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Lincolnshire readers’ views on our news




Readers have had plenty to say on what’s in the news.

Here we share some of the letters, emails and comments that have come in over the week, including this cartoon from John Elson looking at the weather.

Don’t forget, you can always get in touch by emailing news@lincsonline.co.uk

John Elson's cartoon is sponsored by the Assist Group
John Elson's cartoon is sponsored by the Assist Group

Premieres at premier concert

A Symphony of Britain on September 27 by Rutland Sinfonia was two premieres at what was a premier concert. The first premier Fantasy by Becky Taylor was a masterpiece. It laid the foundations for what was to follow with its brilliant variety of themes blended as in a film score. George Brown’s premiere Concertino maintained musical excellence, highlighted by the playing by George Hilliam of the instrument rarely used in orchestral pieces, the flugel horn. Elgar’s Cello Concerto, brilliantly performed by Jonathan Aasgaared, provided a mood change to that of an elegy. It recalls the time of its composition in the aftermath of the First World War.

The second symphony of Malcolm Arnold provided a fitting finale to the concert as it took us through the English countryside before turning our thoughts to more melancholy things as it depicts a funeral cortege. Arnold restores our happiness in the final movement through his dance tunes and triumphal conclusion. All of this was enhanced in its musical appreciation by the baton of Paul Halliam.

John and Audrey Greenwood

Oakham

Battery collection is a success

I’m thrilled to share the success of South Kesteven’s new household battery recycling scheme, which I as a member of the South Kesteven Coalition Opposition brought about with a motion in 2023. The scheme has been up and running for nearly a month now, and the response has been fantastic. The initiative has already seen tens of thousands of used batteries collected, keeping harmful materials out of our regular waste streams and avoiding unnecessary trips to recycling points. It's a great step forward for our community!

One of the biggest advantages of this scheme is its convenience. We’re already coming to your home to collect waste, so why not make it easier to recycle your batteries at the same time? Simply fasten them in a clear bag to the handle of any colour bin, even green, and we’ll take care of the rest. This means fewer trips to the supermarket or other disposal points, helping to reduce carbon emissions from unnecessary car journeys.

Another important benefit is safety. Disposing of batteries in your normal waste bin can be dangerous, leading to fires in bin lorries — which can cost north of six figures to replace. By using this service, we reduce the risk of these incidents happening and save the council (and you!) from hefty repair bills.

But there’s still work to be done to ensure everyone knows about this scheme. Many people, particularly those who aren’t online, might not be aware that we’re collecting batteries right from their doorsteps. So please help us spread the word! Together, we can make battery recycling easy, safe, and environmentally friendly.

If you haven’t already used the service, now’s the time to start. We can recycle a variety of household batteries, including AAA, AA, C, D, 4.5V, 9V, button batteries, as well as batteries from mobile phones and laptops.

Let’s keep up the momentum and continue making a positive impact here in South Kesteven.

Coun Ben Green

Isaac Newton Ward, South Kesteven District Council

People should be told if path is closed

With the impact of the recent torrential downpours still fresh in everyone's minds, and the increasing likelihood of more such extreme weather events occurring, perhaps this might be the time to raise the question of why, when the Bath Row flood barriers are closed, there is no sign on the bridge over the Welland warning those about to use the path across The Meadows that the way ahead is blocked.

It is inexplicable why this situation has never been addressed by the authorities in all the years that the flood protection system has been in use. The present arrangement unduly penalises the elderly and those with limited mobility, and is a most discourteous and uncaring way of welcoming visitors to the town. Would it not be more considerate - and safer - to let everyone know in advance when the path is closed off?

Robert Riley

Queens Street, Stamford

Remove uncertainty

The changes proposed in May 2025 will add another layer of bureaucracy to our area, making four in all i.e. regional mayor, county council, district council and parish/town council. This would be an ideal opportunity to remove one layer by abolishing the county council and converting the district councils into unitary authorities. There are already two of these in the north of the geographic county, and many other parts of the country operate on this basis. It would also remove a great deal of uncertainty in the minds of the public as to which council is responsible for which services.

Tony Hine

Syston

Concert success

The Grantham Lions Club had a very successful variety concert at the Priory Ruskin Academy on Sunday, October 6. There were around 200 people who enjoyed the annual concert. Performing was the Grantham School of Dance, Sam Bickmore, The Fourtunes, Double Treble, Terry Carey, Paula Burrows and Trevor Leeson. MC for the night was Paul Martin. On behalf of Grantham Lions Club, I would like to thank the performers for their time for the show and further thanks to everyone who helped as well. The four responders, Sean and Naomi for the scene and lighting and the airforce cadets, the Guildhall Arts Centre and the Priory Ruskin Academy.

Godfrey Mackinder

Grantham Lions Club

Thank you for support

Many thanks to everyone who supported us on Saturday (October 5) in the Isaac Newton Shopping Centre when we held our table top sale. We raised over £400 on the day for Doris Banham Dog Rescue. Our next event in the shopping centre will be held on Saturday, November 2.

Anne Lockwood

Volunteer for Doris Banham Dog Rescue

State pension age is due to rise

The State Pension Age is already due to rise to 67 by 2028 and 68 by 2046.

However, the Treasury wants the rise to 68 to come in as early as 2037 or potentially even earlier.

The government’s plan of linking the state pension age to average life expectancy doesn’t make any sense, as the latest research shows that rises in life expectancy have now come to a halt and health inequalities are rising.

Life expectancy for men in Blackpool is 74.1 years and for women is 79 (2018-2020), both lower than the national averages.

For a man in Blackpool a healthy life expectancy is just 53 years, meaning they will wait in bad health, unable to work for more than a decade, before qualifying for their state pension.

Not everyone will be able to keep working up to the state pension age, either through ill health or unemployment.

Groups like family carers and disabled workers are particularly vulnerable and many will find they are too old for work, but too young to retire.

A total of 3.5 million people aged between 50 and 64 are out of the workforce already.

Many of them are in poor health and with few savings by the time they reach state pension age.

Millions of future workers will rely solely on the State Pension to fund their retirement, so raising the state pension age means that they will end up working longer, paying more and getting less out.

The NPC believes that 68 is too late and the state pension age should be 65 for men and women, with a view to reducing it further.

Attacks on pensioner entitlements today will only erode pensioner entitlements in the future.

That’s why the National Pensioners Convention stands together with the workers of today to help ensure a better retirement for the pensioners of tomorrow.

Rodney Sadd

Crowland




Comments | 5
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