Dear Constituent,
We are all  aware of the interesting times ahead of us and as a community representative I  know the challenge will be to direct resources to services that make a real  difference to the quality of peoples lives. There will be some difficult  decisions to be made and I will focus my attention on how ELDC priorities  affect local need. We live in a wonderful part of Lincolnshire  and I know many residents don’t want to see the unique character of our  district and county changing beyond recognition. The new Conservative led  coalition are very keen to empower local communities and to this end the  Localism Bill will enable residents to have a greater say in local planning  issues and decisions. Care must be taken to recognise that the Bill does not  mean we can say no to all development but communities will be able to produce  meaningful local design statements that Local Planning Authorities must take  note of.       It is my view  that we must balance the need for growth against it’s impact, both positive and negative. The focus needs to be  on quality and in this respect our past should influence our future, especially in Woodhall Spa,   with its unique heritage and character. I constantly encourage our Parish Councils to fully participate in the planning  process with considered inputs that are based on material planning  considerations. The Localism Bill will enable local communities to influence  district and regional planning priorities. Woodhall Spa Parish Council have  taken this work very seriously and are embarking on training to better  understand planning policy. They are also creating a Village Design Statement  to identify and protect local   architectural features of note. The Design Statement will also give a  valuable cue to developers as to what sort of buildings will be suitable in the  setting of Woodhall Spa. Woodhall Spa and Kirkby on Bain have many niche businesses that rely on the  tourist trade for their profitability and existence. We are lucky….our history  and our surroundings have created a destination of quiet charm and character.  We need to nurture this to secure economic benefit for our businesses.  Residents also benefit from successful shops. Our business community provide  employment, vitality and interest as  well as valued services. We have seen significant investment in the tourism  infrastructure recently. We need to be mindful of the quality on offer. The  recent refusal by the Planning Inspectorate of a major log chalet development  in Roughton is, in my opinion, a good indicator that we have the balance right in  the locality for such developments. The future of Jubilee   Park is now secured with  a major investment by ELDC. As part of the Big Society initiative this much  loved local tourist attraction will now be in local ownership with overall  control vested in Woodhall Spa Parish Council. I am immensely proud to be part  of this achievement. Initially the Friends of Jubilee Park secured the interest  and attention of ELDC with a dedicated working committee of Woodhall Parish  Council taking the baton over the finish line. Well done to all involved!! I have also  worked to establish the Woodhall Spa Chamber of Trade and Tourism so that local  businesses ( including those in Kirkby on Bain)  can have a co-ordinated voice to resolve local  issues and support the local community. I am pleased to say that this group is  now established and I am sure will be a positive force for good in the  community.

This last year has seen Woodhall Spa looking its very best with the  success of Woodhall in Bloom and the illuminated Christmas Trees. The revival  and refurbishment of Coronation Hall has created a fantastic community asset. I  firmly believe in enabling communities to better themselves. As local  authorities seek more cost effective ways to spend ratepayers money, I know this is the way forward.