Boston Bulletin - Boston Borough Council

Transcription

Boston Bulletin
ISSUE 39 - JULY 2013
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New signs in Central Park urge
dog owners to act responsibly and
warn of the possible harmful health
effects of failing to remove faeces,
such as causing blindness in
children. They also warn that those
who fail to clean up face a fine of
£75.
Recently as many as 40 piles of dog poo
have been found left in Central Park. Park
staff will remove any not cleaned away
and remind returning dog owners of their
responsibility by leaving a chalk-sprayed
“no dog mess” sign on the ground where
previously they failed to pick up.
New dog poo bag dispensers have been
placed in the park so that no pet owners
have the excuse that they had forgotten
their bags.
Graphic signs illustrate in pictures the
risks of leaving dog mess behind with
images of the worms in dog faeces which
carry the disease which can infect a child
and lead to blindness. They carry the
z continued on page 3
Please clean up… Cllr Yvonne Gunter with one of the new dog poo bag dispensers
in Central Park
www.boston.gov.uk
2 Boston Bulletin, July, 2013
www.boston.gov.uk
Boston Bulletin, July, 2013 3
Self sufficiency is
key to survival
Under the new system of local
government finance, which started
this year, local authorities will only
really flourish if they can grow.
Grow, in this context, means growing the
rateable values of its commercial sector.
This is not easy at the best of times, but
as we move out of recession it will be very
difficult indeed. Boston has done better
than a lot of authorities in managing to
keep a lively town centre and reasonably
buoyant business sector, but it is certainly
not growing.
Larger authorities, particularly in the
South East, have a continual supply of
new development but we will find it difficult
to grow new premises at a sufficient rate to
keep a healthy growth in our resources.
Council tax is now a very small part of
our total income and fees and charges
will not be sufficient to see us through
future difficulties. It is also true that new
development takes time to come about
and become operational.
We do not know what is likely to
happen but clearly in our era of “small
government” in terms of their support for
local authorities and to survive we need to
become much more self sufficient.
This is the longest recession for a
by Chief Executive
RICHARD HARBORD
very long while. Longer than the 1920s
or 1930s and productivity in the East
Midlands is considerably below where it
was in 2006. Public sector employment
has fallen by 6.8 per cent since 2010.
Interestingly more and more of national
resources are centred in London and the
South East and there is a need for central
Government to recognise this more in the
grant settlements.
The need to re-think what we do and
how we do it becomes more important with
every economic announcement made. We
do need to have a fundamental re-think
about the services valued by the public
and how we need to protect them, even if it
means giving up other things altogether.
Our Transformation Programme needs
to take a quantum leap to prepare us for
the changes to come.
In terms of growth, following a
report by Lord Heseltine, it seems as
if the Government is to concentrate
its resources in the Local Enterprise
Partnerships. These certainly are building
their own agendas largely around major
infrastructure projects. The difficulty is
that the local authority voice on these
partnerships is very limited. Certainly
at present the plans of the Greater
Lincolnshire LEP are concentrated in
areas north of Boston and it is difficult to
measure the benefits to us.
The status quo is not an option; we must
redouble our efforts to become more self
sufficient in order that we can meet the
local needs of our residents in a really
effective fashion.
From steam to internal combustion
Intrepid Boston Bulletin photographer
James Knowles, who has a penchant
for all things mechanical has been out
and about with his camera again.
He captured these images at this
year’s Boston Bike Night, which
attracted thousands and has been
described as the best yet.
The event is organised by the Boston
Motorcycle Riders Association
(BMRA). Hundreds of bikes lined up in
the town centre.
Next seen through the lens of Cllr
Knowles’ camera was a machine
from a different era – the former BR
7P, Standard-class Pacific Oliver
Cromwell passing through Boston on
a rail tour which had originated from
London Kings Cross.
Cllr Knowles said: “As these locos
were regular performers through
Boston in the 1960s, normally working
the Grimsby-London trains, it really
was a case of deja vu. This loco, also
part of the National Railway Museum
at York, worked the famous 15 guinea
special, which was the last scheduled
steam-hauled train on the national
network, over the famed Settle and
Carlisle line.”
Members of the street cleanliness task and finish group with some of the campaign material in Central Park. It includes a “no
fouling” stencil which will be used to leave a chalk sign on the ground where council staff have had to clear up uncollected dog
mess. From left: Rob Lauberts, Cllr Aaron Spencer, Cllr Mary Wright, Cllr Mark Baker, Cllr Michael Brookes and Tom Ashton
Be a responsible dog owner
story by ANDREW MALKIN
picture by LISA MALLETT
z from front page
message “Be a responsible dog owner”
in English, Polish, Latvian, Russian and
Portuguese.
Others placed around the park urge dog
owners to clean up or risk a £75 fine.
The problem of dog mess is one aspect
of street cleanliness being investigated
by a special Boston Borough Council task
and finish group which is soon to report on
a whole raft of proposals to help keep the
town clean.
Chairman, Cllr Mark Baker, said: “We
have fine-tuned the dog poo campaign. An
initial idea to mark with flags where owners
have failed to clean up will be replaced
with the signs sprayed on the ground with
chalk. We hope this will be a more visible
reminder and deterrent. The spray is nontoxic and will weather away gradually. We
recognise that it’s quite a new and bold
step to take, and it may have its critics,
but urgent and attention-grabbing action is
required.”
Cllr Yvonne Gunter, portfolio holder for
parks and open spaces, added: “With all
the other measures no visitor to Central
Park with a dog will have any reason or
excuse not to clean up. We recognise that,
for most, their dog is a valued member
of the family – their pet may be their only
constant companion – and we want to
be able to welcome them all into Central
Park. But they must accept responsibility
for clearing away what their pet deposits.
No one can say that is unreasonable,
especially when you consider the potential
risks to human health. I do hope you
will help us to achieve a clean park for
everyone.”
Cllr Baker said dogs, being creatures
of habit, return to the same place and
that’s when irresponsible owners will
be confronted by a sign sprayed on the
ground – evidence that someone else
has found what they haven’t bothered to
collect.
Central Park is enjoyed by families,
especially during the summer months,
when they picnic and play games. The last
thing any parent wants to deal with is a
child who has trodden in dog dirt or, even
worse, fallen into it.
Not only is it obnoxious, it is dangerous.
Toxocariasis is the disease caused by the
eggs of the roundworm toxocara which can
be passed from dogs to humans through
contact with the animal faeces.
Children, especially toddlers, are at more
risk from infection because they play on the
ground and are more likely to put fingers
and toys in their mouths.
Once swallowed, the eggs hatch into
larvae in the intestines and burrow out
through the body.
Depending upon the route taken by
the larvae, the symptoms of toxocariasis
can vary from general malaise, dizziness,
bronchitis and headache, to serious
cases such as asthma, epilepsy and sight
impairment. The illness lasts for years and
is very difficult to treat.
Advice includes children not mixing play
on the ground with eating finger food – a
basic definition of children at a picnic in the
park!
Which is why good general personal
hygiene is essential, especially hand
washing before eating.
Pet owners should regularly worm dogs
and cats.
It is an offence for the person in charge
of a dog, whether or not they are the
owner, not to clean up immediately after
the dog has fouled, punishable by a fixed
penalty fine of £75. In the magistrates’
court the maximum fine is currently £1,000.
Bagged waste should be put in a
designated dog waste bin. Bagged and
sealed dog waste may also be placed in
ordinary litter bins. On all other occasions
your dog waste should be taken home and
disposed of with your domestic waste
Plastic dog poo bags are available, free
of charge, from Boston Borough Council
at reception at Municipal Buildings in West
Street and reception at the Fen Road depot
and now from dispensers in Central Park.
www.boston.gov.uk
www.boston.gov.uk
Please… don’t pee here
A “polite” poster campaign,
aimed at persuading people
not to urinate in the streets in
Boston, has struck a chord with
businesses.
The “please don’t pee here” campaign
was hatched by Boston Borough
Councillors Carol Taylor and Mary Wright,
to deter those who urinate in the open,
especially in and around the historic
Wormgate area.
The posters they have produced have a
“banned” symbol over the silhouette of a
male figure urinating with a short message
in English, Polish, Latvian, Russian and
Portuguese – see facing page.
It appeals for help in keeping Boston
clean and tidy and respecting the hard
work others have put in to make the town a
nice place to live.
Since the posters went on offer they
have been snapped up by a pub, a
restaurant and shops.
Cllrs Taylor and Wright, who represent
Witham ward, had been approached
by residents and business owners near
Archers Lane in the Wormgate area asking
for help to combat the problem.
Cllr Taylor said: “We have agreed to give
the poster campaign three months to see if
it has any impact. We would be pleased to
have any feedback from those who have
had the posters.
“It has been suggested that this problem
has been caused by a shortage of public
toilets, but this had been going on long
before the toilets at the Assembly Rooms
closed. Some have said it’s a cultural
issue, but I do not believe that any society
finds it acceptable to urinate and defecate
Cllrs Carol Taylor, left, and Mary Wright, with their polite “don’t pee” notice
in public.”
Cllr Wright said it was mainly aimed at
people who were tempted not to bother
looking for a toilet even when one is
available. She said that despite public
toilets being available near the main
entrance to Central Park some people still
urinated and defecated behind bushes in
the park.
Cllr Taylor stressed: “This problem is not
peculiar to only Boston. Other towns and
cities suffer in the same way. One of the
main causes is consumption of alcohol,
which is a diuretic.
“We had been asked for help and felt we
had to do something. But we wanted the
notice to be polite and be a request, not an
order, in the hope that people would show
a little more respect for Boston, which is as
much their home as anyone else’s.”
Country Park
fire hazard
A warning has been issued about the dangers of
lighting fires in Witham Way Country Park after a
bench was damaged.
Wood stored at the park for a job was scavenged
to light a fire which scorched a seat.
Cllr Yvonne Gunter, Boston Borough Council's
portfolio holder for parks and open spaces, said:
"Fires should never be started in the park in
any circumstances, and especially not when the
weather has been as dry as it has been of late
when grass, shrubs and trees could spread flames
quickly leading to a dangerous out-of-control
blaze."
She said police has been told of the incident and
would be keeping an eye on the park. Cllr Gunter
appealed for anyone seeing someone starting a
fire to report it to police.
Right: The fire-scorched bench at Witham Way
Country Park
Please don’t pee here campaign poster
www.boston.gov.uk
Japanese visitors’
whistle-stop visit
Visitors from Boston’s friendship
town in Japan were welcomed to
town by Mayor Cllr Paul Kenny and
Mayoress Mrs Pam Kenny.
The party from Hakusan paid a
whistle-stop visit on their way from
Raunheim, their friendship town in
Germany.
After enjoying tea with the Mayor and
Mayoress, Deputy Mayor and Mayoress,
Cllr Paul Goodale and Mrs Angie
Goodale and guests they were shown
the civic regalia. The party included
the Mayor of Hakusan, Mr Hiroaki
Sakuno, head councillor of Hakusan
City Council, Mr Katsuyuki Okamoto,
Manager of Secretarial Division (city
employee) Mr Hiroshi Fukuda, tour
conductor Mr Tatsuo Matsuda and
interpreter Mrs Yoko Garg.
Also in attendance were Hakusan
Project representatives including
students who will enjoy an exchange
trip to Hakusan this year.
They enjoyed a guided tour of the
Guildhall and Boston Stump before
travelling on to London.
Mayor of Hakusan Hiroaki Sakuno and Mayor of Boston Cllr Paul Kenny share a
joke during the reception for the Japanese visitors at Municipal Buildings. They
exchanged gifts, a plaque portraying the borough crest for Mr Sakuno and a tie
and traditional Japanese ceremonial drum for Cllr Kenny
Keep up with Boston Borough Council news on:
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You smash
waste record
A massive thank you has gone
out to all Boston borough
residents – for the first time
EVER they have recycled more
than they sent to landfill.
Figures just released for
June show that 1,154.3 tonnes
of waste was recycled against
1,153.8 tonnes sent to landfill.
The recycled total included
garden waste, which gets
turned into compost.
Cllr Michael Brookes, Boston
Borough Council’s portfolio
holder for waste services,
said: “Words cannot express
how thrilled I am by this news.
It is an amazing achievement
and demonstrates that we are
all going in absolutely the right
direction.
“I want to say a massive
thank you to everyone in the
borough who has contributed
to this. It is so gratifying to
know that people are being
really conscientious about how
they deal with their waste.”
Brown wheelie bins for
garden waste are still available
from the borough council at
the bargain one-off price of
£25 each. Unlike many other
authorities the garden waste
collection service is free
once a brown bin has been
purchased.
A total of 13,000 have now
signed up to receive the brown
bin collection and there are
now 13,500 brown bins in the
borough.
The fortnightly garden waste
kerbside collection service
will continue into November,
saving scheme members the
many journeys they make
carting garden waste to the tip.
Since the popular scheme
was introduced almost 4,000
tonnes of waste which would
have otherwise gone to landfill
has been turned into useful
compost.
www.boston.gov.uk
Backers sought for
'Sanctuary' scheme
A ground-breaking scheme which
helps protect vulnerable people in
their own homes can continue to
operate in town thanks to a £4,000
grant from Boston Town Area
Committee (BTAC).
Now an appeal has been issued for
sponsors and commercial backers so that
victims of domestic abuse in communities
outside the town area can benefit.
The Sanctuary scheme attracted interest
from press, radio and television when
it was launched in Boston in 2010 and
has so far supported 200 victims. It was
in danger of running out of money until
BTAC stepped in earlier this month with its
£4,000 donation.
Cllr Stephen Woodliffe, Boston Borough
Council's portfolio holder for community
safety, said: "I was so pleased to see
BTAC approve its generous grant so
that the scheme can continue running in
Boston.
"It would be a great shame if vulnerable
people in other areas in the borough could
not also be protected by the Sanctuary
scheme in the same way as those living
within the BTAC area.
"We would like to hear from anyone,
especially a corporate sponsor, who could
help."
The scheme has helped protect victims
of domestic abuse by allowing them to
stay in their own homes and carry on living
in an environment familiar to them where
they can have support from family and
friends.
Support is now needed to continue to
supply items such as spy holes, intercom
systems, fire alarms, fire extinguishers,
door chains, light timers, safety alarms,
memo cams and memo cards, which are
super-efficient video cameras which detect
any unexpected movement inside or
outside the home.
Peter Hunn, the council's principal
community safety officer, added: "We have
had a good and effective campaign helping
make life safer for victims of domestic
abuse. Some of these are the most
vulnerable people in society, placed at risk
of harm through no fault of their own.
"It would be a tragedy if we could not
continue to support them through lack of
funds. The BTAC funding is most welcome,
but that money can only be spent on
homes in the town area. Some sort of
local commercial backing, perhaps from a
builders' merchant, for example, could be
a lifesaver for victims in the villages. The
items we require sponsorship for include
security lights, reinforced security doors,
door chains, window and internal door
locks, fire-fighting equipment and alarms.
All things to help people feel safe and
confident in their own homes.
A partnership of agencies, including
Lincolnshire Police, Boston Borough
Council and Boston Mayflower, work
closely with a number of statutory and
voluntary groups, including police domestic
abuse teams and the South Lincolnshire
Multi-Agency Risk Assessment
Conference, to gain referrals. Boston's
crime reduction police officer visits
victims at their homes to carry out a crime
prevention assessment of the property
before liaising with the Sanctuary scheme
to arrange for the necessary safety
equipment to be provided.
Boston Mayflower Housing and
maintenance partners, Aaron Services Ltd,
Kier Building and D&M Barthorpe support
the scheme, providing a handyman to
install security measures in victims’ homes.
Karen Shooter, county domestic abuse
manager, said: "Every year in Lincolnshire
around 10,000 incidents of domestic abuse
are reported to the police.
"Sometimes the threat to life or serious
assault is so high that a victim of domestic
abuse has to leave their home, belongings,
friends, family, job and community to
escape the abuse. Often the fear of further
abuse can be enough to make people flee
Extra door security being fitted under
the Sanctuary scheme
out of the area they live. The Sanctuary
schemes offer some victims of domestic
abuse an alternative. Changes to door
locks, window locks and alarms, plates to
cover letter boxes and security lighting not
only help to physically protect an individual
and give the police time to get to the
house, they also help victims feel safer.
Everyone has the right to feel safe and
secure in their own home.
“Sanctuary schemes help to prevent
further abuse and improve the emotional
health and well being of a victim and their
family.
“This is an essential service that must be
protected."
If you can help save the Sanctuary
scheme please contact Peter Hunn on
01205 314245 or email
[email protected]
The next Bulletin will be out on Monday, September 30, 2013.
Don’t delay, send material for submission to
[email protected]
www.boston.gov.uk
www.boston.gov.uk
Wasteland transformed
into a relaxing garden
Boston’s newest community space
gets its official unveiling by the
Mayor next month (August).
In-bloom judges, third from left, Robin Allan, sixth from left, Richard Stephen, and eighth from left, Diane Moore, with
members of Boston 2013 in-bloom team
The wait begins for
Boston's in-bloom result
The work’s been done, the judges
have visited and now the long wait
for Boston’s in-bloom result begins.
Three judges from East Midlands in
Bloom toured the town earlier this month to
mark efforts made for the 2013 campaign.
Boston entered the awards for the first
time last year and was pleased to receive
a silver award.
This year, acting on comments from the
judges last year, two major projects were
undertaken – a facelift of Custom House
Quay and the transformation of derelict
land at the Geoff Moulder Leisure Complex
into a kitchen garden.
Judges were also shown other
community efforts, much undertaken
by volunteers, including Boston
Greenscapers, HM Prison North Sea
Camp and South Lincolnshire Horticultural
Society, to make the town bloom.
After a welcome at Boston West
Academy by Cllr Yvonne Gunter, Boston
Borough Council’s parks and open spaces
portfolio holder, the judges were given a
full outline of all that had been done in the
past year as time did not allow for them to
visit and see everything.
Ian Farmer, Boston Borough Council’s
partnerships and sustainability manager,
gave details of projects such as a
widespread bulb planting, the further
enhancement of Witham Way Country
Park and establishment of community
orchards across the borough.
Mike Schofield, head at Boston West
Academy, told how gardening was now
part of their curriculum and took the
judges on a tour of the grounds to see
the emerging eco centre “The Hive”. He
also pointed out a nest box on the school
site with four kestrel chicks inside. A
camera relays live footage to the school
for children to follow the chicks’ progress.
Pictures from inside the nest box can be
seen on the school’s website.
The judges were shown Woodville
Road play area, planting at Asda and
Grand Sluice and the marina and visited
Wormgate, Jay’s garden in Archers Lane,
the Stump grounds and the knot garden
and Puritan Path, planting at the Ingram
Memorial where they met adults with
learning disabilities from Thistles day
centre and nursery at Sutterton, Strait
Bargate, Wide Bargate, Central Park, the
Memorial Gardens, Pescod Square, the
Market Place, Waterfront pub, Custom
House Quay, the Guildhall and Fydell
House and gardens.
Mayor of Boston, Cllr Paul Kenny,
told the judges he hoped they would be
impressed by the “amazing” partnership
working there had been.
Judge Richard Stephen said they would
have to wait until September for their result
but hinted “something nice” would be
coming their way.
It will mark the end of a massive
volunteer effort to turn a derelict area of
land behind the training pool at the Geoff
Moulder Leisure Complex into a relaxing
community garden complete with water
feature, benches and planting, including
fruit bushes and herbs.
A large patio area has been created
and existing slabs relaid and tons of
pink granite barrowed in to make stable
walking and planting areas.
Most of the work was done by volunteer
gardeners from Boston Greenscapers,
with support from Boston Borough
Council, local contractors and Geoff
Moulder staff.
The majority of plants for the garden
were provided by B and Q at a substantial
discount. The garden has been financed
by the Lincolnshire Health and Well
Being Fund and will be used to promote
the benefits of edible gardening as well
as doubling up as an attractive space
for outdoor fitness classes. It is open to
centre users and staff.
The garden was a main contender for
this year’s bid by Greenscapers for a
Britain in Bloom In Your Neighbourhood
award. Judges visited the garden
and Custom House Quay, where the
Greenscapers have also been hard at
work. Last year Boston Greenscapers
achieved a level 3 award and hope to
improve on that position this year.
The garden will be opened by Mayor,
Cllr Paul Kenny, at 12.30pm on Thursday,
August 15.
The derelict area of waste ground prior to the transformation
Above: Adults with learning disabilities
show the in-bloom judges the results
of their hard work near the Ingram
Memorial. Below: Boston Greenscaper
Rachel Lauberts explains the Custom
House Quay project to the in-bloom
judges
20
The garden at the Geoff Moulder Leisure Complex which had been a derelict area of waste ground
13
www.boston.gov.uk
www.boston.gov.uk
Custom House Quay cleanup impresses judges
Judging has taken place for
Boston’s second bid for Britain-inBloom glory, starting with the “In
Your Neighbourhood” category.
Judges were in town on Thursday,
July 4, to view the efforts of community
volunteers, including Boston
Greenscapers. They visited Custom
House Quay and the Geoff Moulder
Leisure Centre garden to judge this
category, which focuses on community
participation, environmental responsibility
and gardening achievement. It was set
up to acknowledge local community
groups “cleaning up and greening up” their
immediate environment.
Custom House Quay has undergone
a major make-over, which was run by
volunteers from Boston Greenscapers,
with the support of Boston Borough
Council, to tidy and improve the waterfront
site. This included a deep high-pressure
jet wash clean, repairs and repointing
to crumbling masonry and brickwork,
weeding and planting. A new interpretation
board has also been added, explaining the
historical significance of the quay.
Future plans for the area include fitting
a giant buoy used to guide ships in The
Wash, a reclaimed dinghy set with coastloving plants and a ship’s mast.
The derelict area at the rear of the
training pool at the Geoff Moulder
Complex has undergone dramatic
improvement to make it a unique and
relaxing garden area with a large patio
area, water feature, benches and planting,
Home Support, Gardening
and Handyman services
Inspecting the improved Custom House Quay area for the In Your Neighbourhood
award. From left, judge Liz Walker, Greenscaper Rachel Lauberts, judge Beulah
Sturgess, Greenscapers Rob Lauberts and Rodney Bowles, Tom Preston from the
adjoining Waterfront pub, which has been a supporter of the quay’s clean-up team
and Ian Farmer, the council’s partnerships and sustainability manager
including fruit bushes. This was all done
Rachel Lauberts, of Boston
Greenscapers, said: “I think the judges
by volunteers from Boston Greenscapers
were impressed. We have fingers crossed
with the help of staff from the centre.
for a good result again this year.”
Free or discounted plants have been
The results of the “In your
provided for the sites by HM Prison North
neighbourhood” awards are set to be
Sea Camp, Thistles Nursery, Bell Brothers
announced in September. Last year
Nursery Outlet, B&Q and Homebase.
Boston Greenscapers achieved a level
It is only Boston’s second year in the
3 award and hope to improve on that
Britain-in-Bloom campaign, managing to
position this year.
achieve a silver award in its first year.
Have your say on England’s first marine plan
B
oston is one venue for consultation
events launched by the Marine
Management Organisation to draft plans
for the seas from Flamborough Head in
the north to Felixstowe in the south.
The plan covering the sea nearest
Boston will be one of the first two of 11
to be delivered for England, and we are
one of the first countries in the world to
plan across all marine activities.
The seas around England are vitally
important to our nation. The UK marine
economy is currently worth more
than £47 billion annually, and has the
potential to increase significantly. Our
seas also matter to people and wildlife.
Marine plans will inform and guide
marine users and regulators, managing
the sustainable development of marine
industries taking account of local
communities and the need to protect
leisure uses and the environment.
It is hoped that the reduced costs
and increased certainty provided by
marine planning will create greater
development opportunities leading to
increased economic and employment
benefits for coastal communities.
Paul Gilliland, the MMO’s Head of
Marine Planning, said: “Marine plans
will be of interest to anyone who enjoys
our coastline and seas, or relies on
our marine area to make a living. We
want to hear from as many people as
possible – from those living on the
coast to major developers – and will
be holding a series of public drop-in
sessions.
"Our seas are facing unprecedented
and competing demands, so this is
an ideal time for marine planning to
begin in these areas, to help meet that
challenge in a way that provides for
people, industry and wildlife.”
The views of all those with an interest
in the East marine areas are vital to
the plan-making process. As well as
offering an online consultation tool, nine
drop-in sessions along the East coast
will ensure as many people as possible
know about the draft plans and have
their say.
You can Watch a video on marine
planning on You Tube at
http://bit.ly/15B0s8V
The sessions will run from 10am-8pm
on Thursday, August 1, at Black Sluice
Centre, Boston, and on Tuesday, August
6, at North Shore Hotel and Golf Club,
near Skegness.
You can submit your comments online
and read the plans at
http://bit.ly/13qCoTd
Everyone needs a helping hand sometimes…
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No more worrying about when or how you can
get all your work done. Simply sit back, relax and let
our professional, cheerful staff do the work for you.
Every one of our team members has undergone
full police checks and has been professionally trained.
Age UK Boston & South Holland are working to
promote the wellbeing of older people and helping
to make later life a more fulfilling and enjoyable
experience.
Other services:
Day centres/activity centres
Lunch clubs
Pop-in coffee shops
Contact us now for more details and prices
Monday to Friday, 9.00am–3.00pm
01205 364 161 or
[email protected]
or visit www.ageukbsh.co.uk
Age UK Boston & South Holland
The Community Room
34 Strait Bargate
Boston
Registered charity number 222875.
IDBB1073 07/12
Lincolnshire PE21 6LJ
www.boston.gov.uk
Boston report could
form immigration policy
Boston’s report on the impact of
population change could help form
Labour’s immigration policy.
Shadow immigration minister Chris
Bryant MP, on a visit to Boston recently,
told the task and finish group which
compiled the report: “I want to make sure
this ends up in the Labour manifesto.”
He said he had no disagreement with
any of the report’s 28 recommendations
and praised Boston Borough Council for
the way in which it had tackled issues
around inward migration.
He said that Labour’s welcome-all, opendoors immigration policy when it has been
in Government had been “badly wrong”
and had placed pressures on councils,
such as Boston, straining services it had to
administer.
Mr Bryant came to Boston at the
invitation of Cllr Mike Gilbert, Boston
Borough Council’s community
development portfolio holder.
Mr Bryant heard from task and finish
group members of the challenges in
Boston caused by population growth
and issues of concern around migrant
workers such as wages being forced down
and rents being hiked up, exploitation
by unscrupulous employers, zero-hour
contracts, sub-standard living conditions,
street drinking and anti-social behaviour,
some of which impacted on the general
population.
Mr Rob Lauberts told him that Boston’s
infrastructure was creaking because of the
dramatic and sudden population increase.
Earlier Mr Bryant had praised the
borough council for the way in which it had
managed in difficult circumstances with
limited resources.
The 2011 Census showed Boston
experienced a growth in population
between 2001 and 2011 more than double
the average for England and Wales.
Boston's population rose from 55,800 to
64,600 over the ten years – an increase of
15.8 per cent.
This compared to a ten per cent
increase for Lincolnshire during that time
and a 7.1 per cent overall rise for England
and Wales.
A long-awaited Home Office report into
the impact of migration, produced with
assistance from Boston Borough Council,
has been published.
It confirms Boston as a unique case
among the 26 local authorities examined
in the “migrant worker towns and
countryside” cluster.
It recorded that Boston had “at least one
characteristic that is highly pronounced:
the immigration rate for EU Accession
migrants in Boston, relative to the existing
population, is around ten times higher than
the England and Wales average.”
The report was released on the same
day as a report by Oxford University’s
Migration Observatory which revealed that
the proportional increase in the foreignborn population of Boston from 2001 to
2011 was the biggest in the country rising
by 467 per cent – from 1,727 in 2001 to
9,790 in 2011.
South Holland saw the third biggest
proportional increase at 225 per cent from
2,600 in 2001 to 8,440 in 2011.
Cllr Gilbert said: “There is nothing in
the reports that Bostonians are not aware
of through practical experience, although
some of the numbers might be a surprise.
“We all have to live, work and deliver
services in circumstances of high
migration, whilst maintaining a safe and
tolerant town for all our residents. Whilst
dealing with the practical challenges
identified by Boston Borough Council, for
example HMOs, it is essential that people
support the demand endorsed by our
Conservative administration and MP Mark
Simmonds for a re-negotiation of the EU
settlement and the referendum in 2017.”
Boston Borough Council was one of
just seven to facilitate workshops for the
Home Office, co-ordinating contributing
organisations and individuals. It was
the only one selected because it had
experienced a high recent inflow of
migrants from the EU Accession countries.
These followed an invitation from the
Home Office for Andy Fisher, the council’s
head of housing, health and community
services, to attend a meeting with
researchers in London to help determine
the focus of the project.
The Home Office research is aimed at
providing an evidence-based assessment
of the effects of migration at local level
and a framework to help to develop an
understanding of the impacts that different
types of migrants can have on local areas
and their public services.
It is hoped it will also help to enable the
UK’s response to migration to become
better attuned to its diversity.
Among its conclusions:
z Other areas such as ‘Migrant Worker
Towns and Countryside’ may experience a
greater impact from recent new arrivals
z continued on page 13
www.boston.gov.uk
Dangers of river
swimming
When the weather is hot and
humid there can be a temptation
to cool off with a dip into the
nearest waterway. Wild swimming
is for the experts and not to be
recommended. Use the swimming
pool at the Geoff Moulder Leisure
Complex where you can be safe
from the many dangers you will
face if you dive into the river.
Peter Hunn, Boston Borough
Council’s principal community
safety officer has the following
advice and warnings about
the dangers of river swimming,
especially children swimming in
the Grand Sluice Lock.
z Most young people who drown
are often victims of their own
misjudgement regarding their
swimming ability and the nature of
the water they are swimming in.
z Drowning is the third most
common cause of accidental death
among the under-16s.
z Children who view the river as a
tempting means of cooling off in a
hot spell fail to realise the harmful
effects that cold water can have on
stamina and strength.
z Objects under the water which
may be unseen from the riverbank
can entrap swimmers and hold
them under the water.
z Boats regularly manoeuvre in
the Grand Sluice and Anton’s Gowt
area. There is a real danger of
becoming entangled in the boat’s
propellers or even being caught in
the wash of the boat and dragged
under by the displacement of
the water created by the boat’s
movement.
z One of the biggest problems in
our area is presented by the lock
gates, a regular place that children
and adults swim in Boston. The
gates operate on an automated
system. No warning is given prior
to the gates operating. Anyone
swimming in this area when this
process is commencing will be
drawn through the gates and
washed down river.
z Other health hazards are
potential such as ecoli, Weils
Disease and even asthma and
eczema.
Swimming is also prohibited in
this area and those that are caught
may be liable to a £100 fine.
Shadow immigration minister Chris Bryant MP with, left, Cllr Paul Kenny, chairman
of Boston’s task and finish population change group, and Cllr Mike Gilbert, Boston
Borough Council’s community development portfolio holder
Enjoy the sun but please stay safe.
Screaming bungee
jumpers deserve
your support
Roped together, face to face and
pushed from the top of a 160-foot
tower… sounds like the start of
a scary Hollywood blockbuster,
doesn’t it? But teachers Katie
Dromey and Nichola Walsh
volunteered for the “experience”,
and all for a good cause.
will be concrete and once the bungee
has stopped bouncing they will then be
lowered to the ground. It will be around five
minutes of sheer terror.
Katie said: “We will have our eyes tightly
shut and will scream beyond belief.”
If you want to sponsor them go to
www.justgiving.com/Katie-Dromey1
or pick up a sponsorship form from the
school. Donations can be made after the
event.
They were due to be fixed by the ankles
to a bungee rope to take the plunge
from a crane tower
in Birmingham on
Sunday, July 28.
The Gipsey Bridge
Academy teachers
are aiming to
raise £2,000 from
sponsorship to help
equip a new mobile
classroom which will
also be available for
community use.
Katie had the idea
and talked Nichola
into agreeing to do the
tandem bungee jump
with her.
She said: “We will
ride a platform to
the top of the tower.
We had the option of
jumping off or being
pushed and decided
we wouldn’t be able to
Mayor and Mayoress, of Boston Cllr Paul Kenny and Mrs Pam
jump so have asked
Kenny, with Katie and Nichola at Gipsey Bridge Academy fete
to be pushed off.”
where they heard about the daring fundraising scheme
Beneath them
Pressure on housing
impacts rural areas
z from page 12
due to the new influx of population’s high
impact relative to the pre-existing levels
and low population density (since these
areas are predominantly rural);
z This combination of high volumes of
new migrants in an area with little previous
experience of receiving migrants appears
to give rise to greater challenges and
potential tensions;
z Migrants’ attraction to low-cost
temporary accommodation can attract
them to particular areas and make
them susceptible to rogue landlords,
overcrowding and poorer quality housing;
z Pressures on housing will be focused
on the private rental sector, where most
new migrants reside, and is likely to be
associated with high volumes and mobility
of migrant workers and therefore felt
most keenly in high migration areas (for
example, ‘Migrant Worker Towns and
Countryside’);
z When migrants lack English language
skills, health service visits and appointment
times are appreciably longer.
www.boston.gov.uk
www.boston.gov.uk
Council launches You Tube
channel with 1,000 pictures
Boston Borough Council now has a
You Tube channel and has launched
it with 1,000 images from the Ernie
Robinson archive.
The photographs from Boston’s past
can now be viewed on home computers
around the world. They are available in
four films, each containing 250 pictures.
They were all taken by the late Ernie
Robinson, who worked as a commercial
photographer in Boston all his career up to
his death in 2011.
The archive was donated to the council
by Ernie’s family following his death. Three
exhibitions from his prints have been held
in the atrium at the council’s Municipal
Buildings offices in West Street.
Now the first 1,000 images from his vast
collection of negatives are available online.
They have been digitally scanned by
volunteer Mr John Shaw. Mr Shaw is still
slaving away over a hot computer with the
aim of eventually scanning all of Ernie’s
work – negatives and prints. When it is
finished the archive will number around
4,000 images and create a social history of
Boston going back over four decades.
The first 1,000 pictures can also be seen
on a constantly-moving slideshow on a big
TV screen in the atrium where the archive
can also be searched.
The council’s You Tube channel also has
Alan Tosney’s film marking the centenary
of Boston’s St Thomas’s Church and a
panoramic view of the town centre seen
from Boston Stump.
Alan, who is a founder member of
Leverton History Group, has been a
member of the St Thomas's congregation
for around 20 years and was "volunteered"
for the job of centenary film maker
because of his experience with a video
camera.
An "extra" on his film is the relay of the
Olympic flame through Boston. Mr Tosney
said: "I could not let that historic event
pass by without recording it."
If you like Alan's film, perhaps you
are in it, and would like your own
personal copy as a DVD, contact him at
[email protected]
Copies are available for £5, plus postage
and packing and all money raised will go
towards the maintenance of the church.
The council is appealing for more
footage of Boston and the borough,
showing the area off at its best, to add to
its You Tube library.
Email your MP4 offerings to
[email protected] or
send or bring your film in on a DVD
Boston Town Area Committee Grant Scheme
A neighbourhood opportunity fund for our town centre communities’
Boston Town Area Committee want to support initiatives which
have a direct benefit and positive impact on the town centre
neighbourhoods and communities we cover.
Our grant scheme is available to individuals and groups who want
to contribute directly to their town centre community. No amount is
considered too small but the maximum award is capped at £1,000.
Whether you need some equipment to help improve your area, want
to maintain your local park, have aspirations to set up a community
group or just want to clean up a small area of our town at the
weekend then please consider making an application to us.
Haven
back
to life
Boston’s Haven Gallery was back in
action for a second week as part of
a special summer art festival.
Boston Arts Group moved in to the
prestigious building, closed due to funding
cuts in 2010, for its free-admission
exhibition earlier this month.
It followed a successful week-long
exhibition by students from Boston
College.
Boston Arts Group was founded by
chairman and president Ben Simpson in
1984.
All paintings and the 2014 calendar were
on sale and 20 per cent of all proceeds
were to go to Macmillan Cancer Support.
Chairman of BTAC
If you would like an application form, further information or just a
chat about your project ideas then please contact:
The late Ernie Robinson
or memory stick to Andrew Malkin,
Communications, Boston Borough Council,
Municipal Buildings, West Street, Boston,
Lincolnshire, PE21 8QR.
Search for Boston Borough
Council - You Tube or use this link
http://bit.ly/17ADRLk
You can now also keep up to date with
news from Boston borough via:
The council’s website:
www.boston.gov.uk
Facebook: Boston Borough Council
Twitter: @Bostonboro
And by signing up to receive the free
monthly e-publication Boston Bulletin – a
monthly e-newspaper digest of all things
Boston. Just email the subject “Boston
Bulletin” to [email protected]
You can also catch up with news from
Boston Guildhall on Facebook: Boston
Guildhall Museum
Twitter: @bostonguildhall
The Geoff Moulder Leisure Complex:
www.bostonleisurecentre.co.uk (a new
site is being built to take over, but will use
the same address).
Facebook: Boston Leisure Centre
And keep up to date with
news about Boston in Bloom at
www.bostoninbloom.co.uk
Madelaine Eyre, Local Communities Development Officer and
Administrator of the Boston Town Area Committee Community Grant
Scheme, Tel: (01205) 314340, Mobile: 07879 420 970,
Email: [email protected]
Boston Arts Group secretary, Sue Seal,
and committee member Carol Hines, at
their exhibition in the Haven Gallery
Express your interest for world market
Ideas for a local food market are
being explored by Boston Borough
Council. The council is asking for
expressions of interest from retailers
interested in a “local food from
around the world” one-off market.
It is hoped the event will attract
those who produce and sell food of
all types, from home and abroad,
The idea has evolved from an
original recommendation from
Boston’s social impact of population
change report which wanted to
encourage and promote trade in
West Street.
Food retailers are to be asked
what interest they have in
supporting a one-off food market at
Boston’s Fish Hill area of the Market
Place with a view to it becoming a
regular venture.
Cllr Mike Gilbert, portfolio holder
for community development, said:
“Sometimes people may feel a little
intimidated by having to cross
the threshold into a shop which
they find is unfamiliar territory. A
market stall, by its open nature,
can be much more accessible,
especially when the smell and look
of unfamiliar food can appeal from a
distance.”
Expressions of interest can be
made online at http://bit.ly/12pkIO8
www.boston.gov.uk
‘Banking’ on a bright new future
A borough councillor is “banking”
on a bright new future for a historic
town building. Cllr Raymond
Singleton-McGuire is in talks
with several blue chip companies
interested in giving the former HSBC
bank building in High Street a new
lease of life.
He bought the imposing Victorian building,
which has a prominent position at the foot
of the town bridge next to the White Hart,
when the bank moved out in 2011. The town
bridge was 100-years-old on Thursday, July
18.
The building tells a tale of banking rivalry
in the town, with dirty tricks employed to
win custom. Opposite the building is a
small stone fountain, easily missed by the
casual observer. Cllr Singleton-McGuire
said this was installed, not by the bankers
in residence at the time to help quench the
thirst of their borrowers and savers. The
reverse. It was put there by rival bankers
across town who reasoned that the constant
tinkling sound of water would send any
customers quickly on their way in search of
a loo.
It is not known whether they then pulled
off the master stroke of being sure public
toilets were available closer to their own
bank.
The building was bought in 1863 by Gee,
Wise and Gee when it was a shop run by
grocer J. Nunneley. A year later the new
building was completed and the Gee Bank
opened with a wine party and luncheon for
customers.
Rival bankers, Garfit Claypon, also bought
a shop, this time Clayton's drapers shop
next to the churchyard in the Market Place
(now Lloyds TSB Bank). This building was
also completed in 1864. Its name, simply
The Boston Bank, is an indication of the
intense rivalry that may have existed at that
time.
In connection with this opening, generous
Garfit Claypon gave employees a £1,000
new year present in 1865. By today's value
this equates to just over £500,000!
The High Street bank was grandiose in
terms of style. A solid, over-engineered
structure commanding its “anchor” position
it features head buttress statues of Mr Gee’s
four daughters, projecting itself as a bank
with family virtues. The significance of what
appears to be dagger imagery on a coat of
arms above the main door is not known.
In truth The Boston Bank was probably
the larger bank, with more clients and
larger deposits. This assumption is further
supported by the fact that Garfit Claypon's
bank survived the depression of 1874,
which brought down Gee and Co.
After 1870 England was plunged into a
series of depressions which were death
blows to the private banks. In 1874 Thomas
Gee and Co suspended payments with
liabilities totalling £150,000 and assets of
£91,000. The reason for the immediate
bankruptcy was a local corn merchant
who went into bankruptcy owing £76,000
(approximately £38 million by today's
calculations!). Gee, Wise and Gee, after ten
years of trading, went into liquidation and in
1873-74 was taken over by the Lincoln and
Lindsey Banking Co. Thomas Wise, the
manager of the old firm was appointed as its
manager.
Inside the building today much of the old
banking layout remains untouched with
the reception desk and tellers’ stations still
in place. The door to the vault gives an
indication of security. In the cellar automatic
pumps still operate to deal with the ebb
and flow of the nearby tidal river which, on
occasions, leads to rising water levels in
the lower floor. The building extends to five
floors.
Cllr Singleton-McGuire said: “I have
always liked the building, and did business
here when it was a bank. I was surprised
when it came up for sale at auction and I
bought it over the phone. In an ideal world
I would like to lease it to a tenant who can
look after such a striking building which has
played an important part in Boston’s past
prosperity.”
7 High Street – once the centre of financial rivalry in Boston
Cllr Singleton-McGuire at the entrance
to the vault
The grand entrance with the coat of arms above
A rare view, possibly from 100 years ago
on July 18, 1913, by Boston photographer
George Hackford, who recorded social
history. Usually photographs from here
were taken from the opposite direction
to capture the bridge, Assembly Rooms
and the Stump. It is believed this was the
occasion of the official opening of the
new town bridge and shows the bank on
the right where the word Lincoln, part of
the title Lincoln and Lindsey Banking Co,
can be made out
Dirty tricks… the drinking fountain provided
as a ploy to send potential bank customers
rushing to the loo
One of the four likenesses of the onetime bank owner’s daughters
Next customer please – Cllr Singleton-McGuire who now owns the
building at the cashiers’ stations
www.boston.gov.uk
www.boston.gov.uk
Shopkeeper given 28 days
to remove roller shutters
A Boston shopkeeper has learned
an expensive lesson after failing to
take advice and seek permission
for alternative forms of security and
instead installed roller shutters at his
premises. He has been told to take
them down and failed in his appeal to
gain more time to do the work.
In a no-nonsense ruling, Clive Kirkbride,
an Inspector appointed by the Secretary
of State for Communities and Local
Government, ruled that Mr Waheed Fazal,
could not take seven months to remove
the structure. Mr Fazal had appealed
against Boston Borough Council's notice
requiring removal on the grounds that he
needed seven months rather than the 28
days set out.
Mr Kirkbride said: "The works to comply
with the requirements are not considerable
and should not take any longer to remove
than they would have taken to fit. In
reality, the work would probably take an
experienced contractor no more than a day
to complete.
"I conclude that the compliance period is
adequate and reasonable for the appellant
to engage a suitable contractor and have
the work specified in the requirements
carried out within 28 days. Therefore, the
appeal fails."
Mr Fazal put the roller shutters up at
his premises at 21 West Street, a mobile
phone shop.
Last year the council encouraged
business owners not to risk wasting
money on new steel security shutters for
their premises if they have not sought
the necessary planning permission after
a series of complaints after new shutters
appeared overnight.
Cllr Derek Richmond, Boston Borough
Council’s portfolio holder for the town
centre, said: “We don’t want business
owners to have to face the frustration
and expense of finding themselves in this
position. The council does understand that
shop keepers might be worried about how
Fighting crime
for quarter of
a century
they secure their stock so officers are on
hand to advise on the numerous types of
measures that could be available – some
without needing planning permission. We
don’t want the town centre to begin to look
as if it is closed for business – it needs to
remain attractive, encouraging and safe at
all times of the day and night.”
Property owners who have concerns
about security and are considering security
measures should contact the council for
advice before they commit themselves
to having anything installed (call the
Development Control Planning Information
Officer Tel: 01205 314305 or email
[email protected]
Paul Edwards, the council’s
Development Control Manager, said: “ We
would like to work with shopkeepers to
help find solutions with them, but we do
have an obligation to consider more formal
action if businesses do not seek our advice
or carry on regardless without seeking
any necessary permissions. On this
occasion the Inspector has supported our
actions and there are a number of other
sites where action is being taken or being
considered.”
Meet the Mayor at blind
society coffee morning
Get the chance to meet Boston Mayor
Cllr Paul Kenny when he attends the
South Lincolnshire Blind Society coffee
morning.
Cllr Kenny is set to attend the event
at 124 Tattershall Road, Boston on
Saturday August 10 , from 10am to
12.30pm.
There will be homemade cakes, fresh
vegetables, jams, coffee and biscuits.
All proceeds will go towards supporting
local people suffering sight loss.
There will also be a raffle, tombola,
games and a gift table
The entry fee is £1 which includes a
free cup of coffee.
CRIMESTOPPERS, the independent
charity helping law enforcement, has been
fighting crime since its launch 25 years ago.
Crimestoppers runs the national 0800
555 111 phone number and the online form
at www.crimestoppers-uk.org which allows
members of the public to anonymously
pass on information about crime.
Their guarantee to you is to never ask
for your name or record your call. It makes
it easier for you to come forward, breaking
the silence around criminal activity and
removing your fear. This means that your
name is not known and so you do not have
to write a statement or go to court.
Since its launch, Crimestoppers UK has
gone from strength-to-strength, taking
over 1.4 million phone calls, which has led
to 122,575 arrests, £126 million of goods
being recovered and nearly £299 million of
drugs being seized.
Crimestoppers passes information
about criminals to police forces across the
UK and law enforcement organisations
including Trading Standards and the
Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA).
Its independence from the police and law
enforcement is what makes it unique,
which is why so many people contact it
with information anonymously.
Its work with volunteers in local
communities is integral to the success of
the charity. A network of 550 volunteers
throughout the UK engage daily with
local people to find out about the crimes
and issues affecting their community.
These volunteers come from varying
backgrounds such as media, business or
local government, bringing relevant skills
to the table aiding Crimestoppers’ work in
their area. If you would like to get involved
or learn more please contact Kiran Dhanda
on [email protected]
If you would like to pass on information
about crime anonymously you can contact
Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through
the charity’s anonymous online form at
www.crimestoppers-uk.org
If you are interested in becoming a
volunteer, please fill out a volunteer
enquiry form http://bit.ly/phMoVc
How to find an NHS dentist
in Lincolnshire
x Visit the NHS Choices website at www.nhs.uk/dentists.
x Call one of the following organisations who can also help
with any general enquiries about NHS dental services:
o Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) 0845 602 4384
o Healthwatch Lincolnshire - 01522 705190.
If you require urgent dental care call 111 and an adviser will
direct you to the correct service.
For information on what to expect during a dental check-up please visit
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/dentalhealth/Pages/Dentalcheckups.aspx
Please note if a practice is not currently taking new NHS patients you may be asked to join
their waiting list.
LATv1–1STJULY2013(toreplaceanyexistingNHSdentalinformation)
www.boston.gov.uk
The princess and the puritans
Will Holton’s Letter from America
(posted from Boston, Lincolnshire, this month)
Tribute was paid by Royalty and
New Bostonians to Old Bostonians
who left these shores centuries ago
to found Boston, Massachusetts.
Princess Anne and VIP visitors from
America made the trip to Boston Stump
to honour the Boston Men who left in the
1630s for the New World.
Princess Anne, patron of the Boston
Stump Restoration and Development
Appeal, and New Bostonians, Will Holton
and Ralph and Irene Buonopane, were
among guests at a service to dedicate the
Puritan Path – engraved stones lining the
path to the Stump, each one honouring the
founding fathers.
The dedication was the culmination
of a ten-year project led by John and
Judy Cammack, of the Historic Bostons
Partnership. They escorted Princess Anne
along the Puritan Path, speaking to her
about the people behind the 12 names set
into the stones.
Judy, chairman of the partnership,
said Princess Anne was already very
knowledgeable on the subject of the
Puritans, and was especially interested in
the stone dedicated to the flagship Arbella
and Lady Arbella Johnson who helped
finance the exodus of some of the Puritans
from Boston, Lincolnshire.
She complimented John on his design
for the Arbella stone.
Will Holton, president of the Partnership
of the Historic Bostons, from Boston,
Massachusetts, said the Lincolnshire
influence on America came from the
Boston Men who were governors for 50 of
the first 54 years.
Ralph said some of the settlers were
teachers from Boston Grammar School
and modelled the first state school in
America on the school and system they
had left behind, creating the foundation for
state education in America.
He said many of the Lincolnshire laws
they took with them, some now considered
quaint with no real place in modern
society, had never been repealed.
They had been here in 2009 when, in
a howling gale, they had helped lay out
paper templates of the stones to help
shape the Puritan Path.
The Rev Chris Wedge conducted the
dedication service, where Princess Anne
Mayor and Mayoress of Boston, Cllr Paul and Mrs Pam Kenny, welcome Princess Anne to
Boston
Old Bostonians meet New Bostonians: From left, Irene and Ralph Buonopane,
Judy and John Cammack and Will Holton
read the lesson.
Princess Anne was shown the Cotton
Chapel, another stage in the restoration
project, before viewing the work needed to
the exterior and the completed work on the
north face of the tower. She spoke to the
Police motorcyclists in Wormgate… is something going on?
Stump’s stonemasons, brothers Phil and
Tony Leonard.
She was welcomed to Boston by the
Mayor and Mayoress, Cllr Paul and Mrs
Pam Kenny, and thanked for coming by
Cllr Kenny at the end of her visit.
John and Judy Cammack and the Rev Christopher Wedge introduce Princess Anne to the
Puritan Path
www.boston.gov.uk
Allotment holders to celebrate self-governance with veg for charity
Gardeners from one of Boston’s
newly-formed allotment
associations are to put their new
venture of co-operation to work for
local charities.
Members of the Willoughby Road
Allotment Association plan to donate their
excess produce to the nearby Butterfly
Hospice.
Chairman Paul Collingwood explained
that all gardeners, at various time of
the year, have surplus produce when it
all matures at the same time. Instead
of throwing it on the compost heap the
growers at Willoughby Road have agreed
to make up vegetable boxes to be used
in the kitchens at the new hospice. They
also plan to make vegetables available to
the Centenary Church in support of soup
kitchens.
Paul said a proposed increase in rents
by Boston Borough Council was the best
thing that could have happened. It led to
self-governance by the allotment holders
with associations now running the sites at
Willoughby Road, Spilsby Road, Witham
Way and Cuckoo Land.
He said: “We lease the land from the
council and set our own rents. The biggest
advantage is that we can make our own
rules and run things to best suit ourselves.”
He has been on the Willoughby Road
site for ten years where he practices
organic gardening, refusing to use any
chemicals. Rhubarb leaves steeped in
water for three months deal with white fly
infestation, lemon balm plants keep away
fruit flies and other plants among the veg
attract natural predators to deal with other
pests.
But Paul has a philosophical approach.
“You have to grow enough to let Nature
take its share,” he said.
“There’s great satisfaction in sinking
your teeth into a juice tomato that you
grew yourself. You have the certainty that
it’s good, honest food. You know exactly
what went into growing it and what went on
it. And the taste and freshness will always
beat supermarket-bought produce,” he
said.
Paul also likes to experiment with food
not easily available from shops, such as
quinoa (pronounced keen-wa) which he is
growing at the moment. This will produce
a grain similar to couscous. He is also
growing maize to make his own polenta
and achocha – one of the lost crops of the
Incas – a cross between a cucumber and a
pepper which can be eaten raw or cooked.
He is also growing figs. Last year he grew
his own wheat to make his own bread.
There are 65 plots at Willoughby Road
and, although the allotments are, like the
great British pub, a charming institution,
they are less the preserve of the male
escaping domestication these days with
more family groups now busy growing their
own.
Julian Charlton, his wife Sarah and their
son Daniel (3) were busy working on the
circular beds on their tastefully-designed
allotment. It includes a runner bean
“house” made from bamboo canes in the
shape of a little den into which Daniel can
walk.
They have had their allotment 18 months
and love it, even persuading daughters
Georgina (14) and Sophie (18) to lend a
hand on occasions.
They have a small area of decking
where they can break from work to enjoy a
family picnic – sometimes a barbecue – a
newly-constructed hen house awaiting its
first residents and a poly tunnel in which
they are growing tomatoes, cucumbers,
peppers, chillis, coriander, basil and
melons.
Julian said: “We’ve tried to make our
allotment a little more ornate so it has
added interest for Daniel and is more like a
conventional garden.”
Their plot includes a figure eight track
around the circular beds for Daniel to race
round.
Tony Hatfield, vice chairman of the
association, already has chickens on his
allotment – five, all with names, and his
favourite, Betty, provides him with an egg
for his breakfast every morning.
He has started a trend with more
allotment holders keeping chickens – truly
free-range and producing eggs with golden
yolks.
Below: Paul Collingwood, chairman of
the recently-formed Willoughby Road
Allotment Association
Daniel Charlton (3) in his runner bean house with mum and dad, Julian and Sarah
Tony with Betty – what’s for breakfast this morning? Ah, a nice
fresh egg. Thanks Betty
Young and not so young allotment holders at Willoughby Road
www.boston.gov.uk
Brilliant Boston – new exhibition at council offices
Boston looking at its best is
portrayed in a new exhibition of
photographs, providing an answer to
a nomination for inclusion in a new
book of “crap towns”.
Photographer Christopher Lewis is
displaying pictures he has taken in and
around Boston in a free exhibition in the
atrium at the council offices in West Street.
The collection – “Brilliant Boston – It Never
Went Away” – includes atmospheric images
of the Stump, Maud Foster Mill, the Market
Place from the Stump, the marina, the
May Fair and scenic river and countryside
panoramas.
Mr Lewis (44), who lives in Boston,
said: “People who may think, or say, that
Boston is a crap town only need to slow
down, pause and open their eyes. Boston
is beautiful and my photographs show that.
They say that the camera doesn’t lie, and,
the pictures show what I have seen.”
Mayor of Boston, Cllr Paul Kenny,
said: “Mr Lewis has done a superb job of
portraying what we all know – that Boston is
a brilliant place if you take the time to stand
and look. His photographs are beautiful
showing the best of Boston and parts of the
borough throughout the seasons.”
Mr Lewis works as a quality auditor
for Bakkavor, but says his passion is
photography and he would like to turn his
part-time hobby into his full-time occupation.
He was seized by the bug in 2010 when
he got his first high-quality SLR digital
camera, but said he had always had an
eye for a picture beyond the normal holiday
snaps which most people take.
He is self taught, picking up technical
advice and technique from photography
magazines and books, the internet and “lots
and lots of trial and error”.
He uses programs to enhance certain
aspects of his pictures, including multi-
layering, but only to faithfully reproduce what
his eyes see and to make allowances for the
failings of the camera lens.
Mr Lewis is also interested in more
unusual angles and has used a technique
called tilt shift photography which makes the
finished image look like a miniature model
when viewed from above.
His other recent creations have included
black-and-white pictures where a small focal
point is picked out in colour, such as the
vivid red of a ladybird on a pine cone, and a
commercial picture where he placed children
in the centre of a flower.
Brilliant Boston – It Never Went Away can
be seen Monday to Thursday, 8.45am to
5.15pm and Fridays from 8.45am to 4.45pm.
All the pictures, in their mounts, are for sale
for £20 each.
You can see more of Mr Lewis’s work at
his website
www.christopherlewisphotography.co.uk
Some of the photographs by Christopher Lewis which can be seen in Boston Borough Council’s West Street offices
Boston photographer Christopher Lewis with Mayor and Mayoress of Boston, Cllr
Paul and Mrs Pam Kenny at the opening of his exhibition “Brilliant Boston – It
Never Went Away”
www.boston.gov.uk
Police cadets make first
contact with the elderly
Crime prevention advice was
passed on when 30 police cadets
(pictured) visited 200 homes in
Boston’s Robin Hoods Walk area as
part of a First Contact project.
First Contact is a checklist that can help
people aged 60 and over get in touch with
several local services. These services
can provide information and advice on
issues such as home and fire safety,
housing issues, adult social care, energy
efficiency, falls, healthy lifestyles, money,
benefits, clubs and activity groups, caring
for friends or relatives, domestic help and
volunteering.
The cadets and their supervisors
targeted the Witham East Neighbourhood
in Boston as part of a Placecheck project
devised by members of the Witham East
Neighbourhood Action Group working with
Age UK and Lincolnshire Police.
Older residents were made aware of
the benefits of the First Contact scheme
and provided with crime prevention
advice.
The cadets, aged 14 to 18, spoke to
residents and explained the First Contact
Checklist and also helped to complete
them. The cadets engaged with around
150 residents.
Residents told the supervisors how
positive the experience was for them,
impressed by young people volunteering
in the community.
A total of 54 referrals were made for
smoke alarms, carer assessments,
social activity, transport packs, falls
assessments, adult social care, health
trainers and citizen’s advice.
Many residents expressed a desire
to prevent cold calling and they will
be provided with appropriate crime
prevention advice by Lincolnshire Police
including a ‘No Cold Callers’ sticker.
The cadets enjoyed this new
experience, particularly being able to help
the community, work as a team, learn
about the needs of older people and,
above all, felt it helped to build confidence
and improved their communication skills.
If anybody would like to know more
about the First Contact scheme, please
contact the Field Coordinator for Boston,
Gary Brown, on 07592 434115.
fraudulently claiming housing and council
tax benefit while renting a property from
an ex-partner. The latter case resulted in
the claimant being sentenced to 20 weeks’
custody, suspended for 18 months, due to
the severity of the offence.
The council is clamping down on
fraud and the fraud department utilises a
sophisticated range of intelligence resources
to gather information and evidence, which
can be used to identify the fraudulent claims.
However, the best source of intelligence
is often the information received from the
public. Thanks to information provided by
the residents of Boston, fraudulent claims
have been stopped, the offenders punished
and thousands of pounds of tax-payers’
Shared waste collections Meet
will save £300,000
your local
councillors
A scheme to share some wastecollecting services close to the
borders of two authorities will save
Boston Borough Council £100,000 a
year.
Boston Borough Council’s Cabinet
has approved the shared-service
arrangement with East Lindsey
District Council.
Cllr Michael Brookes, portfolio
holder for waste services, said
efficiencies could be made by Boston
Borough Council collecting waste in
the southern part of East Lindsey’s
area and taking it to the waste transfer
station near Boston.
Currently a vehicle has to come out
from Louth, travel almost to Boston to
collect waste and then take it all the
way back to Louth to dispose of it.
Under a new arrangement in excess
of £300,000 a year could be saved,
the bulk of it by East Lindsey District
Council but Boston Borough Council
would benefit to the tune of £100,000.
Remodelling of joint refuse rounds
would also contribute to the borough
council’s ambition of reducing its
carbon footprint by 20 per cent by
2014.
Cllr Brookes said the project was
in line with other waste service
initiatives being investigated by
East Lindsey District Council. But he
emphasised that while East Lindsey
was looking at charging for garden
waste collection Boston Borough
Council “most definitely is not”.
Brown wheelie bins for garden
waste can be purchased from the
council for £25 a bin and then the
collection service is free. Cllr Brookes
said more than 13,000 brown wheelie
bins were now in use in the borough.
Cllr Brookes said the changes
would not impact on borough council
waste services. Any changes to
collection days which might be
necessary would be publicised in
advance.
Cllr Derek Richmond said it made
sense not to double up when one
vehicle could do the job, Cllr Mike
Gilbert said it would be negligent
not to introduce the shared-working
arrangement and Cllr Stephen
Woodliffe urged that it be done as
quickly as possible.
Classics on show
Boston Classic Car Club holds its
annual show on Sunday, August
11, from 10.30am to 5pm at Graves
Park, Skeldyke Road, Kirton.
Admission will be £3 for adults,
accompanied children admitted free.
£30,000 of fraudulent benefit
claims detected in three months
More than £30,000 of fraudulent housing
and council tax benefit and support claims
have been detected in the first financial
quarter of this year by the fraud department
at Boston Borough Council.
Those found to have made the fraudulent
claims are required to repay in full the
amounts overpaid to them, they also lose
entitlement to their benefits for a set period
and those prosecuted for their offences
must pay towards the legal costs.
The claims found to be fraudulent from
April to June of this year included several
cases of undeclared employment for either
themselves or a household member, cases
of failing to declare living with a partner and
a case of contrived tenancy, which involved
www.boston.gov.uk
money has been saved.
The council encourages anybody who
has a genuine suspicion that benefits are
being claimed fraudulently to report it to the
council. This may include somebody failing
to declare work, failing to declare savings,
failing to declare ownership of property,
failing to declare a partner or other people
living in the household, not living at the
claim address or providing false information
for the purpose of claiming benefits. All
information can be provided anonymously
by calling 0800 0853716. Alternatively
complete our online fraud referral form
found on the fraud section of our website
(www.boston.gov.uk) or come in to the
council to speak to us directly.
The show sometimes attracts more than
just entries with four wheels. Eyes lifted
to the skies when this Spitfire put in an
appearance at a recent show.
The MG Car Club Lincolnshire Centre
will have a display stand of classic MGs at
the show and will be very pleased to chat
to you about your pride and joy.
If you own an MG, of any age, you can
save £5* on joining the MG Car Club while
visiting the show and some other superb
Lincolnshire events.
On Sunday, August 4, they will be at
the top of the hill at Revesby Country
Fair where you can see lots of MGs and
other classic vehicles as well as wonderful
horses and lots of variety in the show rings
and stalls.
On Sunday, August 18, the annual
concours show is being held at Doddington
Hall, near Lincoln. A great day out
including a treasure hunt around the
grounds.
For more information on the above
events and to find out more about the
Lincolnshire Centre of the MG Car Club,
please log onto
www.mgcclincolnshire.co.uk
*£5 saving is dependent on completing
a direct debit mandate for future annual
membership payments which will in turn
save £4 off the membership fee in future
years.
Cllrs Alison and Richard
Austin are always happy to go
to residents’ houses or invite
them to their own home office
if matters cannot be dealt with
over the phone. Residents of
South Ward should contact
Alison on 01205 368351;
mobile 07731 690034 or by
e-mail at
[email protected]
If you live in Wyberton,
Richard can be contacted on
01205 368351; mobile 07850
607009 or e-mail
[email protected]
Cllr Alan Lee, Kirton ward, is
available in the parish office
every Tuesday from 9am to
11am.
If you want to contact your
Labour councillor please
contact:
Cllr Paul Goodale - Staniland
North – 01205 530942
Cllr Paul Gleeson - Skirbeck
ward – 01205 350503
Cllr Paul Kenny – Skirbeck
ward – 01205 350354
They are happy to visit you
at your own home, or can be
contacted by phone as above
or by email via
www.bostonlabour.org.uk
Cllrs Yvonne Gunter and Bob
McAuley will hold their next
ward surgery for Staniland
South at Mayfields on
Saturday, August 3, from 11am
to noon.
If you would like to contact
Cllr Gunter, please call her
on 01205 360762 or 07939
028108 or Cllr M cAuley can be
contacted on 07761 160595.
All are welcome to come
along with their questions and
suggestions.
No appointments are
necessary – just turn up to
meet your councillors and
raise your concerns with them.
www.boston.gov.uk
‘What's in a brick’ free exhibition
Story and pictures by RYAN UPSALL
Media and communications degree student
Shodfriars Hall, featured in the “What’s in a Brick –
Buildings and their materials” exhibition
Medieval floor tiles found in Boston
A “What’s in a brick” exhibition is
now open at Boston’s Guildhall
Museum to encourage people to
take more notice of the construction
glories all around them.
The architecture and building materials
exhibition will look at the key features of
construction of some of the major buildings
in Boston. It opened on Wednesday, July
17, running into the autumn at the museum,
open Wednesday to Saturday from 10.30am
to 3.30pm. Admission is free.
Fragments of a Roman villa, tiles, bricks,
building blocks and images of the town are
some of the things that will be on offer at the
exhibition.
Polly Stanley, collection officer at the
Guildhall Museum, said: “Boston Big Dig
2011 gave us a glimpse of what is under
our feet from the past, this exhibition is to
encourage us to look at what is above us
from the past.
“We hope the What’s in a brick - Buildings
and their materials exhibition will encourage
people to notice more of what is around
them.”
The exhibition will primarily examine the
materials used at the Guildhall Museum,
but plans to look at other historic buildings,
including St Botolph’s Church (Boston
Stump), Fydell House, Shodfriars Hall,
Blackfriars and Pescod Hall.
The exhibition will complement this
year’s Lincolnshire Heritage Open Days.
The theme for this is “Material Matters” to
celebrate the different materials used to
create Lincolnshire’s diverse buildings.
The open days will provide 75 events,
which are run by The Heritage Trust of
Lincolnshire on behalf of volunteers, across
the county to celebrate the materials used
for churches, homes and market towns.
There are also additional events relating
to archaeology, agriculture, drainage,
education, industry, natural history and art.
More information about the heritage open
days is available at the Tourist Information
Centre within the Guildhall Museum.
The iconic Fydell House made up of red clay to show off
its wealth
The Guildhall, built from a “new-fangled” building
material in the 1390s – brick
Polly holding a medieval carved head which was found in Boston
www.boston.gov.uk
Residents’ parking
scheme consultation
Views have been sought to gauge
the feasibility of residents’ car
parking schemes in some areas of
the town centre.
A questionnaire has been delivered to all
homes in the areas where there has been
most demand for a solution to car-parking
difficulties outside homes and these
residents are being urged to be sure they
have their say. The consultation began
on Wednesday, July 17, and will last until
August 1.
Cllr Derek Richmond, Boston Borough
Council’s portfolio holder for the town
centre, said: “The questionnaire has been
clearly labelled, and I have urged people
who receive one not to put it straight in
their recycling bin. We need to know what
their views are on this so we can know
what we need to do next.”
Options under investigation are creation
of parking zones that may include a
number of streets where residents could
have the option of buying a permit to park
within the zone. It is estimated the cost
would be between £50 and £100 per year.
Another idea is for residents’ season
tickets allowing them to park in council-run
car parks close to their home at a reduced
cost of between £120 and £150 per year.
Residents who received the
questionnaire also received a map
showing the location of the car parks
where season tickets can be used and the
area within which the residents’ parking
schemes will be considered.
Issues around parking in some town
streets came to a head at the end of
2012 when changes in enforcement
meant illegal parking was better policed.
The rules had not changed, but transfer
of enforcement from the police to
Lincolnshire Country Council saw an end
to a more relaxed approach to illegal
parking.
The questionnaire asks for residents to
give details of their address as demand
for parking schemes may be different in
different areas and schemes could be
tailor-made for those zones.
A residents’ parking scheme would have
to be patrolled by enforcement officers to
ensure that non-permit holders do not park
within the area.
The cost of permits would have to cover
all of the operational costs of the scheme.
Set-up costs would be recovered during
the first three to five years.
If the council decides to proceed with the
creation of a residents’ parking scheme
it could take between 12 and 18 months
until the scheme is up and running. This
allows for a full traffic survey, consultation,
amendments to existing traffic regulation
orders and changes to road traffic signs
and lines.
Schemes do not guarantee that a
resident will be able to park directly outside
their own home. Some schemes may
cover a number of streets and purchasing
a residents’ permit will only permit parking
within the area covered by the specific
scheme. This could be several streets
from the residents’ own homes.
Schemes generally operate during the
working day from Monday to Saturday to
dissuade commuter and shopper parking.
The times of operation are shown on signs
for drivers entering the residents’ parking
scheme area.
During the operating hours the majority
of spaces are reserved for resident
permit holders and sometimes, visitor
permit holders. Occasionally, limited
waiting spaces are available to visit local
businesses.
Before a residents’ parking scheme can
be introduced the majority of residents
in the proposed area must support the
scheme and must agree to pay the cost of
a permit.
The number of permits available to each
property will be determined by the number
of parking spaces available. Initially all
properties will be offered one permit and if
additional spaces are available there may
be the option to purchase a second permit.
Right: A map showing homes in the consultation area and council-run car parks where proposed reduced-cost permits could
be used
Councillor disqualified –
Fenside by-election to be held
E
lliott Fountain (English Democrat) was
disqualified from his seat on Boston
Borough Council on July 25 for failing to
attend any meetings during the previous
six months.
He was disqualified from holding office in
accordance with Section 85(1) of the Local
Government Act 1972.
A by-election for the Fenside Ward
will be held on Thursday, September 5.
Nominations may be submitted until noon
on Thursday, August 8.
In the municipal year 2012/13 (May to
May) Mr Fountain attended eight meetings,
the last being on January 24, 2013.
He was elected in May 2011, during
2011/12 he received a basic allowance
of £2,578; in 2012/13 a basic allowance
of £3,726 and for this year the basic
allowance is £4,400, he would have
received a pro-rata amount from April 1 to
July 24. He has made no claims for travel
or subsistence during his period of office.
Chief Executive Richard Harbord
said: “Under Section 85 of the Local
Government Act 1972, it is expressly
provided that where a member fails to
attend at least one meeting in a period of
six consecutive months he ceases to be
a councillor, unless the failure was due to
some reason approved by the council prior
to the expiry of that period. Unfortunately,
as Cllr Fountain failed to meet this
requirement and made no request for his
continued absence to be approved, there
was no alternative but to declare his seat
vacant.”
www.boston.gov.uk
www.boston.gov.uk
Park life – volunteers praised,
litter bugs condemned
Two community-minded
volunteers were described as
the cavalry coming to the rescue
when they arrived at Central Park
with offers of help.
Peter and Anne-Marie Mills drew
attention to benches in the park in need
of sanding down and painting. When
ground staff told them they were on their
to-do list, but they were flat out with
weeding, grass cutting and repairs, the
couple volunteered to help out.
Grounds staff chargehand Kevin Field
said: “They were like the cavalry coming
over the horizon to the rescue. It’s not
unusual for people to point out to us what
needs doing, but it was such a boost for
the staff here to meet people prepared to
put on their work gloves and help us out.”
Peter and Anne-Marie arrived on their
bicycles on Friday and sanded down and
repainted two benches.
Peter said: “We know the parks staff
have a lot to do, and there are not many
of them to cover everything, especially at
this time of year when everything grows
so fast.
“We noticed that the benches had
moss and algae on them which made
them hold moisture even when it wasn’t
raining, limiting their use.
“We are pleased to be able to help. We
get a lot of satisfaction from it.”
Anne-Marie said they had also
volunteered to help out with the grounds
at the Geoff Moulder Leisure Complex,
the clean-up of Custom House Quay,
and planting and weeding at the Len
Medlock Centre, Pilgrims Patch, along
Sleaford Road and cared for an area of
public land in Rowley Road, close to their
home. They also help out as volunteers
at Frampton Marsh RSPB reserve.
As well as the routine work of looking
after Central Park and Witham Way
Country Park the borough council’s
grounds staff also have other areas of
public land and play areas to maintain.
On top of that work are extra duties
due to vandalism and thoughtlessness.
Recently damage has been caused in
the children’s playground in Central Park.
Steel bolts on a tough cross member
on a children’s swing were snapped
and the slide is now off limits after the
surface was split. The belief is that the
damage has been caused by rough use
and abuse by people the equipment was
never designed to accommodate.
Routinely Central Park is locked up
at night, clean and tidy, only for staff to
return in the morning to litter and debris
from overnight festivities. This includes
John Dyson and Cllrs Mary Wright and Yvonne Gunter clean up rubbish left in
Witham Way Country Park
www.boston.gov.uk
Music and gifts from
Dig out
your old Boston to Spain
mugs for
charities
Don’t we all have cupboards
crammed with mugs – the new ones
at the front that we use most and
then old ones, which we can’t bear
to throw away, shoved to the back?
Well, Mayor of Boston, Cllr Paul
Kenny, wants your old mugs –
preferably the ones in good order
which aren’t chipped, cracked or
stained.
He wants to help raise funds for
his charities, the Salvation Army
and Boston branch of the Citizens
Advice Bureau, by offering a mug of
tea at this September’s Community
Showcase where, for £1 the
purchaser gets a refreshing drink
and gets to keep the mug.
He said: “We all have mugs which
were special at the time and are
now left lost and lonely at the back
of the cupboard. Those which are
quirky or amusing will still appeal
to others. It would be great to give
them a second lease of life and
help raise funds for two deserving
causes.”
If you have mugs you want to
donate please leave them at the
council offices in West Street,
Boston, for the attention of Alison
Hull.
Boston’s ambassadors to Spain have
arrived armed with Mayoral gifts and
ready to entertain.
For BYJO (Boston Youth Jazz
Orchestra) is touring Spain as
ambassadors for Mayor of Boston, Cllr
Paul Kenny, who presented them with
three plaques and three council ties to
give to the civic head at each concert they
play.
They performed for the Mayor and his
100 guests at his charity concert held at St
Guthlac’s Church, Fishtoft. Also attending
were civic parties from Lincoln, Newark,
Newark and Sherwood, Grantham,
Bourne, Fenland and West Lindsey.
Cllr Kenny said: “Every one of them
expressed how much they had enjoyed
the evening and how good they thought
BYJO were.”
The concert was in aid of the Mayor’s
charities – Boston branch of the Citizen’s
Advice Bureau and the Salvation Army.
The orchestra is now in Spain where
they will play concerts on the beach
at Llafranc and Passeig del Canadell,
Palafrugell and at Lloret de Mar at Placa
De La Vila and Hotel Surfmar, Costa
Brava.
One of the plaques BYJO will present in
Spain as the Mayor’s ambassadors
Central Park volunteers Peter and Anne-Marie Mills
cans and bottles of alcohol.
This problem has also spread to
Witham Way Country Park where cans,
bottles, pizza boxes, fish and chip
cartons and snack wrappers are left
strewn all over the picnic area.
On Monday morning Cllr Yvonne
Gunter, Boston Borough Council’s
portfolio holder for parks and open
spaces, and Cllr Mary Wright, one of the
Witham ward councillors, joined grounds
staff to help clear up the rubbish.
Cllr Gunter said: “All of this appeared
over the weekend. I will be making
arrangements for extra litter bins in the
area, but a full bin is not an excuse for
just leaving your rubbish where it lands.
If you bring it with you and the bins
are full, take it home to dispose of it
correctly.”
Cllr Wright praised the efforts of
Mr and Mrs Mills. “We need more
community-spirited people such as
these,” she said.
BYJO with Mayor of Boston, Cllr Paul Kenny at his charity concert in Fishtoft
church
Boston Bulletin is written and edited by Andrew Malkin and designed by
Lisa Mallett and Emma Staff, Communications, Boston Borough Council
www.boston.gov.uk
Good wishes
at Mayor
Sunday service
The tradition of Mayor Sunday was kept
when a special service for Boston’s new
Mayor, Cllr Paul Kenny, was held at Boston
Stump. Mayor Sunday is always held at a
location of the Mayor ’s choosing and is
held to wish the Mayor well during their
year of public service, and to dedicate the
Mayor ’s mace.
Cllr Kenny’s big day was enjoyed by local
and visiting dignitaries, members of the
borough council, honorary freemen and
the Mayor ’s family, friends and personal
guests.
Mayor and Mayoress of Boston, Cllr
Paul and Mrs Pam Kenny are pictured
processing with guest to Boston Stump for
the traditional Mayor Sunday service.
Libraries consultation launched Council’s frontBoston Library is the only one in the
borough among 15 core libraries
that Lincolnshire County Council
proposes to retain.
The county council is now holding public
consultation into the shape of future library
services. The initial proposal is that there will
continue to be 15 council-staffed libraries, as
well as a wide range of online services such
as e-books and audio books. At the same
time, local communities are being given the
opportunity to take over their local library or
create their own, with professional support
from the council.
Councillor Nick Worth, executive member
for libraries, said: “The way in which libraries
are used is changing, not just in Lincolnshire,
but across the country. In Lincolnshire, 82
per cent of the population are not active
borrowers, and book stock issued in the
county in the last ten years has dropped
from five million to under three million.
"Smart phones, tablets, Kindles and new
technology are changing the way we do
things. The library service is changing, like
it or not, and our vision for the future of the
service is a comprehensive one, but one that
remains both affordable and efficient.
"Despite the need for change, our ambition
is to keep all of Lincolnshire's libraries open.
However, this is only going to work with the
support of our local communities.
"We will support residents and
organisations that step forward and lend a
hand. And by getting them more involved we
think we can actually create a library service
that's better tailored to each community's
individual needs.
"Successful changes have already taken
place at a number of libraries, improving
services and getting better value for money.
There's no reason why this won't work
elsewhere – providing that's what local
people want.
"A consultation will help us gauge whether
that appetite is there. Whatever your views,
it's important you have your say."
The council will also continue to provide
up to 126 mobile library stops. Those that
are discontinued will be replaced by a home
library service for those unable to visit the
nearest alternative because of disability, age,
ill health or caring responsibilities.
For further details on the proposals and
to take part in the consultation, please visit
http://bit.ly/165LLv5 Alternatively, call
01522 782040 or pick up a copy of the
questionnaire in your local library.
The consultation runs until Monday,
September 30.
line services get
better - official
Four of Boston Borough Council’s
front-line service departments have
again shown they are meeting
Government-standard customer
service requirements.
Together Building Control, Local
Land Charges and Licensing,
Environmental Health and Community
Safety all achieved the Customer
Service Excellence award two years
ago.
The award is granted for a threeyear period, but for each of those
years the departments are audited
to ensure they are maintaining
standards.
This year’s second-year surveillance
audit showed that customer service
standards had improved on the first
year after auditors checked more than
50 key areas.
These demonstrated that the
departments understood their
customers, planned services and
access to information to meet their
needs, consulted with them to ensure
their expectations were met and
where necessary made changes
to the service to ensure customer
satisfaction.

Boston Bulletin - Boston Borough Council

Transcription

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