Broadband issues - update

BT Openreach sorting problems

I understand there are still reports of many telephone lines and broadband with a disconnected service, or linked to alternative numbers in Nocton. However, rest assured the BT Openreach guys are on-site again today and are working to troubleshoot and repair the problem.

If you haven't done so already, please make sure you have reported your particular issue to the telephone/broadband supplier who provides your service. The engineer can only attend to those problems he has on his notification system.
 

Image courtesy of BBC

OnLincolnshire

In view of the ongoing problems, I requested an update from Steve Brookes this morning. This is what he had to say on the matter:


From: Geoff Hall
Sent: 31 August 2016 06:55
To: Stephen Brookes
Subject: Update - Nocton

Good morning Steve,

I can’t imagine the many issues that have faced you upon your return to work, however I trust you had a good break.

The work in Nocton has caused a few problems, some of which still haven’t been resolved, despite the hard work of the Openreach lads yesterday. As you are probably aware by now, the copper connection of PCP17 was carried out by Telec Utilities over the Bank Holiday weekend, but unfortunately this left almost 30 properties with line problems. I have been advised there are still a few remaining issues – one relates to the Parish Council chairman’s broadband/telephone line… and he is not best pleased!!

However, I’m sure these minor hiccups will be fixed over the next few days, so I’m more focused now in the actual commissioning of the fibre cabinet and the change request to transfer over the legacy lines.

The latest news from Owen whilst you were away was that: ECD remains mid-September as per the update from Openreach, if this is achieved commission should be complete and services available by the end of September.

1. Can you confirm with the project team this is still the case please?
2. Additionally, please will you try and determine the scheduled dates for moving the remaining legacy lines?

As Cab 3 [Dunston junction] is now directly connected through to the new cabinet 17… and the BT engineer has assured me there are sufficient spare lines, there shouldn’t be the need for costly civil work.

Given that the initial deadline of March 2016 for the fibre service has slipped somewhat, we don’t want to be waiting months before the remaining lines are transferred over to the new cabinet. My neighbours and I are very keen to get our lines transferred over to the new cabinet asap, so that we will finally be able to apply for the fibre service sooner rather than later.

Hoping you can come back with some good news.

Best regards,
Geoff


From: Stephen Brookes
Sent: 31 August 2016 08:48
To: Geoff Hall
Subject: RE: Update - Nocton

Good Morning Geoff,

Thanks very much, the break was really enjoyable. I trust I find you well.

Please accept my apologies for the chaos that has prevailed over the past couple of days at Nocton. As I understand things, the contractors caused a few issues whilst carrying out a certain aspect of the changeover work and whilst this isn't in anyway the norm, a certain 'Law' dictates that it if it could go wrong, it would go wrong at Nocton.

I am told this morning that all that final bits of the copper changeover and this will completed this week. That then allows final testing and completion of the job. Mid-September looks reasonable in terms of achievement.

With regard to the transfer of the legacy lines, it is our intention to ask BT to complete them as a matter of urgency as soon as the cabinet is fully completed. As I mentioned before, this aspect of the work is covered by a Change Request which I should get imminently for my sign off. This then releases the job into the workstream.

I am meeting BT on Thursday and will get a firm commitment from them in terms of a date for this changeover.

Once again, my apologies for the delays and thanks to everyone for their continued patience in this matter.

Regards
Steve
Lincolnshire Broadband Programme Manager

Broadband issues - update

Enabling the new cabinet

My previous blog refers.

As part of the work to commission the new fibre service in the village, I understand the copper lines for the village have now to be connected direct from the main cabinet 3 [Dunston junction] to the new cabinet PCP17 [The Green], instead of via the old Pillar 3/2 cabinet [Post Office].

The contractors for BT Openreach [Telec Utilities] have been in the village throughout the Bank Holiday weekend to carry out this extensive re-routing work, but unfortunately some properties have been left without a phone line/broadband service.

The BT engineer is currently on-site and is aware of at least 20 customers without a service. He is going to try and get authority to repair the problem, instead of Telec Utilities having to come out again to fix the issue.

Update [11.00am]
I have now been advised the reported disconnections have increased to 27... therefore Telec Utilities are having to return on-site to resolve the issues.

Further Update [11.54am]
Telec will not be back on-site now as the work is being handled by BT Openreach direct. The engineer currently working on it estimates it will take until tomorrow to get it all sorted. If you haven't phoned in your problem, please make sure your fault has been registered with your provider e.g. BT, TalkTalk or whoever and then this will be reported to the engineer to fix.

Properties for sale - Nocton

Do we really need more executive-type homes?

Conservation Area - Heritage

The Garden House, Nocton Hall, Nocton - £475,000
4 bedroom Grade II Listed property
http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-51364804.html

Wrays Cottage, The Green, Nocton - £475,000
4 bedroom 19th Century property
http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-60042587.html

Conservation Area - Modern

The Shieling, The Green, Nocton - £675,000
6 bedroom modern detached property
http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-55819462.html

Persimmon Homes - Modern

Parklands Ave, Nocton - £475,000 [Persimmon Homes]
6 bedroom modern detached property
http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-59039255.html

Parklands Ave, Nocton - £490,000 [Persimmon Homes]
5 bedroom modern detached property
http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-60060470.html

Parklands Ave, Nocton - £450,000 [Persimmon Homes]
5 bedroom modern detached property
http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-53067919.html

Parklands Ave, Nocton - £425,000 [Persimmon Homes]
4 bedroom modern detached property
http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-58413578.html

Sowerby Homes - Modern

Nocton Park Rd, Nocton - £335,000 [Sowerby Homes]
4 bedroom detached property
http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-58252382.html

Nocton Park Rd, Nocton - £285,000 [Sowerby Homes - new build]
4 bedroom semi-detached property
http://www.rightmove.co.uk/new-homes-for-sale/property-49538201.html

Nocton Park Rd, Nocton - £205,000 [Sowerby Homes - new build]
3 bedroom semi-detached property
http://www.rightmove.co.uk/new-homes-for-sale/property-49538195.html

Nocton Park Rd, Nocton - £180,000 [Sowerby Homes - new build]
3 bedroom semi-detached property
http://www.rightmove.co.uk/new-homes-for-sale/property-49538171.html

Nocton Park Rd, Nocton - £180,000 [Sowerby Homes - new build]
3 bedroom semi-detached property
http://www.rightmove.co.uk/new-homes-for-sale/property-49538168.html

Nocton Park Rd, Nocton - £180,000 [Sowerby Homes - new build]
3 bedroom semi-detached property
http://www.rightmove.co.uk/new-homes-for-sale/property-49538174.html

Nocton Park Rd, Nocton - £179,000 [Sowerby Homes - new build]
3 bedroom semi-detached property
http://www.rightmove.co.uk/new-homes-for-sale/property-49538165.html

Nocton Park Rd, Nocton - £179,000 [Sowerby Homes - new build]
3 bedroom semi-detached property
http://www.rightmove.co.uk/new-homes-for-sale/property-49538162.html

Nocton Park Rd, Nocton - £179,000 [Sowerby Homes - new build]
3 bedroom semi-detached property
http://www.rightmove.co.uk/new-homes-for-sale/property-49538180.html

Nocton Park Rd, Nocton - £179,000 [Sowerby Homes - new build]
3 bedroom semi-detached property
http://www.rightmove.co.uk/new-homes-for-sale/property-49538183.html

Nocton Park Rd, Nocton - £179,000 [Sowerby Homes - new build]
3 bedroom semi-detached property
http://www.rightmove.co.uk/new-homes-for-sale/property-49538159.html

Nocton Park Rd, Nocton - £179,000 [Sowerby Homes - new build]
3 bedroom semi-detached property
http://www.rightmove.co.uk/new-homes-for-sale/property-49538186.html

Summary

Two - 6 bedroom properties
Two - 5 bedroom properties
Five - 4 bedroom properties
Ten - 3 bedroom properties

Conservation Area
One Grade II Listed property for sale
One significant unlisted property for sale
One modern property for sale

Persimmon Homes
Four properties for sale

Sowerby Homes
Twelve properties for sale

The Shieling - up for sale

Beautiful detached home with landscaped grounds makes for the perfect home

'Considering we've been here for more than 20 years, it's safe to say that we've loved Nocton. It really is a lovely village, so tranquil and quiet...'

http://www.lincolnshireecho.co.uk/beautiful-detached-home-with-landscaped-grounds-makes-for-the-perfect-home/story-29654175-detail/story.html

Footnotes

1. A link to my blog about the initial planning application for a dwelling behind The Shieling
2. A link to another of my blogs relating to the planning decision

Wellhead Lane - development

16/0101/FUL  |  Erection of 4 detached houses with detached double garages

You may be interested in how this site is progressing. The water course re-alignment has now been completed to avoid erosion of the banking on the north side. The maintenance of the beck will be covered by the use of a covenant.

Re-alignment of the water course

The area of breezeblock on the front elevation of Plot 1 will be hidden by a slate roof extending the width of the building over the two bay windows.

Plot 1 now with roof timbers erected; Plot 2 almost at first floor level 

The planning permission has certain conditions, one of which is that prior to the commencement of construction of any building(s) or commencement of the use, the vehicular access to the development must be in accordance with the Proposed Site Plan. This has required a new concrete culvert that will allow access over the beck to what will be a gated private road to the development. This is located at the south west corner of the site.

Culvert - and main access to the development

A new footpath has still to be incorporated along the road frontage to link up with the existing footpath near the bungalows. New tree planting will enhance the area too.

No dwellings can be occupied until the private driveway and new footpath have been completed.

Hodgson Close

As can be seen from the Public Notice, the proposed name for the private drive is 'Hodgson Close'.

Naming of street

You might be interested in some of the history behind this name.

George Hodgson was a wealthy industrialist from Bradford in Yorkshire, who took up residence of Nocton Hall in late 1889. He was a very good friend of Lord Ripon, the well-respected owner of what was then deemed the finest agricultural estate in England.

Lord Ripon gave no explanation as to why he had decided to part with his family home, other than he felt the financial strain of maintaining the estate was now beyond his resources. However, he was clearly determined that the state of perfection which prevailed in the park and family areas should continue... and was confident his legacy for the Estate would continue through the Hodgson family.

History well documents how the Ripon family had contributed much to shape Nocton, so much so that a feeling of real security existed in their relationship with the villagers. To lose an individual who had served them all with so much consideration, was an unexpected blow to the community. Coming as he did a complete stranger to Nocton, the villagers and tenants were shattered by the news of George Hodgson having purchased the Estate. That said, his tenure was not to last long at all.

George Hodgson died in 1895 and his eldest son John moved to Nocton. John and his daughter-in-law Ann [the tall and beautiful daughter of Joseph Craven, the first Member of Parliament for Shipley], brought a family of six to the Hall, five sons and one daughter. The seventh child, another daughter, arrived at Nocton Hall. Unfortunately, John Hodgson's health was also to decline, and in 1902 he died at the Hall leaving the running of the estate in the hands of his son Norman, then aged only 25.



The grave of John Hodgson at All Saints Church, Nocton

Norman set to work, to give the estate a high polish. The Hall was redecorated and wherever possible, labour saving devices installed to give the staff greater help and efficiency. The grounds near the Hall were the first to have the flower borders stocked with a full variety of shrubs and herbaceous plants. The rose borders were enlarged and filled with the varieties most suited for a colourful summer display. Species of rhododendron, first planted by Lord Ripon, were ordered, to add a mass of colour to the side walks through the nearby woods and the 400 acre forest known as 'The Big Wood' received an additional number to enhance its beauty, already famous in Lincolnshire for its rhododendrons and the fantastic displayof lilies of the valley and bluebells. Those who are old enough will recall the sheer magnificence of the Hall grounds and park.

The Hodgson family went on to have a worthy and valued connection with the Nocton Estate, until it was sold to Messrs W H Dennis towards the end of 1919.

[Extracts taken from 'The Revelations of an Imp' by Douglas Craven-Hodgson]

Superfast broadband - super slow commissioning

Latest news

Further to my last blog on this matter this is the current situation:

Emails with Marianne Overton MBE

From: Marianne Overton
Sent: 21 August 2016 02:06
To: Geoff Hall, Nocton
Subject: Fwd: Update for Nocton please

Hi Geoff,

I hope you are OK. What news on the broadband in Nocton, due to be completed last March? Steve Brookes is on holiday at the moment, but I just wanted to find out where we were.

It  does seem to be appalling that we have spent so much on a system that does not reach the rural areas properly. Are you on Twitter or Facebook? I tweeted some useful links recently, which you may have already seen. I have been working on it nationally through the Local Government Association and there is some info on the website.

I spoke to the Leader of Cornwall recently who has had substantial rural funds spent on broadband. He was very positive about their achievement of 30Mbpc to 95pc of a very dispersed population. Now working towards 99pc!

Kind regards,
Marianne
Marianne Overton MBE


From: Geoff Hall
Sent: 21 August 2016 08:06
To: Marianne Overton
Cc: Nocton Parish Council
Subject: RE: Update for Nocton please

Good morning Marianne,

I am very well – thank you for asking… and also for checking up on the broadband issue for Nocton.

I have been lobbying Onlincolnshire and BT for quite some time now as you know. I am happy to report we are finally making progress. The fibre cabinet has been installed (near The Green), along with another link cabinet, but neither have been commissioned yet. We are still awaiting a date from BT on when this might ‘go live’.

Although BT are in the process of commissioning the new fibre cabinet for the majority of Nocton residents, there are still a few residents connected to another cabinet near Dunston on legacy lines which would not be able to obtain the upgraded fibre (mainly living in Main Street and Wellhead Lane). Due to our extensive lobbying, Steve has now raised a separate ‘Change Request’ to get these legacy lines transferred to the new fibre cabinet in Nocton. I think the funding is coming from savings made to date.

BT is currently scheduling this work in as a separate project I believe, but we are still awaiting further details. Once Steve is back from holiday, please be assured I will be chasing him again. The problem seems to be the mammoth organisation that is BT. BT Openreach have been quite amenable to carrying out this extra work, but the contract is being organised through BT itself, and it is like wading in treacle!

Steve has been working hard to support us - my latest community update was on 10th August 2016 (also see the Comments). My previous report was dated 26th July 2016.

With regard to Facebook, I use this social medium quite actively to keep in touch with friends and family around the world. I have sent you a ‘Friend Request’ if you wish to link up online.

Finally, there is another issue in Nocton that you may wish to look into – that is the piecemeal overdevelopment of our village without provision of further facilities.

Following the granting of outline planning permission for a dwelling to the rear of The Shieling [15/1127/OUT], this appears to have set rather a precedent for the village. Mr Paul Clarke (ex Nocton Farms Ltd) has now submitted an application [16/0862/OUT] to develop the land behind the Village Hall – only a single dwelling currently, but I’m sure if successful this will lead to a further application. There is some history behind this site which you might be interested in. You will see I have already lodged an objection. Peter Sowerby also continues to squeeze in many more dwellings than originally planned on his final phase on Nocton Park. The latest application causing much controversy and many objections is 16/0795/FUL. I have also objected to this too.

Best regards,
Geoff


From: Marianne Overton
Sent: 21 August 2016 13:00
To: Geoff Hall
Subject: Re: Update for Nocton please

Thanks a lot Geoff and thank you for all your continuing excellent work for us. As I am your county councillor rather than District, I do not get informed unless residents raise it with me. So thank you. I will look at your sit again. I do normally check it monthly before writing my monthly newsletter.

Kindest Regards,
Marianne


Emails with OnLincolnshire

From: Geoff Hall
Sent: 24 August 2016 20:17
To: Stephen Brookes (OnLincolnshire)
Cc: Marianne Overton; Nocton Parish Council
Subject: Urgent update for Nocton please
Importance: High

Hi Steve,

You may like to see that Marianne has been in touch for an update regarding broadband for Nocton (see correspondence below). I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but there will be no work carried out this week on the new fibre Cab 17.

Since I reported back to Marianne, a problem seems to have arisen. I managed to speak with a BT engineer who had the Cab 17 door open on Tuesday 23rd. There has been a misunderstanding between BT Openreach and the external contractor, both who thought the other were doing the work to commission the Cab – as a result we are no further forward. The copper line has not even been fed through from Pillar 3/2 to Cab 17, therefore no lines have yet been connected and there will be no fibre service being commissioned in the short term.

The BT engineer is going to report back to his Line Manager to advise that the required work is still outstanding and to recommend they actually take over responsibility for feeding through the new copper line between Pillar 3/2 and Cab 17, so that the fibre cabinet can then be commissioned. As regards the additional work to re-route the legacy lines from Cab 3 to Cab 17, the BT engineer is aware of the Change Request, but told me this work will remain with the external contractor to complete – and he thought it would be done during Phase 2 of the work plan (whatever that means).

In view of this diabolical situation, please can you chase both aspects of this work as a matter of urgency and let me know:

1. What exactly is the situation regarding the contracted work?
2. When can we expect this work to be carried out?
3. When will Cab 17 actually be commissioned?
4. When will the Cab 3 legacy lines be re-routed to Cab 17?
5. When will residents be able to apply for the new fibre service?

I think we have all been very patient thus far and this is now getting beyond a joke – if what the BT engineer told me is actually true!

Best regards,
Geoff


From: Geoff Hall
Sent: 24 August 2016 20:22
To: Owen Williams (OnLincolnshire)
Subject: FW: Urgent update for Nocton please

Good evening Owen,

I understand Steve is out of the office until Monday 29th – in view of the developing situation described below, you may want to attend to this email in advance of his return to work.

There is an ongoing situation with the commissioning of Cab 17 for Nocton, which you will see from my report below.

Kind regards,
Geoff


From: Owen Williams
Sent: 25 August 2016 10:20
To: Geoff Hall
Subject: RE: Urgent update for Nocton please

Hello Geoff,

Please excuse the brief response, I am currently bogged down in contractual/State Aid scrutiny of a BT change request, but I will speak to the BT Openreach project manager this afternoon to see what is going on.

In the meantime please see below update provided by the BT Openreach project manager on Monday which I passed to Marianne at the time:

“I got your voicemail. Metheringham 3/2 (PCP17) requires the circuits moving from the old cast iron shell outside the Post Office to the other side of the road. The civils work is complete on this and the cabling and jointing activity should start by the end of this week. The fibre route has not been proven yet. The DSLAM is stood and powered. ECD for build completion is mid-September but we are pushing for the earliest completion.”

As soon as I have spoken to Openreach I will provide a further (hopefully more detailed) response.

Kind regards,
Owen Williams
Business Support Projects & Training team

Supporting Lincolnshire Broadband Programme

Lincolnshire County Council

Tel: 01522 552296

From: Geoff Hall
Sent: 25 August 2016 11:56
To: Owen Williams
Subject: RE: Urgent update for Nocton please

Hi Owen,

Thank you for your quick response – and good luck with the ‘Change Request’ contractual issues. Why is nothing involving the BT behemoth, easy – no need to comment on that one!

I look forward to getting more detail regarding our ongoing situation in Nocton in due course.

Try and have a restful weekend to counter the pressures of public service. I can empathise with you given my previous employment prior to retirement.

Best regards,
Geoff


From: Owen Williams
Sent: 26 August 2016 12:59
To: Geoff Hall
Subject: RE: Urgent update for Nocton please

Hi Geoff,

I spoke to the Openreach manager yesterday evening, he stated there wasn’t a resource issue/contractor confusion and that work on cabling & jointing should start today, if you don’t notice any activity today please let me know and I was (will) get Steve to escalate on his return (Tuesday 30th). ECD remains mid-September as per the update from Openreach, is (if) this is achieve(d) commission should be complete and services available by the end of September.

Also thank you for you(r) kind words, and have a good bank holiday weekend yourself.

Kind regards,
Owen

Project Update - Week ending 26th August 2016

Metheringham 3/2 (Nocton) - Needs external fibre provision and the Exchange to be completed; cabling & jointing to start early next week; if there are no civils/traffic management issues build will be complete within a fortnight; commissioning to follow.

26th August (pm) - Telec Utilities - cabling and jointing Pillar 3/2 with PCP17 

PCP 17 - the open cabinet showing mounting columns and connectors

Open access duct near Post Office - the enormity of the job
 to connect the new cabinet

BT Openreach - instructional videos

1. Introducing the next generation PCP features
2. Installing the mounting columns
3. Installing the connectors

Other related news

BT chief attacks “Fix Britain’s Internet” campaign led by TalkTalk, Vodafone, Sky

TalkTalk, Vodafone, and Sky hit back in long running tit-for-tat broadband saga.

http://arstechnica.co.uk/business/2016/08/bt-chief-attacks-fix-britain-internet-campaign-talktalk-vodafone-sky/

Rivals defend ‘Fix Britain’s Internet’ campaign after BT complaint

'In an open letter to Gavin Patterson, the three UK-based companies said they welcomed BT’s commitment to engaging in the debate but stressed that the “service Openreach provides today is unacceptable and must improve”.'

http://www.totaltele.com/view.aspx?C=0&ID=494705

TalkTalk Group

Fix Britain's Internet responds to BT claims

https://www.talktalkgroup.com/articles/talktalkgroup/2016/August/Fix-Britain-s-Internet-responds-to-BT-claims

Email Ofcom to fix Britain's internet

'Demand better internet for Britain's communities'

http://www.fixbritainsinternet.co.uk/page/speakout/fix-britains-internet

Questionnaire - reminder

Do you serve, have you served, or do you have any family connection with UK Armed Forces?

If so please refer to my blog dated 12th August 2016.

Councillor Mary Ann Williams has asked me to request that if you haven't already completed and returned the questionnaire, can you please take a moment to complete and return it to Nocton Parish Council asap.

Many thanks

Navigating roadworks in Lincoln

'Roadworks pain is worth the gain', say transport bosses

The county council's £22m East-West Link Road connecting the High Street and Canwick Road via Tentercroft Street opened this week, and construction of the authority's £96m Lincoln Eastern Bypass from Wragby Road to the A15 is due to start later this year.

http://www.lincolnshireecho.co.uk/roadworks-pain-is-worth-the-gain-say-transport-bosses/story-29629331-detail/story.html

A host of roadworks are set to hit Lincoln - here's how to avoid a hold-up

Diversion routes have been revealed as roads are to close during the 18-month construction of Lincoln's new £30m bus station and 1,000-space multi-storey car park. Traffic will be diverted either north or southbound on Broadgate onto the East West Link Road, Ropewalk, over University Bridge, onto Newland and into Wigford Way.

http://www.lincolnshireecho.co.uk/diversions-road-closures-and-demolition-as-lincoln-8217-s-new-bus-station-work-begins/story-29636903-detail/story.html

'Lincoln's roadworks pain will ultimately be worth the gain'

Next up is the £96 million Lincoln Eastern Bypass. This project has been years in the making, but we are now in a position where things can get under way, and should have boots on the ground later in the year.

http://www.lincolnshireecho.co.uk/lincoln-s-roadworks-pain-will-ultimately-be-worth-the-gain/story-29632472-detail/story.html

Nocton Cricket Club - match report

Bassingham CC v Nocton CC - League Match - August 14th

Nocton won by 68 runs
Nocton’s pitch is (in)famous for being unpredictable in bounce and pace – an awkward pitch to bat on! Bassingham’s is just the same. Runs were hard to come by so Nocton’s 136 off 38 overs always looked as if it would be challenging. Six batsmen made double figures for Nocton who lost the toss and were asked to bat first.

Dylan put together a team who could bat all the way down the order and, tricks as the pitch was, we hit 3 sixes and 10 fours in the total. Sam Allison, an occasional player for Nocton, made a steady 24 while Dylan attacked from the other end, eventually falling to ball that popped up off a good length. He hit one mighty six which scattered 3 young ladies who were minding their own business walking a long way beyond the boundary. They heard the warning shout but had no idea where the ball was; luckily it landed harmlessly but not all that far away from them! Kyle Thompson played his usual aggressive innings making a quick 20 of which 16 were in boundaries. He looked in menacing form until he too fell victim to a ball that jumped up off a length. His dad Wayne, who came in for a lot of barracking from his son from the boundary, used his main shot to nearly every ball he faced – an enormous swipe with the bat. For the most part he missed the ball but, when he connected, it sent the ball to all corners of the field! Rob Appleyard and Darren Askew put on a useful late partnership which kept the scoreboard ticking over until Isaac Appleyard was last man out.

Bassingham found the going even tougher on their own ground and they scored only 3 boundaries in the whole innings. It took them 33 overs to make 68 all out of which 20 (the top score) were extras. The damage was done by Mikey Atkinson who took six wickets for just 9 runs off his 10 overs. Bassingham had no answer to his nagging accuracy and movement off the pitch.

The result leaves Nocton still second in the league with 148 points, 32 clear of nearest rivals Bracebridge Heath 2nd XI.

Report and photos courtesy of Jonathan Sides

Plate 1 - Dylan’s straight 6 which sent 3 girls running for cover!

Plate 2 - Sam Allison who top scored with 24

Plate 3 - Kyle Thompson hitting one of his 4 boundaries

Plate 4 - A stylish stroke through the off side by Mikey Atkinson

Plate 5 - a not-so-stylish swipe by Wayne Thompson
who hit a 6 and two 4s

Plate 6 - Darren Askew made a useful and attractive 15
batting low in the order

Beeswax Farming - latest news

Beeswax Farming adds a new Volvo to anaerobic digester plant

'Keeping the plant fed is a new nineteen tonne Volvo L110H which was chosen following a successful demonstration at Beeswax Farming’s Nocton facility near Lincoln, third party references and a competitive commercial package.'

http://www.thecea.org.uk/beeswax-farming-adds-new-volvo-anaerobic-digester-plant/

Huge estates face bitter harvest under farming subsidy reforms

'Sir James Dyson’s Beeswax Farming in Lincolnshire snaffles £1.4m in EU payments'

http://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/huge-estates-face-bitter-harvest-under-farming-subsidy-reforms-7x70qdjzx [Subscription required to read full article]

It looks like a no brainer, but is it?

'The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) argues that it is wrong to pay people more subsidy simply because they own more land.'

http://commonagpolicy.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/it-looks-like-no-brainer-but-is-it.html

Nocton - the village without a pub

Real ale on sale

I have previously reported that the village used to have an old Tavern in the long and distant past, one with a rather unusual name. Unfortunately, this is no longer in existence... but we do have a surrogate local watering hole called the 'Nocton Club' run by enthusiastic volunteers.

You can read a lovely review of the facility: "A village with no pub" by Steve Renshaw on the Lincoln CAMRA blog pages.

Village Hall Redevelopment

The Nocton Club is of course situated in the local Village Hall, however due to an inherent structural problem with the floor slab of the current build, plans are now underway to redevelop the site to construct a new facility altogether.

The overall expectation is: "... to achieve a light airy and pleasant building which will act as a welcoming centre for village life. It should encourage groups and societies to use its excellent facilities and bring back those groups that will go away during the rebuild. It should be in harmony with its surroundings and a fine advert for the village."

More details can be obtained from the Parish Council website.

Architect's Impressions

The following are architect's impressions of how the building might appear in the future:

Plate 1 - the main proposal

Plate 2 - a typical section

Nocton - a romantic retreat for two

The Barn, Park Farm - Self-catering cottage in Nocton, Lincolnshire

"The idyllic setting on the village green with the church spire in close view and wonderful dog walks on the village outskirts mean you could ask for nothing more."

https://www.sawdays.co.uk/britain/england/lincolnshire/the-barn-park-farm

In the Courts of Lincolnshire

Latest prosecutions

[3rd July] Resident of Hostel No 2, Old Sleaford Road, Nocton, Lincoln, pleaded guilty to driving with 55 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, driving without insurance, outside the authorisation class of a licence and failing to surrender to custody. He was fined £560 and disqualified from holding or obtaining a licence for 12 months.

http://www.lincolnshireecho.co.uk/in-the-courts-of-lincolnshire/story-29461266-detail/story.html

[13th July] Resident of Nocton Park Road, Nocton, whose dog kept straying from his property has been hit with a £500 fine from the council. He also had to pay costs of £250 and a victims' surcharge of £25 for the offence.

http://www.lincolnshireecho.co.uk/council-fines-man-500-because-his-akita-dog-kept-straying-from-his-property/story-29506802-detail/story.html

[17th July] Resident of Estates Office, Hostel No 2, Old Sleaford Road, Nocton, Lincoln, case proven in absence for failing to give information relating to the identification of the driver of a vehicle. He was fined £660, ordered to pay a surcharge to fund victim services of £66 and costs of £85. His licence was endorsed with six points.

http://www.lincolnshireecho.co.uk/undefined-headline/story-29508114-detail/story.html

[23rd August] Resident of 4 Nocton Park Road, Nocton, pleaded guilty to two counts of failing to comply with a notice prohibited him from allowing his dog to stray from his business premises. He was fined £500, ordered to pay a surcharge to fund victim services of £25 and costs of £350

http://www.lincolnshireecho.co.uk/in-the-courts-of-lincolnshire/story-29632291-detail/story.html

All Saints Church - exhibition

‘Landscapes: a particular kind of fiction’

Sunday September 18th to Monday October 24th

If you’re looking for something inspirational to do this autumn, visit the outdoor exhibition of Phil Cosker’s extraordinary photographs along the Spires and Steeples Arts and Heritage Trail.

The six giant photos will be sited in the grounds of six village churches, along the trail from Branston to Rowston.  So if you’re feeling energetic you could walk or cycle between them, or if less energetic, you could simply drive.

This unique outdoor event is part of three exhibitions of Cosker’s photographic work. The images were created using a Thornton Pickard ‘Imperial’ half-plate bellows camera found in a second-hand shop, and a set of un-exposed plates discovered in a cupboard in the Hull School of Art and Design. Cosker has used them to create images that capture an extraordinary sense of volume and space, an ‘imagination of passing time and place’.

The six exhibition sites are at: All Saints Branston, All Saints Nocton, St Peter’s Dunston, St Oswald’s Blankney, Holy Cross Scopwick and St Clement’s Rowston. A single large image, 8ft by 10ft, will be displayed outdoors at each venue, so you can visit at any time of day. Some of the churches may also be open for you to explore. Branston and Nocton churches will be open on Friday afternoons, from 2.00 to 4.00pm each week.

Meanwhile you can also take the opportunity to enjoy exploring six fascinating Lincolnshire villages, or have lunch at a village pub or tea at a local café along the way.

If you’re taking to the trail on a Wednesday or Thursday, you could stop also off for refreshments at the Bluebell Community Café at Potterhanworth. You’ll find them at St Andrew’s Church. They’re open from 9.00am to 5.00pm, and offer a delicious range of home-made soups, sandwiches, toasties, scones and cakes.

The exhibition will be launched at All Saints Branston at 12.30pm on Sunday September 18th and will continue until Monday October 24th. You could visit all six sites in one day, or spread your visits over several weeks.

The whole event is being organised by artsNK, a team of visual and performing arts specialists. The team initiates and supports arts projects across the North Kesteven district, Lincolnshire and the East Midlands.

For more information about artsNK go to www.artsnk.org and about the Spires and Steeples Trail go to www.spiresandsteeples.com.

Damage to vehicles - Wegberg Road

Appeal for witnesses

There has been an incident of criminal damage being caused to 2 x motor vehicles that were parked on Wegberg Road, Nocton.

The damages, that occurred overnight 15th/16th August 2016, consist of both front and rear windscreens of the vehicles having been smashed.

If you have any information that may assist us in our enquiries, please contact Lincs Police on 101 and quote incident number 223 of 16/08/2016. Alternatively you may wish to report any information anonymously to Crimestoppers UK, on 0800 555 111.

Thank You.

Message sent by Paul Flannigan (Support, PCSO NC39 Washingborough & Metheringham, B'bridge Heath Station)

All Saints Church - ride and stride

Beeswax Farming - Estates Surveyor

Job description

"Beeswax Farming wish to recruit an Estates Surveyor to join the business as a result of continued expansion.  The company operates a hugely diverse and exciting business with a rapidly expanding property portfolio in Lincolnshire, Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire.  A highly skilled individual is sought who has an exceptional attention to detail; outstanding communication skills; the ability to resolve problems and most importantly to work as part of a team.  All applicants must be MRICS qualified as a minimum."

More information here.

Please send your tailored CV and a covering letter explaining why Beeswax Farming should recruit you to admin@beeswax-farming.com by 22nd August 2016.

Should you wish to discuss the role, in confidence, please contact Ben Wills, Head of Property on 01526 322058 / 07415 923050.

Planning Application - land behind Village Hall

Ref: 16/0862/OUT

Former Tennis Court - Land Rear Of Village Hall, Main Street, Nocton

• Outline planning application for the erection of 1no dwelling (with access for consideration)

Application Received Date: Fri 15 Jul 2016
Application Validated Date: Tue 02 Aug 2016
Expiry Date: Thu 08 Sep 2016
Statutory Expiry Date: Tue 13 Sep 2016
Determination Deadline: Tue 27 Sep 2016

Case Officer: Tony Sargent
Applicant: Paul Clarke

My previous blog relating to the intention to develop this site can be found here.

To view the above application and any comments that have been submitted, please use the planning reference here.

Footnote

I see North Kesteven District Council are advertising for a new Principal Planning Officer too:

Job title: Principal Planning Officer
Job reference: NKRHR161
Date posted: 21/07/2016
Application closing date: 19/08/2016
Location: Sleaford Main Offices
Salary: £37,858 - £39,660
Package: Pension, Health Scheme, Essential Car User Allowance, Relocation Allowance
Job category/type: Planning

All Saints Church - Harvest Festival

New Village Hall - grants

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Questionnaire

Nocton News - August

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Diary Dates / Contact details

Superfast broadband - update

Latest news

OnLincolnshire - Project update for week ending 5th August

"Delayed cabinets - Metheringham 3/2 (Nocton) - Needs external fibre provision and the Exchange to be completed."


From: Geoff Hall
Sent: 08 August 2016 07:08
To: Stephen Brookes
Subject: RE: Nocton

Good morning Steve,

Hope you had a good weekend and are enjoying the good weather currently.
There has been a distinct lack of activity in the village from BT around the cabinets... although there might be work going on behind the scenes at the Exchange.

What up to date news have you regarding the commissioning of the fibre cab 17 and the extra work involved in bringing over the lines from Cab 3?

Cheers,
Geoff


From: Stephen Brookes
Sent: 08 August 2016 07:48
To: Geoff Hall
Subject: RE: Nocton

Good Morning Geoff,

Thanks very much, the weekend was lovely and I trust your weekend went well for you.
From what I gather, Openreach has been chasing their planners for Estimate numbers to complete the work. A simple thing you might assume, but apparently not. Anyway, I’m now informed that estimates are in place and they will complete imminently.

With regard to the extra work to bring in the lines from Cab. 3, I have raised a separate Change Control Request to cover this work and should get BT’s response within the next 10 days. There is no reason why they should have any issues as we are paying for the work. As soon as I get the sign off, I will let you know.

Regards
Steve

RAF Nocton Hall - video

Creepy video footage captured inside derelict RAF hospital

For decades, Nocton Hospital played a vital role treating the thousands of sick and injured who sacrificed themselves during the wars of the 20th century.

http://www.lincolnshireecho.co.uk/creepy-video-footage-captured-inside-derelict-raf-hospital/story-29576786-detail/story.html

Experts hunt ghosts in corridors of desolate former RAF base

"...the abandoned former military hospital that cared for civilians and soldiers from World War I up until the First Gulf War, has become a constant target for vandals and arsonists."

http://www.lincolnshireecho.co.uk/experts-hunt-ghosts-in-corridors-of-desolate-former-raf-base/story-29613731-detail/story.html

Marianne Overton MBE - newsletter

August News

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

I hope you are having a lovely summer. Please find attached our villages’ August Newsletter from me.

This months’ newsletter has a piece on a new layer of government “devolution or just more government”, where you may want to respond to the consultation by 5pm on August 8th.

Kindest Regards,
Marianne

Councillor Marianne Overton MBE
Independent Councillor for Branston and Navenby on Lincolnshire County Council
and for the Cliff Villages on North Kesteven District Council
Leader of the Lincolnshire Independents
Vice Chairman of the Local Government Associationwww.independentvoice.org.uk

Development of land behind Village Hall

Outline planning application

This item is scheduled on the Agenda for the Parish Council meeting for Tuesday 9th August, so I thought my readers might be interested in some background information.

The area behind the Village Hall was used as a playing field for many years. The site of 3.795 acres was originally let to the Parish Council under a 30-year lease which expired in 2003.

The 30-year lease was originally drawn up between Tom's Foods Ltd (which owned Nocton Estate) and Nocton Parish Council on 17th April 1973, whereby they would rent the land for £4 per annum "to be used only as a cricket and football field and recreation ground and for athletic sports and playing other games".

This land was used actively throughout by the local community. It was regularly mown during its use for football matches, there was an enclosed tennis court, a children's play area with a swing, a large slide built on a mound and a roundabout.

However, in the latter years of the lease things began to change. The football team was disbanded and the field wasn't mown so often, then the tennis courts and play equipment fell into disrepair and weren't replaced. Furthermore, in 1995 the Nocton Estate changed hands (being purchased by Mr & Mrs Paul Clarke, trading as Nocton Ltd) and with it the influence over the lease.

This change of ownership was ultimately to affect the availability of this village amenity land, because on 25th March 2003 the Parish Council's right to use the field behind the Village Hall expired and wasn't offered for renewal by Nocton Ltd.

Rather than continuing to support the local community in leasing this amenity land, the new owners of Nocton Estate decided to seek development of the site for housing. There were draft plans in January 2003 to build 20+ dwellings on this plot - drawn up by Clive Wicks Associates, Old School House, 36 Boston Rd, Sleaford, NG34 7EZ.

However, these plans never came to fruition and the amenity area has since been used as a paddock and grazing for locally-owned horses and ponies. Thirteen years later, it now seems there is an attempt to develop the land again for housing.

The Parish Council have recently informed the community that a notice has been posted under the 'Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015. The notice is a requisite under Article 14 and mentions:

• "Outline planning application for up to 1 (one) detached dwelling"... by "THE PAUL & ANNE CLARKE 2009 DISCRETIONARY SETTLEMENTS".

According to the Land Registry, the land behind the Village Hall is recorded under Title No: LL328256 and described as "land on the south side of Wellhead Lane, Nocton". It is shown as registered to:

• PAUL RICHARD CLARKE and ANNE ELIZABETH CLARKE of Coombe House, Ham Spray, Marlborough, Wiltshire SN8 3QZ, and
• JAMES ANGUS CHETWODE BURNETT of 25 St Thomas Street, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 9HJ.

Considering the land involved in this particular case is bordered by many existing residential dwellings, I'm sure this will be of interest to the owners of:

• Lime Tree House, Main Street
• Hawthorn House, Main Street
• Friars Crag, Main Street
• Pegasus, Main Street
• No's 1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17 and 19 Ten Row, Wellhead Lane
• No's 21,23 and 25 Wellhead Lane
• Embsay House, Main Street
• Embsay Cottage, Main Street
• Embsay Holt, Main Street
• No's 2 and 3, Main Street
• No 1 Old Ten Row, Main Street
• Post Office, Main Street

If permission is granted for a single dwelling, one can probably assume this will lead to a further application for a number of other dwellings being built on this land, increasing the quota for Nocton yet again.

Planning

An interesting precedence has recently been set with permitting an outline application for a single dwelling behind 'The Shieling, The Green, Nocton', where we saw North Kesteven District Council take a rather liberal interpretation of the national planning policy framework, when a more robust approach might have been more appropriate.

This was especially so, given the details in the new draft Central Lincolnshire Local Plan and the draft Nocton & Potterhanworth Neighbourhood Plans, which I feel should have been given more substantive weight of consideration.

If one considers the table 'Growth Levels in Villages' on  p138 of the draft Local Plan, you will see what I mean:

• Settlement Name: Nocton
• Hierarchy Position: Medium Villages
• Base number of dwellings: 320
• Growth Level: 10%
• Number of dwellings for growth: 32
• Completions April 2012 - March 2015: 0
• Dwellings from permissions to be built: 39
• Percentage of growth level reached: 122%
• Remaining growth: 0

N.B: It is very important to note the figure for 'Dwellings from permissions to be built'. There have now been more than 39 planning permissions granted by North Kesteven District Council for Nocton. For example, there are four dwellings now under construction on Wellhead Lane, with at least one extra dwelling at Plot 71 on the Sowerby development on Nocton Park, so clearly the 122% percentile figure is much understated in current reality and the village is well over its quota at 137.5%. Nor does this figure include the outline application permitted at The Shieling, nor the extra application under consideration for Plot 72A by Sowerby Homes!

It is extremely frustrating to see North Kesteven District Council invest scarce public monies to formulate extensively detailed policies/objectives to guide development within the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan... yet go on to be very relaxed in the interpretation of such.

I am now beginning to wonder whether there is a risk-averse culture endemic within North Kesteven District Council, where they choose to avoid any planning decision that would result in having to defend an opinion on appeal. If one considers the debacle of Nocton Hall over the years, it now seems to be manifesting itself in not controlling the excessive development of Nocton village.

This village has clearly borne its share of development and will continue to do so with some of the permissions that are still to reach fruition, but the draft Local Plan is very clear on this matter under Para 3.4 'Growth in Villages', that development has to be balanced with growth in the supporting infrastructure too.

It is high time for a line to be drawn in the sand, especially as there is no further demand for property in Nocton, with existing properties remaining unaffordable and unsold. Enough is enough!

Nocton Cricket Club - review

The season so far

Last Sunday, July 31st, Bracebridge Heath second eleven had to concede against Nocton as they were unable to get a team together. This gave us an easy 20 points maximum for a “victory” but it was a pity to miss a match as the Bracebridge ground is beautiful and it was a lovely afternoon. How do I know all this? I was the only one to turn up, armed with my camera and wondering why it was so quiet as I drove to the ground!! I hadn’t realised the game was off! Never mind, it gives me a chance to keep you posted on our progress so far.

With just 5 games to play in Division 3 this season Nocton are lying in second place with 128 points. We have played 9, won 5, lost just 2 with one game cancelled because of the weather and one game (Bracebridge) where the opposition had to concede. Our nearest rivals, Bassingham and Horncastle, each have 79 points so they are some way adrift. Top of the heap this season are Ancaster with the maximum possible 180 points from their 9 games. They would appear to be unstoppable. We certainly couldn’t stop them! In one recent game they bowled us out for 8, the club’s lowest total ever and the second lowest in the history of the league! On the flip side we gave them a run for their money when they lost 6 wickets chasing a low total we had set of just 100 AND we are the only team to hit more than 140 against them this season – even though we lost. I wondered why we hadn’t come across these Ancaster “giants” before and got a bit of history from Richard Free. It seems Ancaster used to play in the South Lincs and Borders League where the standard of cricket is on the high side of phenomenal. They transferred to the Sills and Betteridge League where we play and had to join in Division 4 at the bottom. In 2015 they swept all before them and were promoted to (our) Division 3 … where they are busily sweeping all before them again! If their present form, and our own, continues in this way we will be promoted to Division 2 … and so will they. Every silver lining has a cloud, eh?

Back to Nocton’s players. I have mentioned the new team spirit this season which is great to see, with all players really encouraging one another, even when things don’t go so well. We have several new players this season and some old ones returning with everyone playing their part. Fielding is much sharper this year and there have been a number of run outs which would have looked pretty impressive on TV. Skipper Dylan Garfoot is top scorer this year with 259 runs so far at an average of 28. Kyle Thompson has 165 to his name with Mikey Atkinson close behind with 127. Rob Appleyard is our leading bowler with 21 wickets at just 7.38 each. Dylan has 14 this season at 14 runs each and Mikey has 12 at 13.75 apiece.

We have two more home games this season. We host Aisthorpe this coming Sunday and our last match of the season is home to Rustons. You would be very welcome to join us at either of these games both the watch some village cricket and share tea and cake at “half time”, maybe eating at the new picnic bench bought for us through the Parish Council from Louth Interskills, a not-for-profit company which employs county people with learning disabilities.

Report and photographs courtesy of Jonathan Sides

Plate 1 - leading run scorer Dylan Garfoot

Plate 2 - Kyle Thompson has hit 165 runs so far

Plate 3 - All rounder Mikey Atkinson

Plate 4 - leading wicket taker Rob Appleyard,
 back with the club this season

Plate 5 - Dylan in bowling mode

Plate 6 - one of Mikey’s 12 wickets so far

Parish Council meeting

Next Meeting

The next Parish Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 9th August at 7.00pm.

1. This is the Agenda for the meeting
2. This is a notice showing an intent to develop land behind the Village Hall (Item 5 of the Agenda)

Planning Application - Nocton Park

Tree protection

16/0895/TPO

7 Rostrop Rd, Nocton, Lincoln, LN4 2BT

Remove epicormic growth from multiple sycamores along Rostrop Rd and sever ivy

Received: 21 July 2016
Validated: 21 July 2016
Expiry: 1 September 2016
Determination deadline: 15 September 2016

200 Club

Nocton 200 Club - July Draw Result

The draw was held in Nocton Club on 29th July.

Congratulations to the four lucky winners:

• 129 Doreen Green
• 145 Jane Kania
• 194 Lesley Musson
• 198 Carol Whitmore

The next draw will be held in Nocton Club on Friday 26th August at 8.30pm.

Nocton Village Hall - funding

Grant Aid

As I am sure you are well aware, the Parish Council is engaged in the planning process for a new village hall, made necessary by the structural faults evident in the current village hall and the obligation, under covenant, to maintain a viable village hall on the site so generously donated by British Field Products Ltd in 1981.

One of the main aims of the project is to minimise the proportion of the costs that will be covered by a Public Works Loan, thus reducing the overall cost to the village population.

To enable us to do this we need to maximise the amount which can be obtained in grants from the multitude of charities and other organisations that are prepared to fund this sort of project.

All potential donors require us to demonstrate support for the project within the village. To that end could you please show your support by writing a sentence or two about what you are looking forward to in a new village hall.

It is important to for us to emphasise that by doing this you are supporting in principal the concept of a new village hall as the most cost effective way of dealing with the problems of the old one. You are not committing yourself or agreeing to any particular course of action or indeed to any actual expenditure.

Once funding efforts are complete and full costs are calculated your Parish Council will present to you a viable, affordable plan.

Please either write or email a couple of sentences of support to the Parish Clerk at:

• Mr Stephen Aldridge, Nocton Parish Clerk, Banks Lodge, Lincoln Road, Dunston, Lincoln LN4 2EX. Email: noctonparishcouncil@hotmail.co.uk .
• Leave your letter of support at the Village Post Office.

We are almost ready to start the application process so an early response is vital and would be much appreciated. Your support matters, numbers will count!

Thanks

Message courtesy of Nocton Parish Council

Slow broadband - want help?

Ofcom are looking for volunteers

Do you have broadband and live in a rural area? If so, Ofcom would like you to help them understand some of the issues facing rural broadband customers.

http://www.onlincolnshire.org/news/national-broadband-news/ofcom-are-looking-for-volunteers

What are your options if you are not going to get superfast broadband?

There are 3 alternative types of broadband which are delivered via non-land based routes, and these are available now.

http://www.onlincolnshire.org/broadband-for-residents/other-solutions

Slow broadband: How to get a refund for terrible internet speeds at home

Broadband customers are still suffering with poor internet speeds and sky-high bills – but there is the possibility to claim compensation when things go horribly wrong.

http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/science-technology/665765/Slow-Broadband-Refund-Internet-Speed-Provider

Major study links low internet usage to slow broadband

Parts of Britain are being left behind on access to online services, because of slow broadband, research suggests.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-36538439