News from County Councillor Rob Kendrick
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Green light for devolution deal.
The new government has given the green light for the deal agreed with the previous government. Greater Lincolnshire’s devolution will see an extra £720m spent in the county over the next 30 years. This will be for priority areas of jobs and skills, housing and highways, transport, the environment and nature, net zero, digital improvements, and innovation and trade.
An initial capital funding pot of £28m is allocated to projects across the county including works to tackle flooding, improve roads and support industry.
However, we are still waiting to hear whether or not the government will support the £110 million funding agreed with the previous government for the North Hykeham Relief Road. This project would complete the ring road around Lincoln and not only reduce traffic problems in North Hykeham but boost the economy of the area.
More work on local rural roads.
I have previously mentioned continuing road improvements . More has been happening . A massive 57 miles of Lincolnshire’s most rural roads have been lifted out of the ‘needing maintenance’ category.
Particularly difficult to work on due to their narrow width and ditches either side, these roads are known as ‘unclassified’ because they have usually developed from old farm tracks - instead of being specifically built, more mainstream routes like A, B and C roads.
Because of their organic development, unclassified roads tend to be more prone to potholes and edging issues as the historic softer underpinnings give way to modern, heavy vehicle traffic.
As part of its ongoing county-wide roads strategy to continuously better the traffic network, LCC Highways has ramped up the focus on unclassified roads, and the latest figures show a big improvement for the lesser roads. In our area we have seen a number of roads resurfaced some of which I have been lobbying about for a while.
Numbers not going down
I have mentioned in previous updates the concerns the Church Walk Surgery Metheringham have regarding patients who fail to attend booked appointments.
They tell me that
“It’s saddening with so many people seeking an appointment that slots go unused because patients fail to tell the surgery they will no longer attend. This means other people who are further down the queue face delayed appointments which is something that would otherwise be avoided. In addition there is a knock on effect in that clinicians’ time is not fully utilised.
So if you are unable to attend or simply no longer need an appointment please take a few minutes to call the surgery and let them know. In that way the appointment can be offered to the next person on the list.
There have been [515] missed appointments so far this calendar year. That’s broadly equivalent to the seats in 8 train carriages – think of that when you are waiting for a passenger train at the Metheringham level crossing!”
New fathers, farmers and military personnel wanted for mental health survey
New fathers and agricultural workers are among the groups needed for a survey to find out what needs to be improved in their mental health care in Lincolnshire.
The latest project from Healthwatch Lincolnshire takes a mental health focus and wants to hear from groups of people who are currently underrepresented or unheard in healthcare discussions.
By finding out the experiences of new fathers, farmers, farm workers, food factory staff, military personnel and veterans, Healthwatch Lincolnshire can amplify their voices and pinpoint then address their specific needs.
Dean Odell, Healthwatch Lincolnshire Contract Manager said: “Mental health can be a real challenge, especially for people who face unique pressures like new dads, those working in farming, or military personnel and veterans.
“This survey is a chance to make sure their voices are heard, and to find out what’s working well and what needs improving.
“By focusing on these groups, we hope to shine a light on any barriers they face when trying to get support, so we can work together to make mental health care more accessible and effective across Lincolnshire.”
The survey is available online here and alternative formats are available by calling 01205 820892 or emailing info@healthwatchlincolnshire.co.uk
A separate survey has been created for healthcare professionals involved in treating these groups to share their experiences. Click here for the professional survey.
The mental health survey is the fourth independent investigation by Healthwatch Lincolnshire in 2024. It started the year with a menstrual health survey, the results of which can be seen in a video and report on the Healthwatch Lincolnshire website. That was followed by a respiratory health focus and a survey about the treatment and care of neurological conditions.
Healthwatch Lincolnshire is the independent champion for people who use health and social care services. Its purpose is to understand the needs, experiences and concerns of people who use health and social care services and to speak out on their behalf. It also operates a guidance and advice service, available by telephone, online or in person at its regular events.
The next Healthwatch Lincolnshire event is YourVoice@Healthwatch and will be held at Boston United Football Club on Wednesday, October 23rd, 10am-1pm. The event will include speakers and the chance for the public to have their say.
Attendance is free but must be booked in advance via the Healthwatch Lincolnshire website.
Charity HWLincs, which has delivered Healthwatch Lincolnshire for more than 10 years, was this month recommissioned to run the service until at least 2030.
Christmas light event
The popular illuminations at Lincoln Castle will be taking place again.
Tickets are now available for Lincoln’s must-see Christmas light event. Last year, over 24,500 people experienced the magic of an evening at Lincoln Castle Illuminated. Such is the scale of the annual Lincoln Castle Illuminated event – and the care and attention paid to all the little details – that planning starts months in advance to make sure the castle is packed with magical moments come December. Along the Illuminated Wall Walk alone, more than 38,000 individual lights will stretch for over a kilometre all the way around the medieval walls. Down in the grounds, more than two dozen free-standing light structures, a twinkling array Christmas trees, traditional fairground rides, and a Christmas Express will light up the winter nights.
Local food vendors and luxurious hot chocolates will help keep people toasty and warm. Lincoln Castle Illuminated has become a seasonal staple for many people in winter. But if you’ve never been before, expect to see the medieval monument sparkling like never before! For 2024, the event starts on Friday 29 November, running every Wednesday to Sunday all the way through to Monday 23 December.
Make this year’s Lincoln Castle Illuminated the highlight of your festive season – book your ticket today to guarantee your place. Tickets are available exclusively at www.lincolncastle.com/christmas. Gates open each weekday evening at 5.30pm, and at 4pm on weekends, closing at 9pm.
The full Lincoln Castle Illuminated experience costs £11.50 for adults, £6.50 for children (10.50 concessions). Grounds-only entry is available for just £3 per person. If you have an annual pass, entry is included, there’s no need to book in advance, and you can come back to relive the magic as many times as you like.
Don’t want to leave out your four-legged friend? Join us for a dog-friendly evening on Wednesday 4, Wednesday 11 or Wednesday 18 December 2024.
Councillor Rob Kendrick
Member for Metheringham Rural Division
Chairman of the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee
Lincolnshire County Council, County Offices, Newland, Lincoln LN1 1YL