September 1st 2025 Supporting Reports
Councillor Ken Bamford
Lincolnshire County Council
County Offices
Newland
Lincoln LN1 1YL
Email: cllrk.bamford@lincolnshire.gov.uk
Dear fellow councillors,
Great Gonerby Parish Council Report - September 2025
Going forward I want to try and encourage community self-help to ensure concerns are addressed as quickly and efficiently as possible.
I am committed to supporting community projects, so if there is anything going on, litter picks, clean ups, repairs, DIY projects or anything that benefits the community please let me know and I will see if I can help.
The most effective way to raise and escalate issues is by reporting them directly through the council’s online services. These reports and complaints go straight to the operational teams who are responsible for investigating and resolving issues, and they are able to track and prioritise them appropriately.
There are a number of ways to do this, depending on the nature of the concern and escalation routes using the links below.
https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/faults-maintenance
https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/comments-feedback/make-complaint/2
If a more immediate response is needed, you / they can contact LCC by telephone on: 01522 552222
In many cases, you as Parish Councils are also well placed to help with local concerns and can often resolve matters quickly at a community level. If you can encourage friends and neighbours to raise issues with you in the first instance, alongside using the online reporting tools above that would be very much appreciated.
https://moderngov.southkesteven.gov.uk/mgParishCouncilDetails.aspx?bcr=1
Of course, I will continue to monitor all issues impacting our area, and if you feel that a resident or community matter is not being properly addressed after using the above reporting systems, and you have exhausted Parish level tools, please do let me know so I can follow it up.
Local Updates
- 30 mph white road roundels and white lining for narrowing effect on approach to Belton Lane junction. This is still being investigated, I will chase and update once I have more details.
- Double yellow lines on both sides of the junction with Green Street/High Street. This is on the list of the Traffic team to investigate as and when resources allow.
- Cutting down of overgrown bushes and brambles now encroaching on the road of Gonerby Hill Foot. Highways are investigating to see if LCC need to do works and / or whether we need to approach landowners to deal with private tree / hedge overhangs. I will chase and update once I have more details.
Parking on the yellow lines, outside the shop, the school and on pavements on the High Street whilst dropping off children at school or going into the shop. Highways have requested enforcement here, with those affecting flows / access and parking illegally being advised. This should continue in in September.
Repairs Efficiency, Speeding and Parking
I have received several complaints around this, with residents confused as to why some repairs are treated, but not others, when they are in the same village, in some cases on the same street. In respect of speeding and parking, again this is a widespread issue, so I am looking at what we can do to try and improve this.
I am looking into this, but as you can imagine there are a lot of policies that have been in place for some time, which I am trying to understand and challenge to ensure they work in the best interests of Hough residents, including the best use of taxpayer money.
I will continue to investigate this as I am not happy with the way road and pathway repairs are currently managed, and this is not isolated to Great Gonerby.
In terms of individual cases, all repairs are part of a bigger programme of works that is managed by the LCC Highways department, so the best way to raise concerns or obtain updates is by contacting them directly using the aforementioned methods.
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Thank you for your service and your continued vigilance in the community, we need everyone’s eyes and ears to help ensure our area remains a safe and well cared for place to live.
Best regards,
Councillor Ken Bamford
Youth of Great Gonerby
Introduction:
As some of you may already be aware, I had the opportunity to attend the LALC conference where I witnessed an eye-opening discussion on the challenges faced by our community, particularly concerning the behaviour of the youth in Great Gonerby. During the conference, various delegates, including the Police Crime Commissioner for Lincolnshire, highlighted the issue of anti-social behaviour among the youth in our parish. They described instances of negative behaviour, such as intimidating large groups, littering, using foul language, and damaging both private and public property.
Reflecting on these concerns, I couldn't help but contemplate the underlying causes and potential solutions. One speaker at the conference suggested that we should approach this issue from a different perspective – by asking the youth themselves what they want and what they envision for their community. This notion of inclusivity, coupled with my own belief in creating opportunities "in the community, for the community, by the community," led me to consider the significance of engaging our youth actively.
In this paper, I present an action plan aimed at addressing the challenge of anti-social behaviour among the youth in Great Gonerby. Recognizing that the issue requires a multifaceted and long-term approach, I propose three key options for youth engagement: a Youth Council, a Youth Club, a Holiday Program, and a Term-Time Program. By empowering our youth through these opportunities, we can foster a brighter and more inclusive community where they feel valued and have a voice in shaping their future.
1. Youth Council:
One of the primary components of this action plan is the establishment of a Youth Council in Great Gonerby. A Youth Council will provide young individuals with a formal platform to express their opinions, concerns, and aspirations for the community. By involving them in decision-making processes, we can empower our youth to take ownership of their future and instil a sense of responsibility and pride in their actions. The Youth Council will work collaboratively with the Parish Council, offering valuable insights and perspectives on issues that directly impact the youth and the community as a whole. This initiative will not only address the current challenges but also cultivate future leaders who are actively invested in the betterment of our community.
2. Youth Club, Holiday Program, and Term-Time Program:
In addition to the Youth Council, we propose the implementation of a Youth Club, a Holiday Program, and a Term-Time Program. These options will offer various activities and workshops catered to the interests and passions of our youth. The Youth Club will provide a safe and inclusive space for socializing and skill-building, while the Holiday and Term-Time Programs will offer constructive and enjoyable experiences during school breaks and after school hours. By providing positive outlets for their energy and creativity, we can prevent anti-social behaviour and foster a sense of belonging within the community.
Conclusion:
By adopting this Youth Engagement Action Plan, which includes the establishment of a Youth Council alongside the Youth Club, Holiday Program, and Term-Time Program, we can work towards building a thriving and inclusive community in Great Gonerby. Engaging with our youth, providing opportunities for growth, and giving them a voice in community matters will not only address the issue of anti-social behaviour but also ensure a brighter future for our entire parish. Together, let us create a community that values and invests in its young members, empowering them to become future leaders and active contributors to the development of Great Gonerby.
Written by Karri Davey