Branch Committee Elected for 2012/13

Following the Branch's Annual General Meeting, held on Wednesday, 14th March 2012, the following persons were elected as Officers of the Branch:

• Mrs. Meg Davidson - Chairman
• Mrs. Susan Harland - Deputy Chairman (Political) 
• Mrs. Stephanie Rouse - Deputy Chairman (Finance & Membership) 
• Mr. Hugh Thomson - Treasurer
• Mr. Peter Heath - Secretary

The following persons were elected to the Branch Committee:

• Mr. James Kay
• Mr. Giles McNeill
• Mr. Henry Speer
• There are two vacancies which may be filled by co-option.

Mrs. Harland and Mr. Thomson were re-elected to be the Branch Representatives on the Gainsborough Constituency Conservative Association's Executive Council.

At the meeting Mrs. Davidson paid tribute to Mrs. Alma Hore, who had served as the Branch's Secretary in the past, and had passed away in the early months of 2012. 

Lincolnshire's Pupils Better National Averages in Maths and English

More Lincolnshire pupils reached the expected Level 4+ in both English and maths compared to the national average and that of comparative local authorities.

Figures released today on the 2011 Key Stage 2 National Curriculum Assessment results show:

• The percentage of pupils leaving primary school with expected levels of attainment in English and Maths rose by 1% from 2010, which is higher than the provisional national average.
• In Maths, Lincolnshire children have matched the national improvement in Level 4+ and outperformed the average for statistical neighbours.
• In English overall, levels have improved from last year.
• There has been a significant improvement in the number of children achieving a Level 4+ in writing, increasing by 5% from 2010 and this represents a bigger increase than seen nationally.
• The percentage of children making at least the expected two levels of progress from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 2 in English has increased by 4% and in maths by 3% over the last three years.

Cllr. Mrs. Patricia Bradwell, Executive Councillor for Children's Services, praised the efforts of school staff and children in Lincolnshire:

"The hard work and determination of schools has once again been rewarded by results which see Lincolnshire children achieving better than their contemporaries across the country. During the current year we have a heavy focus on improving reading even further, in line with the requirements of the new Ofsted guidelines."

New Technology Delivers More Parking Options

All West Lindsey District Council car parks have the technology to allow charges to be settled by a simple phone call.

Conservative Chairman of the Prosperous Communities Committee, Cllr. Malcolm Parish said:

 "Gainsborough is a progressive town so we are delighted to be able to offer this facility to local residents and visitors.

"The days of drivers searching for loose change and then having to battle through the wind and rain to find a pay and display machine will be a thing of the past."

An added benefit of the scheme is that customers who discover that their shopping or maybe an appointment is taking longer than they expected do not have to return to the car park to get another ticket – you can just call in and extend the time.

Conservative Leader of the Council, Cllr. Burt Keimach also welcomed the scheme. He said:

"From our point of view it means that we don’t have to handle as much cash, our pay and display machines will last longer because they will get less use and we will use fewer tickets which is good for the environment."

Displays in the car parks give details of how users can join the mobile scheme or alternatively people can call 020 3003 2523, download the free App or visit www.parkmobile.co.uk.

Registration is free and only takes a few minutes. Parkmobile will require your payment card details and vehicle registration.

People who use the mobile facility will be charged 20 pence each time they park, in addition to the normal tariff.

Conservatives Are Helping With The Cost of Living

Conservatives understand that times are hard and that family budgets are being stretched but we are doing what we can to help whilst staying on the safe course to economic recovery. Unlike Labour we are taking the tough decisions needed to sort out our nation’s finances to ensure that our generation’s debt is not left for our children and grandchildren to pay off.

• Council tax freeze. We have extended our council tax freeze for a second year saving residents up to £70 for the year on an average Band D Bill.
• Keeping interest rates low. Our clear and credible plan is keeping interest rates low to help you with the cost of your mortgage.
• Helping with the cost of your commute. We are putting in £105 million to limit the rise in your rail fares.
• Cutting Fuel Duty. We have cancelled Labour’s fuel escalator and cut duty. This means that from April petrol duty will be a full 10 pence lower than it would been without our action.