Latest news with #StephenBunney
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Council reprieves 'little-used' civic car
A council has decided to keep its civic car despite questions over its lack of use. The vehicle was bought in 2020 for the chairman of West Lindsey District Council to use when travelling to civic events. However, it had been "rarely used" over the last three years, and only had about 10,000 miles on the clock, a meeting was told. Councillors heard concerns about the chairman's valuable civic chain being lost if it was carried on public transport. Councillor Ian Fleetwood said: "The car's always been a thorny topic. "It sounds like a grand car, but the last I heard it's a Skoda. "My concern is potentially losing the civic chain if we asked the chairman to catch the train instead – the chain has to be worth at least £25,000," he added. Councillor Stephen Bunney, the current chairman, said: "I haven't seen much need to use the car. "But I'm conscious that future chairs might not be able to drive." However, council leader Trevor Young questioned whether the little-used car would be looked upon favourably by taxpayers: "It may have been 20 or 30 years ago, but my gut is it wouldn't be seen that way today while money is tight and people struggle to pay council tax." The meeting heard that a total of £2,400 was budgeted each year for the car's MOT, maintenance and fuel. The question of the car's future was deferred for a year while the council looked at other potential uses for it, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. Council announces £20m investment in green vehicles Cost-cutting council to spend £500k on vehicles Council spent £1m on non-CAZ compliant vehicles West Lindsey District Council
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Banking hub 'bringing life back to town centre'
A banking hub has brought people back into a market town following branch closures in recent years, a councillor has said. Stephen Bunney, the chairman of West Lindsey District Council, said the hub in Market Rasen was "a benefit to the high street" and had "brought life back into the centre of the town". As well as everyday banking via the Post Office, the hub offers specialist services, with five banks represented. Martin Sizer, the manager, said: "We've not had any banks in Market Rasen for quite some time, but now we've got five." "So, if it's more than just a general transaction, then you can actually see your personal banker," he added. The hub, which opened last December, has been welcomed by residents, though some said it did not make up for having a dedicated traditional bank in the town. Penny Nott, 80, who lives nearby in Tealby, said she was happy she could do her business in person. "People like me don't like online banking, so it's much nicer to pop in here and talk to someone," she said. Peter Smith, 53, said it was useful being able to see his bank's representative. "Without it, I'd be completely lost," he said. "I can't do what I'm trying to do online... I need someone actually on the ground to speak to." Members of staff from the five banks – HSBC, Lloyds, Santander, NatWest and Halifax – visit on a rotational basis, with one attending each day. A schedule can be found on the website of organiser Cash Access UK. Local businesses have welcomed the facility. Richard Lancaster, a butcher, said the hub had made life easier as he no longer had to travel to Grimsby once a fortnight to visit the bank. Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. Mablethorpe permanent banking hub confirmed Are banking 'hubs' the answer to branch closures? New banking hub to open in Hornsea Market Rasen Banking Hub West Lindsey District Council
