Protecting Open Spaces Holdingham and Sleaford!

I was interested in the initiative for Jubilee year to protect open spaces and playing fields across the UK.

Here is the site address: Diamond Jubilee Open Space protection.

The attact on open spaces is a serious issue and I think Sleaford should use it to offset policies being adopted which could put our open spaces at risk.

Care Home Entrance

I took this photo on 18th March at the point where the new trees and shrubs have been planted. All in all 15 trees and several dozen shrubs.

This looks as though it will be the entry point to the Care Home (if it goes ahead).

Bus changes Lincoln Road

It appears (but not yet confirmed?) that the Hail & Ride scheme, along Lincoln Road, will start on April 6th. This is via the Sleafordian in-Town service. It may be that fairs will rise in the near future due to the rising cost of fuel (Diesel etc). ( April 4th update: The point at which the Hail & Ride scheme is working is at the end of Stokes Drive next to the litter bin).

Meanwhile there is still a plan to put official bus stops along the Lincoln Road presumably for the out of town buses.

So what do we do with the expensive bus stops and raised pavements, along Covel Road and Chapman Road which will become redundant?

Care Home and Dementia Centre

A site of just over 1 acre seems to be favourite to become a Care Home/ Denentai Centre next to the housing development near the A17. It will be just against the Cycle track to the Farm Bridge that goes over the A17.

Not much foreword thinking obviously as they have just planted 15 trees, and one or two dozen shrubs, as part of the housing site. I hope it doesn't cause a problem, both in construction and when finished, to those wanting to cross the Farm Bridge.

What is needed surely, before any of this, is an open space and play area for the residents.

Holdingham Lincoln Road Hail and Ride?

I have received some information about the likely proposed new bus service on the Lincoln Road.

The bus service is expected to be "Hail & Ride" i.e anywhere that is safe for the convenience of passengers and other road users. The mini roundabout will be the turning point for the bus with again "Hail & Ride" being the method of getting on and off the bus.

I do not know if this idea will also extend to those buses going out to Leasingham and beyond as a bus stop already exists across from McDonald's and it was anticipated that one might be put near the Jolly Scotchman. I will keep this Blog posted.

Census Security

I received this from Amy Michie of the Sleaford CPSO's relating to the forthcoming census.

Doorstep crime prevention tips from the Sleaford Neighbourhood Policing Team.

Lincolnshire Police are aware that the 2011 census may give potential distraction doorstep burglars or rogue traders an opportunity to target vulnerable persons in the community.
It is important to remember the following.

If you have completed your census form and returned it- no person should call at your property.
If you forget to complete your form and someone knocks asking for information check their identity and photo to ensure they are valid.
If you are in any doubt of the persons identity- close the door and do not let them in. Always use your door chain when answering the door.

If you suspect the person is not genuine, try to record some of the details such as name, person description, telephone numbers, vehicle registration or vehicle numberplate.

Ring Lincolnshire Police immediatly on 0300 111 0300 to report any suspicion. Bank or building society details should never be disclosed.

Bus Route and Shelter Lincoln Road

Postnote: I have contacted the Sleafordian over the new bus routes and the position of bus stops. There is a growing reaisation that a bus stop is also needed on the Stokes Drive side of the Lincoln Road. However all the possibilities face problems with traffic flows against single or double white line. One option may be to have a bus stop near the litter bin on the Lincoln Road. I will try and keep this going. The mini Roundabout is likely to be the turning point near Holdingham Lane.

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I see that the Sleaford Target are reporting a change in the bus routes. This will be linked to the new bus shelter (see previous) near the Jolly Scotchman and the cessation of buses along Stokes Drive.

It says (the article that is) that it will offer a service to the residents of Holdingham. It will pass the end of Stokes Drive without going onto that Estate (not enough people use it I suppose).

It is all part of massive cuts in funding. The times of the buses look like being affected.