Hot topics

On 10th January, Lincolnshire County Council made a decision to change the distance residents will have to travel to their nearest waste disposal site from 7 miles to 12 miles (as the crow flies). This means that both Leadenham and Whisby sites face possible closure with residents forced to make longer and more expensive journeys to Lincoln, Sleaford or Grantham.

A number of local Parish Councils have voiced their concerns as the review of these sites by L.C.C. was not publicly known and more importantly the residents who use these services have not been consulted for their views. Many Parish Councils are supporting the retention of these sites in some form as they provide an important service to our rural communities and without them fly-tipping could increase significantly. Residents are being urged to register their support to keep Leadenham and Whisby open by writing or e-mailing the Councillors and Officers dealing with this matter at Lincolnshire County Council. A decision is expected to be made on the budget on 17th February so please make your comments known quickly and well before this date.

Please contact the following:- County Councillor Lewis Strange

Portfolio Holder for Waste Services & Green Issues

Lincolnshire County Council, County Offices, Newland, Lincoln. LN1 1YL

e-mail: Cllrc.strange@lincolnshire.gov.uk

Sean Kent – Waste Officer L.C.C. e-mail: Sean.kent@lincolnshire.gov.uk

County Councillor Martin Hill e-mail: cllrm.hill@lincolnshire.gov.uk

Leader of Lincolnshire County Council

A petition has been introduced at Troops Garage in Leadenham where residents can also register their support. Please go and sign!

Recycling Facilities To Close?

Below is a response from Councillor Strange Lincolnshire County Council Waste Management Department after concerns were expressed by residents following details in the last issue of the Witham Staple.

Dear Resident

Thank you for getting in touch about your concerns regarding the county’s Household Waste Recycling Centres.

As you are aware, due to the national economic situation, the County Council has to find substantial savings to help restore the national finances. Wherever possible, we have tried to protect vital services such as road gritting, and the protection of vulnerable people and children. However, this does require some difficult decisions to be taken. We are determined to maintain the county’s excellent recycling rates, as well as providing adequate household waste recycling centres for the convenience of residents. As part of our current budget consideration, we are thinking of changing the hours of opening at all our sites, as well as being mindful of those sites that have the best performance in terms of cost and recycling rates.

Leadenham, which is managed on our behalf by a contractor, is expensive to run. It costs £108,600 per year for a three day week and has a recycling rate of 50.2% compared with the average recycling rate across other sites in Lincolnshire of 74%.

Whisby is expensive to run, costing £183,020 per year for a 5.5 day week and has a recycling rate of 44.8% compared with the average recycling rate across other sites in Lincolnshire of 74%.

Residents will still be able to use Sleaford, Lincoln and Grantham sites. I know that this potential news is probably unwelcome to you, but we feel that it is a necessary alteration in order to protect other important services which we know are valued. I thank you for your contribution and your views and others will be taken fully into account when we make our decision. We will also be consulting with parish councils and other interested parties.

Yours sincerely Councillor Lewis Strange

Executive Portfolio Holder, Waste Management and Green Issues

[WS Feb 2012]

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Chapel Heritage Project

As is widely known, the Bassingham Methodist Chapel and former School Room (Heritage Room) are being prepared for sale, probably as a single lot. Bassingham Village Hall and Playing Field Committee is pleased to report that Mr Darren Booker, of Focus Consultants, has identified an opportunity to bid for funds to acquire these cherished buildings for the village. Under his guidance, the Committee has submitted an application for funding a feasibility study into purchasing and converting the buildings for a wide range of community activities. Of course, these are early days and a successful outcome is not guaranteed. We should know more by the end of February. Meanwhile, the Methodist Church has been informed of our interest and the actions taken.

[WS Feb 2011]

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The Hub - Bassingham Community and Sports Centre

Hammond Hall & Sports Centre held its well-attended Grand Opening Saturday 16th October at 3.30pm.

Well done to everyone involved! The community really appreciates it!

Work Started on Monday 29th March 2010

progress made as of 13th June 2010

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Spate of Thefts in Bassingham Summer 2009

We are currently experiencing a spate of theft from motor vehicles. Below are a few tips on how to keep your car/vehicle and contents secure:
 Don't leave things on display - it's a prime invitation for passers-by. If you can, take your belongings with you. If you can't, lock them out of sight in the boot at the beginning of your journey.
 Lock your doors, windows, boot and sunroof EVERY time you leave your car - even if you're parked on your own driveway.
 Keep your keys in a safe place at all times and remove the ignition key every time you leave the vehicle. It only takes a few seconds for someone to jump into your car and drive away.
 Fit an immobiliser, either electronic or mechanical (such as a steering wheel or gear stick lock). You could also think about an approved car alarm if you haven't already got one.
 Fit a removable stereo or one with a front that can be taken off. Consider marking this with the Vehicle Registration Number or other unique identifying number.
 Arrange to have the Vehicle Registration Number etched onto all glass surfaces including the side windows and headlamps. Or consider using the last 7 digits of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or some other unique identifying number, etched in this way.
 When parking put your aerial down to stop it being snapped off.
 Keep valuables out of sight when driving. Thieves can steal items from your car while you are stationary or in slow moving traffic.
 If you have a garage - use it and lock it! How many of you have got £50 worth of rubbish in the garage and £10,000 worth of car outside on the drive?
 Always try to park in a well-lit, open location. When parking in a public car park look for one that is well supervised, with restricted entry and exit points, good lighting and security cameras. Avoid dark corners.
Please be extra vigilant and report anything you deem is suspicious.

[WS Sep 2009]

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End of An Era - Closure of Aubourn's "Hut"

Almost 85 years ago a Village Hall committee was formed at Aubourn the “Hut”, as it was then called, has closed, the contents sold and assets distributed. Built by public subscription, an ex services hut from Waddington purchased at a cost £1 per foot, initially 50x15 feet, opening on 4th April 1923 with a concert. The hall was the centre of much activity, villagers paying a subscription could visit the hall on most days of the week for a variety of activities ranging from Billiards to Whist drives and much between. The first record of a non committee event being the renting of the hall “to the football team for selection of team, committee meetings, dressing rooms for £1 per annum”. Minute books are a mine of information on associated activities, for example on more than one occasion sporting facilities have been set up and run by clubs and other bodies which at a later date have had to be taken under the wing of the management committee at the hall, examples include tennis courts, cricket and football. With the changing times and the diversity of other entertainments growing the activity slowly eroded with virtually all regular activities decaying away. Aubourn over 60’s club closing in 2005 the last of the longstanding hall users. Over recent years the committee endeavoured to maintain a range of events, including plant sales, coffee mornings, firework display on 5th November, summer gala, an autumn entertainment night and the free annual Christmas party for the younger children in the villages of Aubourn & Haddington. Other events were private lettings and for a while the villages benefited from the re-formation of the youth club. Other events, including the 100 club plus the support villagers gave. The Royal Oak Public house who helped the committee to run a fortnightly quiz with all proceeds to support the hall and provided sandwiches for free.

Why the closure? The disability access act combined with the growing list of necessary repairs was beyond the ability of the committee and villagers to fund. Over time one or the other may have been achievable, but not both. There was no point in raising and spending monies to comply with the access act if the hall was still unusable due to necessary repairs. Although there are various sources of grant aid which may have been available the Hall was excluded from applying as the committee could not show any form of ownership or tenure. (Whilst there are several references to land being given, and additional land given, to the management committee e.g. minutes 21st February 1947 refer to “ ground being given in July 1925 by the late Mr G H Nevile for a tennis court” no legal documents can be found. Strangely the committee granted a lease to the Director of Education at £30 per annum Sept 1950, rising to £35 in 1960! To date no documentation has been traced, despite the local authority files reflecting the minutes (they believe the lease document is possibly misfiled in their old papers.)

On receiving a visit re the works required to comply with the Disability Access Act it was clear to the committee that the options were close or raise tens of thousands of pounds the advise of the Charity Commissioners sought and on their advice and instruction an open meeting was called for all residents of the two villages. That meeting could see no realistic option other than closure and the distribution of assets deciding that monies held should be split into two “funds”. Fund one. The general assets and monies raised by the action of the committee be shared between:- The Parish Council £524.14, Aubourn Playing Field Committee £1048.25 and St. Peter’s Church £1362.76. Fund two. Consisted of a bequest and accrued interest from Sid & Olive Elkington (Sid had been a strong supporter of the over 60’s and a Hall committee member for over 60 years until a few months prior to his death.) This bequest stated that the monies were “for the use of the committee as they felt appropriate with a preference that they be used to maintain the hall”. Whilst legally the bequest formed part of the assets of the Hall the meeting felt that the committee should decide on this distribution.

Donations to St Peters Church Aubourn - £1363. Aubourn Playing Field Committee - £1048. Aubourn & Haddington Parish council clock fund - £524. Summers/Nevile Trust for Aubourn & Haddington - £1000. Bassingham Surgery - £1000. Candles - £1578. St Barnabas - £1578. MacMillan Nurses - £1578. Urology Trust - £1578 Breast Cancer - £ 500

These Funds arose through a bequest by Sid & Olive Elkington and the village meeting authorised the committee to use its discretion on the distribution. As Sid suffered from cancer the committee felt these charities were appropriate.

The current committee are most disappointed at the outcome. Despite their being no alternative they feel for all the past committees who worked so hard to establish and run the facility. That said a big thank you to all those who have supported the hall’s fund raising activities and functions.

[WS Sep 2007]

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Letter Concerning Anti-social behaviour Witham St Hughs

Issue 1. After living in Witham St Hughs for nearly two years now and although a fantastic place it is, since the opening of the shop, child presence and noisy behaviour has ensued, as too has the number of vehicles (usually speeding) increased, can these drivers not use the village car park instead of abandoning their vehicles on the junction of the roundabout and at the junction of the shop. This happens all day which makes entry to the local school and roundabout very difficult?

There is more litter than ever before bottles, paper, crisp packets all over, have people forgotten how to use a rubbish bin?

Local children hang around the shop, ride around on their bikes, go round the round-about not just once, but the wrong way continuously to on-coming traffic dangerous or stupid? We also have primary and secondary age children abusing the local play park usually until 9 or 10pm nightly, either by abusing the facilities there or making so much noise that open windows have to be closed due to the volume of noise they are making, and keep residents awake until they decide to go home. We live in Fox Hollow and prior to the shop(s) opening we never had a problem with kids playing when we got home from work, but now every day we have to ask children to stop playing outside our houses on their bikes riding constantly up and down the drainage ditch, usually loudly together with swear words and obscenities that go with their behaviour, the beeping of car horns warning as they drive past to ensure they are off the road. When we do ask them to move on and play where they live, we are greeted with abuse, rude gestures, ignorance and hostility. Some of the young boys then take to throwing stones at either the bus shelter or on-coming cars. Where has the respect gone for people‟s property, privacy and feelings?

We are now greeted during the evening, usually when younger children are in bed and it is time to unwind, with young boys/men riding motor bikes in the village car park and youths gathering behind the old derelict building attached to the village car park seeing and hearing physical violence towards each other. Not nice when you are trying to relax after a hard day at work! We all want the village life for our children and take the advantages this offers seriously, however this is not a nice place to live at the moment. The community police are very helpful, however they can‟t be here 24 hours a day and when you have been at work all day, a battle with obnoxious children/teenagers does not make for easy living, especially when you look forward to coming home to what was once, a quiet and subdued environment.

Issue 2. Hedge Lane Witham St Hughs residents have noticed lately there is a lot of dog fouling going around their neighbourhood and a lot seems to be left around front doors .Residents mention this subject in the Witham Staple magazine as it is not only disgusting, but there are a lot of children in this area and it is very dangerous if they were to handle it, there is a fixed penalty fine for this offence and owners are reminded to clear up after their dogs.

Whilst the Witham Staple appreciates the concerns of local residents with regard to these ongoing issues it wishes to advise residents that they should approach the appropriate authorities such as the Parish Council, District Council and the local Police and Police support team with any issues they have for enforced action and hopefully bring these matters to an end.

[September 2009]

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Your Magazine Needs You!

Our readership is growing apace with new houses going up in several of our villages but none more so than in Witham St Hughs. As the readership grows we are now printing, collating and delivering more and more copies and our hard working teams need reinforcement. Are you willing to help? This does not take a lot of time but does need some commitment and a little expertise. I shudder to think of the number of hours that our editor puts in but the hours of our 'engine room' are much more reasonable. A printing team of 2 would be required to work 3 or 4 hours, 3 or 4 times a year; a collating and distribution team of 2 or 3 would be required to work 2 or 3 hours, 3 or 4 times a year, so you can appreciate that the demands on your time are not onerous.

Our current teams, many of who have been doing this for decades now, are almost exclusively from Bassingham, therefore we are particularly keen to pull in teams from the other villages. Please see if you can find someone that you would be happy to work with but, if not, we will be happy to accept and train singletons. Please give it some thought and then contact me on 789091 so that we can organise some training and you will then become valuable members of our team and be making a useful contribution to our village life.

We look forward to hearing from you.
Mike Allport Chairman, The Witham Staple.

[WS Feb 2007]

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Carlton Le Moorland - Bassingham Pathway Link

Carlton Le Moorland and Bassingham Pathway Group

The Pathway Project Takes A Big Step Forward

The Pathway Group is delighted to announce that the long awaited walking and cycling route between Carlton le Moorland and Bassingham will soon become a reality. We have reached agreement on all land purchases, subject to contract and we have secured most of the funding for land, construction and signage and seating.

After five years effort, the community group expects construction to begin in the autumn. Stan Underwood (Chairman) said “The Pathway will make a very real difference to the lives of local people, providing for present and future generations of children, their families and older people an independent, safe means of moving on foot, by bicycle or mobility scooter between our two villages and venturing easily into the countryside. It will make an invaluable contribution to the quality of life of all those who use it. The Pathway will enable safe, off-road travel between Bassingham and Carlton.”

The route is part of Sustrans Connect2 project, which is extending the charity's National Cycle Network [NCN] into the heart of communities across the UK. The project received £50million from the Big Lottery Fund in 2007 and part of this grant will be spent on the Carlton-Bassingham route. Major funding has also been received from other sources.

It was good to see so many people at the OPEN EXHIBITION on Saturday 13th August in Carlton le Moorland Village Hall and Bassingham Hammond Hall and to share their enthusiasm for the Pathway. If you were unable to be there but would like further information, please contact Stan Underwood on 788461, Andy and Sue Sceeny on 788303 or any of the Steering Committee members.

[WS Sep 2011]

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A recent survey of Carlton le Moorland residents showed that 90% support the need for a pathway to link the two villages. Most people believe the road is too dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists, and many say they would leave their cars at home if there was a safe alternative when visiting Bassingham School, shops, the Surgery, churches or friends. With young people and adults, friends and relations, customers and patients already travelling regularly between Bassingham and Carlton, a pathway link would be a major improvement for families and businesses in both villages,

This issue has been discussed a number of times in the past. Lincolnshire County Council has recognised for over 20 years that a path is needed, but other schemes have always taken priority. The issue was raised again at the May Parish Meeting, and an informal Pathway Group of four then met to explore the issue in more detail. Initial research shows there is a good chance, with strong local support, of making the pathway a reality. The group has identified possible sources of funding through various community grants. This means the pathway will not be competing for LCC funding with other highways needs.

The pathway should be wide enough for two cycles to pass, with an all weather surface, and separated from the road.

Having demonstrated such strong support from Carlton le Moorland, the group now needs to be formalised. A Public Meeting has been arranged for Wednesday 15 November at 7.30 pm in Carlton le Moorland Village Hall. The aim is to set up a Steering Committee to guide the project through the next stages.

Representatives from relevant public bodies have been invited and, whether you live in Bassingham or Carlton, everyone is very welcome to attend.

Bryan Thornborough (788062) Andy & Sue Sceeny (788303) and Stan Underwood (788461).

[WS Nov 2006]

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Lightning Strikes Twice in Bassingham

The north end of Bassingham feels distinctly under fire this summer and two unfortunate households have borne the brunt of two separate lightning strikes that have caused extensive damage to their houses. Two spells of hot weather had stings in their tails.

About 5.30 pm on Monday 16th June (2006) the Williams household on Lincoln Road was the first to suffer. Their chimney was destroyed, many of their roof tiles landed in the front garden and an upstairs ceiling partially collapsed. The owners were in their living room when the lightning struck and were lucky to escape injury. The damage took some six weeks to repair. Several surrounding houses also had telephone, internet and TV connections and equipment damaged.

If this was not bad enough worse was to follow in the early hours of the morning of Thursday 27th July (2006) for the Garner family in Badgers Oak. At about 2.35 am a lightning bolt burst through the roof and set the attic alight. The fire soon penetrated the roof with flames leaping into the night sky. By the time the fire brigade had arrived the fire had progressed to the upper floor and took about an hour to control and subside.

The speed with which the fire progressed horrified the helpless neighbours who could only stand and watch. The upper part of the house was completely gutted by fire, with just a few charred roof beams remaining upright by morning. The lower floor was also badly damaged by water.

Fortunately the Garner family were away from the house at the time and no one was injured in the incident. However, they are now in the position of having lost most of their home and possessions and have the grim task of renovations, which will take some time to complete. All their neighbours, of course, wish them well in this process and realise that it could so easily have been their homes that were so dramatically damaged by these incidents. Certainly the next time there is a storm in Bassingham there will be some anxious residents.

[WS Sep 2006]

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Norton Disney Woodland Under Threat

Many of you will know that CEMEX have made a planning application to fell and quarry Norton Low Wood. Norton Disney Parish Council and residents have petitioned and written to the County Council to oppose the application. There has been huge support from residents of the surrounding villages, and we would like to thank you for all the letters and signatures received so far.

Norton Low Wood is important for its aesthetic and ecological value. It is the habitat and feeding ground for many creatures and is listed as a County Wildlife Site for its areas of heath land. In 2004 the District Council placed a Tree Preservation Order on the site and the owners agreed a management plan with the Forestry Commission after years of neglect. At the time CEMEX stated that they had always supported that the woodland remains and, as a responsible landowner, would continue to manage the wood for future generations. Unfortunately this seems to have been quickly forgotten.

Please show your further support by writing to your County Councillor (details contained in this magazine) asking him to oppose the planning application.

For additional information you can contact any member of Norton Disney Parish Council or drop me an e-mail to :- moll103@aol.com

Ian Daykin [WS Jul 2006]

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Letter Reply 16 August 2006: Norton Low Wood Applications

I refer to the recent article entitled 'Norton Disney Woodland Under Threat' written by Ian Daykin, and published in your journal on the 4th July 2006.

I represent the Applicant, CEMEX UK Materials Ltd in relation to the submissions in question. I am not writing to you however to promote the current proposals or to question My Daykin's opposition to them. My purpose is to correct factual inaccuracies contained in the report concerning alleged statements that CEMEX have purportedly previously stated.

The remarks in question seem to have been taken from an earlier response to North Kesteven Council by CEMEX concerning the imposition of a Tree Preservation Order on Low Wood and Tonges Plantation by the Authority. In fact they were specifically made by CEMEX in relation to Tonges Plantation and not Low Wood. I would be very happy to provide to you the text if you consider that this would be helpful. The suggestion therefore that the company has 'quickly forgotten' anything is disingenuous.

May I reassure your readers that there is absolutely no intention to remove the woodland in the Tonges Plantation. The minerals proposals relate to the area that it is subject to a Commercial Felling Programme only.

I trust that this clarifies the position.

Yours sincerely
Mark Kelly
Principal Planner

Alliance Environment & Planning Ltd
Wharf House, Wharf Road, Guildford, Surrey GU1 4RP
Tel: 01483 579098, Fax: 01483 504399, http://www.alliance-plan.co.uk

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RAF Cadets help Clear Churchyard

[July 2008]

Cadets from the Royal Air Force College at Cranwell came to Bassingham again on 2 July 2008 and one of their tasks on a hot summer's day was to help tidy up the churchyard of St Michael's Church.

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12 Cadets from the Royal Air Force College helped to clear the churchyard of St Michael's Church, Bassingham on Saturday 8 April 2006.

Local farmer, George Marsh provided the tractor and trailer to take away 3 trailerloads of arisings.

The yew trees have been cleared of the ivy that was throttling them, grave stones were cleaned, snowdrops were lifted, divided and replanted and we can now see views and have better access than ever before.

[April 2006]

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Vandalism -Norton Disney Village Hall [WS Sep 2005]

The Hall Committee is becoming increasingly concerned about the vandalism taking place at the Hall especially around the Entrance Door. In recent months fires have been lit damaging the paintwork and the light fitting - spitting on the floor - the fanlight window forced open on occasions and rubbish thrown into the hallway - stones and other objects forced into the lock and the handle removed and reversed making access impossible. The general litter and rubbish left around causes a great deal of extra and needless work. And of course no-one knows who has done it! All we get is "it wasn't me". Could parents please ensure that they know where their children are and what they are doing in order to have our lovely little Hall keep its well-cared for appearance. Thank you

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Building of New Houses

What makes a thriving, happy village community, do you think? It’s certainly much more than building numbers of new houses, important though they are. It’s likely to be about how the people see themselves as members of a particular community; how much they share common interests and aspirations; how the individual joins in — and is encouraged to join in! — and shares responsibility for what together the village does and achieves.

Part of this must surely entail recognising and cherishing what we value about that village, what makes it distinctive and is worth holding on to. But people need to ‘fit together happily’ as much as do houses and this doesn’t just happen; feelings can, sometimes quite understandably, run high over matters of local interest, but this then calls for a readiness to work towards a common understanding, a respect for sincerely held views that may differ from our own. Such a community we can all enjoy living in. [WS Oct 2003]

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Building Works In November 2005

Our community is continuing to experience intense building activity. House building is progressing at Witham St Hugh's with several contractors active.

Many of the recently completed houses are now occupied.

Work is advancing with the new primary school to be opened in September 2006.

At the same time building on the Chestnut Grange site in Bassingham is transforming the southern end of the village.

Many residents question the design of these new housing developments. Certainly from past experience some modern housing projects completed fit much better into our rural surroundings than others.

With a bit of effort and skilful design it is possible to achieve a pleasing result. For example few would argue that the development at Hawthorn Corner in Aubourn does not blend in well with the existing village. Unfortunately, planners have let us down in several cases where the objectives of some building contractors, seeking to maximise profits by squeezing as many cheaply built and inappropriately designed houses as possible onto sites, have not been adequately restrained. [Nov 2005]

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Public objections and coordinated pressure can make a difference – sometimes!

Letter to the Editor

Dear Sir

Carlton le Moorland: petition objecting to three-storey housing proposal at Skayman Fields off Clay Lane

152 households were invited by me to make a formal objection to the above proposal. 79 households objected, with one anonymous letter received in favour. All of these papers were delivered to the Director of Planning, NKDC on 29.08.03. and acknowledged.

On the 28.08.03. the Developer called at my home to advise that he was intending to amend the proposal to two-storey, this to be considered by the Area Planning Committee on 02.09.03. Prior to this meeting, notification was received from NKDC that the proposal had been withdrawn entirely.

I have forwarded a letter to Carlton le Moorland Parish Clerk requesting that the Council consider this objection to three-storey housing when making an appraisal of future planning applications or formulating a ‘Parish Plan’.

Trevor Townsend [WS Oct 2003]

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Traffic Volumes & Noise

Traffic is an issue around throughout the community – Aubourn in particular!

Highways Matters: Unfortunately, the Parish Council has been unsuccessful in its attempt to persuade Lincolnshire County Council to provide Aubourn with a weight restriction, either permanent or temporary. The Parish Council is now negotiating with the County Council for the provision of traffic calming measures. [WS June 2004]

At the February 2005 Aubourn and Haddington Parish Council meeting, residents discussed the findings of the traffic survey with representatives from Lincolnshire CC Highways. As a result, the Parish Council is working with a group of residents to formulate a request to seek approval from Lincs CC for an experimental weight restriction through Aubourn and Haddington. [WS March 2005]

Highways issues: Some 50 residents attended the specially extended public time on 4th February. Paul Coathup and Stuart Christie answered concerns over the amount of traffic, especially HGVs travelling through Aubourn each day. There was a call for a weight restriction through the villages and traffic calming to cut speed. The Parish Council was in agreement and will continue to press for a weight restriction. They are in consultation with Lincolnshire County Council for traffic calming measures. It was also agreed to ask the County Council to make Dovecote Lane, Haddington one-way, because of the increasing amount of traffic and the narrowness of the road. [WS March 2004]

Traffic Issues: At the December meeting of the Parish Council, information on the traffic counts in Bridge Road and Church Road in Aubourn and Dovecote Lane in Haddington were discussed There had been a 40% increase in vehicles using these roads since 2002. The Parish Council is looking to introduce further traffic-calming measures into the villages during this year. [WS March 2004]

Traffic Issues: At the last parish council meeting, there was much concern expressed about the levels of traffic, particularly heavy goods vehicles passing through Aubourn. A possible application to Lincolnshire County Council for a weight restriction through the village was discussed. There will be further discussion at the next meeting after responses are received from the County Council on recent traffic counts and the possibility of Aubourn being a main diversionary route. Parishioners decided that a petition would be started in the village and anybody wishing to add their name to this can do so at The Royal Oak. [WS Feb 2004]

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Driving Responsibly – it is the duty of us all

Throughout the twentieth century, the motor car grew steadily in social and economic importance, until today it has become an indispensable adjunct to modern living arid perhaps the most visible outward symbol of our increased affluence and individuality. It is now not unusual for families to have several cars, in the way our grandparents might have had several good pairs of shoes, if they could afford them! Cars give us a mobility unheard of in previous generations, and we couldn’t very easily do without them.

But... they can also cause us real problems, not least here in our villages, where people on foot or on bicycles don’t mix too safely with motorised traffic; there are real dangers, as we know only too well. Our parish councils and local police officers will tell you that local residents report ‘the problem of speeding cars’ to them more often than anything else as a major cause for concern.

Police speed checks are, of course, intended to deter those who break the speed limit, but they can’t operate everywhere and all the time — and even a speed of 20 mph is too fast in some circumstances. In any case, we can’t look to the police to solve what is our problem and our responsibility; the sensible solution lies with each and every one of us, both to pride ourselves on driving appropriately and safely at all times, and to urge our family members to do the same — and it’s not always young men who are the worst offenders!

For the foreseeable future, we are going to have to share our lanes and the streets in our villages with the car. So let us drivers make sure that children on their bikes, older people crossing the road, other drivers, in fact all road users can do so safely, and let’s not behave as though the car had priority over everybody else simply by virtue of its greater mechanical power. People are more important than that!

[WS Sep 2001]

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Speeding in Carlton le Moorland

At The Annual [Carlton Le Moorland] Parish Meeting in May, a discussion took place about the problem of speeding cars through the village, especially on Broughton Road, High Street and Sands Lane. Parish Councillors met a week later with the Area High-ways Manager and County Councillor Mr Bill Wyrill to look at the problems discussed on site and to agree on possible solutions. The Highways Manager agreed to improve road signs and markings at the Vicarage Lane crossroads, together with improved visibility, and it was agreed to investigate traffic calming on Sands Lane. The Police have already agreed to carry out speed checks in the village.

At the Parish Meeting there was a strong feeling that much of the speeding problem is caused by local traffic and that we all need to take responsibility for the safety of our children, many of whom regularly cycle or walk around the village with their friends. It was also thought that to resort to urban methods of traffic calming, such as road width restriction, would hinder the passage of farm vehicles through the village ant created different problems.

The Parish Council and electors present at the Parish Meeting feel that it is essential, therefore, for everybody to exercise care when driving through our village to make it a safe place for our children to grow up in and for us all to enjoy. [WS July 2001 - this is a problem that effects all the roads in our community]

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Aubourn Clock Tower Project:

Many of us have noticed how splendid the Clock Tower is looking now that the scaffolding is down and most of the exterior refurbishment is completed. The pictures below taken in early November (2005) benefit from some autumn sunshine.

The Clock Tower forms one of the most unique and distinctive landmarks in our community of villages and it can now be seen more clearly from several quite distant viewpoints.

The clock face and cockerel now positively sparkle in the sunshine! [Nov 2005]

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Heritage Lottery Application The Parish Council is pleased to announce their success in securing a grant for £86,100 from the Heritage Lottery. The East Midlands Committee of the Fund met on 9th June and approved the application for the. restoration of the Clock Tower and the opening of the chancel area for community use. The Parish Council has also secured a further £7,000 in partnership funding through Lincolnshire Economic Action Partnership which, combined with £3,000 from the Parish Council itself, brings the project total to £96,100. [WS Sep 2004]

The building work on Aubourn Clock Tower started on 4th April 2005 and will continue until late June. Thank you to those who have made contact to register their support for the project. If anyone has any historical information or photographs that may be used for displays in the Clock Tower when the refurbishment has been completed, please contact the parish clerk.

The Parish Council are still looking into the possibility of re-gilding the clock face, but in order to achieve this, an amount of additional funding is required. If anyone would like to make a donation or any local company would like to sponsor this work, please contact the clerk. If anyone locally has knowledge of a sign writer or company who may be able to undertake this task please let us know. [WS July 2005]

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The Witham Staple Secures Financial Grant for New Equipment

In late November 2004 The Witham Staple secured grants from RACol and FundNK to upgrade and renew our printing, collating and booklet making equipment. This will enable us to expand the circulation of the printed magazine in line with new housing developments in the area.

We are delighted that these funding bodies have offered support to our voluntary organisation and wish to thank them, together with all those involved in helping us to prepare and submit the funding applications. This award is the culmination of a year of hard work by our Chairman supported by the Witham Staple Executive Committee and we look forward to using the new equipment early in 2005.

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