Restoring the streets of Grantham

Town & District Councillor Charmaine Morgan has been working with SKDC officers on a range of issues affecting hundreds of residents in Grantham town centre in the streets off London Road, in the University Square block and the Railway Terraces.

The area has high density victorian terraced homes, a number of which are privately rented or are Houses of Multiple Occupancy. There is a frequent change of occupants in some houses.

Cllr Morgan said :

‘A combination of lack of space, fly tipping, missuse of bins and bins taking up pavement spaces has led to unacceptable living conditions in these areas with pedestrian safety at risk and potential environmental and health hazards.

It has taken a long time but I am delighted that a joint meeting with officers and Cllrs Tim Harrison and Patsy Ellis has resulted in a tailored campaign. Cllr Harrison has similar issues in some parts of his Ward.

Assessing household needs and space constraints,  identifying the most appropriate way to manage household waste, improving communications and signage, tackling the few culprits breaking the law, where possible, are our main goals.

‘Officers are drawing up a campaign plan, details of which will be shared. We take this matter very seriously and will be meeting regularly to monitor progress. We recognise some issues relate to LCCs requirements for handling waste at the Alexandra Rd tip and are pleased to hear LCC will be working with us too.

I have also discussed the flytipping and asb concerns with oficers and Cllr Graham Jeal. We will be calling upon Marc Jones Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner to apply Safer Streets funding to the area.

I am delighted a bid for new cctv cameras in the University Square block is going through and hope it gets the backing of South Kesteven District Council in our next budget.

At SKDC full council Cllr Rhys Baker SKDC Cabinet member for Environment responded positively to my call for the resources to address our issues and has supported requests for a tailored approach to the issues raised.

Thanks must go to residents and businesses who have pride in the area and who flagged concerns. Some help monitor these streets on a regular basis.

Our street cleaning, waste management and environmental safety teams are all working tirelessly and constantly. They deserve our backing and this strategic approach should help.

We are listening and will do what we can to help. Please continue to report issues. We know not everyone has online access. For help disposing  waste including large items call 01476 406080.’

If we can clear the streets we will be able to see how lovely in fact our rare intact London Road Victorian parade of shops and associated terraces are. They have a range of architectural features reflecting the rich industrial and railway heritage of Grantham. More importantly, we will be improving the quality of life for residents and making our streets safer.’