks and housing in order to make our communities more resilient and cohesive.

The physical development of the District, including plans for housing and infrastructure, is

By the Leader of South Kesteven District Council, Cllr Ashley Baxter

defined by our Local Plan. This is reviewed regularly and a new draft Local Plan has recently been published for consultation (see page 18).

I urge all residents and businesses to comment on the content of the plan so that, in the decades ahead, we build the right things in the right places.

As a member of the Lincolnshire Waste Partnership, the Council strives to improve recycling. This has recently resulted in the introduction of a new paper and card collection scheme (see page 20).

I would like to express my thanks to residents for their patience, and attention to detail, as we all get used to the new system which will make a significant improvement to the quality of the materials we collect.

Residents can also help us reduce waste by composting

leaves, grass and garden waste. Where this is not possible, we offer a garden waste collection service (see page 21).

South Kesteven District Council was created almost exactly 50 years ago (see page 15).

The world has changed since then and so it is essential that Council services remain relevant, accessible and focused on the needs of residents, visitors, businesses and community groups.

My journey as Council Leader has only just begun and, no doubt, I will face challenges and unexpected twists and turns along the way.

However, I am sure with the help of my fellow Councillors, the excellent staff of SKDC and the very reasonable residents of the District, we can make South Kesteven a thriving place to live in, work and visit.

Setting out ambitious vision for the future

Anew Corporate Plan that sets out South Kesteven District Council’s ambitions for the District for the next four years has been approved by members.

The Council’s vision is for South Kesteven to be a thriving District to live in, work and visit, and it has prioritised five key areas to underpin and drive this ambition. The five priority areas are:

• Connecting Communities

• Sustainable South Kesteven

• Enabling Economic Opportunity

• Housing

• Effective Council Leader Cllr Ashley Baxter said: “The Corporate Plan plays a key role in ensuring the District is

prepared to face the challenges ahead.

“South Kesteven is a District full of promise and potential and it is the intention of the Council to unlock that potential for a sustainable future.

“This plan is designed to be ambitious, realistic, dynamic and adaptable, with a long-term focus of where we want our District to be.

“It is our blueprint for the next four years, built upon foundations of prudent financial management; the values of #TEAMSK; robust performance management; and collaboration with partners who share our ambitions.

“Residents and businesses can expect to see a continued focus

on our communities; the Council leading the way to achieve net zero; sustainable economic growth; housing that meets the needs of the District; and an effective Council always delivering for local residents.”

To see a copy of the Corporate Plan go to: www.southkesteven. gov.uk/corporateplan

Stamford

The Deepings

Bourne

Grantham

Investment plans to improve Council’s housing stock

Investment in new Council housing, repairs to existing stock and an intensive programme to bring void properties back into use is at the heart of SKDC’s Housing spending plans for 2024-25.

The funding allocation will focus on:

• Helping meet the housing needs of tenants

• Providing new housing

• Enabling those whose independence may be at risk to live in housing that meets their needs

• Supporting investment for affordable warmth for SKDC tenants

• Meeting compliance requirements

The 2024-25 budget sets out spending of the capital programme as the Council responds to the energy crisis and takes action to improve its 6,000-strong stock.

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, Cllr Phil Dilks, said: “We are investing this money to increase and maintain our housing stock, replenish

it where we can and keep it in good order.

“We have inherited a significant backlog in voids –property in between tenancies –which are a huge challenge. We won’t completely solve this in the year ahead, but this will give us a very good start.

“The condition of several of the void properties is poor, so we will make choices on whether to repair and renovate or to sell and replace them with something newer. We are determined to do this, although it remains a real challenge.

“We are also increasing our new-build budget from £8m to £9m to mitigate some of the losses of housing stock from Right to Buy, for which we expect sales of about 45 properties each year.

“It is through this fund that we will be purchasing new-builds by working with developers and buying off-plan.

“The rent we charge is an essential part of our income and pays for repairs and maintenance to Council-owned

properties, the cost of which increases year on year.

“This year’s rent increase is 7.7% on average, in line with Government guidance, and gives an average weekly difference for tenants of £6.93, with the average rent rising to £96.99 per week.”

The figures and forward plan are set against a backdrop of work during the past three years to ensure SKDC’s housing services are fully legally compliant.

Cllr Dilks said: “The Council has come a long way and while the decision by the Regulator of Social Housing in October to remove its Regulatory Notice shows significant progress, we are very aware that there are still improvements to be made.

“The approach to our budget setting has been undertaken in the context of the need to invest further in key service areas.

“We’re on the right path and well set to deliver some of the improvements that are so urgently needed.”

Applications invited for final year of funding programme

The final year of SKDC’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) allocation will prioritise projects supporting local business and people and skills. Applications for funding in 2024/25 are invited in support of projects tackling three key areas:

• Communities and Place

• Supporting Local Business

• People and Skills

Town centres and high streets will be the principal beneficiaries of the communities and place funding, along with support for active travel improvements and relevant feasibility studies.

Business support funding will help development and promotion of the visitor economy.

Projects can include investment in research and development; encouraging collaboration and accelerating paths to market; improving digital technology and artificial intelligence; and development of robotics and autonomous systems.

People and skills projects can include employee support to access courses; employment

support for the economically inactive; and increasing levels of digital inclusion and skills.

Cllr Philip Knowles, chairman of SKDC’s UKSPF Board, said: “We have funded an incredible range of projects over the last two years and have now defined our priorities for the final year.

“Our focus on communities, business and skills sums up what we believe are essential components for the future prosperity and wellbeing of the District.”

For full details:

www.southkesteven.gov.uk/ economic-development

Grants for rural projects

Rural businesses and communities can apply for grants from SKDC’s £540,000 Rural Prosperity Fund.

This is in addition to its main UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) allocation.

Grants can support capital projects for small businesses and community infrastructure that help improve productivity and strengthen the rural economy and rural communities.

Projects, which are required to have completed spending by the end of March 2025, could involve the creation and

expansion of rural leisure and tourism businesses. Other eligible applications could include:

• Funding for resilience infrastructure and naturebased solutions to protect local businesses and community areas from natural hazards

• Equipment for food processing for non-farmerowned businesses

• Activities that enhance physical, cultural and social amenities, improve local green space and heritage assets

The application deadline for May’s meeting of the UKSPF Board is 9am on Monday 15th April 2024.

Funding Spotlight: Inspiring youngsters at half-term

AMove and Food Programme from Inspire+ is delivering a life-changing programme of half-term holiday activities thanks to UKSPF funding.

The programme is free to access for pupils aged five to 16 who receive benefits-related free school meals and meet other eligibility criteria, and provides hot, nutritious meals and healthy snacks during the holidays.

The independent sports and education charity also provides opportunities to be active, access enrichment activities, participate in nutrition workshops, develop cooking skills and make new friends.

Thanks to the funding, more than 1,000 nutritious hot meals have been provided so far. For more information go to: www.inspireplus. org.uk/holiday-camps

Latest awards across South Kesteven

Holy Trinity Church, Allington – £20,000

Installation of disabled toilet facility

Swinstead Village Hall –£19,400

Refurbishment of toilet facilities

North Witham Village Hall – £3,799.84

Replace heating to main hall and entrance hall and add heating to toilets

Great Gonerby Parish Council – £1,400

D-Day community celebration in June

Heritage Trust of Lincolnshire – £1,000

Support to Heritage Open Days and accompanying brochure

St Wulfram’s Church, Grantham – £49,500

Installation of 78 photo-voltaic panels on roof

Stubton Village Hall – £14,335

Replace five windows and three doors

Stamford Art Pop Up – £35,421

Activities and events including family activities, recruitment event, skills development workshops, weekly evening drop-in and activity sessions, youth-led cultural events

Boothby Pagnell Village Hall – £24,000

Installation of photo-voltaic solar panels

Caythorpe & Frieston Parish Council – £23,740

Installation of photo-voltaic solar panels and batteries at playing field pavilion

Claypole Village Hall – £19,620

Installation of newly-configured kitchen

Lawrence Park Recreation Ground – £18,300

Removal of community hall showers and refurbishment of toilets, plus installation of new sinks, flooring and decoration throughout

SKDC – £15,000

Match-funding to create Airborne Forces Visitor Trail across South Kesteven

Bourne Wheelers Cycling Club – £8,000

Festival including cycle races, skateboarding and classic cars, celebrating the history of Bourne

Deeping St James Priory

Church Hall – £4,300

Replacement of the existing heating boiler

Carlby Village Hall – £3,590

Replace front door and fire doors

Corn Exchange Theatre Company – £3,250

Equipment for new Visitor Centre in foyer of Corn Exchange, Stamford

BALM (Bereavement and Loss Matters) Peterborough and Stamford CIC – £1,100

Events to support families following death of a child of any age

Funding Spotlight: Kitchen upgrade opens door to more events

Agrant of almost £20,000 from the South Kesteven UK Prosperity Fund has helped pay for new facilities at a busy village hall.

The kitchen in Claypole Village Hall has been fully refurbished thanks to an award of £19,620 from the fund towards the cost.

The upgrade means the hall can now host food-related events and activities and anyone hiring the venue can provide hot meals for guests or host events such as cooking and baking workshops.

It’s one of the final steps in a long journey of renovation work undertaken at the hall, which celebrated its 100th anniversary last year.

Funding Fair for Bourne

A major District-wide Funding Fair in partnership with the Lincolnshire Community and Voluntary Service will be held in Bourne Corn Exchange on Wednesday March 27th.

Morning and afternoon sessions are available when delegates can meet a wide range of funding providers including The National Lottery, Lincolnshire Co-op, BBC Children In Need and many more.

SKDC Community Engagement and Economic Development staff held a similiar event that proved popular in Grantham covering all Council funding streams.

To book your free place at Bourne, go to: https://bit. ly/49bUjqh

Arnhem anniversary events in line for community grants

Communities planning WWII military commemorations are encouraged to apply to South Kesteven District Council’s SK Community Fund for help.

The fund supports projects, amenities and events of all types. It could include commemorations of September’s 80th anniversary of Arnhem − Operation Market Garden − providing they fit fund criteria.

The airborne offensive has roots within South Kesteven, where thousands of allied forces trained and departed from local airfields.

Since the Community Fund launched in November 2015 it has distributed £748,000 in grants, helping to deliver projects whose total value exceeds £4m.

Cllr Rhea Rayside, SKDC Cabinet Member for People and Communities said: “We are massively proud of the significant contributions that our SK Community Fund make to an extraordinary range of projects and events.

“Our grants make a hugely positive impact on community wellbeing and enjoyment, helping to help make South Kesteven a great place to live.

“Our officers are available to advise on any aspect, including funding searches where projects might not be eligible for our own funding.”

Community groups can apply for up to 80% of eligible costs to a maximum of £5,000, with the remaining 20% as a required contribution.

The small grants scheme can fund 100% costs up to £2,000, with no match funding required but only open to groups holding £10,000 or less of financial resource.

Community Fund enquiries and application forms should be submitted to: communityfund@southkesteven.gov.uk

D-Day commemoration

Communities can also join June’s national D-Day military commemoration campaign with ideas including lighting of beacons, church bell ringing and purchase of a D-Day 80 Lamp of Peace.

The campaign is co-organised by The Normandy Memorial Trust, the Royal Naval Association, ABF The Soldiers Charity, RAF Benevolent Fund and the Merchant Navy Association.

For more information go to: www.d-day80beacons.co.uk

Left to right: UKSPF Programme Manager Hannah Heath, Community Engagement Manager Carol Drury and Community Grants and Funding Officer Victoria Herbert

Thoughts from the Chair

The first Chairman elected to the SK Youth Council, Tashan Mpundu, 17, has big ideas about how to make a difference in our communities across South Kesteven and beyond.

He said: “The Youth Council is a really valuable platform for us to help amplify the voices of young people and put the issues that are important to us at the top of the agenda.

“It has been an honour to work with my peers who are all passionate about driving positive change for everyone.”

Next generation’s insight into world of local government

South Kesteven Youth Council has welcomed 14 new members to represent the views of their generation and help tackle the issues impacting on the District’s young people.

The Youth Council launched in July 2023 as a steering group, ahead of inviting applications for membership over the Christmas break.

Helping to shape how it will work going forward, the steering group decided on three main priorities:

• Mental health

• The environment

• Entrepreneurship

Their first meeting was held in the Council Chamber at St Peter’s Hill, Grantham, in January when the new members were welcomed.

Cllr Rhea Rayside, Cabinet Member for People and Communities, said: “Following some fantastic work by the steering group in establishing

the SK Youth Council, we were delighted to welcome a new cohort of passionate and eager young people, all ready to get stuck into local government.

“The voices of our future generations are really valuable as they help to shape both the local area and the delivery of the services for residents.

“The Youth Council helps amplify those voices and we are all looking forward to seeing what the group can achieve together.”

In-person meetings are held every two months in the Council Chamber giving the young councillors the chance to share their views, collaborate with others and help bring about positive change.

They will also help to consult on policy by reviewing reports and talking to policy-makers.

Young people interested in contacting the Youth Council to put forward ideas for discussion can do so by emailing youthcouncil@southkesteven.gov.uk

Tashan Mpundu

CCTV team plays major role in fight against crime

South Kesteven District Council’s highperforming CCTV team continues to receive accolades for its crime-busting work in partnership with Lincolnshire Police.

A round-the-clock service and quick-thinking operators have provided intelligence and camera footage to assist with everything from murder investigations to shoplifting, anti-social behaviour and bad driving. They have even helped save lives.

The central monitoring unit in Grantham operates more than 70 cameras covering public open spaces in Grantham, Stamford, Bourne, Market Deeping and Deeping St James.

The team will soon relocate to a new base in Grantham Police Station, strengthening a close working relationship.

Cabinet Member for People and Communities, Cllr Rhea Rayside, said: “We are incredibly proud of our amazing and dedicated CCTV team.

“Their work is invaluable in keeping the District safe and the testimonials and accolades are public recognition of the service the team provides.”

The CCTV unit is a 24/7 operation with nine operators who are part of SKDC’s 16-strong Community Safety Team. They work alongside the Neighbourhoods Team as a frontline service tackling anti-social behaviour and crime.

From highlighting suspicious activity on CCTV to educating local businesses and building rapport with young people, the Community Safety Team has disrupted and highlighted potential incidents of exploitation.

Cameras pick up an extraordinary range of footage. In one incident last year a man was seen in apparent distress. Police officers were dispatched and performed life-saving CPR until an ambulance arrived.

Praise where it’s due...

“A CCTV operator managed to locate a vehicle coming into the town which was suspected of being involved in firing a weapon at people in the street. She was able to monitor the vehicle whilst requesting police attendance.

“Thanks to her quick thinking and dedication we were able to stop the vehicle, recover the weapon and arrest the suspect.”

Lincolnshire Police Officer

“I have worked with the SKDC Community Safety Team, most notably the CCTV aspect, on and off for over 20 years. My team are in contact with the CCTV operatives numerous times a day and rely heavily on the support, information and evidence they provide.

“The team has a dynamic and forward thinking atmosphere, driving problem solving plans and actions to the betterment of the community.”

Lincolnshire Police Inspector

New appointment bringing Safer Streets a step closer

Anew Safer Streets CoOrdinator has started work to help bring reassurance to people across South Kesteven.

The 18-month project came from a successful bid by SKDC for £172,000 of Government money to fund a series of initiatives, with a further £93,000 from the Council.

Peter Harrison, who started in the role at the end of January, said: "I know the area well, having worked in different service areas of the Council for over 30 years.

“I have already started to get our projects off the ground and will be working alongside local venues, the police, public, businesses, charities and volunteer groups, as well as statutory agencies to make a difference to safety and how safe people actually feel.”

Immediate work includes extending the Pub Watch Scheme, providing training for

staff operating the Ask for Angela initiative, where people feeling threatened in a public setting can seek help from bar staff or waiters.

Establishing a Home Safe scheme, to enable anyone who feels vulnerable or under threat to get home safely, is also a priority.

Other measures include:

• Protection against drink spiking with Drinksafe covers

• Anti-spiking bottle stoppers and test kits

• Organisation of selfdefence classes

• Provision of personal alarms and torches to women and girls to support safe journeys home

Cabinet Member for People and Communities, Cllr Rhea Rayside, said: “These initiatives will help improve the night-time economy in Grantham by making the area feel safer for those out and about.

“Home Safe is an extension of Ask for Angela, to give venue

operators another option to help anyone who appears to be vulnerable or under threat and has no way to remove themselves from a situation.”

Around 48 CCTV cameras will be upgraded or replaced. An increase in CCTV staffing covering weekend evenings is planned, to help prevent and detect crime within the night-time economy.

There will be more nighttime and weekend patrols from SKDC’s neighbourhoods and licensing officers as a visible deterrent.

The overall initiative is mainly to cover Grantham but further patrols in hotspot areas across South Kesteven will be conducted where necessary.

District-wide work includes gathering intelligence to disrupt county lines, child exploitation and violence against women and girls, all closely linked to the night-time economy.

Safer Streets Co-Ordinator Peter Harrison (above) is pictured practising selfdefence techniques with SKDC colleague Beth Goodman.

Your Council Tax bill for 2024/25 explained C

ouncil Tax is used to fund public services provided by the tiers of local government in Lincolnshire (district, county and parish councils) as well as Lincolnshire Police.

Some services, such as dealing with anti-social behaviour, are provided by organisations working in partnership while others such as play equipment can be provided by more than one council. For example, street lighting can be provided by county, district and parish councils.

The cost and breakdown of your Council Tax is included

in your individual bill that is sent to you in early March.

This sets out the funding Lincolnshire County Council, the Police and Crime Commissioner (Lincolnshire Police), South Kesteven District Council, and your town or parish council predict they will need to meet the costs of services they provide in 2024-25.

The District Council collects this money on behalf of each of these organisations, holding on to around 9% of the total to pay for services it provides for you.

To find out how much you are asked pay towards the costs of public services provided in your local area (not including the NHS), take a look at your Council Tax bill.

Residents of Grantham will see a line on their bill for the precept levied to meet the costs of Grantham Parish Council which is being formed following extensive consultation.

The Parish Council precept will replace the Grantham Charter Trustees precept and will be used to fund services provided for the town.

Business Rates

Business Rates are a tax on commercial properties paid by businesses. They are collected locally.

How much each business pays depends on the rateable value of their premises, which is decided by the Valuation Office Agency.

SKDC keeps a portion of the income it collects from Business Rates. The remainder goes back to the Government and is then re-distributed to other authorities based on need. In 2024/25 the Council is on track to collect £41.5m in Business Rates of which £4m will be retained locally.

Government Grants

There are two categories of Government Grants: Specific grants − where money is awarded to the Council to fund specific purposes or projects, and core funding which is grant paid to fund services at a local level. In the current financial year SKDC received £2.3m in government grant. £4m

Business Rates

District Council pays for Business Rates that it collects. To see how it all interlinks

Changes to your bill

South Kesteven District Council has agreed an increase in Council Tax of 3% for 2024/25. This means an average increase of £5.31 for a ‘Band D’ property.

Households in other bands will see the SKDC element of their bill increase by a proportion related the amount as illustrated opposite.

This diagram shows how South Kesteven

£33.4m £4.1m £41.5m

This is income the Council gets by charging for various discretionary services including car parking, arts centres, green waste collection, and processing planning applications. In 2024/25 we expect approximately £8m of our income to come from fees and charges.

£2.3m £8m £8m £78.5m £105.1m Council

Tax Used

for the services it provides and what happens to most of the Council Tax and interlinks and how your contribution helps, follow the arrows.

Tax

Council Tax is paid by householders living in South Kesteven and applies to domestic properties. Properties are categorised into one of eight bands based on property banding valuations and it is this banding that determines how much a householder will pay. The amount the Council can increase Council Tax is restricted by limits set by Government.

A household in a Band A property would pay 6/9ths of the Band D amount − about £3.54 more per year. This would mean the District Council element of your bill would increase on average from £119.05 to £122.59.

A household in a Band D property would pay 9/9ths of the Band D amount − £5.31 more per year.

This would mean the District Council element of your bill would increase on average from £178.58 to £183.89.

A household in a Band H property would pay 18/9ths of the Band D amount − £10.62 more per year.

This would mean the District Council element of your bill would increase on average from £357.16 to £367.78.

Fees

Lincolnshire County Council

Lincolnshire Police & Crime Commisioner

Town & Parish Councils

Fees and Charges

Energy efficiency makes savings on street lights

More than 3,100 street lights operated by South Kesteven District Council will be upgraded in a £1m energy-saving scheme.

The investment will pay for itself in less than four years and will enable the Council to keep the lights on through the night.

Street lighting is the single largest area of electricity consumption for the Council and accounts for just over 4% of SKDC’s total carbon emissions.

Council Leader Cllr Ashley Baxter said: “We’re speeding up the implementation of this upgrade to maximise the savings from energy reduction

by using new LED bulbs. These will stay on all night, although we are making further savings by dimming them between midnight and 6am.

“The whole stock of existing street lights should be upgraded within 18 months and a tenyear warranty will also allow the Council to reduce maintenance costs.

SKDC operates 3,893 street lights within the District that are predominantly for lighting footways. Street lighting provided for highways is mostly managed by Lincolnshire County Council and some are turned off between midnight and 6am.

District tourism bounces back

Tourism in South Kesteven is bucking the county trend with positive news on both visitor numbers and its contribution to the local economy.

South Kesteven District Council’s second annual Tourism Venues Networking Event heard that in 2022 the District attracted more than 3m visitors – an increase of 15% on the previous year.

The economic impact in the District was £218m, up almost a third from £168m.

SKDC Leader Cllr Ashley Baxter thanked all those within the industry who had helped achieve a post-Covid bounceback.

He said, “Tourism is going

places. To help, we are offering a wealth of grant opportunities for those in visitor economy from our UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocation.

“Our first annual tourism networking event last year was a great opportunity to get people together in the room. This, our second, is the chance to build on that.”

Key visitor attractions including Easton Walled

Gardens, Belton House and Fulbeck Craft Workshops were represented at the event, where it was announced that Destination Lincolnshire has been accredited by Government as an official Local Visitor Economy Partnership.

The accreditation gives the partnership the chance to work with Visit England to develop tourism across the county.

Commemorating 50 years of serving communities

South Kesteven District Council celebrates its golden anniversary in April this year.

Along with most local authorities in England and Wales, the Council was formed in April 1974 following the Local Government Act of 1972.

The Act restructured local government and reduced the number of councils in England from 1,000 to just 412. Five former districts from the administrative county of Kesteven were united to form South Kesteven District Council.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Ashley Baxter, said: “We are delighted to commemorate our 50th anniversary in April.

“It provides an ideal opportunity for the Council and residents to celebrate our fantastic District and acknowledge the contributions of so many people to life in South Kesteven.

“For 50 years, this Council has proudly served our towns and villages and we will continue to deliver high quality services for the people who live, work and visit here.”

To celebrate the milestone, the

Council has been working with local historians to gather material from archives and learn about historical moments to form a timeline of the past 50 years.

The timeline aims to record community memories and to create a time capsule for future generations to discover.

To accompany the display, school children have been busy decorating gold bunting depicting their favourite things about where they live.

Golden roses will also be planted to mark the special occasion.

Residents are encouraged to share their memories and photographs by using the social media hasthag #SKDC50

Or by emailing: FiftyYears@ southkesteven.gov.uk

Mayor Paul Jones hands over the town mace as Grantham Borough Council gives way to South Kesteven District Council

Historic photograph of the exterior of Westgate Hall, Grantham

St Peters Hill, Grantham in the 1950's with the Picture House on the left - the namesake of the current SKDC offices

An advert appearing in an issue of the Grantham Journal from March 1974 informing of changes to the organisation of the Council

Seeds sown for creation of more than 30 new orchards

Communities across South Kesteven can apply for funding to plant a network of mini-orchards.

The District Council has successfully applied to the Coronation Living Heritage fund to create up to 31 new orchards.

Parish councils and community groups can apply for up to £1,500 to plant a minimum of five fruit trees on publicly accessible sites with protective spirals and canes, information signs and protective fencing as required.

Applications are also invited from Parent/Teacher Associations with public accessible space, and planting could be particularly popular for schools with an Eco Schools Green Flag Award.

Cllr Rhea Rayside, SKDC Cabinet Member for

Communities and People, said: “We know how valuable trees are and we are delighted to have secured this Coronation Living Heritage funding to help create new orchards across South Kesteven.

“As well as helping us to withstand climate change, help carbon sequestration, filtering of pollution and provision of healthy organic fruit, these orchards will be a very special reminder to communities of the accession of King Charles lll.”

The choice of fruit trees is down to local preferences, but successful applicants will need to outline plans for aftercare of the orchard to ensure they are maintained permanently.

There are two funding rounds in which can groups and organisations can submit their bids with closing dates of 28th

June and 27th September 2024. Planting is expected to start in November, with all projects to be completed, complete with dedication events, by the end of March 2025.

For more information or to request an application form and details on the criteria for funding please contact the Community Engagement Team at communityengagement@ southkesteven.gov.uk

Planting project to honour wartime airborne forces

Athousand eye-catching maroon tulips have been planted at local WWII sites as part of a growing international Airborne Tulip Memorials trail.

The planting, funded by SKDC, adds to a floral trail honouring men of the British 1st Airborne Division.

Many trained locally and flew from RAF Barkston Heath and RAF Saltby for Operation Market Garden − the Battle of Arnhem − in September 1944.

Tulips, colour-matching the distinctive beret worn by the Parachute Regiment, will commemorate the 80th anniversary of Arnhem.

The Council's Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Richard Dixon-Warren, said: “This trail is a reflective way to remember the District’s role in this operation and the heroism and sacrifice of so many.”

Caythorpe Primary School pupils planted bulbs at St Vincent’s Church in the village, which is a shrine to airborne forces.

At Harlaxton Manor, American students planted tulips around the 1st Battalion commemorative roundel that recognises the US Troop Carrier Command transport role from airfields around Grantham.

Planting sites included Grantham’s Heroes Commemorative Orchard, Easton Walled Gardens − men of 2nd Battalion who fought at Arnhem under Col John Frost were billeted at Easton Hall − and Stoke Rochford Parish Church where they worshipped.

Tulips will also bloom at Grimsthorpe Castle, wartime HQ for 1st Battalion, the former RAF Saltby and Fulbeck Manor.

ABOVE: American students with Cllr Richard Dixon-Warren (kneeling) and Harlaxton Estates Manager Andrew Potter

RIGHT: The Rev Sara Davis, WO2 Ian Chick and Caythorpe Primary School children

Consultation offers opportunity to shape key planning document

An eight-week consultation period offering residents the chance to help shape the future of South Kesteven is under way.

The Council’s Local Plan for 2011-2036 was adopted in January 2020, with a commitment to an early review allowing the Council to consider changes in local housing requirements and provide an update on the provision of employment land and Gypsy and Traveller accommodation. The review will take the plan forward to 2041.

The Local Plan provides a vision for creating sustainable development and planning policies as well as identifying potential sites.

SKDC Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, Cllr Phil Dilks, said: “We would encourage residents to help shape this key document so we can guarantee a Local Plan that addresses the issues we face and takes account of social, environmental and economic factors.”

The review takes into account the Government’s proposed new method for calculating local housing need, which identifies

Stakeholders can hear all about the proposed changes to South Kesteven’s Local Plan in two online public engagement events led by senior planning officers.

Assistant Director of Planning and Growth Emma Whittaker and Planning Policy Manager Shaza Brannon will present information about the plan and respond to questions.

They will be broadcast

that 701 new homes are required in South Kesteven each year so that by 2041, 14,020 new homes would need to be built.

Cllr Dilks said: “The Government’s National Planning Policy Framework determines

housing need, not local authorities, and we need to acknowledge that more land for housing is needed than what is in the current Local Plan.

“This review therefore proposes land allocations for housing and employment, on which we welcome your views.”

live on the Council’s Public-I channel at https://bit.ly/ sk-public-i and anyone can watch. There will be an opportunity to submit written questions during each session.

Cllr Dilks, said: “It’s vital that as many people as possible have the chance to understand and comment on the proposals.

“We want South Kesteven to be a thriving District to live in, work and visit, and the Local

As part of an assessment of housing and employment land availability developers, landowners, agents, and the public were invited to submit potential sites and those suitable have been included.

Cllr Dilks said: “We have an adopted Local Plan in place which provides a robust development framework for growth. This consultation provides an opportunity for the community and other key stakeholders to let us know their thoughts.”

The quickest and easiest way to provide comments is online using the consultation portal at www.southkesteven.gov.uk/ localplanreview where more information is available.

If you are unable to respond online please send your comments to planningpolicy@ southkesteven.gov.uk or by post to Planning Policy Team, South Kesteven District Council, Council Offices, The Picture House, St Catherine’s Road, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 6TT.

All comments must be received by Thursday 25th April 2024.

Plan has a major role to play in achieving that vision.”

Event 1: Wednesday 20th March 2024, 7.30pm-9.30pm

• Introduction to the Local Plan and the consultation

• Housing and employment

• Infrastructure

Event 2: Thursday 11th April 2024, 7.30pm-9.30pm

• Introduction to the Local Plan and the consultation

• Climate Change & Energy

• Environment

New appointment to steer economic development

ADistrict with huge potential and an exciting future that’s how the Council’s new Head of Economic Development and Inward Investment views South Kesteven.

Adding that to the District’s great infrastructure, distinctive market towns, rural beauty, excellent road and rail links and new housing, Nick Hibberd’s focus is on helping SKDC realise its full potential.

He said: “Economic Development is front and centre of the Council’s new Corporate Plan, helped by significant funding streams such as the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

“This is a District with so much going for it. We now want to move forward to develop the opportunities for growth, particularly with creation of high skilled and better paid jobs.

“We have available sites for commercial development to attract new companies moving in and quality stakeholders who want to help to help deliver on our aspirations.”

Partnership delivers professional service on building regulations

Anyone who needs advice and support about building regulations should contact the experts at East Midlands Building Consultancy (EMBC).

The award-winning local authority  building control partnership is a collaboration between South Kesteven, Newark and Sherwood and Rushcliffe councils.

Its experienced and trusted team works on a non-profit basis delivering guidance through the whole building regulations process, from initial advice to application and completion.

The service helps anyone planning building work, from home or business owners to builders, with EMBC officers advising, checking plans and carrying out site inspections quickly and efficiently.

The scope of building regulations extends to new builds, extensions, structural alterations, garage or loft conversions, renovations, window or door replacements and commercial building work.

Cllr Phil Dilks, SKDC Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, said: “It’s important to remind people that they may need building regulation approval even if they don’t need planning approval, and vice versa.

“We are fortunate to have such a professional team that knows the District well and helps make the whole building project run that much smoother, whether it’s on a small or large scale.”

Projects that building regulations apply to include:

• Erecting or extending a building

• Making material changes to a building with structural alterations

• Extending or altering a controlled service, such as installing a toilet

• Changing a building’s fundamental use EMBC has published e-books on a range of topics and can signpost clients to a wealth of useful information and contacts.

For more information about EMBC’s work go to www.eastmidlandsbc.com or call 03330 038132.

Children at Harlaxton and Denton Primary School share the Right Thing Right Bin message

Update on twin-stream recycling initiative

SKDC has now completed two paper and card recycling collections − so the time is right to say a massive “thank-you” to everyone who has embraced the new scheme so quickly.

All dry, clean, waste paper and cardboard should go into your new purple-lidded wheeled bin, if you have one. Those without bins who use our pink and clear bag collections should continue to do so on their monthly mixed recycling day.

Clean, dry recycling (glass bottles, plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays, metal tins and cans) should be put loose in the silver bin. Please do not use plastic bags, even bin bags, before putting them in the bin, because we can no longer collect them.

A temporary suspension of the rejection of Silver bins was introduced to further assist households in getting used to what goes in which bin – and residents are now being asked to continue their separation of recycling.

Children from Harlaxton and Denton Primary School near Grantham have also got on board, and you can view their recycling message on YouTube at http://tinyurl.com/Harlax

SKDC Cabinet Members for Waste and Environment, Cllrs Patsy Ellis and Rhys Baker, said: “It is so important that the whole of our community learns about the importance of recycling and the difference it can make to our planet.

“Thank you so much for supporting the scheme to improve the quality and rate of our recycling. We rely on householders to put the Right Thing in the Right Bin, which means that your support is invaluable.”

South Kesteven is the fifth Lincolnshire district to rollout the twin-stream recycling collections.

In those districts, around 90% of all the recycling put into bins at home is exactly the right materials - and that is the aim in South Kesteven.

Please note that the Council is now unable to take any additional material, known as side waste, (including cardboard) placed next to any of your bins, whether in bags or not.

This needs to be disposed of at your nearest Household Waste Recycling Centre. Bins must be put at the kerbside by 7.30am on your collection day.

Some of the most common things found in recycling bins that shouldn’t be are:

• Soft plastics like films and bags: These should be taken to a recycling point at the supermarket or put in your black general waste bin. Please don’t put recycling in bin bags.

• Electrical items and batteries: These can cause a fire in our refuse lorries so please take them to a recycling centre or battery recycling point at supermarkets.

• Textiles and clothes: Donate these to a charity shop, or take them to a clothes bank or recycling centre.

• Takeaway boxes: The grease seeps into the cardboard fibres and affects the quality of recycling, so please put them in your black bin rather than either recycling bin.

Here are some useful web links for more information:

Answers to your FAQs: www.southkesteven.gov. uk/PCFAQ

Check bin collection day: www.southkesteven.gov. uk/bincollectionday

What goes in which bin: www.southkesteven.gov. uk/whichbin

How to recycle: www. southkesteven.gov.uk/ recyclinglist

Home composting: www. southkesteven.gov.uk/ composting

Recycling centres: www. lincolnshire.gov.uk/ recycling-waste

Purple-lidded Wheelie Bin

Paper and cardboard

Processed at a dedicated paper mill

Silver Wheelie Bin

Recycling items

Processed at a recycling plant in Lincolnshire

Glass bottles

Black Wheelie Bin

General waste

Majority turned into electricity in Lincoln

Soft plastics e.g. crisp packets, sweet wrappers, food pouches, plastic bags, film, food wrapping, pet food bags

Food waste Kitchen roll/wipes/ tissues/nappies Takeaway packaging

Shredded paper (bagged)/wet or dirty paper & card Paper (no glue/paint) Cardboard tubes/boxes Food packaging boxes Cardboard egg boxes Envelopes with/ without plastic windows

No thanks

No thanks

• Takeaway pizza/food boxes

• Shredded paper

• Tissues/wipes/kitchen roll

Books

• Cigarette packets Wrapping paper (glittery/foil)

• Soft plastics e.g. film/crisp packets/food pouches/plastic bags

• Paper & cardboard

• Batteries or electrical items

• Polystyrene

• Clothes/textiles

• Hard plastics e.g. old toys/plant pots

• Black or brown plastic food trays

Sign up for SKDC’s garden waste service

It’s time to sign up or renew your garden bin collection scheme membership.

SKDC will be starting fortnightly collections for the 2024/25 scheme from Monday 1st April, so take steps now to save time, money and hassle with your garden waste.

The cost of the Council’s garden waste collection scheme is £51 for the year, a value-formoney service at only £2.22 per collection.

Benefits of using the service include the environmental gain from recycling garden waste and the convenience of not having to take it to a recycling centre. Last year more than 28,500 customers joined the service.

Cabinet Members for Environment and Waste, Cllrs Rhys Baker and Patsy Ellis, said: “We would advocate home composting in the first instance, as the most environmentallyfriendly and natural way to dispose of garden waste.

“We know that many people do not have the space for this, which is why SKDC operates an opt-in green bin service paid for only by those who use it.

Subscribers pay just one annual fee, and there is no limit to the number of garden waste bins they can buy.

Details and what to do next can be found at www. southkesteven.gov.uk/ greenbin

No thanks

• Batteries/disposable vapes

• Electrical items

• Hot ashes

• Hazardous waste e.g. gas cylinders, asbestos

plants

Polystyrene packaging/ bubble wrap Junk mail Newspapers/ magazines Household packaging Greetings cards and wrapping paper (no foil or glitter)

NON-RECYCLABLE ITEMS CLEAN, DRY AND LOOSE CLEAN, DRY AND LOOSE Anything wet or damp please place in black bin Squash cans and plastic bottles No electricals Flatpack all boxes and remove as much tape as possible. Staples in magazines are acceptable.

Leaves and bark Twigs and small branches

No bags

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.

HEY BEATLES

SATURDAY 23RD MARCH, 7:30PM

BOURNE CORN EXCHANGE

Music

Welcome to the ultimate Beatles experience! Hey Beatles, have mastered the timeless classics of the legendary Fab Four, and we are proud to bring their music to life for audiences of all ages. Whether you're a die-hard fan looking to reminisce or a new listener discovering the band's music for the first time, Hey Beatles are guaranteed to leave you singing and dancing to the Beatles' greatest hits.

n TICKETS: £13.50 standard

WHOLE LOTTA SHAKIN’ – THE SHAKIN’ STEVENS STORY

SATURDAY 23RD MARCH, 7:30PM

GUILDHALL ARTS CENTRE

THEATRE

Music

Fully endorsed by members of Shaky's own family, the AwardWinning tribute to the UK's biggest selling singles artist of the 1980's -

WHOLE LOTTA SHAKIN'- THE SHAKIN' STEVENS STORY is a nostalgic celebration, jam packed with feel-good Rock 'n' Roll! Performing as Shakin' Stevens, West End star Rebel Dean will guide you through a full audio-visual spectacular with his live band, including rare footage and images which tell the story of the rockin' Welsh boy and his rise to chart-topping superstardom.

n TICKETS: £25 standard

MARTIN HARLEY

FRIDAY 5TH APRIL, 7:30PM

STAMFORD ARTS CENTRE

BALLROOM

Music

Martin Harley has been making music and touring the world for over two decades. His sound has never been more down to earth. Exploring roots, blues and slide guitar in a style The Guardian referred to as ‘Spellbinding’, Harley has released nine albums to date, four recorded on home soil and four across the Atlantic in Texas and Nashville. Martin's solo shows are known for mixing excellent musicianship and songwriting with a down to earth sense of humour and tales of 3 decades of world travel.

n TICKETS: £18 (£16)

THE MUSEUM OF MARVELLOUS THINGS

WEDNESDAY 10TH APRIL, 2:30PM

STAMFORD ARTS CENTRE THEATRE

Family

Discover stars in jars, catch moons like balloons, dance with Doo-Dahs in cages, sing with Noo-Nahs on stages. Because this is a museum like no other – it’s made from the magic of YOUR imagination – and you get to bring it alive. With giant puppets, magical effects, interactive storytelling, LIVE original music and a chance to make your own special puppet, this is a fun-filled family show based on the picture book by Kristina Stephenson.

n TICKETS: £8 (£6) £24 Family of 4

GAIL PORTER – HUNG, DRAWN AND PORTERED

THURSDAY 11TH APRIL, 7:30PM

GUILDHALL ARTS CENTRE THEATRE

Comedy

Gail has just completed 31 sold out shows at The Edinburgh Fringe and is now taking her hilarious standup show on tour. "Has anyone here been sectioned?" TV presenter Gail Porter jokily asks her audience. Famed for her vibrancy as well as mental health struggles, she has turned to comedy to take control of her own story. Comedy is a new venture for Gail and the show documents her life experiences.

n TICKETS: £15 - £30

DEAN FRIEDMAN IN CONCERT

FRIDAY 3RD MAY, 7:30PM

STAMFORD ARTS CENTRE BALLROOM Music

Hailed by critics and fans alike as a one of the finest songwriters of his generation, Dean Friedman has achieved legendary, pop-icon status for chart-topping hits, Ariel, Lucky Stars, Lydia, McDonald’s Girl and more. Following Friedman's sold-out, 40th Anniversary Tour, Friedman returns to the stage armed with a stunning collection of his insightful and compelling, true-tolife ‘story songs’ - songs of pathos and humour that deal with family, friends, neighbours, work and the seemingly trivial, yet ultimately essential stuff of everyday life.

n TICKETS: £29.50 standard

THE MUSEUM OF MARVELLOUS THINGS LYR

THE NICK ROSS ORCHESTRA –D-DAY CONCERT

FRIDAY 31ST MAY, 7:30PM

GUILDHALL ARTS CENTRE

Music

A very special concert to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings along the Normandy coast during World War II. There are those who watch and listen who tap a shy finger to the melodies, others who follow with a silent foot-beat, still others who murmur softly through the lyrics and those who simply permit a fleeting smile. But common to all are memories. 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 1940s & 50s.

n TICKETS: £27.50 (£25)

OLD TIME SAILORS

WEDNESDAY 12TH JUNE, 7:30PM

GUILDHALL ARTS CENTRE

THEATRE

Music

Ahoy there! You are invited to board the Sailorette and join the plentiful crew, 'The Old Time Sailors', for a night of footstomping, dancing and singing! You will be sailing back to the 19th century for an immersive experience of traditional seafaring music performed in a way you have never seen before. The Motley Crew and their plethora of traditional and eclectic instruments will take you back to the time of clashing tankards, and drunken debauchery.

n TICKETS: £20 (£18)

LYR

FRIDAY 14TH JUNE, 7:30PM

STAMFORD ARTS CENTRE

BALLROOM

Music

LYR are Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, singer-songwriter Richard Walters, and multi-instrumentalist/ producer Patrick James Pearson. Formed in 2018, LYR are now a firmly established part of the contemporary music scene, with regular radio airplay across the networks, a critically acclaimed debut album, Call In The Crash Team, and over two million streams to their name. They have appeared at many major festivals over the past three years including Green Man and Blu Dot and completed UK tours and sell-out events at venues such as the Howard Assembly Rooms in Leeds.

n TICKETS: £20 standard

SOUTH KESTEVEN Disc����

Grimsthorpe Castle

Grimsthorpe Castle, Grimsthorpe, Bourne PE10 0LY. To plan a visit to this amazing castle, park and gardens, book online: www.grimsthorpe.co.uk

Easton Walled Gardens

Easton Walled Gardens, Grantham NG33 5AP, PE10 0LG. Discover the peaceful grounds of Easton Walled Gardens! Visit their website: www.visiteaston.co.uk

Woolsthorpe Manor

Woolsthorpe Manor House, Newton Way, Woolsthorpe-byColsterworth, NG33 5NR. To learn all about the exciting events happening at Woolsthorpe Manor visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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

Stamford Sights and Secret Tours

Walks start the Stamford Arts Centre, 27 St Mary's St, Stamford PE9 2DL. Bring the past to life for all ages, find out when their walks take place online: www.stamforssightsand secretstours.com

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OLD TIME SAILORS

GRIMSTHORPE CASTLE