Sunday, 30 December 2007

Improving Holdingham as a Community!



I found this local newspaper clipping for 2004 about problems within Holdingham and especially near the Lincoln Road Play Area.

Rising Tide of Vandalism and Intimidation

I put it down, at the time, to the integration of new residents into the area. Most, I hasten to add, were and are very nice people moving into a nice part of Town.
Some youngsters, coming in from different environments entirely, found it hard to adjust.

This is not uncommon when communities grow quickly (probably too quickly) but it does not relieve the Local Authorities of their responsibilty to ensure these problems are minimised and dealt with quickly.


Compare that to the Play Area improvements mentioned on my previous Blog, and shown on this photograph, taken a few weeks ago. Communities can improve with the right care and investment!

Thursday, 20 December 2007

Cat Stevens Comes Home

Sleaford Lincoln Road Play Area

Where do the Children Play?" from Cat Stevens "Tea for the Tillerman" album was one of the greats.


I remember sitting in the back of a students van, with 4 others, just listening for hours to this type of music. Those were the days! Now, the message seems to have hit a chord nationally and locally.


Certainly in Sleaford! It is nice to see the slow but sure investment, both at School and in our Play Areas, in giving young people somewhere to play and exercise. Here is the kickwall on the Lincoln Road, Holdingham, Sleaford Play Area.


The mood is changing nationally too and there is a sea change in attitude taking place. The newspapers this week have givien it space.


The Cat Stevens ethos is with us once again.

Holdingham to Leasingham Bridge Lottery Win

Getting Connected

I was pleased that we won the ITV Lottery money to improve the Farm Bridge at Holdingham. The need for a bridge is all too obvious. I believe we will get around £250,000 from funds with the rest to come from Lincolnshire Highways.

This will allow access between Sleaford and Leasingham through Holdingham. With Sleaford and Leasingham expanding their is a dire need for cyclists, walkers and school children to cros s the A17 safely.
Lottery Cash Win

The lottery win was well publicised! Well done Connect2 who maserminded the project. Also all the residents who participated.


Connect2 Success