Is Holdingham the best side of town?

I ask the question just to raise an issue - resulting from articles, and the letters, going backwards and forward in the local press. namely all the hoo-ha going on about Bass Maltings, Rec Road, new Tesco et al.

Most of these issues have been going on for years and some headlines appear like re-runs of old movies. Promises of jobs here and there but everything really going on and on as before.

Full Steam Ahead for the Holdingham May 5th Election

Here are the candidates for the May 5th Local Elections. There are two Independents, one Lincolnshire Independent and one Conservative Party Candidate.

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• John CHARLESWORTH NG34 8BT Independent

• Becky DUNBAR-BECKFORD NG34 7DH Conservative Party

• Ken FERNANDES NG34 8AH Lincolnshire Independent

• James O'TOOLE NG34 7AX Independent

I hope as many voters as possible turn out to vote. There are three seats, on the Town Council, in Holdingham.

At District Level it is a straight contest between Peter Haysum and Becky Dunbar-Beckford for the one Holdingham District Council seat.

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.