And Now For the Good News

Cllr Pat O'Connor

Given what is happening in the country it is not surprising that there is a certain amount of negativity about some of the issues that affect our town. Last week I saw some examples of positive action. On Monday there was a meeting for potential unpaid governors of a new NHS Trust to oversee medical services including our own John Coupland Hospital. It was a chance to question the authorities on their plans and discuss some of the current issues that are affecting Gainsborough. On Thursday I attended the Corporate Parenting Panel of Lincolnshire County Council. Although it is over a decade since I sat on the Lincolnshire Adoption panel it was pleasing to see that standards were as high as ever and in some cases the highest in the country. We should all thank the many adoptive and foster parents in the town who are providing a sterling service to children that need a loving environment.

Last week my Liberal Democrat colleague, Education Minister David Laws, announced that the pupil premium paid to primary schools to enable more pupils from disadvantaged back grounds to achieve higher standards will be increased in April 2014 from £900 to £1300 per annum per pupil. This 44% rise in the pupil premium next year is the largest cash rise so far. It will support disadvantaged pupils to be equipped for secondary school and achieve ambitious expectations for pupil's knowledge and ability by the end of their primary education. Early intervention is crucial: the more disadvantaged pupils who leave primary school with good reading skills and an aptitude for numbers, the greater their chances of achieving good GCSEs.

On Friday a visit to Lea Road Station revealed the good work done by volunteers of the Station Adoption Group. The long neglected forecourt has been cleared, white paint appears on the iron gate posts and car parking spaces. The volunteers now want to paint the wood work of the entrance and the ramp to the platform. It is a case of many hands make light work so if you can spare a morning to help make this gateway to our town become presentable call John Butler on 01427 611004. I am pleased that the County Council, although not responsible for railway, property is giving practical support to the volunteers. It's part of the Council's holistic approach to improving life for all its citizens.