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KEELBY PARISH PLAN
2008
Picture by courtesy of Grimsby Telegraph
“Towards the Future”
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Contents
Page
Introduction 3
Parish Plan – The Process 4
Village Background 5
Village Statistics and Information 6
Village Amenities 9
Planning and Housing 12
Community Services 15
Health and Welfare 19
Leisure and Recreation 22
Environment 25
Local Business 28
Acknowledgements 29
Appendix 1 – Action Plan 30
Appendix 2 – Keelby Organisations 34
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Introduction
Parish Plans are a government initiative which aims to give a greater role forlocal people in influencing their own destiny. They encourage villages suchas ours to draw up a vision for the future that encompasses the wholecommunity’s views, allowing people to have a greater say in their own affairs.Parish Plans are being drawn up throughout the country as a way of involvingpeople in the development of their local communities.
Once produced the Plan can then be used to contribute to, and influence, thefuture social, economic and environmental development of Keelby. It will betaken into account by the District and County Councils in determining theirfuture plans for the parish. It is hoped that all existing residents will also havea keen interest in the village and thus support this aim.
Development of the Plan is fully supported by Keelby Parish Council andCommunity Lincs who have also provided grant funding for the project.
Work on Keelby Parish Plan effectively began in March 2007, with a publicmeeting attended by over 70 people, and a year has been spent carrying outthe necessary background work and developing both the main document andsummary leaflet.
This, however, is only the start of the process if the project is to be a longerterm success. We start with some great advantages – the vast majority of uslike living in Keelby and we plan to stay in the area. There are some issuesand concerns but, compared with life in many parts of Britain, they are nothuge and can be tackled with a good chance of success. Future support forthe Parish Plan should enable us to build on the strength of our localcommunity.
We hope you find the following pages of interest and welcome your commentsor any offers to get involved and to help make the Parish Plan work.
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Parish Plan The Process
In late 2005 the Parish Council decided to progress the production of a ParishPlan and an open public meeting was held which supported the proposal. Asa result an application was made to Community Lincs for a grant towards thedevelopment and production of a Plan. This was successful and a grant of£1900 was received in March 2006. However, only a limited number ofpeople were involved and, as many of these were also involved in the newSports Development, the project was put on hold. The project was resumed inearly 2007 when all houses in the village were leafleted about a publicmeeting. This was held in the Village Hall on Tuesday 13th March and wasattended by over 70 people.
Around 30 of those present expressed an interest in being actively involved inthe project. A follow up meeting was held on 12th April attended by 18volunteers. As a result, these volunteers formed themselves into six workinggroups, coordinated by a Steering Group, to review aspects of the village inthe following categories:
Village AmenitiesCommunity ServicesEnvironmentHealth and WelfareLeisure and RecreationPlanning and Housing
The groups met during the summer of last year to investigate these topics andidentify relevant issues. These then became the basis of questions making upthe Parish Plan Questionnaire which was delivered to every house in thevillage at the end of September 2007.
There was a tremendous response from the public of Keelby with over 450completed questionnaires returned, representing 50% of all households. Ourthanks go to all of those who completed and returned the questionnairesbecause the high level of response gives greater credibility to the content ofour Parish Plan. Volunteers collected some of the completed questionnairesbut over 250 were posted in the box in the Post Office. Our special thanks andgratitude go to John and Betsy Sullivan at the Post Office for their cooperation and assistance.
The completed questionnaires were analysed during November/December,including a review of all comments made. Not all respondents answered allquestions and where percentages are used in this document these relate tothose answering a particular question. The development of the Parish Planand an associated Action Plan, outlining how the implementation of therecommendations will take place, was undertaken in the early part of this yearand has culminated in the final publication of the Plan.
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Village Background
Keelby is referred to in the Domesday Book as Chelebi, a Viking namemeaning ridge valley. A small Cistercian nunnery was established around1170 at Nun Cotham, the remains of which are to be found on the outskirts ofthe present village and cared for by English Heritage.
The largest and oldest building in the village is St Bartholomew’s Church,most of which is about 800 years old with parts dating back to possibly the12th / 13th century. Close to the Church is another ancient building, a raresurvival of a mediaeval hall built in chalk around the mid 14th century orpossibly earlier and now part of a private dwelling.
When the first census was taken in 1801 there were 313 people in Keelbyliving in 58 houses. By 1851 the population had risen to 859, settling to 650 by1939. The majority of people at this time were employed on the land, inservice or as trades’ people.
Until World War II, Keelby was largely a selfsufficient village that also servedthe needs of smaller nearby villages. Since 1945 the village has seen manychanges. The population has risen to over 2000, with the largest growth seenin the 1970s and 80s when several modern estates were built.
Post war – because of changes in agricultural practice, the development ofImmingham as a major port and the establishment of the Humber Bankfactories – Keelby has become much more of a dormitory village with peopletravelling out to work, shop and socialise. However, when compared withmany other villages, it is still well served by shops, trades people andcommunity organisations.
The village has always had a fairly mobile population; even in 1881 less thanhalf the population had actually been born in the village, although many camefrom nearby villages. Another large source of immigration was, as now, fromYorkshire. Today there are people from all parts of Britain and beyond whohave made Keelby their home.
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Village Statistics and Information
Keelby is a substantial village, situated on the edge of the Wolds in the northeast of Lincolnshire, in the district of West Lindsey. It is adjacent to the mainA18 road, approximately ten miles from Grimsby, twelve miles from Brigg andseven miles from Humber Bank industries. Hull is reached in 35 minutes viathe Humber Bridge and Lincoln in 45 minutes by the A46.
There are just over 900 houses in Keelby and the village benefits fromexcellent services. There is a modern Health Centre with dispensary, library,youth centre, small supermarket, newsagent, post office, hairdressers, beautyparlour and fish & chips, pizza and Chinese takeaways.
There are two places of worship, St. Bartholomew's (Church of England) andthe Methodist Church. Uniformed organisations: Beavers, Cubs, Browniesand Guides meet regularly in the Village.
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On weekdays and Saturdays there are hourly bus services to Grimsby andHull. The ‘Phone and Ride’ and ‘Call Connect’ pick up services also providelinks to nearby towns and the village is also served by the Market Rasen ‘Diala Ride’ scheme. Rail connections are via Habrough some five miles distant orvia the M180 to Doncaster (50 minutes) for fast services to London, the Northand West. Humberside Airport is five miles from the village.
Education is provided by the modern primary school in the village with whichplaygroup facilities are associated. Secondary education is at Caistor (twoschools, one with selection, seven miles) or Healing (comprehensive school,five miles) with free coach services being provided for Keelby students. AtGrimsby, Franklin College and Grimsby Institute of Further & HigherEducation provide tertiary education.
There is a lively social life for those who wish to participate, many eventsbeing organised by the Village Hall Committee, the Twinning Association(MaisdonsurSevre, France), the Sports Clubs, Gardening Club and theWomen’s Institute. There is a twice monthly pensioners’ lunch meeting. Twopublic houses, the Nags Head and Kings Head, provide other venues forsocialising.
Most of the population lives within the village limits, with just a few farms andfarm cottages up to a mile from the village centre. The resident population ofKeelby, measured in the 2001 Census was 2,172 of whom 48.6% were maleand 51.4 % were female. There has been little development since that timeand the current population is believed to be around the same number. Thepopulation more than doubled during the 1970s and 1980s when several largehousing developments took place.
It is evident that Keelby is a place where people enjoy living. Responses tothe Parish Plan Questionnaire showed that over 61% of respondents havelived in the village for more than 20 years; and over 32% for more than 30years. Although a proportion of residents have relocated within the village, notmany have moved out and, as a result of the stability, Keelby is a village ofageing population. The 2001 census showed that Keelby had over 5% morethan the national average in the 3059 year age group and this was illustratedby responses to the Questionnaire, which showed a population bulge in the
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4565 year age range. At the other end of the spectrum this is also shown bythe number of children at the Keelby Primary School. Numbers in the mid1990’s were around 240. Currently the pupil numbers are around 150 and stilldeclining.
Keelby is a village with few green areas left within its boundaries. There is aplanned development of around 65 houses in the area between Eastfield andStallingborough Road. Thereafter only infill or building on brownfield sites, ofwhich there are very few, will be allowed under the existing West LindseyDistrict Council Local Planning framework.
Other statistical figures for Keelby, relative to those nationally, according tothe 2001 census are:
Keelby % Nationally %Religion Christian 84.1 71.8Owner Occupied House 85.3 68.9Private Rented House 6.3 11.9Council/ Housing Association Rented 8.5 19.2Houses with 2 or more cars 41.6 29.4Persons in Employment 66.8 60.6
Source: 2001 Census, ONS
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Village Amenities
Background
The Village Green is the main focal point for recreation in the village, althoughmost of the major sporting facilities will be moving to the new SportsDevelopment at Stallingborough Road over the next twelve months. When theVillage Green was bequeathed to the village there was a clause in the deedsthat specified that the green would be left to the village for recreationalpurposes “in perpetuity”. Thus legally it cannot be used for any other purpose,such as house building or business use. Decisions will have to be maderegarding the future of the Tennis Courts and Pavilion currently sited on theGreen. Adjacent to the Village Green is the children’s Play Area.
There are many sporting, social and recreational groups currently in thevillage; these are covered in more detail under the Leisure and Recreationpart of this document and listed in the Appendix.
The existing Village Hall was used as a church hall until 1982 when it wasbought on behalf of the village. £20,000 was collected by fund raising in the
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village and the balance of the purchase price obtained through grants. TheHall is run by a committee and, as well as public performances, it is alsorented out for specific events, or to other groups who use it on a regular basis.It was voted Lincolnshire “Village Hall of the Year” in 2000.
Public transport to and from the village is provided by Stagecoach whose X1service runs from New Waltham to Hull, via Grimsby, on an hourly basiscalling at the village.
Questionnaire Analysis
Village Hall70% of respondents are happy with the Village Hall facilities, and are likely touse them sometimes rather than frequently. The most frequent uses arecommunity groups, leisure activities and public performances.
Village Green54% of respondents would like extra seating, 42% more landscaping. 37% aresatisfied with the green as it is.
Children’s Play Area64% are satisfied with the children’s play area. The most frequentlymentioned areas for improvement were more waste bins, more shade andextra equipment.
Old Sports PavilionMost people believe that it should be developed for some form of communityuse. The Parish Council remains open to further ideas, when it is vacated inthe autumn of 2008.
Benches61% of people requested more benches around the village, particularly nearthe Village Green, the shops, the cemetery, at bus stops and interspacedaround the village.
Bus ServicesBus services have improved significantly since the introduction of the X1service. 46% of respondents would like to see additional routes, especially aroute to Immingham. There is concern about access to timetablinginformation, bus stop locations/shelters, access for the disabled and reliabilityof services.
Allotments78 people expressed an interest in renting an allotment.
General ConclusionsOver 81% of respondents are happy with the amenities provided in Keelby.
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Short Term Actions
1. Improve landscaping of the Village Green by encouraging theparticipation of community groups.
2. Improve the existing seating on the Village Green and around thevillage.
3. Improve the look of the area around both the old tennis courts and thepavilion.
4. Increase the number of waste bins and improve the collection of wastebins in the play area.
5. Investigate financing the planting of some semimature trees to giveshade in the play area.
6. Request the provision of permanent bus timetables at key pointsaround the village.
Long Term Actions
1. Resolve future use and maintenance of the old tennis courts andpavilion.
2. Improve the environment in the play area and extend the range ofequipment provided.
3. Investigate the feasibility of introducing more bus routes from Keelby,especially to Immingham.
4. Investigate the feasibility of providing allotments.5. Provision of shelters and disabled access facilities for bus stops.
Particular Help Needed
Ø Volunteers to oversee Village Green maintenance and development.Ø Community groups to sponsor and be involved with landscaping.Ø Specialist knowledge to advise on planting etc.Ø Expertise on fundraising and sourcing of finance.
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Planning and Housing
Background
During most of the 20th century, Keelby had a fairly static population andhousing stock. The 1961 National Census reported Keelby as having apopulation of 777 living in 294 houses. However, largescale developmentcommenced in the 1970s and went on for some 20 years to the late 1980s.There has been no largescale development since then although there hasbeen some infill development. At the present time the population stands atapproximately 2200, and there are just over 900 houses in the village. Thusthe village has trebled in terms of population and in the number of dwellingsover the last 40 years.
In June 2006 West Lindsey District Council formally adopted the WestLindsey Local Plan 2006. The Plan sets out the framework for the future ofland use in West Lindsey up to the year 2016, and will be the primaryconsideration in decision making on individual planning applications until thattime. The Plan defines numerous locations for development in its area,particularly in the market towns of Gainsborough, Market Rasen and Caistor.There is only one location earmarked for development in Keelby, comprisingland to the north and north east of the Eastfield estate, bordered byStallingborough Road and the new Sports Development (specified in the Planas K2/K4). Outline planning permission has been given for the developmentof 65 houses. However this could change once detailed plans are submitted.Any other development would be through infill or by use of brownfield sites.
It is worth noting that in the Local Plan, the target set for affordable housingwithin the district is 25%, which in the case of the above Keelby developmentwould be 17 houses. There are several policies outlined in the Local Plan inrelation to affordable housing, particularly: “West Lindsey District Council iscommitted to the aim of ensuring that local people have the opportunity of adecent home, which meets their need locally and at a price or rent that theycan afford”.
ACIS, the provider of social housing in West Lindsey, has also highlightedKeelby as a village with a “high need” but “low supply” of affordable housing,particularly for older people.
Questionnaire Analysis
It is apparent from the questionnaire analysis that a large majority (61%) arein favour/strongly in favour of no further development in the village, feelingthat further largescale development will lead to it losing its village feel and thecommunity spirit which so many residents value highly in Keelby. There wasalso an overwhelming majority (89%) against any future building on any of thegreen areas left in the village..If there is to be new development the majority want this to be on brownfieldsites, and only 19% are in favour of infill development.
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Many young couples came to Keelby during the 1970s and 1980s when largescale development took place and a high percentage of these have remainedhere. This can be seen from the results of the survey: over 61% ofrespondents have lived in the village for more than 20 years and over 32% formore than 30 years. The census for 2001 showed that Keelby had 5% morethan the national average for the 3059 age group and 5% less than thenational average for the 2029 age group. This shows that Keelbyincreasingly has an ageing population, something that may impact on anumber of aspects in the future.
A large majority of respondents (70%) also believe that efforts should bemade to provide small affordable housing for the use of people withconnections to Keelby. The requirement for small affordable homes falls intotwo distinct categories:
Smaller properties, either bungalows or shelteredaccommodation, for those getting older and wanting to remainand downsize in Keelby
Smaller housing, 1 or 2 bedroom properties, for the children ofpeople in the village who themselves wish to stay in Keelby andstart on the housing ladder
In terms of other planning issues the responses to the questionnaire indicatethat there is no wish for small industry. There is also no overall view on theneed for additional small businesses.
It is felt that more retail facilities would be an advantage, particularly a café /restaurant. The recently opened café at the Methodist Church could fulfillsome of this need. Whilst the Plan cannot recommend any action onadditional retail facilities in the village, the feelings expressed may be usefuldata for any potential provider of such facilities.
In the question asking whether residents wanted additional car parkingfacilities in the village, 34% are in favour and 66% against.
Short Term Actions
1. West Lindsey District Council should take full account of the planningviews expressed in the Parish Plan.
No further largescale development after that planned asspecified above (K2/K4) and that the planned development has25% affordable homes.
No green areas within the village to be built on. Further planning consent in the village to utilise brownfield sites. Infill of garden spaces should only be considered in exceptional
circumstances.2. The Parish Council, where appropriate, should ensure that these views
are forcibly expressed to West Lindsey District Council.
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.
Long Term Actions
1. The Parish Council meet monthly to consider planning applications andtheir determination should take account of the recommendations in theParish Plan.
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Community Services
Background
Local Education
Keelby Primary School provides education for children from reception, age 4or 5 years, up to Year 6 (which is age 11 years). Currently the school has aroll of 152 pupils.
The Ladybirds PreSchool, which is sited in the school grounds, caters forchildren from 2 years of age up to 4 years of age. Currently this playgroup hasa roll of 50 children.
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Secondary education is provided either at Caistor (two schools, one withselection, seven miles) or at Healing (comprehensive school, five miles) withfree coach services being provided to both for Keelby students. At Grimsby,Franklin College and Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Educationprovide tertiary education.
Youth Centre
At the present time 52 youngsters in the 1113 year old age group and 40teenagers in the 1319 year old age group access the Youth Centre, which isopen two nights per week. A wide range of projects and activities is providedfor the young people in accordance with the Youth Service curriculumguidelines. Curriculum Subject Areas include:
• personal and interpersonal development• citizenship and community• creative and expressive arts• preparing for work• sports and recreational development• independent living• healthy living• environmental awareness• cultural diversity• challenging prejudice and discrimination
Churches in Keelby
St. Bartholomew’s (Church of England) has an active membership that isgradually taking over a greater daytoday running of the church. Their aim isto bring the church into the community every day of the week and they offerSunday School, Churchwomen’s Guild, art group, whist drive, coffee morning,choir and, in conjunction with the Methodist Church, visits for the elderly.
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Keelby Methodist Church equally has a very active membership that is keento expand the services it offers to the community. These include ‘The edge’café, Guides, toddler group and prayer groups in addition to the Sundayservices and Sunday School. The Methodist Church also has a closerelationship with Healing with whom they share services.
Police
For policing purposes Lincolnshire is split into three Divisions and Keelby fallsinto the West Division whose Headquarters are at Nettleham near Lincoln.This Division is further split into six sectors, each commanded by anInspector. Keelby is in the Market Rasen sector and each sector contains anumber of Neighbourhood Policing teams. The Caistor NeighbourhoodPolicing team is responsible for Keelby and currently consists of a CommunityBeat Manager, who is a fulltime Police Officer, and two Community SupportOfficers.
Neighbourhood Policing is the police services’ commitment to improvingquality of life by working together with partners, targeting the issues that thepublic identify as those that matter. The aim of Neighbourhood Policing is todeliver the right people, at the right time, in the right places and in the rightnumbers in order to create neighbourhoods that are safe and feel safe.
Questionnaire Analysis
Youth Club OpeningThere is support for increasing the opening of the Youth Centre to fourevenings each week.
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Cycle Lanes around the VillageThe survey shows that a majority of respondents are strongly in favour ofcycle lanes around the village, particularly in the vicinity of the school.
Traffic CalmingThe survey shows that traffic calming, especially around the school, isfavoured by 67% of respondents.
Mini Recycling Bins69 % of respondents are in favour of mini recycling bins to be made availableto both preschool and primary school children.
Neighbourhood WatchThere is a large majority (85%) of respondents in favour of developing a moreautonomous Neighbourhood Watch scheme. At this time the NeighbourhoodWatch Groups are controlled from Gainsborough which appears to begeographically too far away from Keelby.
Short Term Actions
1. Increase the opening of the Youth Centre to four evenings each week.
2. Increase the number of Neighbourhood Watch groups in the village.
3. Consider the development of a more local autonomous NeighbourhoodWatch Committee for the village.
4. Review the policing of the village
Long Term Actions
1. Consider implementation of cycle lanes in the vicinity of the school andto consider the need for traffic calming measures in roads around theschool.
Particular Help Needed
Ø Volunteers will be needed to act as Neighbourhood Watch coordinatorsfor their local areas.
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Health and Welfare
Background
Health provision in Keelby is based around the Health Centre in PelhamCrescent. This is a branch of the Roxton Practice whose main provision, thePilgrim Primary Care Centre, is in Immingham. The Keelby surgery providesconsulting rooms for GPs, nurses (including nurse practitioners, counsellingand phlebotomy) and an attached Health Visitor. There is also a dispensary toissue prescribed medication.
The practice endeavours to provide two GP surgeries each morning and oneeach evening. Treatment room nursing is available as well as nurse ledchronic disease clinics e.g. diabetes and heart disease. Phlebotomy servicesare provided in the morning and there are a number of counselling serviceseach week. Patients can consult at Immingham if they prefer or if they wish tosee a particular doctor.
The building itself is owned by the Primary Care Trust and was upgraded afew years ago. However it is restricted in size and has a limited outstandinglifespan, probably in the region of another five years. The practice is currentlylooking for possible sites on which to build new surgery premises in thevillage. An obvious concern is that if a suitable site cannot be found and thecurrent building becomes unsuitable then the level of services provided by thePractice in Keelby could deteriorate. This would clearly be undesirable for thevillage.
Welfare facilities are the responsibility of the Lincolnshire County Council. Forthe Keelby area, there are two offices in Market Rasen responsible for adultsocial care. One looks after physical disabilities and overall social care for theover 65’s, including home care, respite care, community meals and
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independent living schemes. The other office deals with learning difficultiesincluding the provision of day care facilities.
There is also an office at Gainsborough that is responsible for Children andFamily Services covering family centres and day care for children, fosteringand adoption, child protection and children with disabilities.
LIVES
The Keelby First Responder Group was formed and initially trained inSeptember 2002 going ‘live’ on 1st October that year. From a start of twelvemembers trained and equipped to provide emergency care to patientssuffering from cardiac arrest, breathing difficulty, collapse and chest pains;there are now six active members, three of whom are trained to attendadditional calls to trauma incidents and nonentrapment road traffic collisions.The aim is to try to provide full time cover to Keelby and the district area, butthis can be dependent on members’ shift patterns therefore new members /volunteers would be welcomed (contact Keelby Group Coordinator GeoffTaylor on 01469 560837).
Questionnaire Analysis
94% of respondents are satisfied or fairly satisfied with health provision in thevillage.
98% of respondents are satisfied or fairly satisfied with welfare services.
Suggestions for services not already in place include a dental surgery,chiropodist, meals on wheels and for other services provided only atImmingham be made available in Keelby.
72% of those responding believed that there was sufficient provision in thevillage with regard to mother and toddler groups. However, in relation tochildcare for working parents, 52% of those responding believed that therewas insufficient out of school provision.
On the question of pavements the majority of respondents believe that theyare adequate for normal use, but there was more concern expressedregarding their suitability for those using wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Voluntary Car SchemeEncouragingly 15 residents indicated that they would be prepared to offertheir services in providing transport to clinics and hospital appointments etc. topeople without transport of their own and who would have difficulty inaccessing public transport. In addition, 22 residents said that they would makeuse of such a service, were it to be made available.
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Short Term Actions
1. Review the pavements in the village in relation to their fitness for useby wheelchair and pushchair users.
2. Review the need for a Voluntary Car Scheme in the village.
Longer Term Actions
1. Support the Roxton Practice in obtaining satisfactory premises withinthe village.
2. Support and encourage the development of further primary healthcareactivities in the village e.g. dental and chiropody services.
Particular Help Needed
Ø New members / volunteers would be welcomed by LIVES (contactKeelby Group Coordinator Geoff Taylor on 01469 560837).
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Leisure and Recreation
Background
Most organised leisure and recreational activities have to date taken place onthe Village Green or in the Village Hall. Cricket, tennis and junior / seniorsoccer have been played on the green, while indoor activities have centred onthe Village Hall. The village has had thriving soccer and cricket clubs for manyyears and more recently there has been great development via the juniorsoccer section with boys’ and girls’ football now offered. In the 1980s apavilion was built, with significant contributions from volunteers and the localcommunity, to provide improved facilities for changing and showering.
Recently a new sporting development has been completed on StallingboroughRoad encompassing a pavilion, cricket pitch, soccer areas, a bowling green,two tennis courts and a skate park. Some of these activities are alreadyavailable while others will come on stream over the next 12 months. When thesports clubs fully move to this new facility the present pavilion and the twotennis courts on the Village Green will be redundant and decisions will need tobe made as to their future use.
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The Village Hall, run by a committee of representatives of villageorganisations and independent members, is a focus for many social andrecreational activities place that benefit the people of the village. It is hired outto groups for activities such as Women’s Institute, uniformed organisations,dance classes for different ages, snooker, badminton and also for both groupand private social gatherings.
The Village Library, which also offers online computer access, is operated byLincolnshire County Council. In 2007 at the time the questionnaire wascirculated it opened on four days a week for a total of 14 hours.
The village also has a rifle shooting range, Youth Club and the two villageChurches also offer recreational facilities.
Some of the main organised leisure and recreation activities in the village arelisted in Appendix 2.
Questionnaire Analysis
Some form of organised activity in the village is undertaken by 51% ofrespondents. Of those facilities not on offer, the most popular appears to be agym/fitness suite.
The library is well used 66% responded that they used the library at leastoccasionally. The majority were content with the current opening hours.However, from 1st May 2008 the hours will be reduced by four with a furthertwo hours being provided by a mobile library.
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With regard to the future use of the old Tennis Courts, 42% want them toremain as tennis courts, 25% favoured a basketball court and 21% want themto be removed and grassed over.
Short Term Actions
1. Lobby for the restoration of the previous opening hours at the VillageLibrary.
2. Further encourage all age groups to take up activities within the village.
3. Produce a directory of all clubs/groups within the village with contactnames and details and for this directory to be circulated to allhouseholds in the village.
4. Develop a Keelby website to include details of all sporting andrecreational activities as well as the directory of clubs/societies andtheir officials. This would allow advertisements of forthcoming activities(and perhaps raise revenue through local business advertising).
5. Organise a Parish Plan Open Day to publicise the production of thePlan and to advertise the clubs/societies.
Longer Term Actions
1. Continue to progress the new Sports Development and support thework of the Sports Development Officer.
2. Strengthen the relationships between the Village School, SportsDevelopment Officer and the Sports Association.
3. Retain the pavilion and old tennis courts on the Village Green as acommunity/recreational/sporting/leisure facility.
4. Extend links outside the community to maximise the use of the newfacilities, which may be a way of raising funds to upkeep, maintain andimprove the sports field.
Particular Help Needed
Ø Financial assistance will be required to fulfill these aims, in particularthrough the councils and/or local businesses for major projects.
Ø Volunteers will be needed to help maintain links between the localbodies and run/organise/assist with individual clubs and societies.
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Environment
Background
The heritage of rural/agricultural life is evident and part of present day Keelby.Our village is surrounded by open fields and footpaths. It is situated on aspring line and is the source of two becks.
The Cothams, to the north of the village, is the site of a Cistercian monasteryand later a manor house. Some of the old walls and fish ponds are still inevidence today and the site is maintained by English Heritage. At the edge ofthe parish, near Roxton Woods, there is a strip of roadside verge recognisedas being of local importance owing to its orchid population. Evidence of Saxonsettlement has been found near Caddle Wood and there is otherarchaeological evidence in a field behind Hollies Farm.
There is some land in the area between the A18 and Stone Pit Lane that isowned by the Parish Council. It is a grassed over old refuse tip that has beenleft to grow wild.
Questionnaire Analysis
The majority of residents would like to see improvements to village roadsparticularly around St. Martin’s Place, lower speed limits (67%) and a morefrequent police presence to deter traffic violations (91%).
A large majority (72%) want speed limits reduced on the A18 in Keelby.
Wherever possible 88% of respondents believe that parents should beencouraged to walk, rather than drive, their children to Keelby Primary School.
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A large majority of households (87%) would recycle more green waste if thegreen bin was provided free of charge.
82% of households would like to see the grass verges planted with bulbs and85% would like to see the verges cut more regularly.
Respondents heavily support the idea (86%) of approaching local landownersto help preserve our local wildlife and habitats.
Residents see value in having a local information board displaying a map ofthe village, its amenities and parish footpaths. Encouragingly many residents,105 in total, are prepared to volunteer their services to help a litter task forceto “Keep Keelby Clean”.
Short Term Actions
1. Survey and where appropriate reduce speed limits in and around thevillage and review traffic congestion around St Martin’s Place.
2. Initiate the creation of a local conservation group to assist in improvingthe overall appearance of the village and identifying areas that could beset aside for nature within the village
3. Establish a litter task force of volunteers prepared to help keep thevillage tidy.
4. Improve verge maintenance.
5. Request local businesses to maintain and improve the outwardaesthetics of their premises.
6. Provision of green waste bins free of charge and also provision of aregular, mobile recycling service for larger volumes of waste.
7. Encourage a “Walk Children to School” campaign for Keelby PrimarySchool children.
8. Creation and maintenance of local information boards displaying avillage map, list of street names, places of interest, local walks and thelocation of local amenities and businesses.
Long Term Actions
1. Development of a long term conservation strategy for the parish, whichwill ultimately improve the local environment for the benefit of villagepeople, plants and animals.
2. Encourage residents and businesses to improve the villageappearance and to help people to love to live and work together in thevillage.
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3. Consider the Parish Council land at the A18/Stone Pit Lane junction forany future environmental or conservation initiatives.
Particular Help Needed
Ø Interested parties are required to help kick start a litter task force and /or a wildlife conservation / awareness group.
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Local Business
At the present time, businesses with premises in the village are:
Retail Outlets:Post Office, St Martin’s PlaceKeelby Village Stores, St. Martin’s PlaceSpar Supermarket, St Martin’s PlaceThe Chip Inn, Victoria RoadGeorgios, Victoria RoadMagic Wok, King Street
Hairdressers/Beauticians:Skizzers, St. Martin’s PlaceJo’s, Yarborough RoadBliss, St Martin’s Place
Public Houses:Nags Head, Manor StreetKings Head, Victoria Road
There is also Somerscales woodyard on the outskirts of the village off RoxtonLane, Stones Furniture in Church Lane and Peter Green Motors on the A18.
There are numerous other businesses in the village without specific businesspremises, including; builders, plumbers, electricians, joiners, hairdressers,vehicle services, taxi services, decorators, IT services, gardening services,haulage contractors, registered child minders, florists, hospitality providers,ironing services, photographers, caterers, reiki therapy, roofing services.
Agriculture now employs significantly fewer people than in previous times;however a significant area of the land in the parish is given over to farming.Agriculture is now based essentially on three locations Hollies Farm onSouth Street, Keelby Grange off Brocklesby Road and the Manor Farmbuildings on Stone Pit Lane. Mixed husbandry has given way to an almostcompletely arable format.
As part of the Parish Plan process, businesses were contacted regarding anyissues but there were no overriding items raised.
Replies to the Questionnaire confirmed satisfaction with the current position inrelation to village businesses. However, there was also some support foradditional retail outlets namely: butchers, bakers and café (although “Theedge” at the Chapel has since opened).
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Acknowledgements
Many thanks to all those who have helped with the production of this ParishPlan.
Steering Group: Adrian Mitchell (Chair), Les Allen (Secretary), Dianne Fytche,Jane Mitchell, Sean Thrippleton, Mark Turner, Howard Bunting, Mary Bunting,Bill Scutcher, Owen Bierley (District Councillor), Geoff Hirst (Parish CouncilRepresentative).
All the members of the various working groups:Village AmenitiesCommunity ServicesEnvironmentHealth and WelfareLeisure and RecreationPlanning and Housing
Everyone who attended the early meetings in 2007 that helped get the wholeprocess going.
Those who assisted in delivery, collection and analysis of questionnaires.
Fiona Lowe of Community Lincs.
Stuart Davis (Clerk to Keelby Parish Council) for his help in the early stages ofthe Parish Plan process.
Special thanks to John and Betsy Sullivan at the Post Office, where over 250completed questionnaires were deposited.
The Steering Committee particularly thank everyone who completed andreturned the questionnaire as they have contributed to the mostcomprehensive survey and feedback of village opinion ever undertaken.
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Appendix 1 – Action Plan
The following appendices outline the actions that have to be taken in order toimplement the outcomes from the Plan. There is one appendix for each of themain public authorities servicing the village (Appendices 1a to 1c):Lincolnshire County Council; West Lindsey District Council; Keelby ParishCouncil. Appendix 1d relates to actions which fall upon volunteer groupswithin the village.
Appendix 1a – Lincolnshire County Council/Police Actions
Support Action Timing
Request the provision of permanent bus timetables at keypoints around the village.
2008
Investigate the feasibility of introducing more bus routes fromKeelby, especially to Immingham.
2009
Provision of shelters and disabled access facilities for busstops.
2009
Increase the opening of the Youth Centre to four eveningseach week.
2009
Consider implementation of cycle lanes in the vicinity of theschool and to consider the need for traffic calming measures inroads around the school.
2008
Review the pavements in the village in relation to their fitnessfor use by wheelchair and pushchair users.
2008
Survey and where appropriate reduce speed limits in andaround the village and review traffic congestion around StMartin’s Place.
2008
Improve verge maintenance. 2008Increase the number of Neighbourhood Watch groups in thevillage.
2008
Consider the development of a more local autonomousNeighbourhood Watch Committee for the village.
2008
Review the policing of the village. 2008
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Appendix 1b – West Lindsey District Council Actions
Support Action Timing
West Lindsey District Council should take full account of theplanning views expressed in the Parish Plan.
No further largescale development after thatplanned as specified above (K2/K4) and that theplanned development has 25% affordable homes.
No green areas within the village to be built on. Further planning consent in the village to utilise
brownfield sites.Infill of garden spaces should only be considered in exceptionalcircumstances.
Ongoingfrom 2008
Provision of green waste bins free of charge and also provisionof a regular, mobile recycling service for larger volumes ofwaste.
2008
Creation and maintenance of local information boardsdisplaying a village map, list of street names, places of interest,local walks and the location of local amenities and businesses.
2009
Appendix 1c – Keelby Parish Council Actions
Support Action Timing
The Parish Council, where appropriate, should ensure thatviews on planning matters are forcibly expressed to WestLindsey District Council.
Ongoingfrom 2008
The Parish Council meet monthly to consider planningapplications and their determination should take account of therecommendations in the Parish Plan.
Ongoing
Improve the existing seating on the Village Green and aroundthe village.
2008
Improve the look of the area around both the old tennis courtsand the pavilion.
2008
Investigate financing the planting of some semimature trees togive shade in the play area.
2008
Resolve future use and maintenance of the old tennis courtsand pavilion.
2008
Improve the environment in the play area and extend the rangeof equipment provided.
2008
Investigate the feasibility of providing allotments. 2010Support the Roxton Practice in obtaining satisfactory premiseswithin the village.
Ongoing
Support the development of further primary healthcareactivities in the village e.g. dental and chiropody services.
Ongoing
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Lobby for the restoration of the previous opening hours at theVillage Library.
2008
Further encourage all age groups to take up activities withinthe village.
Ongoing
Produce a Directory of all clubs/groups within the village withcontact names and details and for this directory to be circulatedto all households in the village.
2009
Develop a Keelby website to include details of all sporting andrecreational activities as well as the directory of clubs/societiesand their officials. This would allow advertisements offorthcoming activities (and perhaps raise revenue through localbusiness advertising).
2008
Continue to progress the new Sports Development and supportthe work of the Sports Development Officer.
Ongoingfrom 2008
Strengthen the relationships between the Village School,Sports Development Officer and the Sports Association.
Ongoingfrom 2008
Retain the pavilion and old tennis courts on the Village Greenas a community/recreational/sporting/leisure facility.
2008
Initiate the creation of a local conservation group to assist inimproving the overall appearance of the village and identifyingareas that could be set aside for nature within the village.
2008
Establish a litter task force of volunteers prepared to help keepthe village tidy.
2008
Creation and maintenance of local information boardsdisplaying a village map, list of street names, places of interest,local walks and the location of local amenities and businesses.
2009
Development of a long term conservation strategy for theparish, which will ultimately improve the local environment forthe benefit of village people, plants and animals.
2010
Encourage residents and businesses to improve the villageappearance and to help people to love to live and worktogether in the village.
Ongoing
Consider the Parish Council land at the A18/Stone Pit Lanejunction for any future environmental or conservation initiatives.
2009
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Appendix 1d – Keelby Residents Volunteer Actions
Support Action Timing
Respond positively to initiatives to Improve landscaping of theVillage Green.
2008
Participate in Neighbourhood Watch groups in the village. 2008Support the lobby for the restoration of the previous openinghours at the Village Library.
2008
Further encourage all age groups to take up activities withinthe village.
Ongoing
Extend links outside the community to maximize the use of thenew facilities, which may be a way of raising funds to upkeep,maintain and improve the sports field.
Ongoing
Support and participate in the creation of a local conservationgroup to assist in improving the overall appearance of thevillage, identifying areas that could be set aside for naturewithin the village and the development of a long termconservation strategy.
2008
Support and participate in a litter task force of volunteersprepared to help keep the village tidy.
2008
Support a “Walk Children to School” campaign for KeelbyPrimary School children.
2008
Drivers required for the Voluntary Car Scheme. 2008Work actively to improve the appearance of the village. Ongoing
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Appendix 2
Keelby Organisations
BrowniesGuidesCubsBeaversKeelby Youth Centre
Keelby LIVES First RespondersWomen’s InstituteGardening ClubKeelby Krafties (Social Activity Group, Age Concern Lindsey)Keelby Twinning AssociationWorkers Educational Association (Keelby Branch)Luncheon Club (Age Concern Lindsey)Friends of Keelby SchoolGood Companions
Keelby Bowls ClubKeelby Cricket ClubKeelby Football ClubKeelby Tennis ClubKeelby Rifle Club
Other Sports and Recreation Facilities in Keelby
Badminton (Keelby Village Hall)Snooker (Keelby Village Hall)Dancing modern, ballroom, tap, line dancing (Keelby Village Hall)WalkingWeight Watchers (Keelby School)Yoga (Keelby School)