BBC Parish News July 24 – Amber Hill Parish Council

Boston Parish News July 24

Welcome to July’s Parish News from your local Council. If you have any enquiries about any of the articles, please feel free to contact the communications team at communications.unit@boston.gov.uk

Celebrating the creativity and dedication of our Love Your Neighbourhood Campaign winners

Boston Borough Council is thrilled to announce the winners of this year's Love Your Neighbourhood Campaign. The campaign highlighted the creativity and dedication of our community members, who demonstrated an unwavering commitment to enhancing and celebrating our neighbourhoods. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to everyone who participated, making this initiative a resounding success.

We are proud to award the Best Village category to Freiston. The residents and volunteers have shown exceptional dedication to making their village a beautiful and welcoming place. The Mayor of Boston, Cllr Helen Staples and Portfolio Holder for Environmental, Cllr Callum Butler, visited the village to present the prize and personally congratulate everyone. Their collective efforts and community spirit have set a remarkable example for all.

Skirbeck Court Care Home has been recognised in the Most Attractive Neighbourhood category. The Mayor and Cllr Butler had the honour of presenting the award to the dedicated team and residents. Their commitment to creating a beautiful and serene environment is truly inspiring. The vibrant and welcoming atmosphere at Skirbeck Court Care Home reflects their hard work and creativity.

Mrs Ashley Cooper a local resident of Tattershall Road has won the Best Front Garden category, impressing the judges with her stunning and inviting garden. Again, prizes were presented to the talented gardener, whose creativity and dedication have transformed her front garden into a true masterpiece. This beautiful garden not only enhances the property but also contributes to the overall aesthetic of the neighbourhood.

Cllr Butler and Staples we would like to take this opportunity to express their sincere appreciation to everyone who submitted entries for the Love Your Neighbourhood Campaign. They said: "The time and effort invested in each submission reflect a deep commitment to improving and celebrating our community. Every entry, whether it won an award or not, has contributed to the vibrancy and beauty of our neighbourhoods.

"We hope that you will continue to be a part of our community initiatives and look forward to your participation in the Love Your Neighbourhood Campaign in the coming years. Your continued support and enthusiasm are vital to the success and vibrancy of our community.

"Thank you once again for your entries and for your ongoing commitment to making our neighbourhoods a better place for everyone."

A huge thank you to the judges, Cllr Anne Dorrian, Paul Collingwood, Alison Fairman and Alison Carlisle, for taking the time out of their busy schedules to join us in the search for Boston's best, and Katie Epton who supporting us with a dedicated social media page, sharing inspiration, tips and hints, photos, local gardener information and encouragement. Your expertise and dedication are invaluable to this process, and we appreciate your commitment to identifying and celebrating excellence in our community.

For more information about our community initiatives and future campaigns, please visit www.boston.gov.uk

Boston Borough Council reports continued progress in tackling fly-tipping

Boston Borough Council is pleased to report progress in reducing fly-tipping across the borough. In the first quarter of last year, 1,439 fly-tipping incidents were reported. This year, the same period has seen a remarkable 10.63% decrease, thanks to our dedicated efforts and strategic initiatives.

Key to our success has been a multi-faceted approach that includes increasing fine levels to meet government limits, installing new CCTV systems, conducting more targeted patrols, relocating litter bins, and implementing an identifiable waste scheme. Additionally, our recent education scheme has played a vital role in reducing these incidents.

Councillor Butler highlighted the council's efficiency in clearing waste, thanking the dedicated crews and partners for their hard work. "We are one of the most efficient councils in tackling fly-tipping, and this achievement is a testament to our committed team and community partners.

"In the past 12 months, the council's enforcement team has issued 237 fixed penalty notices (FPNs) for fly-tipping. We will continue to advocate for central government to take fly-tipping more seriously nationwide, ensuring our efforts contribute to a cleaner, safer environment for all."

Our current enforcement contract is under review to ensure it continues to deliver value and effective outcomes for our residents. With support from a DEFRA grant, we have enhanced our CCTV coverage and hired education officers to manage a comprehensive education programme. This programme focuses on engaging with residents, landlords, and letting agents to promote proper waste management practices, including waste segregation and recycling processes. Information is provided in multiple languages and through pictorial imagery to ensure accessibility.

The initiative also involves working closely with households that struggle to manage their waste and recycling correctly, which significantly contributes to the fly-tipping problem. By collaborating with the Landlords Forum, the Community Leaders Forum, and a multidisciplinary council team, we address housing and neighbourhood issues broadly. We distribute educational packs through leaflet drops, regular articles, social media posts, and engage with employers and employment agencies of migrant workers. Property owners, letting agents, landlords, housing associations, and HMO property owners are also part of this outreach.

Furthermore, enviro-crime enforcement officers are deployed as both a deterrent and enforcement measure. Our "CareForBoston" campaign raises awareness of domestic Duty of Care responsibilities, distributing leaflets to households in hot spot areas, and hosting events and social media campaigns to emphasise the importance of proper waste disposal.

Boston Borough Council's Cabinet approves Pilot Community Skip Service to combat fly-tipping

On Wednesday 24 July, Boston Borough Council's Cabinet unanimously supported a proposal to introduce a pilot community skip service which is part of a wider strategy aimed at reducing fly-tipping in the Borough. The trial will provide local residents with a convenient way to dispose of bulky items and unwanted rubbish closer to their homes.

The initiative, proposed to operate initially from St Georges Road Car Park (PE21 8YB), will feature two skips—one for unwanted household items and one for furniture—alongside a separate vehicle for disposing of electrical and electronic equipment, such as fridges, freezers, and washing machines.

Cllr Callum Butler, Portfolio Holder - Environmental at Boston Borough Council, said: "With this pilot scheme we hope to see it have a positive impact in reducing fly-tipping in this area of Boston.

"The town centre location has been chosen because of the cases of fly-tipping in this area so we are taking a proactive approach, trying something different and see if that has a positive impact.

"Following the pilot we will assess its success and there could be a chance this becomes a regular service which could lead to the extension of the scheme as well as in other hotspots of the borough, including village locations.

"Please make the most of the opportunity to use this free service for the trial dates in August/September and in November."

The community skip service represents Boston Borough Council's commitment to maintaining a cleaner environment and supporting residents in managing their waste responsibly. The trial's outcomes will inform future decisions on the continuation and potential expansion of the service.

Boston lights up to show its brilliance

Boston Brilliance is a two-day architectural projection festival of light taking place on Friday 14th and Saturday 15 February 2025 between 5.30pm and 9.30pm.

The Festival of Light will transform the town into a vibrant canvas, transforming eight iconic landmarks with breathtaking projections that portray the town's long and rich history.

Visitors to the free-to-attend festival will be able to make their way through the town on foot taking in each outstanding light feature as they go.

The locations, which have been selected as part of the festival, include Cammacks, Waterstones, Pescod Hall, St Botolph's Church, St Botolph's Bridge, The Assembly Rooms, Sam Newsom Centre and Fydell House.

The town's first of its kind festival is a joint project between Boston College, South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership and The Projection Studio.

The festival has been made possible due to the College being awarded a £100,000 grant from the Arts Council's National Lottery Project Grants, as well as contributions from the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership and local businesses. T

he South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership contributed funding to this project through its Arts Council England NPO project.

Read more about this event, happening next year: https://www.boston.gov.uk/article/27136/Boston-Lights-Up-to-Show-its-Brilliance

'Quick, efficient and helpful' - Partnership launches new webchat service

A new webchat service has been launched by the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership, providing residents with direct access to the customer contact team of its three councils, without having to pick up the phone.

The Partnership, made up of Boston Borough Council, East Lindsey District Council and South Holland District Council, has added the function its main council websites following development and delivery of the project by their partners at Public Sector Partnership Services (PSPS). The service is operated and serviced by advisors from the PSPS customer contact team, the same as those who deal with enquiries by phone or email.

The service can be accessed through the 'We're online' speech bubble on the three sites, and is available across the same hours as the phone lines for each council. Most tasks and queries carried out by the customer contact team can be completed using this method, except for the taking of payments or sharing of any sensitive information.

Users can be linked directly to relevant areas of the websites or different organisations their enquiry may be relevant to, such as Lincolnshire County Council, and will be given the option to receive a full transcript of their conversation for future reference.

In its first few weeks the new system has already received hundreds of customer queries, with feedback received including that it was 'easy to use', 'very efficient' and that it was 'far quicker than telephoning' and provided a 'wonderful, friendly and helpful' service.

The webchat can be accessed within usual office hours via www.boston.gov.uk

More than £100k awarded to Boston community projects through UK Shared Prosperity Funded GRASSroots scheme

Community projects, sports clubs, parish councils and village halls are set to flourish after more than £100,000 was awarded to them through Lincolnshire Community Foundation's Grassroots scheme.

The popular grants scheme has been funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), distributed by Boston Borough Council, and aims to support projects in bringing people together through many methods, including improving facilities and boosting volunteering opportunities.

The GRASSroots scheme has now awarded almost £300,000 of funding to 20 projects across the borough. This, in turn, has leveraged additional match funding, meaning that the total investment in parish, village hall and community projects through the scheme in Boston has totalled more than £500,000.

In this round, a total of £103,441 has been distributed among:

The Community Growers CIC
Wigtoft Village Hall
Brothertoft Village Hall
Old Leake Community Centre
Thistles Market Garden, Sutterton
Boston Tennis Club
Wigtoft Bowls Club
Steps To The Future Good Neighbourhood Scheme

For more information about each beneficiary: www.boston.gov.uk/article/27102/More-than-100k-awarded-to-Boston-community-projects-through-UK-Shared-Prosperity-Funded-GRASSroots-scheme

New Chair appointed for Boston Town Board

Joanna Brigham has been announced as the new Chair of Boston Town Board.

Joanna, a highly experienced senior leader who has held chief executive and director roles within a broad range of organisations, assumes the role after former chair Neil Kempster decided to step down

Joanna's appointment comes as the Boston Town Board begins a new phase in its existence having been repurposed to oversee the delivery of £20M Long Term Plan for Towns funding awarded to Boston.

This additional funding complements the £21.9M Town Deal funding which is being invested in Boston through a number of transformational projects, including the new Mayflower learning centre at Boston College and improvements to the Geoff Moulder Centre.

Boston in Bloom welcomes EMIB judge for twelfth year

Boston welcomed East Midlands in Bloom (EMIB) judges on Monday 8 July to witness firsthand how the town continues to bloom and thrive through community effort.

Judge Liz Fairfield, accompanied by Malcolm Fisher, toured the town yesterday (Monday, July 8) to observe the hard work and many hours of dedication put in by volunteers year-round to enhance the town for residents, businesses, and visitors.

They were guided by Alison Fairman, Chair of Boston in Bloom, who showcased the array of work volunteers have achieved since last year's entry, as well as ongoing and future projects, meeting some elected members on their route.

Boston has been awarded Gold status for the past eight years, and volunteers are hopeful to maintain this standard following this year's team effort.

The East Midlands in Bloom Awards Ceremony will take place in Melton Mowbray on 24 September 2024.

Boston Borough Council adopts New Street Art Policy to foster creativity and community engagement

A new Street Art Policy was adopted with full support by the Boston Borough Council's Cabinet at their last meeting. This policy aims to enable the development of street art in the borough, aligning with the Boston Town Centre Strategy & Action Plan 2023-2027.

The policy provides a safe space for local artists to create and develop street art while empowering the Council to remove art that does not meet the required standards. It is based on best practices from across the country and internationally.

Cllr Sarah Sharpe, Portfolio Holder for Culture, said, "It is our intention to work with communities to ensure any proposed street art is suitable and representative of the place, creating a sense of ownership and enhancement to the space."

She added, "The policy also enables the potential for using street art to engage with young people and provides the opportunity to work with artists, developing their creativity in dedicated spaces rather than going down the route of illegal graffiti."

The policy will be tested with a pilot project involving the community and artists. Central Park has been identified as a potential location for this project, which is part of the effort to gain Green Flag Status.

Mayhem Gym's Boston's Strongest and Food Fest draws thousands to Boston Town Centre

The heart of Boston was buzzing with excitement on Sunday 14 July as thousands of residents and visitors flocked to the town centre to partake in the first joint Boston's Strongest 2024 and Food Fest. This much-anticipated event showcased not only the incredible strength and determination of competitors but also offered a culinary delight with a variety of food and drink stands that catered to every palate.

The day kicked off with a grand opening by the Mayor of Boston, Cllr Helen Staples who welcomed everyone with a heartfelt speech, setting the tone for a day filled with fun and festivities. "It's a pleasure to see our community come together for such a vibrant and energetic event," she said. "Boston's Strongest is a testament to the spirit and resilience of our people, and the Food Fest highlights the incredible culinary talent we have right here in our town."

Competitors in the Boston's Strongest event displayed remarkable feats of strength and endurance, captivating the audience with their impressive performances. Spectators cheered on as participants pushed their limits, embodying the very essence of the competition's spirit.

Amidst the thrilling displays of strength, the Food Fest offered a culinary journey with an array of hot and cold food and drink stands. Family and friends came together and indulged in a variety of delicious options, from curried fajitas and hog roast to freshly baked pizzas, sweet waffles, and homemade cakes. The diverse selection ensured that there was something for everyone to enjoy.

Tom Chenery from Mayhem Gym, said: "It was an honour to be asked to host this competition in the town centre this year and I think it was a huge success! There were great crowds for all of the events - it just shows what a fantastic spectacle this sport is. I'd like to thank all of the competitors, volunteers and sponsors for their help and involvement -iIt shows what a great community we have here at Mayhem Gym. Without them the event wouldn't happen!

"We're looking forward to being back next year where I'm already working on a new, incredible event!"

Cllr Dale Broughton, Portfolio Holder for the Town Centre also expressed his delight at the event's success. "Seeing the town centre filled with so much energy and excitement is truly wonderful. Events like these not only bring the community together but also support local businesses and showcase the best of what Boston has to offer."

As the events came to a close, the positive vibes and sense of community remained strong. The Boston's Strongest is held yearly to raise money for a local support group for Pulmonary Fibrosis - the disease that took their dad & Mayhem's Grampa from them too soon. If you'd like to donate and support this charity, please visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/bostons-strongest-2024-raffle?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2IWlGbS6-da8MZ3b1yqwnUuJZ7vYDFTiqYcM9Bf5jrqW5eUS624EpZ4MA_aem_uS-oPvOgNd4V0T4HbTWORg

Professional event photos are now available to purchase! They're £1 each and all proceeds again go to charity - www.daviddales.co.uk/

Art Street Market

A free event next month is Boston’s Art Street Market!

A touch of Paris comes to Boston with local artists displaying their works as well as portrait painting and fun caricatures.

Enjoy this free outdoor event in Strait Bargate, Boston on Saturday 10 August, from 9am to 2pm.

Boston beach is back!

The ever-popular beach in Central Park, Boston is now open!

It will stay for the duration of the school break until September 2 and can be used by anyone during the park’s opening hours.

Organised events that will be taking place at the beach summer include:

Thursday 15 and Friday 16 August – Boston Beach and Big Local Legacy Event. Two days of free family activities in Boston Central Park! All activities are free and include fun games, magician, donkey rides, face painting, arts and craft, bouncy castle, beach area, climbing wall, fair rides, football shoot, urchin stilt walkers, pirates, unicyclists, jugglers, bubbleologists and giant tortoises. There will also be various displays from different community groups.
Tuesday 20 August – Fun in the Sun. Come and take part in circus skills and fun games on the beach from 1pm to 3pm. This event is aimed at those living with additional support needs and their carers. This is a free event with deckchairs available.

Boston Market Trader of the Year winner

Congratulations to Premier E-vape - Boston Market Trader of the Year 2024!

Thank you to everyone who voted in our Boston Market Trader of the Year competition. Chris Wilson, who runs Premier E-vape, received the most votes and is this year's winner! You can find Chris and his family at their multiple stalls every Wednesday and Saturday opposite the Ingram Memorial, offering a variety of items from vapes to children’s toys and gadgets.

Second place went to Brandon’s Fruits, and third to Five Fields Farm Foods.

New Volunteer Coordinator

We are thrilled to introduce Alison, our new Volunteer Coordinator, who has joined our community leadership team!

Alison will be coordinating and managing all aspects of our volunteer programme, working closely with all departments to ensure a rewarding and high-quality experience for our volunteers. She will develop partnerships with local communities and deliver a programme that enhances inclusivity and diversity, allowing us to reach and involve more people and drive positive change.

Alison is committed to creating a meaningful volunteer programme that not only supports our organisation’s goals but also offers impactful and fulfilling experiences for our volunteers.

Volunteer Opportunity: Be a CCTV Spotter!

Volunteer vacancies have arisen for people who are passionate about community safety and want to make a difference?
Our extensive network of CCTV cameras covers many towns across East Lindsey, Boston Borough, South Holland, and North Kesteven District Council areas. Operated by Boston Borough Council, our system is at the heart of Boston Town Centre, with satellite reviewing suites in Spalding, Skegness, and Mablethorpe Police Stations. Volunteers will always be completing their role alongside a SIA Licensed CCTV operator.
While our skilled CCTV Operators keep a watchful eye on live camera feeds, we’re looking for volunteer spotters to lend an extra pair of eyes!
The role would involve, monitoring live camera feeds to spot incidents as they happen, providing valuable evidence for the Police and Councils when preparing cases for Court and helping keep our communities safe and secure.
No experience necessary – training will be provided, all we ask is that the right persons have good attention to detail, committed to regular shifts (flexible hours available) and are over 18s only.
The benefits of the role are being part of a vital community safety initiative, gaining valuable skills in surveillance and incident reporting and making a positive impact on your county.
If you know of anyone who may be interested in this unique role please ask them to contact our Volunteer Coordinator Alison Carlisle for more information and an application form – alison.carlisle@e-lindsey.gov.uk

South and East Lincolnshire Crowd funding window now open

South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership uses crowdfunding platform Spacehive to help you create, fund and deliver your project ideas. This programme is all about helping to make South & East Lincolnshire a great place to live, work and play.
As part of this programme, projects across Boston, East Lindsey and South Holland can pitch for up to £8,000 from the fund.

The current funding round is now open with a deadline of the 25th of September to get your crowdfunding campaign started.

The South & East Lincolnshire Crowd - About (spacehive.com)

You can also email Spacehive directly on support@spacehive.com or the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership on maddy.eyre@boston.gov.uk.

Boston Barrier maintenance closure

In September there will be a four-day Boston Barrier closure to allow essential maintenance work to the barrier gate. The Boston Barrier will be raised into a closed position on Monday 2 September at 2pm and is expected to be lowered back into its recess in the river on Thursday 5 September at 5.04pm.

Throughout this closure period there will be no access through the barrier structure to river traffic in either direction. The matrix signs will display “Barrier Closed” and the red navigation lights will be on for the duration of the works. The barrier will also remain lit overnight.

This closure and associated maintenance works are essential for the continued reliable operation of the barrier to protect Boston from tidal flooding.

Boston Barrer Scheme understand that this closure may disrupt river users, and whilst the dates and times given above are our anticipated programme, they will endeavour to complete the works and reopen the river to traffic as soon as possible.

The Scheme will also closely monitor the weather, river levels and tidal forecasts in the lead up to and during the proposed closure, and should the need arise, they will alter or suspend the programme of work.

RoadHog Bus Project

The Roadhog Bus has a new location at Central Park, Boston!

Upcoming dates are:

Monday, 9th September
Monday, 23rd September

Time: 7.30pm

The RoadHog bus, run by Lincolnshire Youth Mission Ltd in partnership with 10 local churches, is all about creating a welcoming and positive environment for young people. Step inside for:

Consoles and board games

Quizzes and crafts

Hot drinks and tuck shop

Prayer room and "Grace"

Join them at their new spot in the heart of the town, Central Park.

Old Leake summer festival

Save The Date! Old Leake Summer Fete is taking place on 14 September, free entry.

Dog friendly (must be kept on a lead at all times)

A barbecue will be available or feel free tobring a picnic as well as a blanket and chair.

More information on displays, stalls and the dog show will be available closer to the time.

Organisers are also on the lookout for volunteers to help on the day and raffle prizes. Please email oldleakecommunitycentre@yahoo.co.uk

Pescod Square Shopping Centre

Pescod Square is celebrating its 20th anniversary next month

Join in with a party from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, August 31st - more community stall holders are also needed. If you know someone interested in having a stand at the celebrations, please email info@pescodsquare.com.

This free event promises a range of community stalls, food vendors, entertainment and giveaways.

Rural Services Network National Rural Conference 2024

The RSN National Rural Conference is running online from 16-19 September 2024.
The Conference will cover an array of rural issues including fair funding, economy and regeneration, affordable housing, planning, digital connectivity, net zero, transport, health and care.

To book onto this free event, visit: https://rsnonline.org.uk/the-2024-national-rural-conference
Note, you only need to click on the BOOK NOW button once to book several sessions.
If you have difficulties booking, please contact the events team at events@sparse.gov.uk and they will be happy to help.