When is parking on yellow zigzags outside school ok?

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The answer of course is that it isn't!.

However it appears that some school coach companies in Sleaford and area consider that the laws laid down to your "ordinary" motorists don't apply to them!

I had a very short but intense chat with some bloke who was making notes on a clipboard outside my sons school today. At first i thought he was taking the 2 vehicle registartions down in order to tackle the problem, but soon found out he actually worked for the bus company and was simply carrying out some sort of check.

After establishing this fact I enquired as to why the double decker and the transit mini bus drivers thought that parking in close proximity to the schools gates, on a corner and more importantly on yellow zigzags, was acceptable practice?

The answer "we have permission" without any further qualification of that statement did not convince me of his concern, and when i asked who would carry the can in the event of an injury/death of a child, strangely there was no answer forthcoming....Mmmmm!

I have just Googled the question relating to parking of school vehicles on the zigzags and this is what the local (North Kesteven) website says:

School Keep Clear’ ‘Zig-Zag’ markings (£70 fine)
Stopping on zig-zag markings outside school entrances is inconsiderate and potentially dangerous. Keeping the road clear outside schools gives children a clear view in both directions before crossing. The restrictions are displayed on nearby signs and will be enforced

This is their webpage:

http://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/residents/transport-travel-and-roads/street-services/traffic-management/civil-parking-enforcement/know-your-signs-and-lines/113667.article

I wonder what the guy will say tomorrow when i advise him of his misconception?

ZIGZAGS ARE TO PROTECT ALL SCHOOL CHILDREN>>>NOT JUST SOME!


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" Parking on the zig-zag area can mean those using the crossing cannot be seen clearly by approaching cars and the cars cannot see them. “We have been up at the school at peak times to remind motorists not to park there but anyone who ignores these markings from now on will be dealt with.” Motorists who are caught parking in the marked crossing area could face a £70 fine and three points on their licence. PCSO Nixon added: “We have been into the schools to talk to pupils and letters have been sent home to remind parents why the road markings are there.” http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lincolnshire/8009525.stm

Dedboy - Christmas Number One. Awesome Crimbo Song!

Just thought that you may like to know of a new Christmas song that is currently rocketing up the music charts.

Christmas Number One, written and performed by Chris Clark of Sleaford is THE NEW "can't get that tune out of my head" Christmas song  :-).





Now available for download on AMAZON and itunes. (Amazon is cheaper !).

"Is that a real beard?"...... :-)

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Snow in Sleaford......COOL! :-) (Well it's freezing actually !)

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Yes, overnight snow has arrived in Sleaford (Lincolnshire,UK) and as I speak 2 of the 3 kids are busy getting freezing cold and wet in it....don't you just love snowballs?

Just in time for the towns Annual Christmas market then, assuming that the white stuff hangs around for at least another 24 hours or so. We will have to see...

Anyway, got to get out there now and dig out the sledge again!....seems like I only put it back in the shed a few weeks ago.

Time for a thick coat and a scarf I think...see you later :-)

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Thanks again to the Guys at Pitstop Garage Sleaford.....

Monday saw Scarlett going into Pitstop garage in Sleaford for her yearly MOT Test. I had popped in to see them at quite short notice after Heron Volkswagen (my regular MOT people) failed to get back to me before the current certificate was expired.
Thankfully Chris and John and the other guys at the garage stepped in to save the day, and the result ?

Well, after a few "adjustments", Scarlett has a crisp new MOT.

Faults?
There were a few minor problems such as the wiper blades being rather tatty (replaced),the rear wheel bearings had slightly too much play (tightened), nearside headlamp assembly was loose and needed adjustment (fastened,adjusted) and the nearside alloy was slightly buckled ("Persuaded" back into shape!).

In addition to the MOT, they also carried out an oil and filter change and the whole lot (including labour,parts,tax etc) came to the rather agreeable sum of  £135!.

I would really like to say again just how much I appreciate the help that this local garage has given me over the last few years, and would advise anyone who lives in the Sleaford area to go to this establishment if you want good, honest and reliable service for reasonable money.

Cheers Guys :-)

Air Ambulance Gets new website.

This is sent on behalf of Jim Vicarage, LNAACT staff at headoffice,

Hi Everyone!
The Lincs and Notts Aor Ambulance has just launched it's new website:

http://www.lnaact.org.uk/

You may have heard our adverts recently across Smooth Radio East Midlands. We have launched a text campaign to coincide with this. If you text the word "FLY" to the number 80039 you will automatically donate directly to the service. You will be charged £1.50 with all proceeds coming to us after your sending charges have been paid.

Please feel free to pass this on to anyone and everyone!

I am in the process of getting the website up to date so if anyone has any pictures or events that they feel could be used please let me know!

Many thanks,

Jim Vickrage
Nottingham Fundraiser

This is great news as the service has been lacking a website for some time now.

Scarlett's off to the Heckington show !

If you are free over the weekend of the 25th/26th July 2009, and you are within a fair drive of the village of Heckington (just a few miles outside Sleaford), then pack up your picnic hamper,stock it with lots of cucumber sandwiches and lashings of ginger beer....and head off to the 142nd annual Heckington Show.

Myself and Scarlett will be attending on the Sunday (can't get Saturday sadly ! :-( ), and of course we will have the now (in)famous trailer in tow.

For more details of what you can expect to find at this awesome venue, just click HERE to go to the official website.