Shortly after October 10 decisions will be made about the Southern Quadrant Housing Development, specifically, should 3,700 new homes be built?

Currently, on a daily basis, Grantham grinds to a halt due to the volume of traffic trying to squeeze through its old, narrow streets, not helped by years of idiotic highways planning and management.

Finally, Grantham is to have a southern by-pass, which should, if the figures are correct, relieve the town of 4,200 vehicles that pass through it each day. This road should make Grantham more accessible for residents and visitors. The problem is, the bypass will only benefit the town if the 4,200 transient vehicles removed each day are not replaced by anything else.

The 2011 census shows car ownership in the UK to be 12 vehicles per 10 dwellings, therefore, it is realistic to expect that the occupants of the 3,700 new homes on the Southern Quadrant will bring with them 4,440 cars.

Couple that with similar numbers of homes being built in other areas round the town (3,500 in the North West Quadrant) and the total of expected vehicles is around 8,540, a net increase of 4,340 on pre bypass figures.

SKDC want the new residents to use Grantham for work and leisure - in other words, to make Grantham the destination for these additional vehicles.

Under Part 2, Section 16(1)(a) of the Traffic Management Act of 2004, a local authority has a legal duty to “secure the expeditious movement of traffic on its road network”, and under Section 16(2)(b) of the same Act, it has a duty to ensure the “avoidance, elimination or reduction of road congestion on its road network”.

Given that the construction of the by-pass is the only viable solution considered by the authorities to relieve the congestion at current levels, and that the authorities plan to increase current levels by at least 4,340 vehicles - what plans or infrascturcutre improvements do they have to cater for this additional traffic pressure should the developments go ahead, where for example are the residents supposted topark their cars when they go into town?

Document 41, which accompanies the planning application online (a non-technical traffic assessment summary produced by the current land owner), tells us that once the by-pass is built, and before any Southern Quadrant homes are built, the average journey time across Grantham between the A52/A1 junction at Barrowby, and the A52 roundabout at Somerby Hill will be reduced by between four and 36 seconds (yes, I had to read that twice too, I’m not sure how I’ll spend all the extra time I’ll save), and in 2031, when everyone’s moved in, the average journey time will have increased by 20 per cent on current figures, and in fact, the traffic volume and risk to pedestrians on Somerby Hill will have increased to such an extent, that it’s felt additional pedestrian crossing facilities will need to be installed.

Now, I don’t want to be accused of “Nimbyism”, and indeed, I’m not against development on the Southern Quadrant site, however, simple mathematics affecting traffic impact would indicate that the proposed 3,700 homes figure should be revised downwards - significantly.

I’m sure that SKDC will trot out the usual “green” solutions to the problem, and say that additional bus services will be implemented, and cycling will be encouraged (witness the impressive new length of cycle lane at the bottom of Somerby Hill), and I’ve no doubt everyone will leave their cars at home, on the drive when they just want to “nip into town” - won’t they?

I’m not hopeful that any objections raised to the development, no matter how sensible, will be taken on board by SKDC, and, if they are they will be ignored, ultimately, those charged with making planning decisions will simply skip off into the sunset, hand in hand without a care for the mess that they will leave behind - after all, a quick look around the town shows that’s what usually happens.

My request is simple - by all means develop the site, but do it in a balanced, sustainable way for a change, don’t be blinded by the promise of unsustainable “growth” - think it through!

Name and address supplied

A couple of weeks ago the town was brought to a standstill yet again while planned closures of two main arteries took place: namely the long awaited resurfacing of the Barrowby Road/Barrowby Gate junction and also the scheduled closure of Springfield Road after yet another bridge strike earlier in the week.

Either of these could have been rescheduled by a few hours and the resultant chaos, frustration and pollution avoided.

Last week we had a repeat performance with four-way temporary lights at the Springfield Road/Harlaxton Road junction and temporary lights on the alternative route at Dysart Road/Trent Road.

Grantham is a terrible place to get around by car even on a good day. Is it too much to ask that the Highways department look at the impact on the town’s traffic flow and pollution levels before they issue permits for multiple restrictions on key routes into town?

Tim Altham

Harlaxton

The current appeal for doctors, nurses and other NHS workers to risk their lives in Africa helping to fight the Ebola epidemic is at best reckless and at worst totally irresponsible.

That is my opinion as the overall health situation here in England is rapidly getting out of control.

Apart from the fact that hospitals like Grantham are already close to breaking point regarding staff numbers, recent events also suggest that would-be volunteers not only risk their own health due to the disease by going, but also the threat of being terrorist victims into the bargain.

Kidnapping and torture have just been part of the problem as far as Western aid workers are concerned. Now there is the increased peril of beheading and other abuse by organisations posing as freedom fighters throughout the developing world.

Why would anyone wish to face such atrocities when there are seriously ill patients at home who could die due to the current ‘slash and privatise’ policies of our own regime?

It’s not simply a question of charity beginning at home, but sheer common sense when our local needs are as serious as those abroad we wish to help.

Ask anyone working at Grantham Hospital and others in the area serving the local population and the vast majority will tell you, privately at least, that a major catastrophe could unfold if staffing and financial problems are not addressed.

Yet the Government insists that the NHS is ring-fenced, whatever that really means, and more money cannot be afforded. This at a time when billions of pounds are being wasted waging wars in other people’s back yards.

Yes! Islamic State and the like do need defeating once and for all, but not at the cost of even more English lives both at home and abroad!

Over their 38-year history, Harrowby Singers have performed many popular musicals, and made lasting friendships along the way.

With Halloween approaching, they are turning their voices to an appropriately spooky show - Dracula: The Musical.

Member Laura Bowling told us more about the group and their upcoming production, which is at the Guildhall every night from October 15 to 18 at 7.30pm, with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. You can also get £2 off tickets for some of the upcoming performances - see *Special Offer below.

What’s the history behind the group?

Harrowby Singers was originally formed in 1976 for the purpose of performing musicals. For many years the group performed in the Church of the Ascension on Edinburgh Road. Now and then concerts were put on to keep the group together in between main shows. By 1996 the group had grown so much that all the cast had great difficulty fitting onto the stage in the hall and a decision was made to move the performances to the then new Guildhall Arts Centre. Since then each show has played to full houses and the number of performances has had to be increased. The extra space available has enabled the group to increase in size to over 50 members. Recent productions include The Wizard of Oz, Oliver, My Fair Lady, Sound of Music, Annie get your Gun, Oklahoma, Guys and Dolls, Singin’ in the Rain - the list goes on!

What do singers enjoy about being part of the group?

As well as a shared love of musicals we are a friendly group who work hard and strive to produce the best shows possible. Members come and go but the friendships made there last forever. The group is not just the people you see on stage - many important roles are unseen and unsung, such as backstage, looking for props or costumes, helping with marketing and publicity or making the tea! A brilliant singing voice is NOT a requirement. A love of musicals helps, together with the commitment to rehearsals and learning song words. You must be 16 years to join, and we are always desperate for men as is every amateur society.

Which productions have been particularly successful in the past?

We try to ensure that every production is as successful as possible, as we want to make sure we present the best we can for every show. We found that recreating the rain in Singin’ in the Rain was a little testing! We hired a huge rain truck which cost a fortune and took about 10 men to lift into place on get in day. The effect was fantastic though – we certainly did the title song justice! We found that Oliver, Annie and Singin’ in the Rain, brought in the biggest crowds.

Tell us more about Dracula: The Musical.

We are lucky enough to be granted the rights to showcase the regional premiere of this musical. Written by the award winning team of Frank Wildhorn and Don Black this musical stays true to Bram Stoker’s famous novel Dracula. If you love the drama of Les Miserables and the passion of The Phantom of the Opera this is a must see for you. A thrilling drama of suspense and gothic romance set to a spine chillingly beautiful musical score that will mesmerize you.

*Special Offer - Harrowby Singers are offering a £2 discount off tickets for some of their upcoming performances of Dracula: The Musical. The discounts are being offered on tickets for performances on Wednesday and Thursday, October 15 and 16, at 7.30pm and the Saturday matinee at 2.30pm on October 18. To order your discounted tickets contact the Guildhall box office on 01476 406158, during opening hours between this Friday morning and Monday afternoon. and quote DRAC14 to get your £2 discount. Tickets for the Wednesday and Saturday matinee shows normally cost £6.50 and for Thursday night £8.

I would like to thank Coun Jean Taylor on behalf of the residents of Alexandra Road and the surrounding area for her support during the unsettling time the Islamic Community Centre planning application was “live”.

Her lobbying along with supporting and relaying the residents’ objections to the planning managers gave direction to the campaign, resulting in the correct decision being made, despite opportunists attempting to hijack events with their hidden agendas.

I am saddened that with the new boundary changes, come the May elections she will not be representing our ward and I’m astounded the local Conservative party have seen fit to treat both her and her husband in the appalling manner they have.

Once again, thank you Jean.

Ian Dudley

Alexandra Road,

Grantham

I have today received a letter from Richard Davies, the chairman of Grantham and Stamford Conservative Association.

It states that, as I had spoken to the Grantham Journal some two weeks ago about the selection process that had taken place, Mike and I had lost our seats for next year’s local election, and I had said I would now have to stand as an Independent, but never said when this would happen. He has said that he accepts this as my resignation from the party.

I always thought that to resign meant to put it in writing to the relevant person concerned, that you resign with immediate effect or you wish to terminate your position at a certain date. Obviously he interprets resignation in a different way to how other people interpret it.

On September 11 Mike and I were summoned to attend a selection process at Grantham museum. It was quite apparent when we arrived that certain members of the branch committee, who we had a disagreement with two years ago, had sufficient numbers to ensure we were not elected.

One new candidate who had requested to stand on three wards and the other new candidate asked for two wards, were selected for every ward they had applied for, which left Mike and I with no seat. It was a complete farce.

It would appear that the only wards contested in the whole of SKDC were the wards Mike and I represented.

It would also appear that the rules regarding re-selection had been interpreted once again wrongly, as four other district councils in Lincolnshire have said the minor changes to the boundary borders have not affected their sitting councillors who wish to stand next year, so why should Coun Davies’ statement that there are no sitting councillors only apply to SKDC Conservative councillors?

An area meeting was convened and Coun Davies informed all selected councillors who had not had their seat contested were not required to attend. Councillors who are branch representatives have a vote, so one may wonder why this statement was made?

The selection again was a farce as the association officers completely ignored the 
directive from Central office regarding selection at stage two and three.

I have nothing against fresh blood and youth but sometimes wisdom, experience and compassion counts for a lot and once lost cannot be recouped.

Even though I have been forced to leave the Conservative Party and stand as an Independent, I will always keep my Conservative values in everything I do.

Having been voted in as a Conservative councillor but now having to go Independent, I can assure you that I will always work hard to ensure your best interests are carried out at the council, and should you have any problems I am here for you all.

Lastly, I would like to thank my council colleagues who have contacted me and members of the public, for their kind words and support.

Also thanks to councillors Ray and Linda Wootten for their friendship and loyalty towards me. They are always there when I need a friendly chat.

Coun Jean Taylor

St John’s Ward

Five musicians who got together to form a band more than 30 years after all going to the same village primary school, are playing a charity date at the end of the month.

Rollin-Dice played their first jam sessions at Great Ponton village hall when they started out two years ago and have rehearsed there most weeks ever since.

The gig in the village centre on Saturday, October 25, will raise funds for the village football club and is the band’s way of saying thanks for the use of the hall.

Guitarist Craig Chambers said: “We are all in our late thirties and early forties now and play a wide range of music, including numbers by The Eagles, Lynard Skynard, The Jam, Rod Stewart and the Rolling Stones, to name a few.

“We bring our own style to the music because we don’t have a drummer, although lead singer Paul Ohara provides some percussion.

“We all play acoustic instruments, although we do play through amplifiers.”

Craig plays six and twelve-string guitar and sings, Russell Wright plays guitar and sings, Chris Nix plays guitar and also sings lead and Bazza Preece plays bass.

All five have been friends since they went to Ropsley Primary School, and Craig, who works as a manager for haulier Eddie Stobart, and Chris, a carpenter, still live in the village.

Craig said: “We all played when we were a lot younger and used to practise together, but nothing really came of it.

“Then a couple of years ago, when we were playing individually, we were asked to play together at the Green Man pub in Ropsley and we received such good comments we decided to give it a go. Guitarist Rich Booker, who lives in the village and has been a friend for years, helped us along the way and encouraged us to keep going.

“Now we play pubs, weddings and events for friends, with dates every month or so.

“We all have families and work commitments, so we don’t want the music to ever become a chore.

“We said from the start it has to be fun, and all the time it is, we will keep going.”

Tickets for the Great Ponton Village Centre date are available locally in advance or on the door on the night.

The entertainment starts at 8pm.

For more details about the band, call Russ on 07803590530, Baz on 07876066181 or email rollindice@hotmail.co.uk

Fire crews released a female from a car after it was involved in an accident with another vehicle on the A607 at Caythorpe last night.

Crews from Grantham and Brant Broughton were called out at about 9pm and used hydraulic cutting gear to rescue the casualty. She was taken to hospital by ambulance.

Ambulance staff are set to go on strike tomorrow morning across the country.

On Monday a national four-hour strike is due to take place as part of an ongoing national NHS pay dispute. Staff plan to strike between 7am and 11am, followed by

further action short of a strike – including not undertaking paid or unpaid overtime - during the rest of the week, until Friday.

East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) says it has has been in detailed discussion with GMB and Unison representatives to discuss how EMAS can continue to respond to patients suffering a life-threatening injury or illness (eg cardiac arrest, chest pain, unconscious, stroke or severe bleeding) over the industrial action period.

Sue Noyes, EMAS Chief Executive, said: “We recognise the right of our staff to take industrial action in response to this national issue and we respect and understand that their decision to strike is a difficult one to make. Next week is going to be a challenge for all UK Ambulance Services and we have been preparing contingency plans to mitigate the impact this may have on patient services. We continue to work in partnership with our union colleagues regionally and locally to ensure our plans are as robust as possible to help us to continue saving lives, deliver emergency care, and reduce any unnecessary anxiety and concern in the communities we serve”

“Union colleagues have confirmed that they will respond to life-threatening emergencies during the four-hour period and I thank them for putting the safety of our most acutely ill patients first.

“However, the action will affect all non life-threatening emergency calls we receive and it is inevitable that we will face significant pressure both during and after the period of Industrial Action. Wherever possible, we will deal with these non life-threatening calls by providing telephone advice and directing people to the most appropriate NHS service. This may include asking people who are not in a life-threatening or serious condition to make their own way to an assessment centre via a friend or family member, taxi or public transport.

“We will respond to calls that do require an ambulance response as quickly as possible after staff return to normal working; however, the backlog may take some time to clear and patients may therefore experience some delays throughout Monday.

“Recognising the need to maintain our services as far as possible, we have put a wide range of measures in place to help us cope and provide an emergency service during the strike action. These include postponing training courses and non-essential meetings, placing clinically trained managers and support staff onto front-line duties where appropriate.

“Thank you in advance to people in our local communities for using our emergency service appropriately, particularly during this challenging period.”

People suffering a minor illness or injury can gain free advice from their local General Practitioner (including out-of-hours), visiting a walk-in or urgent care centre, visiting www.nhs.uk or by calling NHS111.

Grantham Civic Society is making an appeal to find the granddaughter of Edith Smith, the first policewoman in the UK with full powers of arrest who served in Grantham.

The civic society is unveiling a blue plaque in honour of Edith on Sunday, October 19, in Edith Smith Way, and would like to invite her granddaughter, Margaret, to the event.
The Journal ran an article on Margaret in 2006 when she visited Grantham and also a friend called Kathleen Clay who lived in Colsterworth and ran a bed and breakfast business there. 
Margaret lived in Folkestone at the time.

The unveiling of the plaque will be carried out by Lincolnshire Deputy Assistant Chief Constable Heather Roach at 2.30pm.
If anybody knows Margaret and can help the civic society contact her, they should call Courtney Finn on 01476 572506.
A film company will be at the unveiling. It is making a documentary to mark 100 years of women in the police force.

Passengers travelling with First Hull Trains can now enjoy free 4G-enabled single-sign-up Wi-Fi throughout their journey.

The company says the latest Wi-Fi solution will improve the speed of the current on-board internet access and open up new opportunities for passengers to watch catch-up TV, browse the internet, update friends and family, and shop online as they travel.

The new service offers a one-time single sign-up (SSU) solution, which means that passengers travelling with First Hull Trains will no longer need to log back in to the Wi-Fi system, when connectivity is lost.

To access the free Wi-Fi, passengers need to download the Hull Trains app at www.hulltrains.co.uk and sign up once. They will then be automatically connected to the strongest signal available throughout their journey and every subsequent time they travel with First Hull Trains.

The 4G-enabled service offers faster speeds and an enhanced and stronger connection, as well as giving passengers free automatic access to over 22,000 hotspots provided by The Cloud.

Will Dunnett, Managing Director at First Hull Trains explains: “First Hull Trains is already one of only a handful of train operating companies offering free Wi-Fi. Now, we are taking our commitment to innovation and market leadership a step further by trialling the very first 4G-enabled Wi-Fi single-sign up solution to all passengers.”

Mr Dunnett continues: “People have wanted to be able to get online when they travel for several years which is why we’ve always given all passengers free access to our on-board Wi-Fi. But with the demand and necessity growing, our passenger feedback demonstrates they require a better service so we are proud to be the first to provide 4G SSU-enabled Wi-Fi.

“The service is faster, more reliable and will give an improved experience for our passengers and that’s why we’ve made this investment ahead of every other public transport company in the UK.”

Further benefits of the ground-breaking service include access to a selection of ITV programmes. First Hull Trains has partnered with ITV to enable its passengers to access a range of programmes on the train on their smart devices, after they’ve aired on TV, irrespective of the internet connection.

A Grantham woman has been disqualified from driving for three years and fined £1,300 for two separate incidents of drink driving.

On November 11 last year Binal Patel, aged 32, of Barrowby Gate was caught driving a Mercedes on Winchester Road with 125 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, more than three times the legal limit.

She was also caught driving the same car on Harlaxton Road on November 29 with 49 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.

In addition to the fine and the disqualification which she can reduce through completion of a drink driver’s rehabilitation course, Patel was ordered to pay prosecution costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £120.

FA Cup

Third qualifying round

Planning applications before South Kesteven District Council include:

Barkston

S14/2742/FULL - Mr M. L. Hall - Erection of a bus shelter, land at Church Street.

S14/2743/LB - Everards Brewery Ltd - Installation of a multi-fuel stove and associated flue, The Stag Inn, Church Street.

S14/2744/FULL - Everards Brewery Ltd - Installation of a flue to serve the installation of a multi-fuel stove, The Stag Inn, Church Street.

Barrowby

S14/2621/HSH - Mr T. Lee - Demolition and erection of new storage barn, Casthorpe Grange, Casthorpe Road.

Billingborough

S14/2836/CWC - Chattertons - Confirmation of compliance with Conditions 2 (materials) and 3 (boundary treatment), 10 Whiteleather Square.

Caythorpe

S14/2716/HSH - Mr G. Smith - Two-storey side and single storey rear extension, 41 Old Lincoln Road.

Claypole

S14/2673/HSH - Mr and Mrs P. G. Ebbins - Two-storey rear extension, Meadow View, 17 Chapel Lane.

Grantham

S14/2699/FULL - Mr J. Moore - Change of Use from A1 (Retail Storage) to Sui Generis mixed use incorporating (A1, A3 and A5 uses) as an extension to an existing cafe, plus internal and external alteration, rear of 16 and 17 Westgate.

S14/2807/LB - Mr Kamil Gregor - New signage on shop front of listed building, 66 High Street.

S14/2832/FULL - Paul Williams - Change of Use from shop (A1) to cafe (A3); installation of air condensor units and flue, 77 Westgate.

Londonthorpe and Harrowby Without

S14/2731/HSH - Mr and Mrs C. Mapletoft and V. Chambers - Erection of a single storey rear extension, 9 Bedford Close.

S14/2740/HSH - John Scorror - Erection of a two-storey side, front and rear extension, 16 Pasture Close.

Long Bennington

S14/2825/FULL - The Roseland Group - Two new buildings for uses within Use Classes B1 and B8, Units 18 and 21, Roseland Business Park.

South Witham

S14/2552/CWC - Mark Woolsey - Request for confirmation that the conditions of S06/0781/68 have been complied with, Bullimores Coal Yard, Thistleton Lane.

Westborough and Dry Doddington

S14/2847/OVH - Ms E. Stevenson, Western Power Distribution - Erection of Overhead cable pole, land at Doddington Lane, Claypole.

To view the forms and plans of any planning application, click on the link www.southkesteven.gov.uk/planningsearch

An 18-year-old who made threatening and abusive comments to police officers regarding their families appeared in court.

Tyler Haynes of Gresley Court, Grantham pleaded guilty to both the public order offence and to resisting a constable in the execution of her duty.

Prosector Shelley Wilson detailed how on September 20 at about 2am a female police officer on patrol noticed a man who appeared to be pinning his girlfriend up against a wall outside the RaRa club.

When the policewoman intervened, Haynes started making threats including threatening the rape of her children.

Other officers then came over as their colleague attempted to restrain Haynes by the arm and arrest him for the public order offence, during which one of them received a ‘weak punch’ to the face.

Haynes continued to be abusive and said to another officer: “I hope your gran dies of cancer.”

The police were then able to restrain Haynes to the ground, but as they put him in the back of a police car he tried to headbutt an officer and reiterated his abuse adding: “I don’t give a f**k you complete f**king cow.”

Haynes was taken to the police station and during interview said he had drunk eight or nine pints of beer during the day.

He admitted that he had been aggressive and abusive, and that he agreed with 80 per cent of what the officers reported he had said to them.

Rory Macmillan, defending, told the court that his client didn’t have any drink or drug problems but on the day in question he had been drinking after he and his family had gone to spread his grandmother’s ashes.

Haynes’ girlfiend had joined the family and “Everyone was feeling quite emotional,” said Mr Macmillan.

The couple were having an argument and his girlfriend had pinched Haynes’ cheek, at which point the policewoman came over and Haynes was annoyed at her intervention.

Mr Macmillan said the officer tried to pull Haynes away by the arm, and he accepts that he then became abusive and resisted arrest.

Magistrates adjourned the case until October 27 so that a pre-sentence report can be prepared on Haynes, who remains on conditional bail not to be drunk in a public place.

United Counties League

Premier Division

AFC Kempston Rovers 2

Harrowby United 2

The Arrows returned to Bedfordshire to face AFC Kempston Rovers who knocked them out of the league cup two weeks previously, and left with a well-earned point that could so easily have been three.

The opening stages were fairly even, Aiden Hotchin in the Harrowby goal making a comfortable early save from a long range effort from Shane Bush after 11 minutes.

The home side broke the deadlock after a quarter of an hour when Bush sprang the Arrows offside trap, taking the ball around Hotchin and slotting into an empty net.

Harrowby responded well and three minutes later Bobby Lee broke through the Kempston defence, advanced to the penalty area before being brought down by left back Orlando Joao. Referee Mr Jones awarded a free kick but only produced a yellow card for Joao, even though he had denied Lee a clear goal scoring opportunity.

Lee stepped up himself and drove the free kick past Martin Conway in the the Kempston goal to level the scores.

Harrowby continued to look dangerous on the break and after 33 minutes, a good run from wide man Sam Weatherstone was eventually ended as he was crowded out and prevented from getting a shot away as he entered the penalty area.

Three minutes later, Martin Wormall played a through-ball which again put Lee in, the Arrows striker this time denied by a fine save from Conway.

The home side pressed hard in the second period, forcing Harrowby to defend deep and soak up pressure. Both Sam Hill and John Currall were forced into producing excellent saving tackles to prevent Kempston from going in front.

Although always looking dangerous on the counter, Harrowby took the lead against the run of play with 81 minutes on the clock. Wormall was fed the ball just outside the left edge of the Kempston penalty area, advanced inside, before turning his marker and calmly stroking the ball past the outstretched hand of the diving Conway.

As Kempston looked for an equaliser, Harrowby again caught them on the break two minutes from time. Scott Webb’s shot from the right side of the area was well saved by Conway.

Kempston kept pushing and were rewarded in the inexplicable ninth minute of stoppage time. Mr Jones awarded them a free kick just outside the penalty area and Conway came up from his goal to take the kick. The keeper’s shot was parried by his opposite number Hotchin but fell kindly for Grant Fryer to knock the ball home and salvage a point for the home side.

Harrowby United’s man of the match was Liam Jaques.

Harrowby United: Hotchin, Currall, Clarke, Hill, Whyley (Daykin, 28), Weatherstone, Peberdy, Jaques, Webb, Wormall (c), Lee. Subs not used: Vorley, Floyd.

A quiz to raise money for a cancer charity will be held on Friday night (October 17).

The quiz will be held in Harlaxton Village Hall and support Breakthrough Breast Cancer. It costs £5 per person, including refreshments. There will be a raffle and the organisers would appreciate any donations.

Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start. For tickets and more details call Jan on 01476 575917 or Jess on 01476 594125.

Nottingham Forest Supporters’ Club (Grantham branch):

Forest are away at Cardiff City on Saturday, kick-off 12.15pm, and away to Watford on Tuesday, October 21, kick-off 7.45pm.

Bookings are being taken for away games at Huddersfield Town on November 1, kick-off 3pm, Wolves on November 22, kick-off 3pm, and Birmingham City on November 29, kick-off 3pm.

For details contact Bob Taylor on 01476 550242.

SKDC is asking householders who use refuse bags to leave them out for collection at the correct times – to help stop the spread of litter in their neighbourhoods.

Waste needs to be stored and put out by 7.30am on the day of collection but at the earliest the night before a collection is due, particularly if it is bagged.

This is to avoid causing unnecessary eyesores and effectively committing fly-tipping offences.

The longer bags stay outside the more the chance of windy or inclement weather spilling bags and bins across residential streets and gives foxes and rats more opportunity to cause mess on pavements and roads.

There are often unnecessary eyesores caused by residents living in flats above retail units and on residential estates. Action on those who leave waste out at the incorrect time will be taken to stop this behaviour.

These residents are encouraged to consult the council’s website - www.southkesteven.gov.uk/bincollectionday to find out the day of their collections by entering their postcode.

There have been increasing cases where SKDC’s waste and recycling team has come across bags open on streets as a result of being left in locations for more than 24 hours.

SKDC’s portfolio holder for healthy environment, Coun John Smith, said: “We know how efficient the vast majority of residents are in always putting out the right bin or bag out at the right time. We thank them for their continued help and request they put their bins or bags out as close to the 7.30am deadline as possible to help streets look tidy and avoid running the risk that they will be missed.

“If residents have bag collections they need to leave them out as close to this time as possible. They may also become accustomed to a common time waste crews arrive to make collections.

“However road closures or diversions can mean they can be earlier than expected so it is safer to meet the 7.30am deadline on the day of collection.

“Help decrease what we send to landfill sites by continuing to recycle more items in silver bins or clear bags.”

Residents can check what they can recycle by visiting www.southkesteven.gov.uk/recyclinglist

Grantham Town Supporters’ Club lotto (sponsored by Galaxy Fish Bar), winners of October 11 draw:

£200 – 431 M. Atkin; £10 – 938 K. Pateman; £5 – 279 M. Smith, 674 K. Caddick, 970 R. Lea, 46 M. Koranski, 568 B. Glover, 881 J. Macgowan.