Battle lines are drawn over the future of the Common
I AM a newcomer to the city so, based on those grounds, maybe the "antis" may dismiss my thoughts, but I find the whole regeneration of the West Common story a little Luddite.
As a born and bred yellowbelly, I have watched Lincoln's heavy engineering manufacturing disappear.
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HISTORIC LAND: The grandstand looking over part of the old race course on Lincoln's West Common. Picture: Chris Vaughan
I have watched as the city tries to remarket itself and keep jobs for its inhabitants and, more importantly, the children of the city.
And then, on the same day as Tesco announce that there are 300 applications for 16 jobs in Bracebridge Heath and during a period where an elected government leave us all in massive debt, a local councillor threatens a campaign of civil disobedience!
So there is a choice between horse racing returning to the city with a unique selling point with its adjacency to the city centre bringing work and investment, plus a boost to the local economy.
Or a suggestion from Dr Van der Zee that alternatively we build an education centre or museum.
And who pays for these? The taxpayer of course.
I'm sure the good doctor will find something rare in his search of the local wildlife, but may I suggest that he is guaranteed to find that old favourite, the NIMBY fly.
May I also suggest the doctor and Councillor Murray try looking at the bigger picture and do what's best for the working, and trying to get work, people of the city.
John Campion HIbaldstow Road, Lincoln.
HOW fantastic that an internationally acclaimed environmentalist like David Bellamy has joined those wanting to keep West Common as centuries' old Common Land for the enjoyment of all Lincoln residents.
The alternative is that we capitulate to those who only see such land in terms of private gain and pound signs.
Often their greed is dressed up in 'concern' for all residents.
I have great faith that the people of Lincoln will see this for what it is – a backdoor land-grab.
Once this spurious, constantly changing company achieves a lease of any type, then the door to the historic Commons has been well and truly wedged open.
Reports have been done in the past on both the bio-diversity and the archaeological features of West Common.
People of Lincoln, please say "No". The next, very important meeting of the Commons Advisory Panel is this Monday, July 26 at 6pm at the New Life Centre, 22 Newland, Lincoln.
It's your Common – use it or lose it!
Visit www.handsoffourcommon.co.uk and sign the petition and also write a letter to The Chief Executive, City Hall, Beaumont Fee, Lincoln.
Marguerite Howells Hewson Rd, Lincoln.
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by Robert Playford, Sheffield
Saturday, July 24 2010, 3:47PM
“The Proposed Masterplan for the Lincoln West Common will:
¿ To redefine how the West common is seen by the people of Lincoln, to provide an outstanding area of high quality green space that can be enjoyed by all
¿ Set out a Strategic Master plan to regenerate, reinvigorate and breathe new life into what is currently an uninspiring landscape
¿ reinforce local identity and enhance the physical character of the common, so shaping existing and future development
¿ maintain the visual amenity and increase the attractiveness of the locality to create a sense of civic pride
¿ raise property values and aid urban regeneration and Neighbourhood Renewal
¿ boost the economic potential of tourism, leisure and cultural activities
¿ provide a wide variety of cultural, social and community facilities, including seasonal activities such as fairs, festivals and concerts
¿ protect the historical, cultural and archaeological heritage
¿ illustrate and educate the contribution to health agendas eg. Reducing stress levels, by providing formal and informal recreational facilities
¿ provide popular outdoor educational facilities for schools and academic institutions
¿ improve physical and social inclusion including accessibility, particularly for young, disabled and older people
¿ offer alternative routes for circulation, including networks for walking and cycling and safer routes to school
¿ protect and enhance levels of biodiversity and ecological habitats
¿ provide environmental infrastructure toimprove water quality and flood control.
For more information check out:
http://www.lucidlandscapes.com/portfolio_2_linc.htm”
by Emma, Lincoln
Friday, July 23 2010, 7:09PM
“"Presumably he's hoping the students will hear about his campaign for civil disobedience and see him as some sort of cool Che Guevera character, as opposed to the ineffectual part-timer he actually is."
He'd better hope then that nobody lets slip he tried to get the students' pub crawl earlier this year banned, or they might see him as some sort of reactionary old fuddy duddy instead.
Oops.”
by richard crabbe, lincoln
Friday, July 23 2010, 5:29PM
“LRRC are trying to suggest that any course will not be subject to the requirements of a new build track. They claim it is a "reinstatement". However, the introduction of the British Horseracing Manual (updated 2010) states clearly that the rules apply to those wishing to modify or improve present facilities.
To quote:
"The purpose of the Racecourse Manual is to provide Racecourse Managing
Executives, Racecourse Managers, Clerks of the Course and Architects with
the basis of a blueprint of the ¿ideal' specification for those facilities necessary
for the conduct, integrity and safety of a raceday. On occasion, this
specification exceeds the minimum standards set out in the British
Horseracing Authority General Instructions (BHAGIs) and should be used by
those designing a new racecourse, or by existing racecourses wanting to
carry out modifications or developments to improve their present facilities."
For those who wish to see what this manual demands, follow the link:
http://www.britishhorseracing.com/image ... l_2008.pdf
Edited highlights include "EMERGENCY SERVICE ROADS
MANDATORY:
A service road must be provided, giving access to all parts of the racing
surface. For safety reasons, the service road must be suitable for all types of
vehicle and be made of tarmacadam. This ensures that all essential services
(such as doctors, ambulances, vets, horse ambulances and recovery
vehicles) can get to all parts of the course. Passing places must be included
for emergencies."
How odd that Karen Rastall should have missed, or misunderstood such clear & unambiguous words. In her presentation to Lincoln Council she said that it was not clear that these mandatory requirements would apply in this case.”
by Ann, Lincoln
Friday, July 23 2010, 3:21PM
“The problem with this bid to bring racing back is that it is so far fetched - it is not economically viable - check other articles and responses for all the comprehensive details.
A 10 year old could have written a better proposal that the professionals that standby the LRRC document have drawn up over the last 3 years.
We should not simply roll over and let these people tickle our tummy and steal this Common Land.
We should all be working together to find the best use something for the whole community every day of the year, not money making chaos to the benefit of few.”
by Ted Heriot, Lincoln
Friday, July 23 2010, 2:41PM
“I must be going mad. Colin have you read your comment? 'There may even be space for a golf course.' There already IS a golf course on the West Common! Have you ever been to West Common. Have you any idea what you're writing about? A jogging track? A dog walking track? Why don't we tarmac the whole thing then show scenes of trees and flowers on big screens for people to enjoy? Words fail me. This common is a priceless, irreplaceable amenity for everyone to enjoy. Why allow a small minority to profit by destroying it?”