Read the September update here ...
A15/B1202 junction
I know there has been some speculation recently regarding what measures may be introduced to improve safety at this junction. I have been talking to Highways and the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership about this problem junction for a good number of months. I have been advised that as of yesterday that designs are being looked at, but no design has been decided upon. As soon as I get definite information from Highways I will publicise it.
August recess meeting
Last month was effectively a “recess” for the county council. Normally only one formal meeting is held. That is the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board which oversees the work of all the Scrutiny Committees . However last month there was an extra meeting regarding a “call-in” of a decision concerning Highways. The group of which I am a member wanted proper scrutiny of a decision to spend £500,000 on drainage improvements to a road in Kirby la Thorpe which has a few houses on it and leads to a dead end. It was not number one on the list of priorities . The were other issues relating to the project we were concerned about. Unfortunately, the Executive councillor for Highways was not present to answer questions and another Executive councillor had to stand in. Despite issues being raised the new administration voted to continue with the project.
New grant funding
I have been advised of a new grant funding opportunity – the Michael Cornish Core Grants Programme – which the Lincolnshire Community Foundation have recently launched to support the resilience of community organisations in Greater Lincolnshire working with some of our most vulnerable residents. Through an identified need for running costs to support community organisations running vital services and important activities across the County, they have been able to utilise a donation to Lincolnshire Community Foundation to create this new programme to support eligible organisations with both revenue and small capital costs. Groups can apply for up to £10,000 and the next closing date for the Scheme is the 1st November 2025, with further closing dates on the 1st March, 1st July and 1st November for each year the Scheme runs until funding has been spent.
You can find out more about the Scheme through their dedicated webpage - https://lincolnshirecf.co.uk/grants/mccgp/. Groups can also apply through this link. More information including Guidelines for the Scheme are available so you can see examples of the types of projects this Fund is looking to support and share this on to anyone you think may be interested.
Highways Volunteer Scheme
There was some confusion over the deadline for submissions for this scheme. I know virtually all villages in the area have benefitted from this scheme. I have been advised that the deadline originally given can be ignored so if parish councils wish to submit project ideas please do so. I will then as usual pass them onto the officers running the project.
Councillor Rob Kendrick
Member for Metheringham Rural Division
Lincolnshire County Council, County Offices, Newland, Lincoln LN1 1YL