Lincoln Eastern Bypass - delay

Lincoln Eastern Bypass delayed after contractor goes into liquidation

The company contracted with building the £99 million Lincoln Eastern Bypass has entered liquidation.

Lincoln Eastern Bypass in limbo until new contractors found

Questions have been raised over who will complete the £99 million Lincoln Eastern Bypass after primary contractor Carillion entered liquidation.

Carillion collapse raises job fears

Carillion ran into trouble after losing money on big contracts and running up huge debts of around £1.5bn.

Sub-contractors down tools on Bypass work

Construction firms have said work will not continue until they have assurances they will be paid for their services.

An old business mantra

The saying that 'turnover is vanity, profit is sanity, but cash-flow is reality' has never been truer.

Art... far beyond Nocton

The war in Syria

As I scour the web for news to publish on the blog each morning, the following article made a real impact on me yesterday. It made me think about what might happen if ever this type of conflict were to affect our secure (and some would say privileged) lives in Nocton.

Just imagine for one minute, having to flee your home and village at short notice, deciding which cherished possessions to take with you... and how you might persuade other family members that the only way to stay safe is to seek refuge elsewhere.

It demonstrated to me how art can sometimes be a more powerful medium, than the live news images that are broadcast each day.

Turning pebbles into pictures of the war in Syria

'The imagery is all too familiar. A family on the move, their meagre belongings carried on their heads; a cluster of frightened children gripping a mother figure; the body of a victim cradled on the ground by a woman.'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-39064088

Syria's Civil War Explained

'The Syrian civil war is the deadliest conflict the 21st century has witnessed thus far.'

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/05/syria-civil-war-explained-160505084119966.html

How the UK is responding

UK and Syria

UK response to the Syria crisis

On this Sunday morning, I think it is fitting to conclude with the artist's own words:

"I am a human before anything else. The conflict has caused me a lot of pain and I sometimes can't sleep at night,"

"My only consolation is the work I do and therefore I don't see it as a source of revenue. It is pure passion for stone art. I want to communicate human emotions that people everywhere in the world share, such as love, hope, and sadness."

Nizar Ali Badr

Dr Caroline Johnson MP - Brexit

European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill 2016-17

MPs have voted overwhelmingly in favour of Theresa May triggering Article 50, meaning the Prime Minister is on track to begin Brexit negotiations with Brussels in March.
By 498 to 114 - a majority of 384 - MPs backed allowing the bill to progress to the next, more detailed legislative stage.

Dr Caroline Johnson (Conservative - Sleaford and North Hykeham) - voted in favour of the Bill.

Tom Batchelor - The Independent

Brexit vote: How did your MP vote on the the bill?

A total of 47 Labour MPs have voted against the Article 50 bill, allowing ministers to trigger Brexit, despite strict party orders.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-38835101

Conservatives win

Conservatives win Sleaford by-election

'The turnout for the by-election was 37.1% according to North Kesteven District Council, down from 70.2% at the general election last year.'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-38258976

'I will be a strong voice for Lincolnshire' - Tories win Sleaford and Hykeham by-election

http://www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk/i-will-be-a-strong-voice-for-lincolnshire-tories-win-in-by-election/story-29970590-detail/story.html

Sleaford and North Hykeham by-election: Dr Caroline Johnson holds seat for Tories as Labour finish fourth

'... an embarrassing night for Labour, who slipped into fourth place.'

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/12/09/conservatives-hold-sleaford-north-hykeham-by-election/

Solar eclipse... in Nocton

Solar eclipse set to plunge UK and Europe into darkness

'Millions of people could witness the best solar eclipse in years seen from the UK and northern Europe later.'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-31965456

Clouds, fog and mist could spoil the show for Lincolnshire sky-watchers

'With the eclipse 'show' due to start at around 8.30am and last for around two hours, the view of the eclipse could well be obscured for many residents.'

http://www.lincolnshireecho.co.uk/ECLIPSE-WEATHER-Clouds-fog-mist-spoil/story-26204900-detail/story.html

The 1 in 100,000 year eclipse: Why religious extremists think we have just HOURS to live

'A rare solar eclipse which will plunge Britain into eerie daytime darkness.'

http://www.express.co.uk/news/nature/565155/Solar-eclipse-britain-religion-end-of-world

Man urges Brits to take care with eyesight

'A man left blind after looking directly at a solar eclipse 53 years ago is urging Britons not to look at the astronomical spectacle with a "naked eye." '

http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/565177/Solar-eclipse-2015-man-blinded-53-years-ago

Looking directly at the sun can cause serious harm to your eyes

'Experts are warning Lincolnshire people not to look directly at the sun during this morning's eclipse.'

http://www.lincolnshireecho.co.uk/ECLIPSE-WARNING-Looking-sun-cause-harm-eyes/story-26204922-detail/story.html

Je suis Charlie

Je Suis Charlie

'There is a chilling realisation for a journalist here; whereas travelling to war zones carries with it the potential to come to harm you do not expect, in the comfort of your city centre newsroom, having an editorial meeting, to be mowed down by vicious, cold-blooded murderers with machine guns.'

http://thelincolnite.co.uk/2015/01/je-suis-charlie/

Not in our name – Muslims respond in revulsion to Charlie Hebdo massacre

'This is a thunderous declaration of war. The times have changed. We’re entering a new phase of this confrontation… we are horrified by the brutality and the savagery'

http://blogs.spectator.co.uk/coffeehouse/2015/01/not-in-our-name-muslims-respond-in-revulsion-to-charlie-hebdo-shooting/

Charlie Hebdo attack: this is not a clash of civilisations

'In terrible circumstances, where shock and confusion prevail, it is also crucial to remain level-headed in our response to these horrendous events.'

http://theconversation.com/charlie-hebdo-attack-this-is-not-a-clash-of-civilisations-36030

Charlie Hebdo attack: This is not about Islam - it's about free speech

'There are plenty of people out there who will use today's attack on the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdoto to show Islam is incompatible with European values.'

http://www.politics.co.uk/blogs/2015/01/07/charlie-hebdo-attack-this-is-not-about-islam-it-s-about-free

Viewpoint: The roots of the battle for free speech

'Historian Tom Holland was one of those who tweeted Charlie Hebdo's cartoon of the Prophet Muhammad in the wake of the deadly attack on the magazine's office. Here he explains the ramifications of defending free speech.'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-30714702

The kind of toughness we need now

'In each generation, we collectively face a threat from people who value control and conformity rather than freedom of expression. The source and form of these threats take many forms and those that carry them out vary in their goals.'

http://theconversation.com/the-kind-of-toughness-we-need-now-36037

Other News

Running of East Coast Mainline franchise has been announced

'A joint project between Virgin Trains and Stagecoach will run the East Coast Mainline rail route from March 2015.'

http://www.lincolnshireecho.co.uk/Running-East-Coast-Mainline-franchise-announced/story-24768167-detail/story.html

Stagecoach and Virgin win East Coast mainline rail franchise

'The firms promised to invest £140m in the route over eight years, and will pay the government £3.3bn for the contract.'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-30222458

More trains from Lincoln to London promised by East Coast rail franchise winner

'For Lincoln, the following benefits have been promised:

• an additional 6 trains from and 5 trains to London from May 2019
• upgraded train interiors introduced between 2015 and 2017
• station served by new high speed IEP trains from 2020 providing:

more reliable services, more seats, more luggage space, faster journey times and improved wi-fi and mobile coverage.'

 

http://thelincolnite.co.uk/2014/11/trains-lincoln-london-promised-east-coast-rail-franchise-winner-ef/

Nocton Hall

Parish Council Resolution

You may like to know the following resolution was passed by the Parish Council at the meeting on Tuesday 9th September:
 
“This Council wishes to place on record its complete and utter frustration at the continued failure of LEDA Properties to engage meaningfully with councillors and the local community over its plans for the future development of Nocton Hall and the associated former RAF hospital site.
 
Yet again, LEDA Properties has shown its complete disregard for the local community by not only failing to meet its own timetable for preparing an initial site development plan, as promised at the meeting held on 8th April, 2014 with the Chair, Vice-chair and Portfolio Holder, but also not even having the courtesy to acknowledge the Council’s request for a progress report.  In addition and despite various promises to the contrary, LEDA Properties has similarly failed to take any action whatsoever to minimise the incidence of unauthorised access to the site and fly-tipping, all of which has had a significant and negative impact on the residents of Nocton.

Under its stewardship of the site and through its failure to provide proper security, LEDA Properties has presided over the unauthorised removal of many of the Hall’s Grade 2 listed features followed by its total destruction by fire, the demolition and vandalism of the buildings and site of the former hospital and the desecration of the grounds comprising the former “pleasure gardens”.  The entire area is now an overgrown eyesore and an unwelcome attraction for fly-tippers, “zombie hunters” and other undesirable visitors whose activities cause a major nuisance to local residents.  The Parish Council notes that the increasing costs of dealing with this situation fall to the hard-pressed Council Tax payers and not to the current owners.

This Council calls, therefore, on the District Council, County Council, English Heritage and our local Member of Parliament to take whatever action they can to bring about an end to what has become an intolerable situation for the residents of Nocton.  On behalf of the community it serves, this Council reaffirms its total support for the future development of the site as agreed by the District Council following its consideration of the “Options Appraisal”.  As such, it wishes it to be noted that it is not opposed, in principle, to the construction of a limited number of houses as part of the necessary enabling development – despite Nocton being classified as a Tier 3 village with extremely limited infrastructure and negligible facilities.

Since purchasing the Hall and associated former Hospital site some 14 years ago, the LEDA Properties’ lack of any meaningful action to date would strongly suggest that it has, in fact, little or no intention of developing the site until at least the arrangement whereby a significant part of any development profit is required to be passed to the Ministry of Defence (the former owners) ends in approximately nine years’ time.  It therefore calls upon LEDA Properties to engage in an honest and open way with the local community through its democratically elected Parish Council regarding its future intentions for the site.  Should, in fact, this restriction be the main reason for the lack of any action to date, then we call upon our Member of Parliament to pursue its possible removal with his colleagues in the MoD so that a sustainable development along the lines envisaged in the “Options Appraisal” can take place to the benefit of all concerned at the earliest opportunity.”

Conclusion

It is further suggested that in addition to its circulation by way of an open letter to our MP, NKDC and LCC, the local media (e.g. BBC Look North, Lincolnshire Echo, etc) be invited to prepare further features on the Hall in order to raise public awareness of the issue.

Local Government Finance

Multi-million budget cuts for Lincolnshire councils

'Lincolnshire County Council and City of Lincoln Council are mulling over budget cuts from central government, coming into effect from 2014.'

http://thelincolnite.co.uk/2013/12/multi-million-funding-cuts-lincolnshire-councils/

Councils' spending cuts revealed

'England's councils will face an average spending-power cut of 2.9% in the year 2014-15, the government has announced.'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-25429562

Local government finance settlement 2014-15: your responses

'The government has just announced local government finance figures for next year – here's what you had to say about it.'

http://www.theguardian.com/local-government-network/2013/dec/18/local-government-finance-settlement-2014-15-council-cuts

Parish Council

Parish Council Report – 3rd November 2013

"The meeting began with members of the Parish Council joining residents in a glass of wine and a mince pie.

Crime in Nocton
The Parish Council was concerned to learn from the police representative that in the last month there had been four reported crimes of attempted theft and burglary in the village.  Heating oil had also been stolen from the tank at the Church.  It was felt that these crimes were linked to similar incidents which have been taking place in Metheringham and the surrounding area.  Additional police resources were being deployed to deal with the situation but, in the meantime, all residents were urged to take particular care over the coming festive period by making sure all doors and windows were kept securely fastened/locked and any presents kept out-of sight of windows, etc.  Anything suspicious, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, should be reported to the police by dialing 101 although if the matter is urgent then you need to dial 999!

Neighbourhood Watch Scheme
The village now has a fully operational Neighbourhood Watch Scheme (which is rather appropriate given the above item) with Councillor Graham Jones acting as the scheme’s overall Co-ordinator.  Nine local co-ordinators have now been recruited to cover most of the village although additional ones are needed for the Lincoln Road and Wellhead Lane areas and in Main Street (from the Post Office to Embsay House).  If you feel you would like to join this very important group of volunteers, then please contact Councillor Jones for more information.

Nocton Village Hall
After almost a year of hard work, a small working group of councillors and representatives of the existing Village Hall Management Committee and the Social Club produced a proposed new Constitution to govern the future running of the Village Hall.  With only a few minor changes, this new Constitution was adopted by the Parish Council and will take effect in the New Year.  Publicity about the arrangements, etc for the inaugural meeting of the new Committee will be made available after Christmas.

Grit for Wasps Nest
Following efforts by the Parish Clerk, road conditions at Wasps Nest should be much easier this winter as Lincolnshire County Council has at last agreed to provide two tons of rock salt for use by residents to keep the roads and paths clear of any snow and ice.

Village “Welcome Pack”
The Parish Council has agreed to produce a “Welcome Pack” which will be given to all residents moving into the village.  Containing a wealth of important and useful information for new people coming to live in Nocton, it will be funded from monies raised by the 200 Club.

Proposed Visit to a Wind Farm
The Parish Council, in conjunction with Vattenfall, is arranging a visit to an operational wind farm in Leicestershire so that residents can see at first hand what one is actually like.  The visit is open to residents of Nocton only and will take place on a week day sometime in May next year.  If you are interested in taking part (a coach will be provided by Vattenfall and there will be no cost involved) then please contact the Parish Clerk (preferably by email).  In the event that there are more people interested than there are places available, then priority will be given to those residents who are likely to be most affected if the wind farm was to go ahead.

Nocton Youth Group
It was noted that there had been a rather disappointing response to the advert for a person to run the proposed Nocton Youth Group.  Discussions were taking place with NKDC to see how best to progress the initiative and it was agreed to extend the deadline for applications into the New Year.

Finally, members of the Parish Council would like to wish all residents of Nocton a very happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.

Date of next meeting: Tuesday, 7th January 2014 at 7.00 p.m.

Councillor Ian Goldsworthy"

My thoughts

Village Hall Constitution
I think it will be useful to publish the new Constitution for the Village Hall after the minor amendments have been completed. I have made an offer to the Parish Council to post a copy on the blog, so that residents can see what has been incorporated in the document.

Wind Farm
'The government is to make big changes to the way it subsidises renewable energy, it has announced. Ministers say they will cut support for onshore wind and solar energy, but give more backing to offshore wind power.'
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-25210963

It will be interesting to see how this affects Vattenfall's plan for Nocton Fen. With regard to the proposed visit to a wind farm, I think the following link relates to the specific site concerned:
http://www.vattenfall.co.uk/en/swinford-wind-farm.htm

I think this is the Swinford Wind Farm planning application:
http://www.harborough.gov.uk/info/200105/sustainability/297/windfarms

An entry in the local newspaper - Leicester Mercury:
http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Leicestershire-s-biggest-wind-farm-turbines/story-16616656-detail/story.html

Wind turbines arrive at Swinford wind farm
Worth watching the video to see the size of the components and the transport involved.

'The first components for 11 turbines to be constructed on a wind farm near Swinford have arrived on site. A special road from the M1 motorway had to be laid to get the 45 metre-long blades across a farm in south Leicestershire on Monday.'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leicestershire-18498322

Vattenfall - Latest Newsletter re: Nocton Fen
May I recommend you sign up for the newsletters if you haven't done so already.

http://www.vattenfall.co.uk/en/file/2013-12-10-Latest_Newsletter_Nov_Dec_2013.pdf_48709630.pdf

Funny Old World

I noticed that Councillor John Money (North Kesteven District Council) has written an article about the proposals for a wind farm in 'The Little Green Book' Issue 53, Winter 2013 - the local news magazine for the Metheringham Area. Here are a couple of extracts:

"Some people dismiss the Lincolnshire Fens as a barren, uninteresting wilderness but I do not agree. I think the Fens are just as much an asset to the character of our County as the Heath, the Wolds, and the Marshes and should be preserved as such, and not be polluted by these inefficient monstrosities."

"For residents who are not aware, Cllr Kendrick and I represent the Metheringham Ward of NKDC, which includes the Parishes of Blankney, Metheringham, Dunston and Nocton. Should any individual, group of people, official or not, wish to discuss this with me or any other Councillor previously mentioned, please do not hesitate to contact us. That is what we are here for, to represent you all in the district... I shall now begin to campaign just as diligently against these abominations as I did against the Super Dairy."

Councillor John F Money - North Kesteven District Council, Metheringham Ward
Tel No (H): 01526 320323 (M): 07775 692013
Email: cllr_john_money@n-kesteven.gov.uk

Wind Farm at Nocton Fen

Vattenfall lifts lid in Lincs

Swedish utility Vattenfall is investigating a possible 50MW-plus wind farm in the east of England.

The company said today it is in the early stages of development for a project at Nocton Fen in North Kesteven District, Lincolnshire.

http://renews.biz/51825/vattenfall-lifts-lid-in-lincs/

BBC Look North (6.26 am - 14th October 2013)

"An energy company is to investigate the potential for a wind farm in Lincolnshire. Swedish utility company, Vattenfall, says an initial study at Nocton Fen revealed that up to 23 wind turbines could sit on the site. They will spend the next few weeks talking to local communities."

The spokesperson for Vattenfall, Jason Ormiston said:
"Any suggestion of a wind farm of this nature, it's natural that people would have concerns about that... but we are at a very early stage and we want to have that conversation with people, understand what their fears are. Hopefully we can allay those fears and we can do this by listening to people and designing a wind farm that responds to those concerns."

Vattenfall

"Vattenfall's vision is to create a strong and diversified European energy portfolio with sustainable and increased profits, significant growth options and will be among the leaders in developing environmentally sustainable energy production."

Press Release re: Nocton Fen

Vattenfall’s Project Manager Graham Davey said: “Vattenfall is at the very earliest stages of assessing the potential of a wind farm at Nocton Fen. This phase is all about identifying issues and opportunities; that is why we will start by engaging with the local community, local representatives, other key interests and national environmental organisations.”

Nocton Fen - Exploring the Wind Energy Potential

"There will be many opportunities for the community to get involved, share ideas, and talk to the team over the coming months. Information will be circulated as widely as possible locally in the coming weeks. To ensure you stay up to date with the latest news, development and discussions relating to Nocton Fen, please visit and register your interest in the project here."

http://www.vattenfall.co.uk/en/nocton-fen.htm

http://www.vattenfall.co.uk/en/file/2013-10-10-Nocton_Fen_map.pdf_44158122.pdf

Nocton Fen earmarked as potential wind farm

'Feasibility study carried out.'

http://www.lincsfm.co.uk/news/local-news/nocton-fen-earmarked-as-potential-wind-farm/

Wind Farms

This is a link to an earlier blog entry about wind farms. You may be interested in the Press Release from another company, Renewable Energy Systems, which looked at the feasibility of erecting wind turbines on Nocton Fen back in 2004... and decided against it!

Wind Turbine Poll Fiasco

“It is true that large, industrial-scale wind turbines in the open countryside are unpopular. Locally, we had a successful campaign against 36 turbines in Nocton and subsequently I helped draw up the reasonably balanced policy on wind power, first completed about two years ago.  It does not suggest a “blanket ban”, but a more thoughtful approach..."

Councillor Marianne Overton

http://www.lincolnshireindependents.org/windturbinepollfiasco.html

Number of planned new onshore wind farms has doubled since 2011

Record numbers of onshore wind farms have been approved for construction this year as power companies cash in on hundreds of millions of pounds in subsidies.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/energy/10375167/Number-of-planned-new-onshore-wind-farms-has-doubled-since-2011.html

The Winds of Change

'There’s a new wind blowing across Europe. Windpower is predominantly located in Germany, Denmark and Spain, and a recent European Union report predicted wind will power Europe’s demands several times over before 2020.'

http://www.theecologist.org/News/news_analysis/2105601/the_winds_of_change.html

Not so super...

Southfield Farm near Louth investigated over 'stench'

A cattle farm in Lincolnshire is being investigated over complaints of an "overpowering stench".

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-24457226

Grassless pens feed Britain’s taste for cheap beef

'An investigation by The Sunday Times has established that an intensive operation for almost 3,000 cattle has been created at Southfield Farm, on the outskirts of Louth in Lincolnshire.'

http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/uk_news/National/article1320600.ece

Canwick Hill

Lincoln junctions to get £3.4m facelift

This project should improve our travel into Lincoln once work has been completed. In the main, I think the improvements are well designed... but there is one major flaw for the traffic coming up Canwick Hill in my opinion.

The decision to leave a single carriageway in place (just before the left turn to Heighington) will create an unnecessary pinch point when traffic attempts to merge from the dual carriageway. Any slow moving vehicles on this single carriageway (either attempting a left turn to Heighington, or involving slow moving HGVs), will cause bunching and a possible tail back. This somewhat defeats the purpose of the dual carriageway design lower down Canwick Hill which aims to free up the flow of traffic.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-24305395

Funding granted for Canwick Road improvement works

"Funding has been granted for improvement works at the Canwick Road and South Park Avenue junction, one of the busiest in Lincoln."

http://thelincolnite.co.uk/2013/09/funding-granted-for-canwick-road-improvement-works/

Documentation can be located here: http://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/residents/transport-travel-and-roads/highway-improvement/transport-strategies/lincoln-transport-strategy/pinchpoint-bid-2013/canwick-road-documents/115191.article

Spending Review

NKDC Leader responds to Spending Review

'THE Leader of North Kesteven District Council has this afternoon responded to the Government’s Spending Review announcement.'

http://www.lincolnshireecho.co.uk/NKDC-Leader-responds-Spending-Review/story-19409964-detail/story.html

Q & A Spending Review

'Chancellor George Osborne has outlined the government's spending plans for 2015/16. Here's a guide to the event.'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-22952808

Mega-farms... the debate continues

Factory Farming?

Given our raw experience with fighting the 'super-dairy' campaign here in Nocton, with proposals for a large dairy unit in Leighton, nr Welshpool, Powys and now a huge piggery in Foston, Derbyshire, I am not surprised this passionate debate rumbles on today.

Campaigners warn against rise of the 'mega-farms': Could massive pig, fish and dairy units harm the environment?

'Farming in the British Isles is on the verge of a dramatic step towards industrialisation with the establishment of "mega-farms"...'

http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/campaigners-warn-against-rise-of-the-megafarms-could-massive-pig-fish-and-dairy-units-harm-the-environment-8612471.html

Editorial: Who needs mega-farms?

'We eat too much of the wrong sort of food. More cheap meat is no solution.'

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/editorials/editorial-who-needs-megafarms-8612309.html

There Is Nothing Gentle or Gradual About Building a New 25,000 Unit Mega Pig Farm

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tracy-worcester/there-is-nothing-gentle-o_b_3253630.html

Powys 'mega dairy': Public inquiry over Leighton plan

'A public inquiry has begun into Powys council's decision to refuse planning for a major expansion to a dairy farm housing 1,000 cattle next to a village primary school.'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-mid-wales-21656072

Foston pig farm given extra time on proposals

'A firm behind plans to build a farm in Derbyshire with more than 25,000 pigs has been given until May to answer Environment Agency questions.'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-derbyshire-21410820

Forget badgers. If we really care about animal welfare, it's time to put a stop to mega-farms

'Proposals for what are called mega-farms have been rejected in the past, but now a significant change of attitude seems to be taking place.'

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/forget-badgers-if-we-really-care-about-animal-welfare-its-time-to-put-a-stop-to-megafarms-8614160.html

Ag-Gag laws seek to put factory farms off-limits to whistle-blowers

It seems the UK Government has signalled its backing for large-scale farms only yesterday... let's hope they aren't too intent on following US practice. With the relaxation of planning law, there is a major risk to our countryside if inappropriate development takes place, particularly if we don't have the protection of tried and tested legislation developed over decades. It is no good trying to enforce restrictions once permissions have been granted and the mega-farms are operating!

http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/energy-a-environment/298569-ag-gag-laws-seek-to-put-factory-farms-off-limits-to-whistle-blowers-

Taping of Farm Cruelty Is Becoming the Crime

'Critics call them “Ag-Gag” bills.'

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/07/us/taping-of-farm-cruelty-is-becoming-the-crime.html

Left out in the cold

Lincolnshire Conservatives plan coalition with Independents – but without Marianne Overton

'Mrs Overton was unavailable for comment.'

http://www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk/Lincolnshire-Conservatives-plan-coalition/story-18933296-detail/story.html

Fear of UKIP brought three-way coalition together at Lincolnshire County Council, says Lib Dem leader Reg Shore

'Mr Shore told This is Lincolnshire: "It looks like an agreement is there between the three of us.'

http://www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk/Fear-UKIP-brought-way-coalition-Lincolnshire/story-18937726-detail/story.html

Conservative Party and Independents form coalition to run Lincolnshire County Council

'Independent Chris Brewis and other unnamed Independent councillors have teamed up with the Conservatives, who are led by Martin Hill.'

http://www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk/Conservative-Party-Independents-form-coalition/story-18913903-detail/story.html

Conservatives strike coalition deal to run Lincolnshire County Council

'The Liberal Democrats in the coalition are: Reg Shore (Skellingthorpe and Hykeham South), John Marriot (Hykeham Forum) and Pat O’Connor (Gainsborough Trent).

Independent Chris Brewis (Sutton Elloe) will also be entering the coalition, along with several other Independent members including Bill Aron (Horncastle and Tetford) and Angela Newton (Spalding West). The breakaway group will rename soon.'

http://thelincolnite.co.uk/2013/05/conservatives-strike-coalition-to-run-lincolnshire-county-council/

Tories strike coalition deal to run Lincolnshire County Council

'Councillor Hill has also shown his grittier side by refusing to work with Lincolnshire Independent leader Marianne Overton, hence the three Independent supporters out of a possible ten.'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-22470055

Lincolnshire Independents ‘disappointed’ at breakaway coalition members

'Leader of the Lincolnshire Independents Marianne Overton said she is disappointed three of her councillors broke away to form a coalition with the Conservatives to run the County Council.'

http://thelincolnite.co.uk/2013/05/lincolnshire-independents-disappointed-at-breakaway-coalition-members/

Planning policy

Rewrite 'yes to development' planning change, say MPs

'MPs are calling on ministers to rewrite a key part of its controversial changes to planning rules in England, removing the default "yes" to development.'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-16271888

'Significant changes' must be made to planning rules

'MPs are calling on the Government to rewrite its controversial changes to planning rules in England, which they say are biased in favour of developers.'

http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/latest-news/significant-changes-must-be-made-to-planning-rules/43784.article

NFU urges Government to stick with plans to streamline planning policies

'Changes to planning rules must ensure that the rural economy can be allowed to prosper alongside a healthy natural environment, the NFU said today after an influential group of MPs launched its review of the National Policy Planning Framework (NPPF).'

http://www.farminguk.com/news/NFU-urges-Government-to-stick-with-plans-to-streamline-planning-policies_22429.html

Welsh Government delays mega-dairy verdict

'A direction has been issued under Article 14 of the Town and Country Planning (General Development Procedure) Order 1995 to provide Welsh Ministers with more time in which to consider the call in request.'

http://notinmycuppa.com/newsblog/welsh_government_mega_dairy

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Dairy Farming Bill

Stephen Phillips QC MP continues to be active on our behalf in the House of Commons.  Indeed, his Dairy Farming Bill is due to be debated later today.  In the meantime, you may like to read some of his recent contributions on the:

Dairy Farming Debate - 7th June 2011

http://www.theyworkforyou.com/whall/?id=2011-06-07a.1.0&s=speaker%3A24836#g12.0

Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures Bill

http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2011-06-07a.69.0&s=speaker%3A24836#g117.1

There is also further information on the debate on intensive farming.

WI abandons vote to oppose 'factory farming'

'A DEBATE on the pros and cons of factory farming descended into almost farce at the National Federation of Women’s Institutes AGM today (Wednesday, June 8).'

http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/livestock/livestock-news/wi-abandons-vote-to-oppose-factory-farming/39536.article

WI refuses to vote on factory farm resolution

'The Women’s Institute has refused to vote on a resolution which would have seen the 207,000-member organisation campaign against large-scale farms.'

http://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/08/127231/WI-refuses-to-vote-on-factory-farm-resolution.htm

Is there a crisis in the dairy industry?

'This was the question you were left asking after a debate in the Commons on the plight of dairy farmers.'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-13686559

Milk Monday: Not in my Cuppa receives recognition for creatively changing the face of British farming

'On June the 1st, The World Society for the Protection of Animals’ (WSPA) dairy campaign, “Not in my Cuppa” was unanimously voted as a winner in the Public Affairs category at the The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) 2011 Excellence Awards.'

http://seymourjacklin.co.uk/2011/06/07/milk-monday-not-in-my-cuppa-receives-recognition-for-creatively-changing-the-face-of-british-farming/

CiWF - Campaigner of the Year

On 9th June 2011, Compassion in World Farming was recognised with the Observer Ethical Award for Campaigner of the Year in respect of their 'Cows belong in fields' campaign.

CiWF have kindly mentioned 'The campaign's success was only possible with widespread support nationally and from local campaign group, CAFFO.'

http://www.ciwf.org.uk/cows_belong_in_fields/default.aspx

As one of the originators of CAFFO, I have been privileged to work with some marvellous people over the period of the campaign, many of whom are now good friends.

This is a nice recognition for every member of the team at CAFFO and all their supporters - for all the hard work over the last 18 months or so.  You know who you are.  Thank you.

CIWF wins award for Nocton campaign

'CIWF shared the award with local campaigners, including CAFFO (Campaign Against Factory Farming Operations).'

http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/latest-news/ciwf-wins-award-for-nocton-campaign/39604.article

Video of the Observer Ethical Awards 2011

Compassion in World Farming - appear on the video between 4.00s - 4.56s.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/video/2011/jun/10/observer-ethical-awards-2011-video
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More media coverage

Nocton farmers scrap future plans for 'super dairy'

'The farmers behind a bid to build a 'super dairy' in Lincolnshire have confirmed they have abandoned their plans.'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-12854925

No future dairy plans

'FARMERS behind the controversial Nocton Dairy have confirmed there is no intention to submit further plans.'

http://www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk/news/future-dairy-plans/article-3371950-detail/article.html

No plan to resurrect 'super dairy' proposal

'Farmers who hoped to establish Britain's biggest dairy farm say they have no plans to resurrect the proposals.'

http://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/25/126094/No-plan-to-resurrect-39super-dairy39-proposal.htm
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Potholes

Potholes in Lincolnshire: The Road Ahead

'Freezing conditions last winter have made potholes a particular problem for many councils across the country.'

'The BBC project, The Road Ahead, will look at the issue online, on radio and television on Monday, 28 February.'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/lincolnshire/hi/people_and_places/newsid_9405000/9405595.stm

With all the heavy articulated lorries that navigate our local B1202, this has taken its toll on the surface during the winter months.





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