Click here for Cllr Smith's report for November 2024
Cllr Smith, District Councillor Report - November 2024
District Matters
Recycling: Since September SKDC has been offering kerbside collection of batteries. Batteries can be left in clear plastic bags next to the wheelie bin every week. This initiative is going well with 735kg of batteries were collected across the district during the first week. It is anticipated numbers to settle at around 75kg per day.
New Waste Depot: Work is now underway on a new depot in Grantham which will be for bin collection, street cleaning and parks maintenance teams. This new depot is needed as the current depot was built in 1970’s, is close to residential properties and is no longer adequate or fit for purpose. The new depot is costing £8.8m and is due to be operational 2025/26
Cattlemarket Car Park in Stamford: SKDC have recently approved the expansion of this car park. The adjacent brownfield land will be used to create 146 new car parking spaces with 11 accessible bays and 8 EV charging points. (Current capacity is 290)
To view any SKDC active consultations go to: https://www.southkesteven.gov.uk/consultations (Currently a consultation on Car Park Charges - Closes on 13th November. - due to go up but no overnight or Sunday charges as initially proposed)
SKDC is offering a Tree Planting Guide, designed to provide advice to town and parish councils and guide community groups on how they can best ensure the success of local tree planting initiatives. There is also a 100% funded, Make Space for Nature Biodiversity Projects Scheme, which also includes tree planting. The deadline for applications is 16th December 2024. Locations put forward for biodiversity improvements must be town, parish or county council owned and accessible to the public. All projects will need to conclude before the end of March 2025. Please direct any queries to climatechange@southkesteven.gov.uk
Empty Homes Officer: SKDC is looking to recruit an empty homes officer to address this problem.
Community Funding Workshop: SKDC is holding another workshop for community groups on 23 Jan 2025, 6-8pm in Stamford. Free event but tickets will need to be booked.
SKToday: Available online, Autumn 24 edition currently available: https://www.southkesteven.gov.uk/sktoday
Tulips to honour airborne forces: Maroon tulips are being offered for planting across the District as part of a growing international Airborne Tulip Memorials trail. SKDC's ‘Soldiers from the Sky’ project is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. A number of free bulbs remain available for visitor sites, schools, parks, parish councils, public spaces and members of the public, possibly with family links to airborne forces. To request bulbs, please email armedforces@southkesteven.gov.uk with quantities requested and proposed planting sites.