Subject: South Kesteven Best Kept Neighbourhood Award - 2018 / Stubton visited on 22nd June A. Overall Appearance and Condition There was a complete absence of litter, refuse, graffiti, and vandalism. The general street scene was very positive and welcoming with very good condition of roads and paths throughout. Points: 25 B. Green Spaces 1 This small village has crossroads at it’s centre where three small wildlife areas are situated. These areas are very well maintained, partly mown, whilst other parts are left as natural areas. As the central point of the village these areas add to the other facilities and contribute to a lovely focus for residents and visitors alike. There was an absence of wild flowers and the larger area was primarily grass, part of which was mown. One area had mature trees which added to the very attractive scene. A large trough adjacent to the bus stop was filled with flowers adding colour to the view. Points: 9 C. Green Spaces 2 The general appearance of public green areas was very positive. All verges had been cut by volunteers as had the large green area between the road and church wall. All hedges and gardens added to a scene where residents take pride in where they live. There are links to numerous footpaths. Points: 10 D. Public Domain/Street Scene The condition of all footpaths was very good adding to an attractive street scene. We did not see stiles or a children’s play area. The traditional street signpost took a prominent position in the centre of the village. The small village green has a flagpole, litter bin and commemorative bench. The black metal estate fencing adds to the character of the village as does the "combination of mixed heritage and more modern properties”. Points: 10 E. Public Premises 1 The attractive village hall was built in 2000, funded by the lottery. The external view was of a modern entrance with seating, weed free gravel and a notice board with current advertisements including events. Three Best Kept Village plaques were displayed. Points: 15 F. Public Premises 2 In the centre of the village was a clean and well-maintained bus shelter with seating and notice boards, protected from the weather. Current events and advertisements were displayed. Signs were

in excellent condition. In the same area a defibrillator had been placed in the original red telephone box with appropriate signs, completing the care and attention given by residents. Points : 15 G. Private Premises The collective appearance of private gardens, hedges, fences and walls was impressive. Two very attractive walls are referred to in the Neighbourhood Plan. We viewed the limestone wall with pantile coping which added additional character. Points: 15 H. Religious Premises The area around the church was very neat and tidy. The wide grass verge had a seat and notice board with current service details. The cemetery had been mown and looked well cared for. Points : 15 I. Business Premises We viewed the Stubton Hall boutique hotel from the roadside and website. The long and beautiful drive had freshly cut grass and mature trees. The website indicated a high proportion of customers assessed their visit to the hotel as excellent. Points: 20 J. Overall Community Effort Stubton shares activities with the nearby villages of Claypole, Dry Doddington, Fenton and Westborough as supported by the village website and shared newsletter. In addition to L.I.V.E.S and a Good Neighbours Scheme they hold regular Jam Nights in the village hall. Litter picks are also referred to. The impressive and detailed fifty one page Neighbourhood Plan states " the residents willingness to get involved was the catalyst for the decision to start the process of creating the plan and taking ownership of the future development of the village”. Grass verges are cut by volunteers. Points: 15 Total Points: 149 Exceptional/Unique Village Features Our visit fully supported the effort and information given in the detailed Neighbourhood Plan.

Village / Town: Stubton Date of Judging: 03:09:18 Judge’s Initials:

South Kesteven Best Kept Neighbourhood Award 2018

JUDGES MARKING SHEET

Section Max points

Criteria Points given

Comments

A 25 points

Overall appearance and condition

Absence of litter, unauthorised / unsightly refuse, absence of graffiti/ vandalism, dumps on verges, general condition of roads and paths.

23

No litter graffiti or vandalism seen. Roads and footpaths were in good condition within the scope of the Parish Council.

B 10 points

Green Spaces 1

Maintenance of natural areas for wildlife (such as bird boxes / feeders, bat boxes) and wildflowers.

7

The natural areas shown on the map appear to be in private gardens. The entry form did not make clear whether there was any community involvement with these. It is difficult to give a higher mark without more information. Two of the areas appear to be in the fairly early stages of development and will no doubt improve as the years progress. The area with the mature trees could benefit from the inclusion of some nest boxes.

C 10 points

Green Spaces 2

The general appearance of public greens, trees, ponds, streams, dykes, parks, hedges, gardens, and allotments.

10

The features which were present were all very well maintained.

D 10 points

Public Domain/Street Scene

Condition of footpaths, stiles, field gates, signposting, children’s play areas.

8

Attempted to follow one of the public footpaths which appeared to end abruptly at private gardens. The others were bridleways which were well maintained.

E 15 points

Public Premises 1

Condition of town halls, community centres, public halls, sport facilities, playing fields, schools and playgrounds, market places.

N.B It is not necessary to enter school grounds but if the judge does wish to enter, permission must always be obtained.

13

There were a few annual weeds growing in the gravel around the village hall. However, these were quick growing species which can seem to appear almost overnight. There was no long-term weed problem. No sports facilities or sports field seen.

F 15 points

Public Premises 2

Condition of shelters, public seats, notice boards, bus stops and signs, telephone boxes and car parks. Cleanliness of public toilets, road signs.

13

The bus shelter, phone box and surrounding areas were particularly well cared for and presented an attractive centre to the village. The notice board was in good condition and very informative if a little cluttered. The box for notices was a good idea but it is questionable how well it is used since there were several quite old notices in there.

G 15 points

Private Premises

Collective appearance of private gardens, hedges, fences and walls.

14

These were generally well maintained throughout.

H 15 points

Religious Premises

Condition of churchyards, cemeteries, chapel surrounds, war memorials and their notice boards.

N.B Churches should be judged on the exterior only.

14

Very tidy churchyard and external appearance of building was good. Gates would benefit from a coat of paint.

I 20 points

Business Premises

Collective appearance of business property including inns, farms and farmyards, workshops, post office, shops and caravan sites.

18

Not a lot of business premises seen but those which were seen were neat and tidy.

J 15 points

Overall community effort

Evidence of community spirit and activity and initiative in the care of the parish and its environment.

N.B Please take into account supporting information such as village magazines, parish website etc.

12

Lack of information makes it difficult to judge this category. There is obviously a good community spirit to keep the village so neat and tidy. However, it would have been helpful to have had more information about activities going on in the village.

150 points

Total 132

Additional comments or relevant advice

* Exceptional / Unique Village features deserving of recognition / certificate?

N If yes, why?