Nick’s Notes July 2011
Looking back over my diary in the last week has shown just what a variety of different issues are covered over a short period of time. Culture Club in Corby getting an update on how we are going to be involved in the Olympics, Sports Forum at Spalding High School, Sportivate launch at Lincoln University with the Minister for the Olympics, Cabinet meeting discussing ward member budgets, arranging dog and litter bins in the ward, Call Connect re-launch in Holbeach and meeting young people in Carter’s Park.
The first of those issues has been around the sheer number of empty cans of lager & beer thrown on the grass verges around the Welbourne Lane area, which some of the residents have been clearing up – thank you. I have however now ordered two litter bins to cover that area, so lets hope they are used, otherwise the District council will take enforcement action against the miscreants. The District Council is trying hard to curb this sort of behaviour, so if you know of any other areas where regular fly tipping or littering takes place, please do let me know.
I have also been approached by some young people who want a skatepark in Holbeach. What impressed me about this was that they approached me directly, rather than through their parents or school. Some of the better skateparks can cost in the region of £100,000, so this will require careful consideration. Applications for external funding take a long time and we need the help of those young people to complete the forms and raise some matched funding ( a requirement of most funders) as well as a considerable time commitment from them, which might be the biggest challenge of all! Where to put a skatepark, should we even get that far is a major issue in itself. Expectations are easily raised, so we need to be aware that there is no guarantee that funders will support this and it could take up to 18 months to get through the whole process. I will keep you informed.
Some good news though, is that the Teenage Drop In Centre has been successful in an application for a youth shelter with bluetooth technology to be sited somewhere in Holbeach, to be agreed between young people and the police. This was specifically requested by teenagers in the town and will be installed in the next two to three months.
As part of that funding there is also some money for young people to design a regular booklet about activities in the town, as there are far more than most people realise. I will be approaching the George Farmer Technology College for help with this, as they initially approached us!
Whether or not the proposed Holbeach Academy will go ahead will be decided on 5th July by Lincolnshire County Council’s Executive Committee. This could potentially see £8.2 million coming to the George Farmer for new buildings, including a sports hall with community use and would be a massive boost for the town.
District Council Ward member budgets are coming! Each ward member for Holbeach (Cllrs Biggadike, Howard and Rudkin) and myself for Holbeach Hurn will have a budget of £4,000 to spend on local projects and initiatives in the ward. Ward members can if they so wish, pool their budgets to get better value for money, particularly useful for larger projects. The money must be spent in the financial year or they will lose it. The money cannot be spent on individuals but ideally will be used for community groups to support their projects. The final decision rests with the ward member, but if you have any projects that you would like help with, then please contact the ward member directly.
As we enter the final year before the London Olympics, Lincolnshire Sports Partnership has launched “Quest for Gold”. If you are 16 or over and with no age limit, for just £5 you can sign up to a range of taster sessions in Lincolnshire, covering many of the Olympic Sports, including sailing, archery, shooting and more. Why not have a go! For more details: www.lincolnshiresports.com
The next Neighbourhood Panel (covering police and community issues in the Holbeach & Whaplode area) is on Wednesday, July 13th at Minerva House (part of the Holbeach Campus) on Park Road. If you have an issue – come along!
Finally, not to be missed is this year’s Holbeach St Marks Gala on Saturday 16th July, starting at 12 noon. Included in the entertainment is 5 a side football, a dog show and the Act 11 junk band. Join in the fun and see you there!