Opposition members at South Kesteven District Council say there are still questions to be answered over a proposed unveiling event costed at £100,000 for a £300,000 Margaret Thatcher statue in Grantham town centre.
Independent Councillor Ashley Baxter, who called in a decision by leaders to underwrite the event for £100,000 resulting in it being brought back to cabinet on Tuesday, said he was “disappointed with a lack of answers”.
Reports revealed estimated costs totalling £109,490, including more than £50,000 on an “external events organisation”, £24,000 on “essential costs” and £35,000 on further staging and streaming.
Councillor Baxter said there were “legitimate questions about spending and procurement” and hit out at a decision to mute him during the meeting.
The 10ft plinth the 10ft Margaret Thatcher Statue will be placed in Grantham town centre. | Photo: Kylie Warrington
During a question, Councillor Baxter asked whether the external organisation would be appointed by an open and transparent tendering process, but added: “or will the council be using the recent Conservative tradition of awarding contracts to friends and family?”
Council leader Councillor Kelham Cooke took exception and asked him to retract his final comments.
Councillor Baxter did not retract his statement, however, following the meeting said he was not allowed to add any context as he was muted shortly after.
Councillor Baxter has now submitted a Freedom of Information Request to the authority.
Councillor Ashley Baxter, South Kesteven member for Market and West Deeping ward.
He said: “It is not the statue […] that irks me, nor the concept of an unveiling event, rather it is the nonchalant, arrogant and disorganised manner in which the Conservatives seem willing to commit residents’ money to underwrite the event”.
Councillors voted unanimously to move forward with the plans, and said scrutiny councillors would continue to be updated on the progress of the event.
A spokesman for SKDC promised there would be “further discussion”.
“SKDC Leader Councillor Kelham Cooke gave an assurance that those members who asked questions would receive responses in writing,” they added.
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We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a collision caused serious injuries to a 23-year-old man.
Just before 3.30pm yesterday (2 July), we received reports of a collision on Barholm Road in Tallington. It involved a grey BMW 335D estate, a blue BMW 116D and an orange KTM motorcycle.
The motorcycle rider, a 23-year-old man, sustained serious injuries during the collision and was taken to hospital.
If you witnessed the incident and are yet to get in touch with us, please do so. If you have any other information or dashcam footage available that may have captured the road along the A1175 at the time of the collision, get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 282 of 2 July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 282 of 2 July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
The 2022 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards are open for applications, and Destination Lincolnshire giving you the rare chance to co-create your application with Nell Barrington, a tourism awards veteran, who has helped hundreds of businesses write winning applications over the last 15 years – including national VisitEngland winners.
The Tourism Awards Masterclass is taking place on Tuesday 12 July at 11am for one-hour online. Laura Freer, Head of Marketing at Destination Lincolnshire said: “This is a golden opportunity, after years of hard work and heartache, to get your business and team recognised and rewarded.
“A well written application is key to achieving a coveted place on this year’s shortlist, and I’d encourage all tourism and visitor economy businesses who are thinking of entering – whether they are seasoned at writing award applications or not – to join us for this exclusive masterclass.
“Nell Barrington has worked with us and VisitEngland on the founding application processes of these awards, and she is perfectly placed to assist in co-creating applications that you can be proud of. This is a great opportunity for business development too – whether you are shortlisted for an award or not – discovering how to effectively apply for awards and talk up your business adds another string to your bow.
“Booking is essential and places are limited to just 35 – so be quick! This year we’ve made our masterclass available to partners and also to those who we are yet to work with for free. Call it an added bonus, after two years away from the awards circuit.
The awards masterclass is focussed on the application process, and it will spell out what the judges are looking for. You’ll learn how to make your application stand out from the local competition, helping your chances of going through to the national VisitEngland Awards in 2023.”
There are fifteen categories open for nominations from visitors attraction, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses and many more.
The deadline for nominations is July 29, with online judging starting on July 30 and mystery shopping from August 13. Finalists will be announced on Monday, August 15.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Engine Shed on October 21, and will be hosted by Lincs FM presenter, John Marshall.
The event is organised by Stonebow Media, publishers of The Lincolnite, to celebrate the best businesses in Greater Lincolnshire, alongside headline sponsors Lincoln College and Destination Lincolnshire.
We would also like to thank our other sponsors Visit Lincolnshire, Heart of Lincs, Duncan and Toplis and LNER, insight6 and EV Camel.
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