ONE of the key road routes into Sleaford is set to be closed for up to a week for repairs during the next month and town councillors are not happy about the congestion it may cause.

Highways officials are warning that Grantham Road will be closed while patching repairs are being carried out to the carriageway between Rookery Avenue and Northfield Road. The work will take place in March for approximately one week at a date yet to be decided. This would also prevent traffic entering and exiting Clay Hill Road and Ancaster Drive on that stretch of road.

There would still be pedestrian access and a gateman at each end would allow residents needing vehicle access to their homes.

The diversion route will be via London Road, Silk Willoughby, the A15 and Quarrington roundabout, and visa versa.

During this period there may also be the need for overnight closures of the A15 at the roundabout junction with the A153, as and when required.

Commenting on the proposed closures at the latest town council applications committee, Coun Mark Allan felt the county highways department was closing too many roads for repairs ‘willy-nilly’. He said it seemed to be for the convenience of the companies doing the repairs and not for the road users.

Mr Allen said: “Other councils seem to do these minimally.”

The county highways department says certain patches that need working on along Grantham Road are on the centre line, which means they would not have the necessary width to accommodate two-way traffic lights, so the raod has to be closed.

Some patches off centre will be repaired under two-way temporary traffic signals.

l Meanwhile a temporary parking ban on West Banks and Alexandra Road will be put in place on March 5 and 6 to allow for essential maintenance works by Anglian Water.

The A15 Bourne Road will be closed for road repairs from immediately south of the junction with Spring Lane in Folkingham to a point immediately south of the junction with Station Street, Rippingale. The road will be closed on Saturday and will reopen at approximately 5pm on Sunday.

The A15 traffic will be diverted via the A52 and B1177.

A NEW housing development on the outskirts of Heckington has been named in memory of a young local man who gave his life for his country nearly 100 years ago.

The development, owned by local housing provider Longhurst & Havelok Homes, has been named by Heckington Parish Council as Freeston Road, in memory of Edward George Freeston. Edward, who is named on the village war memorial, served in the 4th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment during World War One.

L&H Homes developed the Freeston Road site, which features affordable housing, in partnership with developer Lindum Construction, architect Lincs Design Consultancy, North Kesteven District Council and Heckington Parish Council. It was built on land purchased from local property developer Melbourne Holdings.

The 25 properties include 18 rental units which will be allocated through local nominations by the district council. The remaining seven properties will be made available for Shared Ownership through L&H Homes.

Parish council chairman Richard Higgs said: “These homes are a welcome addition to the village and we are delighted to have been consulted in naming the street.

“It follows our decision to adopt a policy of naming new roads after those from the parish who are recognised on the war memorial for having made the ultimate sacrifice in serving their country.

“There are 42 names on the plaque from World War One and World War Two and although we may not be able to use them all, it is a fitting tribute to our fallen heroes.”

Cathy Aljohari, L&H Homes’ project manager, added: “Knowing that a development has been named after a local man is a lovely finishing touch from the parish council.

“L&H Homes is extremely proud of the name and we are looking forward to giving local people the opportunity to remain close to family and friends in high quality housing.

“We would also like to extend our thanks to all our partners in this project, with particular thanks to Lindum Construction for maintaining a high level of professionalism throughout this entire process.”

HAVE you ever wanted to know a lot more about your prescribed medication but can never find out the right information?

Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has launched on-line help on mental health medicines and how the various drugs work - including any known possible side effects.

A medication help section has been added to the trust’s website www.lpft.nhs.uk. It is part of the Choice and Medication website and the Trust’s section contains questions and answers on over 100 commonly used medicines in mental health.

Trust chief pharmacist officer Shiraz Haider said: “Helping service users to access information about their condition and drugs can help them through their recovery journey, or learn how to live with their condition.”

FOUR year old English Mastiff Gus is still looking to find a new home after spending months with a new animal charity.

Ruskington-based charity Hollies Animal Re-homing Trust (HART), run by Rob Louth, Tracy Healy and Alistair Ede, is trying to find a permanent home for Gus, their longest serving resident.

He came into the care of the charity in September last year after his previous owner realised he could no longer look after him and a prospective new owner disappeared without trace.

Although Gus has a friendly nature, he is very strong and weighs in at 65kg.

So far HART’s efforts to find him a loving new ‘forever home’ have failed. The team are now appealing to responsible readers who think they could take good care of their gentle giant to come forward.

Rob said: “Things that need to be considered when taking on a dog like Gus is primarily his size. Although he is well behaved, he is very strong, and a new owner must be able to provide enough space and correct nutrition.

“Gus costs the trust hundreds of pounds but, with our ‘no put to sleep’ policy, he will remain with us for as long as it takes to find the right home.”

Gus has been neutered and is up-to-date with all his vaccinations.

Prospective owners must be willing to submit to a home check before adopting him, as the charity is keen to ensure he goes to a home that is suitable for his needs.

Anyone who feels they could offer Gus a loving new home can contact the HART team on 01526 890098.

THE future of one of the most popular sections at the annual Heckington Show could be at risk if a new organiser cannot be found.

The show committee is looking for someone to help with the dog classes following the retirement of Una and Peter Spratt, after a 29-year stint as organisers.

General secretary of the show, Sarah Grant, said: “Heckington has developed an enviable reputation as a great day out, as ‘England’s biggest village show’. Crowds flock to the event each year, drawn by the huge range of activities which have a popular appeal.

“For all its size, it is unique in being run by an enthusiastic and lively group of volunteers.

“We are now looking to find someone to help run the dog section.”

If you are interested in being part of the Heckington Show team, contact the chairman Charles Pinchbeck on 01529 461102 or at chairman@heckingtonshow.org

SWIMMERS of all ages and abilities will be diving into the pool at Sleaford Leisure Centre this weekend for charity.

The leisure centre is hosting the annual Rotary Club of Sleaford Swimathon, which is taking place on Friday evening from 7pm to 10pm and on Saturday, from 8am to 6pm.

Around 50 teams, incorporating 200 swimmers, are expected to take part.

This year there is the added attraction of an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the highest number of swimmers swimming 100 metres non stop between the hours of 12noon and 1pm on Saturday in the ‘Rotary Global Swimathon’.

At Sleaford 75 swimmers will be taking part in the record attempt, joining 98 Rotary clubs around the world in 22 countries, involving an estimated 10,000 swimmers in all.