SOUTH Holland’s councillors have refused to pay out compensation of more than £260,000 relating to a controversial housing development or to accept a report accusing them of maladministration.

District council members unanimously disagreed with the findings of the Local Government Ombudsman, who had been investigating a three-year-old complaint into the authority’s actions with the Nestwood Homes development in Old Main Road, Fleet Hargate.

A special meeting was held on Monday to decide what action to take on the report, which recommended compensation be made to the developer for reasons including stress, strain and damage to reputation.

The long-running saga into the site started when new homes were built on a different land level to existing properties, which prompted enforcement action and a public inquiry.

Coun Roger Gambba-Jones, is chairman of the planning committee and was when the development was considered by the council.

He said on Mondat that he had “every confidence” councillors had given “long and due considerations” to the application.

He acknowledged those decisions were quashed by a planning inspector in March 2008 but criticised the Ombudsman for taking on this complaint.

He added: “It seems to me the Ombudsman was thinking somewhat woolily and was at worst biased in favour of this company and against our council unfairly in my opinion.”

Coun Bryan Alcock also raised concerns about the “strange” report.

He said: “I find some of the inflammatory way of talking within the report strange.

“I can recognise the style because it’s one I have used from time to time and that’s why I am not an Ombudsman.”

Councillors had been warned Nestwood Homes may choose to take action through the courts but Coun Francis Biggadike urged his fellow councillors not to be “afraid” if they did not accept the report.

“I believe the Ombudsman’s report was far from factual and not at all impartial,” he said.

Councillors voted in favour of receiving the report but said the council does not intend on paying any compensation.

They also invited the authority’s scrutiny panels to help the council ensure that lessons are learnt and any necessary procedures are introduced to avoid a repeat of this situation in the future.

The council intends to write to Nestwood Homes expressing regret but explaining their position.

IN the final round of Spalding and District Snooker League fixtures of the year, Sean Swinburn delivered a real Christmas cracker of a break.

The Long Sutton A maestro, playing off an O42 handicap, reeled off a stunning 93 against Crowland C, which was a fitting finale to another super year of action.

Unfortunately for Swinburn, his heroics couldn’t prevent Crowland from picking up a 4-2 away success, with Rob Childs (O63) making a 24 break in the process.

BSC A’s Darren Woodberry (O28) also signed off in style. He pocketed a smart 45 break to help sink Holbeach A 4-2.

Also scoring well in the top flight was Bren Bowman (O63). The Tulips A ace bagged a 40 break to guide his side to a 4-2 home victory over Crowland D.

Perhaps the biggest fixture of the week took place in Division Two, as Boundary A replaced Long Sutton D at the top of the standings.

A 20 break from Jim McGhee (R7) helped the Deepings side to a 5-1 home win.

Holbeach D were the big winners, though. They whitewashed four-player Whittlesey A 6-0 and are now just two points off top spot.

Elsewhere, Boundary C romped to a 6-0 success at second-placed Crowland A.

Mick Walker (O21) trousered a 20 break as the hosts missed the chance to take over at the summit.

Graeme Sawyer (O7) was another on solid form as Whittlesey C beat Consti E 4-2. He made a cool 21 break.

In Division Four, Whittlesey D stormed to the top with a thumping 5-1 triumph at Consti D. Michael Foster (scr) led the charge with a 22 break.

Hot on their heels are Long Sutton C, who were 4-2 winners over Consti A. Gav Shinkin (R14), Dan Mayfield (O14) and David Lefley (scr) got the frame wins.

Donington B are level with Sutton too, having beaten Donington D 4-2.

A NEW crematorium could be built near Surfleet.

Two businessmen have spent two and a half years working on plans for the state-of-the-art facility which they hope will take some of the stress out of what is already a difficult time for people mourning loved ones.

At present those in Spalding and surrounding areas face a traffic-choked journey to Boston, Peterborough or King’s Lynn for a cremation service, which can take up to an hour.

The South Holland Crematorium would be located just off the A151 link road north of Surfleet, making it easily accessible from all directions.

Its design includes a long tree-lined approach to a large single-story chapel with covered flower court and a 2.5 acre wild flower meadow, which would provide a natural habitat for wildlife and a quiet area for mourners to use for reflection.

As well as providing jobs to local people in the construction phase, there would also be up to four permanent jobs once the facility is up and running – which could be as soon as September if plans are given the go-ahead.

The two men behind the plans, Andrew Butt and Andy Bowser, directors of South Lincolnshire Crematorium Ltd, said: “This would be a local facility for local people and a significant private investment in a public service.

“There is a clear gap in the market for a crematorium in this area, with a catchment area of 98,000 people which reaches into South Kesteven.

“We have already consulted with a number of people and groups, including funeral directors, highways, planners and ward councillors and the response has been very positive.”

And Mark Forth, a funeral director in Spalding, has backed the plans, saying: “The majority of our funerals take place at Boston Crematorium. We have to allow nearly an hour to reach there and often encounter heavy traffic, which adds extra stress for the bereaved.

“People would like to see a more local facility.”

Mr Butt and Mr Bowser claim the development would reduce local road miles by 350,000 as funeral corteges would have less distance to travel, and say the latest furnace equipment would be used in the cremator itself with fully filtered emissions, which compare favourably with the emissions of a single motor vehicle – helping minimise the impact on the environment.

The cremator would also be able to take larger 42in coffins, which Boston cannot, and 45-minute services will be offered – compared to just 30 minutes at many other facilities.

There would be a maximum of five services a day.

Mr Bowser said: “We have spent a lot of time on the design and put a lot of research into it to make it as good as experience as possible at a difficult time for grieving families.”

FULNEY Women’s Institute meets on the first Wednesday evening of every month at The Ivo Day Centre, Albion Street, Spalding.

Their first meeting in 2012 takes place on Wednesday, January 4 at 7.30pm.

BOB Don-Duncan has stressed the need for stability at Spalding United in the wake of Andy Stanhope’s shock sacking.

The new Tulips caretaker boss will guide the club through the UCL Premier Division’s festive fixtures, aided by player/coach Danny Hussey.

Beyond that, the long-term future of the Spalding hot-seat looks unclear, but Don-Duncan – a former UCL title-winning boss with the Tulips and Boston Town – is determined to steady the ship.

He insists that he wouldn’t have taken the job without Stanhope’s blessing and reckons another player exodus would spell disaster for the club.

Don-Duncan said: “I’ve worked very closely with Andy over the past year and I’m shocked and saddened by his sacking. He put in a great deal of work.

“There were high expectations in the summer after we signed what we believed to be a top bunch of players for this level.

“It didn’t quite work out and perhaps mistakes were made, but it’s important that the team sticks together. The club has seen too much change over the years.

“Myself and Danny will oversee the Christmas games and I strongly believe continuity is the way forward.”

Veteran defender Hussey echoed Don-Duncan’s sentiment, but moved to quash rumours linking his former Deeping Rangers colleague Pat Rayment with the Spalding job.

“I’m as shocked as anyone that Stan was sacked,” said Hussey. “I’m disappointed that he’s left, but when Bob asked me to help out I was happy to step up.

“I’ve heard the rumours about Pat coming here, but that’s all they are. He sponsored a game a few weeks back, but has not spoken to anyone about the job.”

Spalding’s festive fixtures see them visit Peterborough Northern Star on Boxing Day (1pm) and Daventry United on New Year’s eve (1pm).

They’ll have to do without Ben Good and Danny French who have left the club, but the departures are in no way linked to Stanhope’s sacking. But striker Josh Ford is back in the fold after a lengthy injury.

SUTTON BRIDGE 6 PINCHBECK UNITED RES 2: YET again Pinchbeck proved to be their own worst enemy as they were hit for six at The Bridge.

Neither side was able to effectively get the ball down and put some passes together on the boggy pitch, but Bridge bagged the opener when Luke Still was first to react to a loose defensive header and was able to nod over the stand-in Pinchbeck keeper.

Pinchbeck improved and Dan Thornalley provided Ash Wilson with an easy finish to level. Bridge immediately responded though, as Still poked home their second.

However, Wilson drew Pinchbeck level with a penalty right on half time, giving his side a timely boost.

But after the break Pinchbeck collapsed. Barry Osborne headed Bridge in front with a header from a corner and Still then completed his hat-trick when he latched onto a goal kick.

Jake Lally chipped the fifth when another through ball wasn’t dealt with defensively, allowing Joseph Sutton to complete the scoring.

It’s games like this that highlight the reason why pre-season favourites Pinchbeck find themselves in mid-table in Division Two.

Sutton Bridge, on the other hand, could go only two points off the top if they win their games in hand following this superb win.

A FANTASTIC four players from Spalding Indoor Bowls Club have received England call-ups in a week of great success for the club.

Spalding skipper Graham Smith has retained his place in the men’s team, while Paul Simpson has been selected for the squad for the first time.

He has been named as a travelling reserve for the International Series, which will be played in Swansea (Wales) in March of next year.

Annalisa Bellamy has also earned a maiden call to the ladies’ team for the first time, with Rebecca Simpson being selected for the squad as travelling reserve.

The ladies’ series is held just after the men’s event in March 2012, also in Swansea.

In between the two series, Bellamy and Rebecca Simpson will be joined by Charlie Leuty and Lucy Cooke, where the quartet of ladies will be bidding for British Isles fours success, following their national victory last year.

It’s been an excellent year for Spalding on the international front, with no less than six bowlers now being part of their respective England squads.

• Spalding’s ladies have progressed in two national club competitions, with successes coming in the Yetton and Mason Trophies.

The Mason trophy is an over 60’s double rink and Spalding secured an excellent 38 shots to 32 victory over Lincoln.

A 24-12 win at Spalding from Gloria Haney’s set helped steer the team to a strong position.

At Lincoln, Margaret Dark skipped her rink to a close defeat to ensure Spalding took the overall spoils and progress to the next round.

In the Yetton Trophy, Spalding played Long Sutton on a two rinks at home and two rinks away basis last Thursday.

Spalding took an early lead and maintained the pressure on Long Sutton to run home 87 shots to 60 winners.

Gloria Haney’s rink led the way with an impressive 30-7 win.

POLICE behind the find have said it is one of the largest hauls of cannabis they have seized in 20 years.

OFFICERS on patrol near a former hotel stumbled across a drug growing operation worth hundreds of thousands of pounds by chance.

Police decided to enter The Waggoner’s Rest on Station Street, Sutterton, after spotting a security light was on, only to discover it had been crammed with cannabis plants.

On Monday at Lincoln Crown Court, two Vietnamese “gardeners” who had been sleeping inside on mattresses were each jailed for two years.

Hung Quoc Tran (22) and An Van Nguyen (30) had both admitted unlawful production of cannabis on November 16.

Edna Leonard, prosecuting, said: “They (the police) knew the hotel had been unoccupied for several months. When they approached the building they could smell cannabis and noticed the windows all had their curtains closed.”

Miss Leonard said that a total of 1,425 mature cannabis plants were recovered from the building, which had been leased out by the owner to a client who claimed he was going to convert the premises into a restaurant.

Miss Leonard said it had not been possible to establish an exact amount the cannabis was worth but added: “The yield from these plants was worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.”

Gordon Holt, in mitigation, said both men were recruited as gardeners after being approached and offered work while staying in London.

He said: “Both arrived as illegal immigrants. They arrived from Vietnam via a circuitous route having incurred quite significant debts at home to do so.

“They were in London and were approached to some work in the Boston area. Both needed work and money and they were transported to Boston in the same car.”

Mr Holt said Tran was told he would be killed if he left the building.

Giving the sentence, Judge Michael Heath said: “This was a professional, well-organised, large scale cannabis growing operation.”

Police behind the find have said it is one of the largest hauls of cannabis they have seized in 20 years.

Insp Phil Clark said: “This is yet another example of the commitment of Lincolnshire Police to tackle the production and supply of controlled drugs.

“This is the largest seizure of cannabis plants that I have witnessed in 20 years of policing.

“The discovery of the production facility occurred as a direct result of the pro-active work of uniformed officers based at Boston.

“The mains electricity supply had been diverted and tampered with to such an extent that there was a very real threat to any person exposed to the premises.”

SOUTH Holland residents are already signing a new register in a bid to get a cut-price deal on gas and electricity.

Council leader Gary Porter hopes thousands will sign so the district council can save consumers around ten per cent on their bills by negotiating a deal with a supplier.

The plan went live on the council website on Monday and within hours dozens of people put their name to it.

Coun Porter said: “There is a strong public feeling for somebody to do something about the rising cost of domestic fuel bills and already people across South Holland are making their feelings known.

“We are expecting this to generate massive interest. But we need more and more people to sign up to the register to demonstrate they are not willing to accept escalating costs and we, as a council, are confident that we can negotiate a better deal.”

l To register go online to www.sholland.gov.uk and click on the news item ‘Fairer Fuel for All’, contact your ward councillor or visit the council offices in Priory Road, Spalding.

THE new year is your chance to learn about the landscape of the Fenland area and find out about the various uses of the land through time.

Heritage Lincolnshire, which exists to protect, preserve, and promote the rich heritage of the county, is running an Introduction to Lincolnshire’s Heritage course in the new year. It will allow members of the family to learn together about the archaeology of the local area.

The course, part of the Grow programme of lifelong learning run by Lincolnshire County Council, is to be run over two weeks, starting on Tuesday, January 17 between 6pm and 9pm at the South Holland Centre in Spalding.

Lincolnshire Heritage aims to attract new learners – courses are open to all aged 19 or above on August 31, 2011, and the course is free of charge.

Booking is essential and an enrolment form must be completed.

For further details, contact Heritage Lincolnshire on 01529 461499 or email info@lincsheritage.org

l The Trust works to save and renovate threatened historic buildings and make them suitable for new uses. It encourages individuals, local societies and businesses to get involved in this task by working on imaginative heritage projects. If you are interested in getting involved, contact the Heritage Trust of Lincolnshire – contact details above.

THE Lincolnshire branch of the REME (Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers) Association will be meeting at the Drill Hall, Main Ridge West, Boston on Tuesday, January 3.

The social evening starts at 7.30pm and all serving and past members most welcome.

For more information contact the secretary, Graham Matthews, on 01205 352033.

THE fate of Long Sutton and Bourne’s registration offices should be decided on a case-by-case basis.

That’s the recommendation put forward by some of Lincolnshire’s county councillors, who were asked to put their views forward on money-saving proposals for the authority.

The two offices have been under threat since March, when they were announced as among five offices to be considered for closure in a county-wide review.

The proposals have met opposition from local residents who would be forced to travel miles from their own communities to register births, deaths, stillbirths, marriages and civil partnerships.

In Long Sutton, parish councillor Bobbie Ashton collected almost 850 signatures against the plan.

A final decision is expected to be made by the county council’s executive committee on January 10 but on Wednesday, members of the communities scrutiny committee were asked to have their say.

Sutton Elloe county councillor Chris Brewis is chairman of the committee.

He said: “Communities scrutiny considered the report on registration and celebratory services. We noted that the leader, Coun Martin Hill, was to visit the five communities whose offices were under threat.

“We resolved to support the third option, which was to look at each community on a case-by-case basis, and where appropriate find innovative ways to ensure the service continued.

“Distances in a huge county like Lincolnshire are an issue. The huge petition from Long Sutton, organised by Coun Bobbie Ashton, received due consideration as well.

“I am pleased that the wide response to the consultation has been noted, and hope that many of the worries may be allayed by what is now proposed.”

STRIDE off any Christmas excesses with Spalding Ramblers, which is leading winter walks immediately after the festive period and in the new year.

Hikes are on Tuesday, December 27 starting from the Castle Sports Complex in Spalding (details from 01775 768359) and on New Year’s Day, starting from The Vista car park in town (details from 01775 767882).

Hikes are no longer than five miles and will be led by experienced walk leaders.

A HOLBEACH firm wants permission to install solar panels on roofs of cold and grain stores at their farms.

JH and AJ King has applied for permission to install five 50 kW PV systems on farm building roofs to reduce electricity costs.

Any surplus not used on the holding can be stored and sold to the grid reducing the company’s carbon footprint.

TOURIST attractions in South Holland may be able to put the tough times behind them if a new group is formed to promote the area to visitors.

Following the demise of the Visit Lincolnshire website this time last year, it is hoped that a new Destination Management Organisation (DMO) could be born focusing on what’s on offer in south Lincolnshire, the Fens and The Wash.

A meeting is expected in January when the first steps could be taken to set the group up. It is hoped it will be a positive step towards putting the area firmly on the map as a tourist location, promoting the area’s natural beauty and heritage.

Tourism generated just under £70 million in South Holland last year, and its status as one of the country’s premier food producing areas could also see it promoted for “foodie trails”.

David Norton, who champions tourism on behalf of Spalding and district area Chamber of Commerce, said: “It has been a tough time for tourism because of the economic climate.

“You only have to look at the recent announcement that Long Sutton Butterfly and Wildlife Park is to close at the end of next season as a barometer of those difficulties.

“That is indicative that it has been difficult for tourism, but it means the future can’t get any worse and can only get better.”

Mr Norton says it is now important that potential opportunities to promote the district for tourism are maximised and hopes a new DMO could be a move in the right direction.

He said: “Next year is the London Olympics, which on the face of it might not be a big winner for the district.

“But maybe we can promote this area as the ideal place for those looking to make a Great Escape from the Olympics and find some peace and quiet,

“It is a potential opportunity and it’s a case of identifying these opportunities. We have a number of things which we can offer people, including the flower parade and our food industry, and we just need to shout about it and let everybody know, particularly if people continue to look closer to home for holidays in the current financial climate.”

PLANS for the 2012 Spalding Flower Parade are well under way with two of the float designs already in production.

Designs for Oliver! – Please sir, I want some more, sponsored by the Bakkavor Staff Shop, and the Donington in Bloom float are both taking shape and the Flower Queen’s float is being updated.

Another design which will be making an appearance is taken from the English nursery rhyme, Sing a Song of Sixpence and the theme for the float will be Four and Twenty Blackbirds, so expect a large pie.

Follow the parade on Twitter (twitter.com/flowerparade) and Facebook (spaldingflowerparade2011) or visit www.spalding-flower-parade.org.uk

TWO men have been locked up after a campaign of harassment against the owners of a kebab shop culminated in the owner suffering serious injuries in an attack.

Teyfik Bulul, who runs Bridge Kebab and Pizza in Sutton Bridge, has put his business up for sale following the incident which left him with a shattered jaw.

Phil Howes, prosecuting, told Lincoln Crown Court that the shop in Bridge Road had been targeted for several months prior to the incident on September 3.

Staff cleaning up after closing told a group they were too late to be served. Daniel Andrews (20) punched Mr Bulul, catching him to the left of his eye.

Mr Bulul and two of his staff then armed themselves with kitchen utensils to try and protect their property but a second youth Dale Green (18) punched Mr Bulul to the ground.

He ran off laughing and Mr Bulul was left needing an operation to have three metal plates fitted to hold his jaw together.

Mr Howes said: “Since the incident the owner has put the shop up for sale. He no longer wishes to live in Sutton Bridge and still fears for his safety once these men are released from prison.

“If the shop is not sold by the end of next month he will just shut it.”

The attack followed an earlier incident when Andrews threw a bin at the counter and a second matter in which he threatened and challenged staff.

Andrews, of Royal Close, Sutton Bridge, admitted charges of harassment and affray. He was sent to a young offenders’ institution for 14 months.

Green, of Anne Road, Sutton Bridge, admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm on September 3. He was given 16 months at a young offenders’ institution.

Recorder David Hall also imposed a restraining order on the men banning them from entering Bridge Road, Sutton Bridge, and from contacting Teyfik Bulul. That order will run indefinitely.

Leonard Bruce, for Andrews, said his client expressed true sorrow and remorse.

He said: “This is a young man with a serious alcohol abuse problem and he also has problems with substance abuse. He has set out his determination, however long it takes, to tackle these issues.”

He said Andrews helped care for his 82-year-old grandmother and has expressed his shame.

Andrea Clarke, for Green, said he only delivered one punch.

She said: “He has written a letter of apology to the shop owners. His mother has been devastated by his actions. It has caused a great impact on the family.”

SPALDING’S Beechfield Medical Centre wants to hear the opinions of its patients.

The practice is keen to involve patients in decisions taken about the range and quality of services on offer and is looking for people who are prepared to provide feedback.

Practice manager Grant Scott said: “We want patients who are representative of the practice population, for example, age, sex, infirmity and ethnicity

The practice will:

l Ask patients periodically to complete a questionnaire about services;

l Set up informal groups to discuss issues and make recommendations;

l Arrange informal interviews with patients representing special interests;

l Promote patient participation by providing more information.

If you wish to take part in discussion groups or one to one interviews complete and return a form available from the practice reception.

A HOLBEACH beauty who won our Look of 2009 competition, Sarah Ashworth, flew to Turkey on Tuesday to take part in Miss Globe International.

Sarah (19) will spend ten days in Istanbul at a five star hotel and compete against girls from around the world for the title.

She said: “I really hope to bring the crown back to England and make all my family proud of me.”

Sarah is doing more than flying the flag because she’s creating her own dress made out of England flags for the national round of the competition. There will also be rounds where she will wear swimwear and evening dress.

Earlier this year Sarah tasted success by winning the Miss Popularity section of Miss Spalding and the Fens, a beauty contest that took place at Spalding nightclub Loaded.

The young model was encouraged to enter the competition by the Kerri Parker Academy as Kerri herself is a model.

Sarah said: “I am very excited.

“This is an amazing opportunity. I can’t believe it.”

Sarah’s boyfriend, Tom Chenery (23), is currently studying for a teaching qualification in Sheffield.

Sarah also works in the city for Next and Sports Direct but the couple still maintain a base in Holbeach.

MOULTON Harrox Primary School pupils have been busy painting self-portraits – and could help to set a world record.

The school’s art project was part of Face Britain, a national project celebrating young people in the run-up to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympic and Paralympic Games next year.

The project is part of the Olympic Cultural Festival and has the active support of Prince Charles through The Prince’s Foundation for Children and the Arts.

As well as holding the biggest ever online gallery of self-portraits, the organisers will use the art work to create a montage of the Queen’s face – and the picture will be projected on to the walls of the Queen’s London home, Buckingham Palace.

Moulton Harrox Year 2 teacher and art coordinator Louise Pennington said everyone at the school has been excited about taking part – and all 280 pupils, from reception to Year 6, have produced a picture.

Miss Pennington said: “Some of the pictures were fantastic – and some pupils have tried to paint in the style of certain artists.

“We are now starting to upload them on to the computer.”