Cllr Smith's report for September 2026
Cllr Smith, District Councillor Report - September 2026
District issues:
Bin collections: There is significant pressure on the department at the moment during staffing issues. The council is working to address this. If residents are having trouble with missed bins, then please feel free to contact me directly if escalation through normal routes has not been successful.
Local Government Reorganisation: I was delighted to hear that national government have put their plans to reorganise local authorities on hold. The plans that they had put forward would not have served our area well. My understanding is that the SKDC elections will now go ahead in May 2027. This means that for the residents of Tallington it will be Cllr Trollope-Bellew's and my seat will be up for election. No other local elections are anticipated in this area as Lincolnshire County Council was elected to in 2025.
A new banking hub is to open in Stamford, Lincolnshire. The hub will be based at Stamford Arts Centre, on St Mary's Street, for one year until a permanent home is found for the service. The facility, set up by Cash Access UK and run by the Post Office, will open in early September on weekdays from 09:00 to 17:00 BST. The hub will provide access to cash and face-to-face banking services.
Planning: SKDC Local Plan: I have heard that there may be further delays with this. Central government announced changes to the National Planning Policy Framework over the summer months. SKDC are working to ensure that practices are updated in accordance to the new policy.
Mallard Pass: Recent submission of applications for the discharge of conditions to SKDC. I have continued to voice my concerns about the possibility that this project will increase the risk of flooding for those downstream due to increased speed of run off. I am particularly concerned for the residents of Greatford.
County Issues:
Public consultation on Lincolnshire County Council Local Plan for Mineral and Waste: This closed at the end of July. I did what I could to raise awareness of this locally as I believe that the current plans will have a significant negative impact on are area and are disproportionate.
Tallington Issues:
Unfortunately, I have not been able to confirm when work to Lolham bridge will be complete - I will make further enquires.
SKDC officers have confirmed that there is no funding available for rabbit control measures
Please let me know if there is anything you wish me to follow up on.
Cllr Vanessa Smith
Casewick Ward Councillor (Barholm, Baston, Greatford, Langtoft, Tallington, Uffington)
Green Group Leader
South Kesteven District Council