Long Leys Community

Help Wanted: Travel Workshop to Support the Long Leys Neighbourhood Plan

at Discovery Café 6-7.30pm Wed 18 September

As part of developing the Long Leys Neighbourhood Plan, LLRA is holding a series of workshops to explore different topics at Discovery Café, St. Georges Hospital. These are:

* Travel: Wednesday 18 September
* Green Space and Habitats: Wednesday 9 October
* Community Energy: Wednesday 23 October
* Facilities: Wednesday 13 November
* Future Housing: Wednesday 27 November

The workshops will all run 6pm -7.30pm and will be facilitated by Steve Kemp from Open Plan (planning consultants).

If you have an interest in any topic and wish to contribute to the efforts to them, please do book your place by emailing your contact details to: [email protected]. This will allow us to send advance information out before the day. All residents welcome. Please let us know by 2pm on Wednesday 18 September if you are attending the Travel workshop so we can organise accordingly.

The workshops are intended to:

* Provide a strengthened evidence base for the plan;
* Get a better feel for community views and aspirations for each topic and the plan as a whole;
* Assist in developing a shared vision, a set of core objectives and a set of policy topics and intentions.

For the Travel Workshop, areas to explore include:
* Future walking and cycling routes
* Bus usage and services
* Road safety and traffic calming
* How travel policies influence other topic areas (joined-up planning).

LLRA’s thanks go to St. George’s Hospital for allowing use of their facilities.

Read more: https://long-leys.org/help-wanted-travel-workshop-to-support-the-long-leys-neighbourhood-plan-at-discovery-cafe-6-7-30pm-wed-18-september/

New Saxilby – Lincoln 77 Bus Timetable as of Monday 2 September

PC Coaches have revised the Saxilby – Lincoln service timetable with effect from Monday 2 September 2024. The 8:09 service from Long Leys to Lincoln bus station now also runs during school days Monday to Saturday.

Note: For those who don’t often use the 77 service, since April 2024 buses stop only on Long Leys Road. The bus stop on Carram way is no longer visited.

Read more: https://long-leys.org/new-saxilby-lincoln-77-bus-timetable-as-of-monday-2-september/

Update: Closure of Albion Crescent / Burton Road Roundabout Footpath

LLRA has been updated by the Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) footpath team on the closure of the uphill section of footpath 3 (the footpath that goes from Albion Crescent to the Burton Road roundabout by the Shell garage). Following subsidence, the footpath has been temporarily closed since February 2024.

The closure has now been extended until at least December 2025. Due to recent further degradation of the footpath, fencing will now be placed both above and below the subsidence by the quarry to prevent access. This measure is to ensure people’s safety.

The LCC team are exploring various options. These include:

Option A: Piling to try and repair the existing path. A civil engineering firm will offer a view on the viability and cost of potential long-term solutions.

Option B: A “Creation Order” to effectively divert the footpath route across Newt Hollow and Hobblers Hole to link up with the footpath at Whittons Park.

LLRA’s initial impression is that the cost of Option A may be prohibitively high. Consequently LCC may conclude that the better overall solution would be to spend any money made available on improving the surface of Option B, to make it walkable in all weathers. Option B would add circa 200 meters to journeys previously using the old route and require the agreement of City of Lincoln Council, owners of Hobblers Hole.

As soon as LLRA has further news it will share it.

Read more: https://long-leys.org/update-closure-of-albion-crescent-burton-road-roundabout-footpath/

Our next Breakfast Bird Watching Walk will be on the 8th August from 8am at the South Common, followed by breakfast at Southside.

Book here to reserve your place https://contact.lincoln.gov.uk/service/Community_Engagement_Events or contact us on [email protected]

This is a fantastic initiative and the grandstand talks are well worth attending if you are interested in Lincoln's history.
In addition there are some organised birdwatching walks. The next one is on South Common. See below for details.
16th September 8am-10am £5
Join expert birder and keen naturalist Steve Lovell for a morning of bird watching. You'll have a chance to spot a variety of birds as you travel through the characteristic open grassland of South Common.
The walk finishes at 10am and will be followed by a delicious breakfast (included in price). Booking is essential, please email us on [email protected] to reserve your spot.

Latest dates for the upcoming Local History Cafes! For booking please see the link on the pinned post at the top of our page, or email [email protected]

Latest dates for the upcoming Local History Cafes! For booking please see the link on the pinned post at the top of our page, or email [email protected]

LLRA’s 2024 AGM was held on Tuesday 11 June 2024, kindly hosted at the Discovery Cafe at St. George’s Hospital.

Read the AGM and Community Meeting Summaries here (includes summary of Long Leys Resident Survey) :
https://long-leys.org/2024-llra-agm-and-community-meeting-summary/

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Here are all of our upcoming Local History Cafe Talks each month, we have a great line up for you!

Follow the link in our pinned posts at the top of our page to book online, or email us at: [email protected]

LLRA IS PLEASED to remind residents that its 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and a Community Meeting will be held at Discovery Café, St George’s Hospital. All Long Leys residents are welcome to attend.

As well as an update on the Long Leys Neighbourhood Plan and Resident Survey Results, there will be an update from our County Councillor on various traffic issues on Long Leys Road and the recent closure of the Albion Crescent/ Burton Road footpath.
6.30pm Tuesday 11 June 2024.

Read more + how to find the Discovery Cafe: https://long-leys.org/llra-agm-community-meeting-6-30pm-tues-11-june-discovery-cafe-st-georges-hospital/

West Common Nature Walk – Saturday 8 June 10.30 am

Come and explore, in a 90 minute walk, the flora and fauna of West Common. Led by Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust trustee Caroline Steel, the walk will explore some of the exciting features of our valued local space, including the rare Small Water Pepper.

To book and find out more visit: https://long-leys.org/west-common-nature-walk-saturday-8-june-10-30am/

Image: Small Water Pepper on West Common (Courtesy of Caroline Steel).

Book a space for our Breakfast Bird Watching Walk, taking place on Friday the 7th of June

Spaces for this event are limited, booking is required. Please email: [email protected] to secure a place.

West Common Nature Walk – Saturday 8 June 10.30 am

LLRA is delighted that Caroline Steel, one of the Trustees of Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, is leading a guided walk on the West Common to talk about wildlife and how the community can help protect flora and fauna.

The (free) guided walk will run:

10:30am – 12:00 noon on Saturday 8 June.
To book please email [email protected] with your contact details and number attending. We will email confirmation of your booking and then provide more details on the location to meet nearer the time. Early booking is advised, as previous events were fully booked.

Well behaved dogs (on leads) are welcome.

Read more: https://long-leys.org/west-common-nature-walk-saturday-8-june-10-30am/

LLRA AGM & Community Meeting: 6.30pm Tues 11 June – Discovery Cafe, St. George’s Hospital

LLRA IS PLEASED to announce its 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and a Community Meeting will be held at Discovery Café, St George’s Hospital. All Long Leys residents are welcome to attend.

AGM topics include:

* 2023/24 Financial report.
* Resolution on updating the LLRA constitution.
* Management Committee elections.

Community Meeting topics include:

* Long Leys Neighbourhood Plan progress.
* Update on the recent resident survey.
* Feedback from Carholme City and County Councillors.

Read more: https://long-leys.org/llra-agm-community-meeting-6-30pm-tues-11-june-discovery-cafe-st-georges-hospital/

Lincoln Grand Prix Sunday 12 May 2024 + Road Closures

Lincoln Grand Prix Cycling comes to Lincoln on Sunday 12 May with two races on an 8-mile circuit that includes Long Leys Road. The women’s race starts at 9am from Castle Square and is 8 laps of the course (63 miles). The men’s race starts at 1pm and is 13 laps of the course (103 miles).

As for previous events, a one-way system will be introduced for the day on Long Leys Road with inward access from the A57 only and outward access via Yarborough Road. Side road access onto Long Leys Road will be managed by volunteer stewards. Please listen to the instructions of the stewards who are there to protect the safety of both riders and residents.

Read more: https://long-leys.org/lincoln-grand-prix-sunday-12-may-2024-road-closures/

Last Chance to Complete Your Long Leys Resident Survey.

SURVEY DEADLINE: Tues 30 April 2024.
For those who haven't yet completed and returned it, there is still time to complete the Long Leys resident survey posted through your door at the start of April. Details on how to return completed surveys are given on the front sheet of the survey.

**If you have misplaced the survey then email [email protected] with your address details and we can provide a replacement.

The responses will be used to guide the development of the Long Leys Neighbourhood Plan, giving our community the strongest means of influencing the future shape of our neighbourhood over the next 20 years through the planning system.

It will also be used to guide LLRA on any discussions with landowners and developers on their future plans.
Read background information on the Long Leys Neighbourhood Plan: https://long-leys.org/long-leys-neighbourhood-plan-now-underway-2/

Help Wanted: Long Leys Litter Pick Saturday 27 April 10am – 11.15am

As a follow-up to LLRA’s March Spring tidy-up, we are planning a further litter-pick session 10am – 11.15am on Saturday 27 April. If you would like to join us and assist in making our community a litter-free and more wildlife-friendly place then please email [email protected] with your contact details and numbers available. This session will focus on the footpaths and other areas that were too boggy to access in March.

Session details: Meet and return to the parking area on Long Leys Road by Whittons Park. LLRA will provide litter pickers, hi-vis vests, gloves and rubbish bags. What we need is a small amount of your time and a huge amount of your enthusiasm (and for you to wear robust, non-open-toed footwear!). Some of the paths are still muddy in places so for some routes walking boots would be best.

LLRA would like to thank Travis Perkins on Long Leys Road for their support by allowing the use of their general waste bins to dispose of the collected rubbish.

Read more: https://long-leys.org/help-wanted-long-leys-litter-pick-saturday-27-april-10am-11-15am/

Lincoln Grand Prix Sunday 12 May 2024 + Road Closures

Lincoln Grand Prix Cycling comes to Lincoln on Sunday 12 May with two races on an 8-mile circuit that includes Long Leys Road. The women’s race starts at 9am from Castle Square and is 8 laps of the course (63 miles). The men’s race starts at 1pm and is 13 laps of the course (103 miles).

See information for residents from race organisers:https://long-leys.org/pdf/App-L-2024-Residents-Letter.pdf

LONG LEYS ROAD ACCESS AND STEWARDING
As for previous events, a one-way system will be introduced for the day on Long Leys Road with inward access from the A57 only and outward access via Yarborough Road. Side road access onto Long Leys Road will be managed by volunteer stewards. Please listen to the instructions of the stewards who are there to protect the safety of both riders and residents.

Note: LLRA are pleased to advise that, with support from County Councillor Neil Murray, access to Long Leys Road via the Carholme Roundabout and A57 has been reinstated for residents requiring to get onto Long Leys Rd (plus anyone requiring access to the care home, hospital or allotments). The Carholme roundabout at the A46/57 will be signed as such.

If you are thinking of using your car between 8:30am and 4:45pm on Sunday 12 May then do allow extra time for your journey as there will inevitably be 10-20 minute delays for residents to get out of side roads. Access to Long Leys Road will not be possible at all between approx. 8:30am and 9:20am (when the first lap of the women’s race should be complete). The closure is to ensure that the course can be checked for hazards, including cars parked in a hazardous position on the route. Vehicles deemed to be parked in a permanent or temporarily no parking area, or in a hazardous position will present a danger to the competitors and may be moved by the organiser’s Vehicle Removal Contractors. Access will then be available every 15-20 minutes as each lap progresses. The trigger to opening Long Leys Road to access will be after the “sweep police BMW with a blue flashing light” has gone through. Long Leys Road will stay open until the race comes round again and the closures will be triggered by a lead police motorbike.

Timings may be adjusted for safety reasons, such as a racing crash.

WHERE TO WATCH THE RACE
Anywhere on Long Leys Road is a good place to watch the race from, with the spectacle of the peloton and the accompanying support vehicles, as it is less crowded than the start/finish area of Castle Hill and it is also easier to see lone breakaways trying to keep clear of the chasing pack before the uphill finish. When watching the race, do bear in mind there will be a number of support vehicles following the cyclists.

You can find out more about this and other races at: http://www.lincolngrandprix.co.uk/site/

Read more: https://long-leys.org/lincoln-grand-prix-sunday-12-may-2024-road-closures/

Help Wanted: Long Leys Litter Pick

Saturday 27 April 10am – 11.15am

As a follow-up to LLRA’s March Spring tidy-up, we are planning a further litter-pick session 10am – 11.15am on Saturday 27 April. If you would like to join us and assist in making our community a litter-free and more wildlife-friendly place then please email [email protected] with your contact details and numbers available. This session will focus on the footpaths and other areas that were too boggy to access in March.

Session details: Meet and return to the parking area on Long Leys Road by Whittons Park. LLRA will provide litter pickers, hi-vis vests, gloves and rubbish bags. What we need is a small amount of your time and a huge amount of your enthusiasm (and for you to wear robust, non-open-toed footwear!). Some of the paths are still muddy in places so for some routes walking boots would be best.

LLRA would like to thank Travis Perkins on Long Leys Road for their support by allowing the use of their general waste bins to dispose of the collected rubbish.

Thank you also to all those volunteers willing to “do their bit” for our community.

Read more: https://long-leys.org/help-wanted-long-leys-litter-pick-saturday-27-april-10am-11-15am/

Reminder: Please Complete Your Long Leys Resident Survey.

If you haven't already done it, please do take take ten minutes to complete the Long Leys resident survey posted through your door at the start of the month. Details on how to return completed surveys are given on the front sheet of the survey. If you haven’t received a printed survey then email [email protected] with your address details.

The responses will be used to guide the development of the Long Leys Neighbourhood Plan, giving our community the strongest means of influencing the future shape of our neighbourhood over the next 20 years through the planning system.

It will also be used to guide LLRA on any discussions with landowners and developers on their future plans.

Read background information on the Long Leys Neighbourhood Plan. https://long-leys.org/long-leys-neighbourhood-plan-now-underway-2/

Changes to Bus Timetable for 77 Saxilby to Lincoln Service

LLRA has been made aware that changes have recently been made to the 77 Saxilby to Lincoln bus service operated by PC Coaches. Changes were effective from 15 April 2024 and impact on both weekday and Saturday services.

Download full timetable as pdf:https://long-leys.org/pdf/77-Timetable-15-4-24-WEB.pdf

The operator, PC Coaches, advises:

Following the pandemic passenger numbers have not returned to the pre pandemic levels and with rising costs such as drivers wages, fuel and insurance this service has been losing money for some time and therefore we have had to review the route and timetable. Rather than cancel the whole service we have incorporated a short school run into the service which means there have been some changes to the timetable in the morning, however without making these changes we would be unable to continue operating the service at a loss.

Reda more: https://long-leys.org/changes-to-bus-timetable-for-77-saxilby-to-lincoln-service/

Long Leys Resident Survey – Please Complete the Survey Delivered to Your Home.

A Resident survey has recently been posted through the doors of all homes in the Long Leys Neighbourhood Plan area. Please do take the time to complete it. The responses will be used to guide the development of the Long Leys Neighbourhood Plan, giving the community the strongest means of influencing the future shape of our neighbourhood over the next 20 years through the planning system.

Details on how to return completed surveys are given on the front sheet of the survey. If you haven’t received a printed survey then email [email protected] with your address details.

Read background information on the Long Leys Neighbourhood Plan at https://long-leys.org/long-leys-neighbourhood-plan-now-underway-2/

Note: This survey is for Long Leys residents only. There will be future surveys with other stakeholders.

Thank You To The Long Leys Litter Picking Vounteers

A big thank you to the 25 enthusiastic volunteers who took to Long Leys Road on Saturday morning (9 March) armed with litter pickers and bin bags. The team split into smaller groups to make a clean sweep of the verges on Long Leys Road, from the Yarborough Road traffic lights to just past the A46 underpass as well as clearing the area around the Higson Steps. In total volunteers contributed 33 hours of their leisure time to making sure Long Leys is fit for Spring.

Our haul was just over 40 rubble sacks. These were kindly disposed of by our local Travis Perkins branch. In addition to general waste, we collected a bar stool and a cast iron fireplace which have gone for scrap metal.

Due to the current muddy state of the local footpaths, no attempt was made to go “off road” but this will be a focus for a second event which is planned for 10am-11:15am on Saturday 27 April. More details on this nearer the time.

Read more: https://long-leys.org/thank-you-to-the-long-leys-litter-picking-vounteers/

Image: A small part of the 40 bags of rubbish collected by volunteers from Long Leys Road and the Higson Step

Long Leys community supporting the LLRA Spring litter-pick this morning.

Foliage Cut Back By Long Leys Road Underpass

LLRA is pleased to report that, after many months of requesting it, the roadside verges on Long Leys Road by the A46 underpass have recently been cut back by the County Council Highways team. It is now possible to walk on the verges on either side, rather than walkers being forced into the road by the overgrown foliage on this section of Long Leys Road.

Our thanks go to Carholme County Councillor Neil Murray for ensuring this issue has received sufficient priority from the county council. It is hoped that this will now be maintained at this level or better on an ongoing basis.

Read more: https://long-leys.org/foliage-cut-back-by-long-leys-road-underpass/

Albion Crescent / Close Footpath Now Re-Opened

LLRA have been advised that the Albion Crescent/Close footpath has now been re-opened along its slightly modified route. The path will be pressure-washed in the next day or so. A fence will also be constructed alongside the footpath. Please be aware that building and landscaping work continues, so construction equipment will still be in operation in the area.

UPDATE: LLRA have received a couple of queries on the footpath closure. As background, the builder obtained permission from Lincolnshire County Council Highways and the Department of Transport to close the footpath for the duration of building work.
This is because Health and Safety guidance prevents builders from allowing the public to walk across construction sites, especially when heavy construction equipment is being operated. The closure or "stopping up" notice was granted for a 12 month period. The builder has gone out of their way to minimise the time the path was closed, to reduce inconvenience to residents, meaning the footpath was closed for a total of 4.5 months. No doubt we are all pleased to see it open again.

Read More: https://long-leys.org/albion-crescent-close-footpath-now-re-opened/

Reminder
Help Wanted: Long Leys Spring Tidy-Up
Saturday 9 March 10am – 11.15am.

Help make our community a litter-free and more wildlife-friendly place for Spring by supporting a Long Leys Spring tidy-up on Saturday 9 March, 10am – 11.15am. If you and your family can help then please email [email protected] with your contact details and numbers attending.

Meet and return to the green area in front of 132 Long Leys Road (close to the Albion Crescent turn-off). LLRA can provide litter pickers, hi-vis vests, gloves and rubbish bags to those wanting to help.

Read more: https://long-leys.org/community-help-wanted-long-leys-spring-tidy-up-saturday-9-march-10am-11-15am/

£2m roadworks to shut off central Lincoln road for the rest of the year The improvements are due to take seven months