A cold Holdingham

I was one of the helpers at the Christma Market on Sunday and the temperature was way below freezing (as low as MS08 in the early morning). Anyway well done to all the helpers: and all those who attended - as that is what makes it seem worthwhile.

The cold weather looks set to stay for the rest of this week and over the weekend. I hope it improves (less cold with some snow melt) as December gets under way. There is a chance. Keep an eye of the link provided. Mind the pavements as they are treacherous in places.

Holdingham Wintry Scene: November 2010

Post Note: I went to the Christmas Market today (Sunday) and the ice was worse than yesterday and many pavements treacherous! Be careful! XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

I took these photographs (27 November) near where I live. The pavements looked icy so I caught the local bus into Town to go and see a Christmas Tree display in the Methodist Hall in Northgate. Quite a few kids were building snowmen on the Lincoln Road play area.

Next week looks to be staying cold but with a stronger easterly, coming off a relatively warm sea, and it all could turn to sleet down the east of the country.

Keep watching the telly.

Latest Neighbourhood Message: Postal Scam

I got this message which is fairly standard for Christmas but still worth noting if you get a call.

POSTAL SCAM AS CHRISTMAS IS APPROACHING
It has been confirmed by Royal Mail. The Trading Standards Office are
making people aware of the following scam:

A card is posted through your door from a company called PDS (Parcel Delivery Service) suggesting that they were unable to deliver a parcel and that you need to contact them on 0906 6611911 (a Premium rate number).

DO NOT call this number, as this is a mail scam originating from Belize.
If you call the number and you start to hear a recorded message you will
already have been billed £315 for the phone call.
If you do receive a card with these details, then please contact Royal
Mail Fraud on 020 7239 6655.

For more information, see the Crime Stoppers website:
http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org/crime-prevention/helping-preventcrime/
scams/postal-delivery-scam

Buses and Stops

I have a feeling that the availability, or more likely unavailability, of buses will become an issue once residents start moving into the new Holdingham houses and flats.

A bus stop has been requested, by the District Councillor, but so far no reply. The regular bus route only goes as far north as Stokes Drive before going back down the Lincoln Road and onto York Road. The frequency is about once per hour - weekdays.

If anyone has any queries then contact local Councillors - or NKDC - or the bus company!

Safety Tips Holdingham

After the recent Neighbourhood Watch messages here is some advice that they have passed to me. Hope this helps. Cheers!

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Please read or listen to the following tips on home security.
Fit mortise locks or bolts to all outside doors, and locks to all downstairs or easily accessible windows.

Have an approved alarm system installed- ask your local police and insurance company for advise.

Dont leave valuables, like your TV, laptop of DVD player, where people can see them through windows.

Ideally keep photographic records of all your valuable items and keep them in a safe place.
Make sure that you have up-to-date household insurance.
Consider fitting a letterbox cage or outer restrictor, which prevents thieves putting their hands through and trying the latches from the inside.

Most burglars get in through a back door or window. Make it difficult for them by locking all side gates and adding trellis to the top of walls and fences. Fit lights that come on at night to cover the sides and back of your house.

Put all tools away so they cannot be used to break into your house and lock your garage and shed with proper security locks. If you have to leave a ladder out, put it on its side and lock it to a secure fixture with a close shackle padlock or heavy-duty chain.

PROPERTY MARKING KITS AND SEGMENT LIGHT TIMERS ARE AVAILABLE FOR FREE FROM SLEAFORD POLICE STATION.

Thank you from PCSO Amy Michie 07796 262 097.

Neighbourhood Watch Message

Not the best of news but be careful now that Christmas is approaching.

The Neighbourhood Watch has passed this message re Holdingham and around St Denys Avenue on 15th November..

Please be aware that there has been a series of burglaries, and attemps, over the week-end. The details are a s follows: Friday 12th November between 1930 and 2230hrs: a burglary occured on St Denys Avenue - kitchen window forced open by unknown implement. An Advent Netbook and engagement ring were stolen!

Friday 12th between 1945 and 2215hrs: a burglary occured on Durham Avenue - a laptop was stolen after forcing open the patio door with unknown implement.

Saturday 13th November between 1730 and 1925hr: a burglary on St Botolphs Road - entry was gained by the rear patio Doors - two laptops, £400 cash, TV, Nintendo and a pair of HD Hair straighteners were stolen. Also an attempted burglary on St Denys Avenue and Winchester Way. on the same night via Patio Doors.

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Be careful you don't broadcast any personal details as someone may be taking note.

What was said about Woodside Open Space?

I checked on the report, presented to the Town Council, about what was said about the Woodside Open Space/ Play Area in a recent Working Group report. The report le4d to some new play equipment and, by the way, is good news for the kids down that end of Sleaford. However, access is and will remain a problem if the Open Space is to be used for other useful purposes.

Here is one of the Conclusions of the Working Group:

" -- access to the play area was limited and it was felt that the Council had missed an opportunity to provide another entrance when the housing estate to the north was developed. "

I am concerned that we do not repeat this by making similar mistakes elsewhere.

Electrically Charged Holdingham

19 Nov: I spoke to the site Manager today and he was aware that things are moving. It is pretty muddy at the moment: the entrance road is badly affected by the lorry movements and the weather isn't helping. Hopefully they will be able to clean it up a bit.

Post Note: Having read todays local papers I have had a go at the Authorities for lack of planning (Lots of wind but not enough energy) and including the Holdingham development.

Still no confirmation of when the housing at the Holdingham Roundabout will be ready for residents. I am informed that it is still the electricity supply that is the problem. There may be other issues as well in dealing with this.

Keep pressing! I will also keep asking questions!