Rob's update for April 2026
Heating oil payments
Last month the Government announced that it would provide targeted support for households reliant on heating oil who are facing financial hardship due to heating oil price increases. There are 5 criteria that must met to qualify, including having below average combined household income of under £36,000 and not being on mains gas. Eligible households will receive a £300 prepaid one off-grid energy voucher. The scheme is being administered by the Lincolnshire Community Foundation. Applications can be made via: https://lincolnshirecf.co.uk/crf/
Help for village hall
Last month I visited Walcott Village Hall coffee morning and learnt about the village hall committee’s plans for paving an area outside the hall. I made an application for volunteers from our Highways contractors to undertake the work. I am pleased to hear that this has been accepted and works are planned.
A new Community Speedwatch being set up
Volunteers have come forward in Metheringham to take part in a new Community Speedwatch Scheme supported by the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership. I know the organisers would welcome more volunteers to ensure sufficient numbers are available to ensure regular sessions monitoring speeding in the village. This group joins others in the area increasing coverage in our villages. If anyone is interested in helping, they can contact Metheringham Parish Council or me.
Concerns raised about road junction
Concerns were raised with me about a junction on the B1189 where there have been a number of accidents. I have arranged a site visit this month with officers from the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership to see if any measures can be taken to improve safety.
Dunston bridge
The condition of this bridge has been of concern to residents for some time. Recently a large hole appeared in the footway, fortunately a temporary repair was done quickly following my contact with officers at LCC. A full rebuild is scheduled for later in the year.
As always if a defect has been reported and doesn’t seem to have been repaired, please contact me with the reference number from Fixmystreet and I will do my best to get a resolution from Highways.
Highways clarification
Recently on BBC Politics North a senior (Reform) county councillor stated that the council was not considering “un-metalling” some of our poorest roads. In other words, returning them to gravel tracks. She accused the Leader of the Opposition on the council of misleading the public.
However, it has been revealed that the proposals are in official council documents and now have been reported in local news media. No roads have been identified as yet for this treatment.
Community events in full swing
Once again, I and my fellow team members enjoyed an excellent quiz in Timberland Village Hall last month. A very popular event and one of many that take place there. Last week it was great to see Metheringham had a packed Village Hall for the regular Over 60’s entertainment evening. As in previous years I will be happy to attend village events around the area when I can.