West Lindsey District Council

THE RESIDENTS’ NEWSLETTER OF WEST LINDSEY DISTRICT COUNCIL / SUMMER 2009

West LindseyNews

triple binwaste collections go district wide from September 7

Full details pages 3 – 6

triple binwaste collections go district wide from September 7

Full details pages 3 – 6

Making a Difference

Making a Difference

3West Lindsey News

Your 4-page guide to Triple Bin waste collections starts here…

The Triple Bin scheme startsfrom September 7. You will stillreceive a weekly collection

service – blue and green bincollections one week and black bincollections the next. You should havealready have received a calendarshowing which bins will be collectedon what day.

The vast majority of people will stillhave their refuse collected on the sameday as they do now. But to beabsolutely sure of your collection dayvisit www.west-lindsey.gov.uk/mybinday- insert your postcode and full details ofyour collections will appear on thescreen.

In a district-wide questionnaire inFebruary 2009, 79.2% of people whoreplied said they would support aTriple Bin waste collection service.

Until now, the green bin gardenwaste collection service has only beenprovided to those who paid an annualfee. Whilst we believed this was goodvalue for money we also felt that many

people – particularlythe elderlyon fixedincomes –were put offfrom recyclinggarden wastebecause of thecost.

It is vitalthat as manypeople aspossible recyclegarden waste because if it finds itsway into a landfill site it becomes amajor source of methane, which is adangerous greenhouse gas.

Now the green waste we collectfrom you will be converted intocompost and soil conditioner which isused on local farms.

Blue bin recyclables are made intoa variety of things – plastic bottles areused in the production of fleecyjackets, paper often takes on a newlife as a newspaper, and steel cans

are formed into awhole host ofproducts.

Naturally, thereis a costassociated with theintroduction of afree green wasteservice foreveryone but this

will be recoveredby the Triple Bin scheme which will cutthe amount of fuel we use and reducethe emissions we make. This willreduce the carbon footprint created bythe waste collection service.

Evidence collected from around thecountry proves that when black binwaste is collected once a fortnightpeople recycle and compost morewhich is just what we want. n

If you live in Gainsborough’s SouthWest Ward and are currently on a bagcollection service, you will NOT beaffected by these changes.

Triple Bin Roadshows – August / September 2009

Date Venue Time

1 Tuesday 18 August Bardney Village Hall car park 1pm – 7pm

2 Saturday 22 August Market Rasen - Market Place 9am – 3pm

3 Tuesday 25 August Rear of Nettleham Co-op 1pm – 6pm

4 Tuesday 25 August Surgery at the Church Hall, High Street, Cherry Willingham 7pm – 9pm

5 Wednesday 26 August William Street Sports Field, Saxilby 9am – 3pm

5 Wednesday 26 August Sturton by Stow Village Hall 4pm – 7.30pm

7 Thursday 27 August Brookenby Village Hall 10 – 3pm

8 Saturday 29 August Gainsborough Market Place 9am – 3pm

9 Wednesday 2 September Park Springs Community Centre, Gainsborough 7pm – 9 pm

Don’t forget if you are in any doubt about which bins will be collected from your addresson what day please visit www.west-lindsey.gov.uk/mybinday or call (01427) 676676

triple bin refuse collectionsstart for everyone from SeptemberTriple Bin refuse collection is being rolled out across the whole of West Lindsey in September.

The new scheme means that all households will receive a free garden waste collection service.

4

PAPER: Newspapers, magazines, oldmail, junk mail, envelopes, printedpaper, paperback books, paper bags,manuals and instructions, leaflets,flyers, Yellow Pages, telephonedirectories, exercise books, mail ordercatalogues.

However, if your newspapers arerecycled by a local community groupwe would encourage you to continueusing the service.

CARDBOARD: Corrugated and non-corrugated including old boxes, cerealpackets, pizza boxes, egg boxes,greeting cards, toilet and kitchen rolltubes and general packaging.

TINS AND CANS: Typically food anddrink cans.

LARGE TINS: Sweet, chocolate orbiscuit tins.

PLASTIC BOTTLES: Milk, drink,washing up containers and toiletrybottles.

PLASTIC FOOD TRAYS: Cleanplastic food trays only – notpolystyrene meat trays.

AEROSOLS: Deodorants, polishes,hair sprays, cleaners and airfresheners.

ALUMINIUM FOIL: Clean food traysand used kitchen foil.

GLASS: Any colour bottles and jars.

be greener by making more of your blue binOne of the best ways you can help make sure the environment is

protected for future generations is to recycle as much as possible

in your blue bin.

All the following can be accepted:

This kind of refuse collectionservice is widely usedthroughout the country. In

Lincolnshire only the councils in WestLindsey and South Holland do not usethe alternate weekly collection system.

The Lincolnshire councils usingalternate weekly collection schemeshave better recycling rates than WestLindsey. East Lindsey has alternateweekly collections and has the bestrecycling rate in the country at 58.4%.

The idea that alternate weeklycollections will generate problems with

odour and flies is a myth. The TripleBin scheme causes no problems aslong as common sense is applied.

All food waste should be baggedbefore it is binned and in warmweather we recommend that waste isdouble bagged. We also recommendthat the bin lid is kept closed.

Some residents may fear that therewill be capacity problems if black binsare only emptied on alternate weeks.Households that have four or moreoccupants or a specific verified need(such as children in nappies or

medical waste) can apply for anassessment to receive an additionalbin or a larger black bin. This will beprovided subject to them using theexisting recycling facilities to thefullest extent.

However, if your blue bin is gettingfull and you are making the most ofthe space by ‘flattening andsquashing’ we will be happy to talk toyou to find a way to solve the problemwhich could involve providing anadditional blue bin. This is especiallyrelevant to those with large families. n

triple bin factfileThe idea of emptying bins on alternate weeks has been introduced elsewhere with very few problems.

5West Lindsey News

Just over 2,000 homes wereincluded in a pilot scheme whichbegan in April and saw black

bins emptied one week and bluerecycling and green garden wastebins emptied the next.

The scheme was an immediatesuccess and the recycling rate in thisarea shot up from just over 40% to anew high of 69% with an average of65%.

Delivery of the bins and aninformation leaflet were done in goodtime and this approach will befollowed as the scheme rolls out to therest of the district.

Chairman of the Community andWaste Services Committee, CounIrmgard Parrott said: “We dounderstand that this new system is amajor change for everyone and thatchange can sometimes bringconcerns. That is why we have

recycling advisors who can visithomes in the area explaining exactlyhow the new system will work.”

The Council has also sentresidents a list of Frequently AskedQuestions and has posted moreinformation on its website atwww.west-lindsey.gov.uk/triplebin.

Coun Parrott added: “Residentsthroughout West Lindsey have alreadyachieved a recycling rate of more than40% which is a wonderful effort and Ithank everyone for what has beendone so far.

“We are now ready to do evenbetter with this new Triple Bincollection system which will safeguardresources and avoid government finesthat will be imposed on Councilswhich do not divert waste away fromlandfill sites – fines that wouldultimately have to be paid by you ascouncil tax payers.” n

the pilot schemeResidents in Caistor and Keelby were the first to try out West

Lindsey’s new Triple Bin refuse collection service.

what the locals saidabout thescheme…Sarah Smith, RawlinsonAvenue, Caistor

Sarah had a few concerns before theTriple Bin system was introduced asthere are four in her family and a dog.But the system is working well for herand she has had no problems.

She said: “The whole family arerecycling everything that we can,cardboard, paper, plastics and glass.As a keen gardener the green bin isgreat for disposing of my gardenwaste and grass cuttings. I havealways been keen to recycle and thenew system allows me to do thiseasily. Providing that everyone doestheir bit and recycles correctly thereshould be no concerns over the newcollection system.”

Tony Close, LongmeadowRise, Keelby

Tony said: “The new system is a realsuccess. I didn’t have a green binbefore and I find it very useful. Thewhole thing works really well.”

Mrs Judith France, SaxonWay, Caistor

Mrs France is very pleased with thenew system. She said: “Theinformation which West Lindseydelivered prior to the start of thescheme was useful and informative. Iknow what we can recycle and nowwe don’t put a lot into the black bin atall. The free green bin is handy for mygarden waste too. The new systemtook a little getting used to but after acouple of weeks we had noproblems.”

John Hewson, Riby Road,Keelby

John said: “Most things go in my bluebin now we can recycle more items.My friends who live outside WestLindsey are very envious of theservice we get.”

The Council has worked withTetra Pak Ltd and the cartonindustry body ACE UK to offer

a carton recycling service at:

• Tesco in Gainsborough• John Street car park in Market

Rasen• The Talbot Inn, Caistor• The Co-op in Nettleham• Bardney Village Hall

Drinks cartons cannot be recycled indomestic blue bins but they can berecycled if they are taken to thecollection points.

Once collected they are takenaway to be baled and transported to arecycling mill. They can betransformed into a number of differentproducts ranging from plasterboardliner to high-strength bags andenvelopes.

Please remember to wash andsquash your carton before recyclingand only put paper-based liquid foodand drinks cartons in the recyclingbins unless otherwise specified on the bin. No plastic, card, cans, glass,

plastic bags or foil.

Your old books, games and CDscan also be enjoyed by somebodyelse if you recycle them. Book Bankshave been installed at:

• Recycling Point, GainsboroughLeisure Centre

• John Street car park, Market Rasen • Talbot Inn car park, Caistor• Ship Court car park, Gainsborough

All you have to do is take along theitems you have finished withand pop them in the bank togive pleasure to someone else.

Paper and hard-back bookscan be accepted and the onlyrestriction on tapes and videos isthat they must not be homerecordings.

Good quality books will beresold through the British HeartFoundation shops and some maybe sent abroad to help educationprogrammes. Paperback booksunsuitable for resale will be recycledinto newsprint.

Don’t forget that you can still giveitems to your favourite charity shop ifyou prefer. n

6 West Lindsey News

Don’t forget you can recycleyour cartons too.

Now you can recycle books, videos, audio tapes, CDs, DVDs and video games. In picture isthe facility at Gainsborough Leisure Centre

how you can recycle

even moreYou can recycle even more of your household waste by making use of West Lindsey’s carton recycling

scheme and by sharing your books, videos, audio tapes, CDs, DVDs, and pc/video games.

West Lindsey News is the voice ofWest Lindsey District Council andthe prime source of news about theCouncil for everyone in the district.

Our magazine is delivered toevery home in the Council’s areaand is part funded byadvertisements from partnerorganisations and by includinginformation which the authoritywould otherwise have to pay tohave published elsewhere.

We would welcome your viewsand comments about thenewspaper and all correspondenceshould be addressed to WestLindsey News, Guildhall,Marshall’s Yard, Gainsborough,Lincs DN21 2NA or emailgeoff.oneill@west-lindsey.gov.uk

When you and your family havefinished with West Lindsey News,please recycle it either at arecycling bank or by using theCouncil’s kerbside collectionservice on your recycling day.

This magazine isprinted on 100%recyclable paper.

The paper comes from sustainableforests and for every tree which isharvested two more are planted.

West Lindsey News

Hundreds of people visited theWest Lindsey tent at theLincolnshire Show despite

soaring temperatures that encouragedeveryone to enjoy the outdoorattractions rather than the indoor ones.

Pulling the crowds were theCouncil’s displays centred on theauthority’s aim to make the district agreat place to live, work, visit andinvest in.

Recycling displays were a realcentre of attraction and a competitionto identify items that can betransformed into something else afterthey have been recycled in a blue bin

was won by Jill Smith of Torksey andMargaret Smith of Saxilby, who eachreceived £25 vouchers.

There were also displays from theJob Centre and on West Lindsey’sWheels2Work scooter loan schemewhich allows people to have a scooterfor six months to enable them to getto work or training whilst they save upfor a transport solution of their own.

“Places to visit” was the theme ofanother display and throughout thetwo days of the Show, councillorswere always on hand to listen to localresidents’ views and explain the workof the authority. n

The Princess Royal wasthe special guest at the Lincolnshire Show

this year. In our picture West LindseyChairman Coun Jessie Milne and Chief

Executive Duncan Sharkey are beingpresented to HRH

7West Lindsey News

One of the competitions at theWest Lindsey tent at the

Lincolnshire Show asked visitors toexamine a list of items and then saywhich ones could or could not berecycled in a blue bin.

Jill Smith from Torksey Lock andMargaret Smith from Saxilby bothscored 20 out of 20 and eachcollected a £25 shopping voucher.

Margaret Smith was unable toattend the presentation. n

super show simply

sizzled!

prizesfor recycling champs

Jill is pictured here receiving her prize fromChairman of the Community and WasteServices Committee, Coun Irmgard Parrott(right) watched by recycling inspectorElaine Bilton (left)

8 West Lindsey News

The feat was recognised at theEquality Mark Awards 2009 heldin Crewe, when Chairman of

Generic Equalities Coun IrmgardParrott, and Director of Strategy andRegeneration Rachel North, receivedthe award on behalf of the Council.

The standard recognises theimportance of fair and equal treatmentin local government services andemployment.

Ms North said: “This is a fantasticachievement. What we have done ismove from quite a low level only twoyears ago to one where we areachieving under the new guidelinesframework set out by the Improvementand Development Agency.

“We have got to this level byknowing what our community’s needsare and responding to them. We havenot stuck slavishly to the criteria makingsure we can tick the right boxes; it’sbeen about making things fair andaccessible and that resulted inimprovements being made quitenaturally.

“We must now continue to make

sure no-one feels excluded ordiscriminated against by ensuring thatwhat we do and the services weprovide are accessible and equal toeveryone.”

The Standard has been split into fivelevels and has been developedprimarily as a tool to enable localauthorities to mainstream age, disability,gender, race, religion or belief andsexual orientation into council policyand practice at all levels.

At the awards ceremony, SurinderSharma, National Director for Equalityand Human Rights, Department ofHealth, congratulated the Council onbeing the first local authority to reachthe new achieving status.

As part of the equality and diversityprogramme, West Lindsey has hosted aseries of courses for staff and partnerswith practical demonstrations of whatlife is like if you suffer from a disabilityor are an older person.

Policy and Performance TeamLeader, Julie Taylor said: “Peopleattending the course were put intowheelchairs, had their arms restrainedand wore frosted glasses to restrict theirvision. They were then taken into townto find out when your movement and

vision is restricted even the most simpletasks that most of us take for grantedcan be made really quite difficult.”

The experience was backed up bypresentations from the local AgeConcern branch and pressure groupWest Lindsey Disability Network.

Coun Parrott added: “A speaker witheyesight problems talked about herdifficulties in day-to-day things likemaking a cup of tea or crossing theroad, whilst other wheelchair userstalked about getting access to shopsand using public transport. It was verypowerful and at times quite humbling.”

The Council, which received theequality award only months afterachieving Investing in People status, isnow setting its sights on joining theselect band which can boast theEquality Mark level of excellence.

Chief Executive Duncan Sharkeysaid: “We know we have got some wayto go but we have already proved wehave the will to keep company withthose who deliver the very best practicein local government.

“We are now in the process ofassessing all our policies againstEquality Mark standards and as wecontinue to develop our services withthe help of our partners, I am sure thatmore improvements will be delivered.” n

firstamongst equals

FIRST ACHIEVERS: Pictured left to right are: Surinder Sharma, National Director for

Equality and Human Rights, Julie Taylor, West Lindsey’s Policy and Performance Team

Leader, Coun Irmgard Parrott, Chairman of Generic Equalities, Director of Strategy and

Regeneration Rachel North, and Stuart Speeden, Equality Mark Director.

West Lindsey has become the first local authority in the country to reach the achieving level of the

Equality Framework for Local Government.

Director of Resources Daren Turner findsout that manoeuvring a wheelchair alongcambers in the road is not too easy

9West Lindsey News

but it’s not only about

talkingand

trainingWest Lindsey has beenactively involved in a NewAge Kurling Project whichpromotes inclusive sport topeople with disabilities.

New Age Kurling is a form of theoriginal curling game, but

adapted so that it can be playedindoors on any smooth, flat surface,such as a sports hall, rather than onice. Importantly, the game can beplayed by anyone of any age.

After being successful inobtaining £10,000 from theLottery’s Awards for All scheme,Inclusive Sports Clubs are nowbeing set up in West Lindsey. Sofar sessions are up and running inSaxilby, Gainsborough and MarketRasen and further clubs areproposed across the district. Theproject is working in partnershipwith Social Services andLincolnshire Sports Partnership.After the success of this project inWest Lindsey, Lincolnshire SportsPartnership are now rolling out theinitiative county wide.

Another success story is theInclusive Fitness Initiative wherethe Council is partnered by thePrimary Care Trust andLincolnshire Sports Partnership.This project is at work at WestLindsey Leisure where lighting,doors and changing rooms arebeing made more disability friendlyand new equipment is beinginstalled in the gym that can beused by people with disabilities. n

At a series of Disability and AgeAwareness Days, districtcouncillors, staff and

employees from partner organisationsfound out for themselves how difficultlife can be when they took to thestreets in wheelchairs with their legsand arms immobilised and their visionrestricted by frosted glasses.

The result was that perfectly able-bodied people admitted to beingterrified, uncomfortable and havingnever realised that everyday taskscould be so difficult.

Cambers on the roads madecontrolling wheelchairs difficult,pelican crossings barely allowed timefor people to make it across busyroads and the attitudes of people whodid not know what to do were frequentcomplaints.

But for Nigel Webster of the WestLindsey Disability Network, perhapsthe biggest issue of all was that fartoo often the emphasis is on whatpeople with a disability can’t do, notwhat they CAN do.

“People always look at thenegatives instead of asking what wecan do,” said Nigel, who becamedisabled following a car accident. “Weare very resourceful at finding waysround our disability even when thiscan reflect badly on our benefits,” headded.

Nigel said that the language usedto describe people with disabilitieswas now much better, but hechallenged whether attitudes were stillanywhere near as good as they couldbe.

“Shops say they want our businessbut many still don’t provide ramps tofacilitate us. I need accessible parking– which I don’t mind paying for – but Ialso want it properly policed andprotected so that when I get there Ican use it. If things aren’t right thosewho are responsible for it will hearabout it – I am not frightened to be anirritant on behalf of people withdisabilities,” said Nigel.

Philippa Haresign, Age ConcernLindsey, said that many of thedifficulties and frustrations felt bythose with a disability were shared byolder people.

Coun Irmgard Parrott, Chairman ofGeneric Equalities, had opened thesession by saying that the difficultiesof older people and those with adisability were often not understood.

She said: “By changing the formatof this session from the traditional dryclassroom setting to a practical test ofthe problems faced by people eachday will dispel some of your ideas andshow you that some of yourperceptions are totally wrong.”

How right she was… n

To find out more or to get help call:

• West Lindsey DisabilityNetwork on (01427) 811920 or07760 362876

• Age Concern Lindsey on(01507) 524242

• West Lindsey DistrictCouncil on (01427) 676676

lifewith a disabilityIf you are an older person or suffer from a disability, getting around

in West Lindsey can be a nightmare.

Gordon Brumby fromthe Waste ServicesTeam finds out aboutlife in a wheelchair

Getting ready to hit the roadand begin to understand lifeas someone with a disability

News from your Local Police Teams

10 West Lindsey News

Operation FusionLincolnshire Police have this month launched ‘Operation Fusion’, which will be a continuing operation to

target active criminals, particularly those committing burglary, robbery and vehicle crime.

The launch of the initiative wasmarked by Chief Constable

Richard Crompton, accompanying oneof the teams executing warrants in theLincoln area. Mr Crompton saidcrimes such as burglary, robbery andvehicle crime have a considerableimpact on the victims.

“Despite Lincolnshire being one ofthe safest counties in the country, weare aware of the impact of thesecrimes on people’s lives and this newinitiative is designed to better co-ordinate our efforts to combat them,tackle them more robustly, and makethe county even safer,” he said.

The ‘Operation Fusion’ launchcoincided with the first day of ‘NationalTackling Drugs Week’, which aims toraise awareness of the wide range ofwork which the police and theirpartners undertake to reduce drug-related crime and its consequences.

“The link between drugs andacquisitive crime means that it wasparticularly appropriate to launch theoperation during that week,” said MrCrompton. “As part of ‘OperationFusion’ there will be regular ‘Days ofAction’, which will consist of intensive,

co-ordinated operations targetingspecific problem areas, crimes orindividuals. These may entail focusingall force resources into a particularinitiative, or form part of local plans toaddress specific problems,” he said.

Mr Crompton says an essentialingredient to make ‘Operation Fusion’ asuccess will be close working withpartner agencies and the public.“Detecting crime and bringing offendersto justice is just one aspect of makingcommunities safer, he says. “There isalso a huge amount of excellent workbeing undertaken to reduce or preventcrime, and we want to maximise thebenefit of this as part of the operation”.

“Community vigilance andintelligence are often the mostpowerful weapons against thesecrimes, and we will be encouragingpeople to play their part in helping tomake the overall operation asuccess,” says Mr Crompton.

“Every member of the public canhave their say on local policing andoften it is that kind of interaction withour local policing teams that leads topolice operations to arrest offendersand recover stolen property,” he added.

Lincolnshire Police say thatactivities under the banner of‘Operation Fusion’ will be based onintelligence gained from their ownsources as well as new informationcoming from members of the public.

“We will also ensure that membersof the local community are keptinformed of the policing operations intheir areas and provided with as muchinformation as we are able to releaseat the time,” said Mr Crompton.

“My message to criminals is thatwe are targeting you, and with thehelp of our communities, we will catchyou and bring you to justice.” n

Beware the

bigfootThis leaflet, in the shape of afootprint, is a very effective andmemorable way that Police will beusing in your area. The leaflet isspecifically designed to be left at ahome where insecurity has beenspotted – for example, an openwindow. The clear message thatPolice aim to leave is that the nextfootprint you find, could be that ofa sneak-in burglar.

Serving with Professionalism Respect Integrity Dedication Empathy

LINCOLNSHIRE POLICE

11West Lindsey News

will nail criminalsBy following these very simple and cost effective steps,you could reduce the risks of becoming a victim of aserious acquisitive crime.

1 Help prevent burglary• When you go out, always close and lock the external doors

and windows, even if you are just going out for a short while. • Remove all valuables from out of sight. Remember if they

can’t see it, they can’t take it! Keep them safe. • Visible burglar alarms, good lighting and carefully directed

security lighting can put a burglar off. Less darks spots meansless hiding places for someone not wishing to be seen!

• Always keep gates locked when not in use. Easy access to aproperty is often the trigger that makes a property anattractive target. Don’t make it easy for them!

2 Help prevent vehicle crime• Never leave anything on display in your vehicle. Even small

change could pose an attractive target for opportunist thieves. • Always lock the doors and close the windows when you park

your car, even when it is locked in your garage or on yourdriveway. It is essential that you do this, even if you are juststepping out of your car for a few minutes.

• Remember to remove sat navs, including the support cradleand the suction pad. Remember to wipe away any suctionpad marks left on the windscreen.

• Keep your car keys out of sight, even in the house. Ifsomeone broke into your house, they could potentially stealyour car keys too!

3 Help prevent robbery• Be vigilant and alert when walking on your own. Try and stay

in well-lit, busy areas.• Try not to advertise your valuables such as a mobile phone.

Keep it out of sight. • Never use shortcuts such as alleyways or waste ground.

Always stick to a main road.• Carry a personal attack alarm.

Safety Tips

Putting theBrakeson vehicle crime You may also see the handbrakeleaflet which aims to promotevehicle safety. As with Bigfoot, thisleaflet is specifically designed tobe left on a car that has been leftvulnerable to crime. This could bean open window, an unlockeddoor, or a valuable item on show –such as a sat nav.

The leaflet gives general carsafety advice and aims to targetthose who have left themselvesvulnerable. The warning being thatthis time the issuehas been spottedby Police,next time itcould bespotted bya thief!

Playing your part Your support is vital to the successof ‘Operation Fusion.’ If you haveany information or suspicions aboutcriminal activity, call the Police!Alternatively you can call theindependent charity Crimestoppersanonymously on 0800 555 111.

News from your Local Police Teams

12 West Lindsey News

Market Rasen SectorThe Market Rasen Sector is the biggest in Lincolnshire Police’s West Division and covers from Keelby to

Upton to Bardney.

The Market Rasen sector has fourNeighbourhood Policing Teams.

These teams are the Nettleham Team,the Caistor Team, the Market RasenTeam and the Welton and HemswellTeam. For details of each of yourteam members, and what they aredoing in your area, visit our website atwww.lincs.police.uk. These Teams aimto work with you to gather information,tackle local challenges, provide adviceand help reduce crime in your area.

Residents Give Cold Callers

the Cold Shoulder

The Market Rasen Policing Teamhave set up No Cold Calling Zones inMiddle Rasen in a joint initiative withTrading Standards. A No Cold CallingZone is exactly what it says - an areawhere companies or individuals arenot allowed to cold call on residents.

The areas are clearly marked andresidents are given No Cold Callingpacks, which include door stickers,general information and useful phonenumbers. The scheme is funded byTrading Standards, and is completelyfree for residents.

The aim is to reduce the number ofcold callers and potential roguetraders, and in turn reduce the threatof doorstep crime. By specificallydesignating a certain street it allowsresidents to feel more empowered tosay "no" to cold callers.

The first zone was launched atKingsmead Caravan Park atSwinhope followed by two furtherschemes at Braemar Close andMayfield Crescent, Middle Rasen.

PCSO Laura Rowley explained thatother areas would also be consideredfor the scheme: “Once these are upand running, we will be looking formore residential areas to further thescheme. We'd be happy to hear fromanyone who wants to set up a schemein their street. Doorstep Crime is animportant issue and we're workinghard to try and prevent it. We'd urgepeople to report any suspiciouspeople or vehicles in their area.”

Information being shared withresidents in the No Cold CallingZones includes simple steps like fittingand using door security chains, askingto see and handle identification cardsand verifying identification.

Other advice also includes gettinga second opinion before agreeing anywork, keeping doors and windowslocked when in residence, not keepinglarge sums of money in the house andensuring purses, wallets andhandbags are out of sight.

Anyone wishing for furtherinformation on the No Cold CallingZones or wanting free security andcrime prevention advice should calltheir local Neighbourhood PolicingTeam.

Your Award Winning Team

for Hemswell

Officers identified as having goneabove and beyond the call of dutyhave been recognised for theirachievements. Family members andfriends were also invited to an awardsceremony when officers’ bravery,dedication and professionalism wererecognised.

Amongst those honoured were yourlocal team for the Hemswell area.

Introducing the evening, AssistantChief Constable Alec Wood paidtribute to the Officers who had beensingled out for the exceptional servicethey have provided to Lincolnshire.“These Officers are outstandingexamples of Policing with Pride – andthey do it day in, day out.”

Constable Ian Cotton and PCSOJulie McFaul received the award fortheir joint operation with TradingStandards which aimed to eradicatethe sale of counterfeit goods from themarket.

As a result of combining highvisibility patrols, plain clothes patrolsand excellent team working with othermembers of staff and partners,Constable Cotton and PCSO McFaulhave achieved the seizure of 80,000counterfeit DVDs/CDs and theexecution of 13 search warrants. Oneman received a custodial sentenceand there are further cases pending.

The work undertaken by theseofficers has also resulted in theowners of the site signing up to theMarket Owners Code of Practice.

Inspector Rod Brant said: “Withoutthe professionalism, commitment andteam work demonstrated by theseofficers in coordinating patrols andobtaining intelligence there is no doubtthat this criminal activity would havecontinued.” n

Constable Ian Cotton and PCSO JulieMcFaul

Serving with Professionalism Respect Integrity Dedication Empathy

LINCOLNSHIRE POLICE

13West Lindsey News

Gainsborough Sector The Gainsborough sector has five Neighbourhood Policing Teams. These teams are the Rural South Team,

the Rural North Team, the Lea and South West Team, the Gainsborough Town Team and the Uphills Team.

Working to protect our

beautiful woods

Your Neighbourhood Policing Teamsfor Lea and South West andGainsborough Rural North Team, aretaking a proactive approach inprotecting the woodlands on theirrespective patches.

The two Teams cover Lea Woodsand Laughton Woods and both havebeen actively looking for solutions tothe challenges raised by their localcommunities.

The new Community Beat Managerfor Lea and South West, PC RebekaOakley, was keen to support the workalready in motion to in her new area.

"Lea Woods is a really beautifularea and one that has a very lowcrime rate. We want to keep it thatway! So I was pleased to see thatPCSO Sarah Gibson had beenworking with Fire and Rescue to deterany individuals from setting fires in thearea. There is not a problem with thisat the moment, but we did have areport of a small amount of rubbishbeing set alight. It is this sort of thingthat myself and the team will seek toaddress before it does become aproblem,” said PC Oakley who ispictured here with the new PCSO forLea and South West, Mel Crabtree.

Issues have also been highlightedat Laughton Woods. Members of thepublic have complained of vehiclesbeing used within the woods in an antisocial manner, fly tipping taking place,burnt out vehicles and campers in thewoods who have been lighting firesand leaving rubbish behind. This hasresulted in the team taking a proactivestance and arranging a Joint AgencyMeeting with the West Lindsey DistrictCouncil Anti Social Behaviour Teamand the Forestry Commission.

PC Lindsay Postles, also new to therole of Community Beat Manager, said:"It is the people who come to the

woods and behave in a manner thatcauses other people problems that weare most interested in targeting. Theuse of any type of vehicle within thewoods anywhere is strictly prohibited.We have had recent incidents reportedwhere people have attended the woodswith vehicles under the impression thatthis is perfectly acceptable.

“This is not acceptable as we dohave small communities of peoplewho live within the woods and theyare being disturbed by this type ofbehaviour on a daily basis. Further to

that, people behaving in this mannerare also disturbing and destroying the natural homes and habitats ofmany birds and animals that livewithin the woods. We want LaughtonWoods to be an area of naturalbeauty that all residents in the areacan be proud of." n

If you have any concerns about eitherof these areas, contact yourNeighbourhood Policing Team. Fordetails of each of your team members,visit our website at www.lincs.police.uk.

PC Rebeka Oakley andPCSO Mel Crabtree

Name .......................................................................................................................

Address....................................................................................................................

.................................................................................................................................

............................................................................ Postcode ..................................

Tel ............................................................................................................................

Email ........................................................................................................................

14 West Lindsey News

What do you think aboutour future housing priorities?‘H’ – high priority • ‘M’ – medium priority • ‘L’ – low priority

Our housing priority How do you Your comments on prioritiesrate this priority? H, M or L

Meeting the challenges of our ageing population

Developing Gainsborough as a growth area and tackling poor housing in the town

Increasing the supply of affordable housing, particularly for localpeople in our villages

Do you think there are other housing priorities we should be looking at?

If you need more space to pass on your comments please write them on aseparate sheet. If you have other comments about housing in the area that youthink we should consider please pass these on too.

If you would you like more information about housing or would you like theopportunity to comment more about housing in the area, we would also be happyto hear from you. Please cut out this form and send it to:

The Housing and Renewals TeamFreepost RRYU-BTEG-REASAccount Number 22West Lindsey District CouncilGuildhallMarshall’s YardGainsboroughLincs DN21 2NA

Please also include your name and address here:

housinginWestLindsey‘We want people inWest Lindsey to beable to choose ahome and communitythat meets their needsand aspirations’

We recognise that we have a

lot to do to achieve this and we

can’t do this on our own.

We are developing new plansand services for housing inthe area – covering areas

like finding a suitable home,developing new affordable housing,improving the quality of existinghousing – things that matter to peoplein West Lindsey.

We have some ideas about whatneeds to improve and have started tomake changes – but we wantresidents, communities and partnersto help shape what we do in thefuture.

We are developing our housingplans for the future around 3 keythemes: People, Places and Homes,and we think our big priorities shouldbe:

People• Meeting the challenges of our

ageing population and assistingvulnerable households

Places• Developing Gainsborough as a

growth area and tackling poorhousing in the town

Homes• Increasing the supply of affordable

housing particularly for local peoplein our villages

!

15West Lindsey News

Housing and West Lindsey

District Council

As the strategic housing authorityfor the area, West Lindsey DistrictCouncil has responsibility:

• To provide a housing optionsadvice service to help people finda suitable home and preventhomelessness

• To hold and maintain a HousingRegister of people looking foraffordable homes in the area

• To provide services and secureaccommodation for people whodo become homeless

• To understand the local housingmarket

• To work with housingassociations, developers andprivate landlords to deliver newaffordable housing for rent andshared ownership

• To improve the quality of housingacross the area by providingadvice and encouragement toowners and, where necessary,taking enforcement action

• To work with owners andmanagers of private rentedproperties to provide affordabledecent homes that are wellmanaged

• To return empty homes back intouse

• To regenerate and improve ourneighbourhoods

• To improve energy efficiency in allhomes reducing fuel use, costsand carbon emissions

• To assist our increasing olderpopulation to live independently intheir own homes

• To provide Local HousingAllowance for people on lowincomes

• To prepare Local HousingStrategies and Plans so we willdeliver the actions needed

The first repayments of money invested by West Lindsey DistrictCouncil in collapsed Icelandic banks has been returned to the authority.

Iceland cash thaws

West Lindsey District Council

has responded to the Audit

Commision’s report on its

strategic housing service by

pledging to have at least a one

star service in 12 months.

Joint Administrators for HeritableBank Plc (in administration) have

sent a first instalment of £350,000against the £2 million the Councilhad invested. West Lindsey has atotal of £7 million invested in three ofthe failed Icelandic banks.

Latest financial advice alsosuggests that Landsbanki – wherethe Council has £4 million invested–should be able to repay the Councilall it is owed.

And Glitnir – where the Councilhas £1 million invested – appears tohave assets significantly greater than

the liabilities and a full repayment islikely. An external investigation intothe circumstances surrounding howWest Lindsey’s investments weremade has reported that theauthority’s guidelines met goodpractice and officers applied strategyguidelines correctly.

The report, commissioned byCouncil Leader Bernard Theobald,says the banks used met therequired ratings, that lending limitswere not breached, and the Council’srecords are complete, accurate andproperly authorised. n

The report gave the service nostars and said there wereuncertain prospects for

improvement. Director of Strategy andRegeneration, Rachel North, said theCouncil had been aware of theposition before the inspection andaction had been taken.

“A new Housing Manager has beenappointed and a new team is in place.We have an improvement plan andour homelessness service has beenbrought back in house which meansthat all our functions are now underone roof which has many benefits,”said Ms North.

A number of new initiatives are nowunder way.

A Choice Based Letting Schemehas been developed in the district.This scheme allows applicants to seethe full range of advertised availableproperties and then put in a bid forany home they qualify for. So insteadof a council officer making anallocation, the successful applicant isthe person with the highest priority forthe property they have made a bid for.

Help is also on the way for victimsof domestic abuse.

The district council, police, fire andrescue and domestic abuse co-ordinators are all working together tointroduce a sanctuary scheme.

Housing and Renewal ServicesManager Grant Lockett (pictured)said: “The idea is that in extreme

cases victims of domestic abuse,HATE abuse or severe harassmentalternative housing can be found. Butin the majority of cases the aim is toallow people to stay safe in their ownhome by doing work which could beas simple as setting up securitylighting or as complex as establishingreinforced secure rooms wherevictims know they will be safe.”

Ms North added: “We are alsoworking in many other areas includingbeing part of a bid to bring more than£75 million of extra spend for housingto Lincolnshire and a housingcondition survey is underway to giveus the information we need on whereto target our resources.

“All of these things and otheractions will dramatically improve ourhousing service and I am sure thatlocal residents will soon be seeing thebenefit.” n

new team under one roof

16 West Lindsey News

Published by Gov Partnerships Ltd, Alexander House, 1 Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 1UY tel: 01223 25 7448 www.govpartnerships.com onbehalf of West Lindsey District Council, Guildhall, Gainsborough, Lincs DN21 2NA tel: 01427 676676

what adifferencea year makes…by West Lindsey health trainer

Ashleigh Stevenson-Leigh

I t has only been a year since thehealth trainer service first arrived

in West Lindsey, and already it hasproved a great success. I wasappointed in July 2008 to help tacklethe health inequalities that arepresent in Gainsborough. Startlinglystatistics showed that:

• 1 in 4 adults in our district areobese

• Only 20% of adults meet physicalactivity recommendations

• 1 in 5 adults are smokers

These statistics highlight problemsthat we are now facing up to as adistrict. With the development of thehealth trainer role and the intenseone-to-one support it provides, weare ensuring that individuals with thegreatest need are being individuallymentored towards better health.

We can now offer clients a directroute onto the West Lindseyexercise referral scheme as well asreferrals to other local organisationssuch as SureStart groups, SmokingCessation, and Phoenix WeightManagement.

To find out more call (01427)676676 or ask your GP to make thereferral for you.

Health Trainers, helping you, to help yourself!

West Lindsey’s Trinity Art Centrein Gainsborough has got a

programme for September whichbalances some old favourites withsome new and exciting shows that wehope you will enjoy!

And Art in the Bar for the seasonoffers collections by Kevin Marron onwalls and Rosemary Pike in the craftcabinets. n

For a brochure or to book tickets for afilm or live show call the box officenow on 01427 676655 or visit to bookonline at www.trinityarts.co.uk

Full September programme is:

• Wednesday 2nd September atmiddayLunchtime Literature with DrJane Mackay – John Steinbeck:'The Grapes of Wrath'Tickets £5

• Friday 4th September at 8pmLIVE MUSIC: Opera DudesTickets £8 (£6 Concessions)

• Saturday 5th September at 2pmMulti-Story Theatre presentsClever Clogs and the CunningPrincessTickets £3 Child, £5 Adult, £15 Family

• Saturday 5th September at 7.30pmFILM: Public Enemies (CERT TBC)Tickets £4.50 (£3.50 Concessions)

• Wednesday 9th September at 8pmLondon Classic Theatre presentsThe Beauty Queen of LeenaneContains strong language andrecommended for 14 years +Tickets £9 (£7 Concessions)

• Thursday 10th September at 8pmThe HOOT Comedy ClubWith Ray Crawford, JosephWilson and Elliot J HuntleyTickets £7 (£5 Concessions)

• Friday 11th September at 8pmSpike Theatre presents HOOF!Tickets £7.50 (£5.50 Concessions)

• Saturday 12th September at 7.30pmFILM: Blood the Last Vampire (18)Tickets £4.50 (£3.50 Concessions)

• Thursday 17th September at7.30pmFILM: My Sisters Keeper (15)Tickets £4.50 (£3.50 Concessions)

• Friday 18th September at 8pmRolling Stones tribute: The StonesTickets £9

• Saturday 19th September at 2pmand 6.30pmKIDS CLUB: Harry Potter and theHalf Blood Prince (PG)Tickets £4.50 (£3.50 Concessions)KIDS CLUB: £1.50 (£2.50 Adults)

• Friday 25th and Saturday 26thSeptember at 7.30pmGainsborough Amateur OperaticSociety presents Steppin' AlongBroadwayTickets £8

If you or someone you know has difficulty in reading WestLindsey News, copies can be made available on audio tape, in large clear print, braille or in another language. Please callus on (01427) 676676 to arrange a free copy.

High Sheriff of Lincolnshire Lady SarahMcCorquodale learns how a body fatmonitor works from West Lindsey’s healthtrainer Ashleigh Stevenson-Leigh watchedby Chairman of the Council Jessie Milne.Lady Sarah was a visitor to the WestLindsey tent at the Lincolnshire Show

what’sonatTrinity

Clever Clogs and the CunningPrincess – September 5