Lincolnshire readers write about news in Stamford, Grantham, Rutland and Spalding

news@lincsonline.co.uk

Published: 05:00, 04 August 2024

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 which looks at this article.

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

50 years of dancing

I’m sure your readers will be interested in the fact that Rutland Morris are celebrating 50 years of continuous dancing this year, and, as part of these celebrations will be dancing in all their old dancing spots in Uppingham in the evening of Monday, August 5. Uppingham was the ‘birthplace’ of Rutland Morris, and the (now defunct) White Hart was their very first practice location in 1974. The rest is history!

They will start their tour and dancing at 7.30pm outside the (defunct) Waggon and Horses in High Street East, and then make their way to the (closed) Royal Oak in Queen Street. They will move to the ‘Crown’ in the High Street for about 8pm before arriving in the Market Place at approximately 8.30pm. It was here where many significant events in the Rutland Morris’s history took place including 2 mass displays of over 150 Morris dancers, dancing for the Queen, May Day early morning dancing and TV appearances, dancing for member’s weddings, and the traditional Boxing Day chaos!

We will then progress to the (defunct) White Hart in High Street West at about 9pm where we will pay homage to our original venue, and indeed to our founder members. The actual practice rooms have long been demolished! Their will be a ‘nod, or wave of hats’ to nearby Uppingham School where Cecil Sharp, one of the collectors of much Morris music, was a pupil.

We shall then make our way, wearily, to the Exeter Arms at about 9.30pm for some R and R. All times a very approximate. We call it ‘morris time’!

All Rutland are welcome to join us in all, or part of, our pilgrimage around the town for what should be a joyous evening. We look forward to meeting old friends and new.

Dave Casewell

Squire, Rutland Morris

Solar panels more logical on commercial buildings

Logically it would seem more appropriate to prioritise covering every square inch of commercial buildings/warehouses in solar panels ahead of valuable high grade agricultural land.

We need to ask why the last government banned onshore wind farms but not agricultural solar farms so it’s a bit rich for the MP for Stamford and Rutland to now whinge about the present government giving Mallard Pass the go-ahead.

Duncan Lingard

Stamford

Has MP protected environment?

Many residents who tuned in to the Laura Kuenssberg programme on Sunday morning would have been pleased to learn of the support that our MP Alicia Kearns and the Conservative Government has given to protecting our environment over these past 14 years. But does this claimed legacy stand up to scrutiny?

It is a matter of record that the Environment Agency’s budget was cut by more than 50% in real terms between 2009/10 and 2019/20; that would be pre-Covid and pre the war in Ukraine.

Of more current concern to local residents might be the ostrich-like approach that the Government took to Storms Babet (October) and Henk (January), over the intervening nine months. Absolutely no additional monies were provided for maintenance repairs to breaches in dykes and barriers, that have caused so much damage to our farming communities, financially and in terms of our domestic food production. Many of these structures are old and require on-going maintenance, but the major breaches that have occurred inevitably created huge additional costs for the Agency. In March the Environment Agency met with Ministers requesting that they be permitted to simply transfer money from their Capital budget to their Repairs budget. Could it be that our then Ministers would rather have been seen in a high viz jacket and hard hat, opening some new flood defence scheme, than simply approving more money for essential repairs? We cannot be certain of the motives, but we do know that this pragmatic ask from the Environment Agency was refused.

The need for these repairs, however, has not disappeared. So, we must hope that the Agency meet with a more pragmatic and understanding Government now, and the necessary work in our area and nationally, is properly funded, for all our sakes. Public services cannot be run on air, hot or otherwise.

Coun Ramsay Ross

Rutland County Council - leader of the Labour Group

Thank you for flowers

For the past couple of years, I have noticed fresh flowers placed most weeks in the black vase at the base of the Holocaust Memorial in St Michael’s Churchyard but have yet to have the pleasure of meeting the person responsible. Thank you, whoever you are, the floral arrangements are a delight - lest we forget.

Duncan Lingard

Stamford

Flats will revitalise town

The Stamford Civic Society wish to express their strong support for the recent article ‘Green Light for Town Flats – July 19’ regarding the SKDC’s decision to approve the redevelopment of flats above shops in the town centre.

This initiative is a significant part of continuing to revitalize our town centre, making it more vibrant and economically sustainable. By converting unused or underutilized spaces into residential units, we can attract more residents to the heart of Stamford, which will, in turn, boost local businesses and create a more lively community atmosphere. Moreover, this redevelopment aligns with the broader goals of sustainable urban development. It promotes the efficient use of existing infrastructure and reduces the need for urban sprawl, which can have detrimental effects on our environment.

We commend the council for following our Stamford Neighbourhood Plan and fully support these developments. They are an excellent opportunity to enhance the quality of life in Stamford and ensure the town’s continued growth and prosperity.

Ursula Jones

Chairperson, Stamford Civic Society

Colours are tasteful

Regarding Stork of Stamford, although I agree that there should be guidelines about the colours of shop buildings in an historic town and that the owner ought to have sought permission before painting her shop front, I personally love the colours and think that the shop is very tastefully painted. The paint selected she says is actually from the Dulux Heritage range!

Please encourage new business owners to the town rather than discourage them with saying heritage gold is unacceptable and making them repaint it all!

Mrs T Melton

By email

Surely in these difficult business times, the authorities could have ask Stork of Stamford to re-paint when they next painted the shop, which I think is well presented and the colour is not offensive.

Will the objectors also apply the same energy to the various listed/conservation area buildings/shops/offices that have blocked gutters, the wrong pipework, plants growing on brickwork and are in poor condition within Stamford.

The Stamford Art Centre both back and front needs attention will the Civic Society be asking the council to undertake repairs?

Peter M Smith

Easton on the Hill

Evie Lawrence, five, and Fable Lawrence, two, litter picking in Stamford

Children have been helping planet

My two children set about litter picking on Stamford High Street on Saturday! My eldest Evie Lawrence, five, decided to do it to help the planet this summer while she’s off school. Her little brother Fable Lawrence, two, asked to help. There was actually a lot of litter and all the bins were full!! Some stall owners on the market thanked the children for helping out and lots of people told them they were doing a good job!

I’m so so proud of them and thought I’d share it with you to raise awareness of the litter around Stamford

Ylana Hunt

Stamford

What is happening?

I'm disappointed at a number of projects which have been unfinished in Stamford.

This includes the development in East Street, the former Darby and Joan Hall and a structure adjacent to the Nag's Head Passage.

I want to find out who the owners are and what is happening to them.

It looks untidy. I don't understand why they start projects if they don't get finished.

Also, The Vaults in St Mary's Street remains shut. This is a lovely place and should be up and running.

Garry Baker

High Street St Martin’s, Stamford

We’ve got a right to roam

There has been much in your paper about the proposed development of Quarry Farm and Stamford North. This combined development will add 2000 more houses to those built, currently being built and planned around our town. Stamford is now being encircled by concrete and almost every available open space within the existing town boundary has been developed or is being looked at avidly by developers. There comes a time when the people of the town who live further from the Meadows and the Recreation Ground need access to green space. Quarry Farm, with its candidate wildlife status is one such space: it offers a variety of habitats with its ponds and woodland and is used by many to enjoy the benefits of walking in a green, unpolluted space. With the proposed development on this site almost all of this will be lost, with the remnants being parcelled up into what the developers call a ‘country park’. A country park surrounded by houses and with a link road passing through the site.

The Quarry Farm site comes under the stewardship of RCC and whilst they are free to act, it is a development that will provide no tangible benefit to SKDC residents, it will, however, deprive us of the green space that we so badly need. During this time RCC have downgraded the wildlife status of Quarry Farm to permit this development, whilst regrading brown field sites such as St Georges Barracks and Woolfox to stop their development.

In 2020 a Right to Roam campaign was founded to give people,” easy access to open space, and the physical, mental and spiritual health benefits that it brings”. We need to re-establish our right to walk in open country and with that in mind, I would like to invite everyone interested in conserving Quarry Farm in its current state to join a mass trespass and picnic on Sunday, September 1, from 1pm, meeting around the ponds. Please come along to enjoy the benefits of this wonderful space, but make sure you take any litter home with you. Stamford residents stand up and protect Quarry Farm because if we do not act it will be lost forever.

Carl Killgren

Cedar Road, Stamford

Parish council is staying

I wish to update residents of Little Ponton and Stroxton on the outcome of our recent Community Governance Review. Residents have decisively voted to keep the current structure of their Parish Council. There will be no merger with Great Ponton's, nor will there be conversion to a Parish Meeting. A precept will continue to be levied by Little Ponton and Stroxton Parish Council on its households.

The Community Governance Review, which received unanimous support from South Kesteven District Council in response to residents' complaints, has been a success. It has revitalised Little Ponton and Stroxton Parish Council after years of dormancy, leading to the rise of new councillors and a renewed commitment to regular meetings and greater transparency. To sustain this positive momentum, the Parish Council must honour its commitments by: scheduling and publicly announcing frequent meetings, inviting local District and County councillors to participate, accurately documenting minutes, and returning accounts promptly.

We are watching Little Ponton and Stroxton Parish Council. Should any signs of inactivity reappear, South Kesteven District Council is prepared to take emergency measures to uphold the Parish Council's vital role. There can be no return to the bad old days of no meetings whilst a precept is still charged. That is taxation without representation.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to South Kesteven officers, and the dedicated Working Group of our councillors, for their tireless efforts on this. I also appreciate the active participation of residents in the consultation process.

Coun Ben Green

South Kesteven District Council (Con - Isaac Newton Ward)

I had a good experience

With all the bad publicity about the state of the NHS I would like readers to know the "other side of the coin" i.e the excellent service I have just received as follows :

On Sunday, July 14, I had a major problem involving the loss of a lot of blood. I contacted Swingbridge Surgery on July 15 and got to see a doctor two hours later. The doctor referred me to hospital and on my return home I got a phone call from Lincoln Hospital - appointment for Monday, July 22, for a cystoscopy. This cystoscopy quickly identified the problem and requested a CT scan was requested and on Tuesday, July 23, I got a phone call and appointment for July 24 and now I have an appointment for surgery on August 6 at Grantham Hospital .

From the start of the problem on July 14 to the surgery date, it will be just 23 days.

I would just like people to know that if you have a serious health problem, the NHS is still excellent and have really got their "act together". I cannot praise NHS and all the staff I have encountered too highly - I am absolutely amazed by the way things happened and I cannot emphasise too much my gratitude for the excellent and professional service I have received !

Well done NHS !

John Searle

Winchester Road, Grantham

Parish council is staying

Coun Ben Green

South Kesteven District Council (Con - Isaac Newton Ward)

I had a good experience

With all the bad publicity about the state of the NHS I would like readers to know the "other side of the coin" i.e the excellent service I have just received as follows :

From the start of the problem on July 14 to the surgery date, it will be just 23 days.

Well done NHS !

John Searle

Winchester Road, Grantham

Stop building and make use of these empty properties

The planning application for 119 homes and a new village hall in Deeping St Nicholas says it will bring a positive contribution to the character of the area. What a load of piffle.

But our countryside is disappearing. These builders should do up all those empty houses up in the cities, thousands upon thousands of them. The Government wants to get those places sorted out before these builders start putting up homes over our countryside.

Stephen Helliwell

Willesby Road

Spalding

Time to make Flinders a Sir

Is it not about time that Matthew Flinders was posthumously made a Sir or even, posthumously granted a Lordship? 250 years after his birth, 210 years after his untimely death, he is still serving his country, his county and especially the village of his birth.

Graham Lilley

via email

Some food for thought over caddies idea

With waste food caddies back in the news, I wonder how this will happen! What waste food can be put in it. Yesterday's Indian takeaway, potato peelings, out of date meat, bones? Rotting for days in yet another plastic box! How to collect 10,000 boxes each week? 2,000 per day, around a huge rural area!

If it takes 45seconds for one operative to collect, empty and return one box, on an eight hour shift that equates to 640 caddies, or a driver and four operators working flat out, without travelling time included.

How much food waste would be collected? Maybe 1kg per caddy. Costing wages of £400 per day plus vehicle overheads. Then the transfer cost to the anaerobic digester plant.

So there we have it. 640kg of food waste costing a minimum of £400, that's £1.60 per kg.

What is the value of the anaerobic digested waste? I don't know.

I would ask the question: who supplies all this waste food? Maybe the supermarkets! How much out of date food goes out of the back door. People over buy so much stuff, that maybe the supermarkets should provide a tray with a sealable biodegradable bag to take home, put their food waste in it, take it to the supermarket, collect a fresh tray with bag and therefore recycle. Probably too much to ask!

Just some food for thought

Paul Matten

Green Lane

Spalding

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