Village of the damned - but at least we can breathe easy!

We're often accused of taking a jaundiced look at life in Boston, but sadly the facts often speak for themselves.
The latest official snapshot of the town appear in various reports about Lincolnshire, and they show:-
• Only 11% of the county’s population live within the area known as the Boston Zone... but the area has
• Higher than average birth rates.
• Lowest proportion in the county of people moving out of the area.
• Lower levels of job and entrepreneurial opportunities than the county average.
• Higher levels of unemployment and worklessness.
• Skills levels in the adult population are significantly lower than the county.
• Higher levels of poverty with 13% of residents living in deprived areas xxiii.
• The area has higher proportion of homes not energy efficient (but air quality is good!)
• The rate of crime is higher than the county average.
The latest unemployment figures for Boston are particularly worrying. In February they were 1,366 compared with 1,088 in January. Last year they stood at 726. The increase of 278 between January and February represented a 26% increase and the year on year increase of 640 represented 88%.
We are reminded that Council leader Richard "Papa Dick" Austin assured us in his new year message that ... "because our local economy is based on the food industry I am confident that Boston is better placed than most to weather the global storm."
At the time we cautioned a still tongue in a wise head, but unfortunately it's now too late for that. The issues above are the things that need addressing in Boston.
When are we going to see some action?

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