‘Parishes are key to the functioning of local government in our rural communities’ says MP Caroline Johnson

Coronation celebrations and investments in schools are touched upon in the latest column by MP Caroline Johnson. She writes:

It was an honour to plant a Regal Sweet Chestnut Tree in the Parish Orchard at Ancaster to commemorate the Coronation of King Charles III on behalf of the community.

The tree planted in honour of the King’s dedication and service to our country joins many trees planted by the community.

The parish council and volunteers have worked tirelessly to develop the orchard for the benefit of the community, which provides a peaceful spot in the village for residents to enjoy.

After the ceremony, I attended the annual parish meeting where residents reflected on the activities of the past year and discussed future plans for the villages of Ancaster, Sudbrook and West Willoughby.

Many annual parish meetings are currently being held across the constituency. The purpose of these meetings is to enable the parish council, local leaders and other community organisations to let local residents know what they have been doing over the past year.

The meeting is also an opportunity for residents to express their views on matters relating to their parish, of which there are over 90 civil parishes in the Sleaford and North Hykeham constituency.

Ancaster also joins Coleby, Barrowby, North Hykeham and Navenby in receiving a total Government investment of £37,464 across the constituency to improve local grassroot sports facilities.

This funding comes from the latest allocations of a £300 million, UK-wide capital investment in grassroots facilities to deliver upgrades, improvements and new pitches – making more high-quality facilities available for residents to play football, hockey and other grassroots sports. Projects support a range of facility types, including providing floodlights, goal posts and improved storage facilities.

I welcomed the news that the Government is also investing an additional £456 million into our school buildings nationwide, delivering over 1,000 improvement projects, including at Long Bennington Academy, North Kesteven Academy and St George’s Academy in the constituency.

This new investment will upgrade and improve school facilities, providing pupils with safer and warmer classrooms, and more energy efficient school buildings.

The announcement follows on from the 239 new school buildings confirmed in December to be fully rebuilt or substantially refurbished as part of the Schools Rebuilding Programme. This includes Sir William Robertson Academy in Welbourn, which recently welcomed its successful application to the rebuilding programme and has exciting plans for the future of the school site.