Read Rob's February update here ...
Consultation on Special Education and Disability Needs (SEND)
Five consultations on the proposed mainstream SEND hubs are now open on Let’s talk Lincolnshire (available via LCC website). These include:
• Hawthorn Tree School, Boston
• Butterwick Pinchbeck's Endowed C of E Primary School
• Sleaford Church Lane Primary School and Nursery
• Tetford The Edward Richardson Primary School
• Lincoln Sir Francis Hill Community Primary School
The first four consultations are open until 4 March 2026, with the Lincoln Sir Francis Hill continuing until 5 March 2026.
The proposed SEND hubs aim to provide enhanced facilities, smaller class sizes, and specially trained staff within a mainstream school environment.
Veterans community support grows
You may recall that sometime ago I gave assistance to the Armed Forces Community Association (AFCA) project to help set up a voluntary car service in the Metheringham area. The service is not only running successfully now but is expanding its area of coverage. Recently I dropped into the monthly Veterans breakfast at the Star and Garter, Metheringham. I was able to have an update on the progress of the project which can not only take people to appointments but in some cases take pet owners and their pets to the vets.
I was also able to have catch up with the Chief Executive of the AFCA and learn more about their work.
Potholes
This winter has been particularly bad for our roads. The effect of water freezing in cracks in the road surface has increased the damage. I have pressed Highways to attend to a number of really bad potholes, would residents please inform me of any others that are in desperate need of attention. As always, the free app Fixmystreet is the best way to report potholes. Highways tell me that in the last week or so they have received more than 2000 reports and issued more than 2500 fixes for potholes across the county. In the Summer they have on average 600 reports per month and issue about 900 orders (for repairs) per month.
Council budget
Last month I reported that the council leaders were considering a 4.99% increase in council tax. This was from the report on the proposed budget approved by them unanimously at the Council Executive meeting on 6th January (viewable on YouTube) . Following challenge on the budget and it is believed the negative response to the council tax rises in other Reform controlled councils such as Worcestershire which have set council tax at a whopping 10% they have backtracked ! By the time you read this the budget will have been approved at the Council meeting held on 20th February.
Concerned about speeding?
As I have reported previously several villages in our area have set up a Community Speed Watch (CSW) approved and supported by the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership. These projects provide an opportunity for residents to “do their bit” to help reduce speeding. Recently I have been helping Metheringham set up their CSW programme. Training will be provided by CSW and if anyone in is interested in helping they can contact either me or Cllr June Gwillym (Metheringham Parish Council) email: junegwillym@gmail.com
I publish regular information on Facebook: Rob Kendrick County Councillor for Metheringham Rural.