South Holland District councillors have given the final go-ahead for the redevelopment of the Castle Sports Centre site in Spalding. Following the approval, the first phase of the £28.3m project will now move forward, with a further set of external works scheduled to begin in late August. The main construction phase is expected to start in September, with a public opening for the new facilities in January 2027. The project is receiving £20m in UK Government funding alongside further investment from South Holland District Council. The improved centre will provide a modern and inclusive mix of indoor and outdoor facilities, designed to support residents of all ages to live healthier lives. The first phase of works will include the creation of a single building containing two new swimming pools, village changing facilities, multi-sport hall, fitness suite, cycle and group exercise studios, health and wellbeing consultation rooms, a children’s adventure play area and updated reception and café-type areas. Outdoor works will see a new 3G pitch installed, alongside an outdoor running and cycling circuit and community garden. Later phases will involve the demolition of the existing swimming pool building, and the addition of a new outdoor multi-use games area, new children’s play area, splashpad, and additional car parking for the site. While the current ‘dry side’ section of the centre is redeveloped, temporary fitness suite and group exercise facilities will be available at the Spalding Campus of Boston College on Red Lion Street. The Council is also arranging temporary facilities for indoor bowls activity to continue in Long Sutton. Swimming facilities will remain operational. Councillor Gary Taylor, South Holland District Council’s project sponsor, said: “I’m delighted that we can deliver this bold and ambitious project for the people of South Holland, and bring the high-quality leisure, sport, and wellbeing facilities that our district so badly needs – now and for many generations to come. “This redevelopment is about empowering and encouraging our residents to live healthier, more active lives together, and I can think of no better or more impactful way to invest in our future. This project can be a catalyst for real, lasting change, and I can’t wait to see the next stage of these exciting plans get underway.” Councillor Nick Worth, leader of South Holland District Council, said: “Opportunities for investment of this size and ambition are not historically common for places like Lincolnshire, and I am proud of the work we have done to secure this funding and now to take another serious step towards making it a reality. “As a result of the government funding, local taxpayers are effectively getting a brand new facility for just £8million, which is really good value for money. “This is about more than bricks and mortar – it’s about investing in the future of South Holland and giving everyone in our district the chance to thrive physically, mentally and socially. “Part of our vision of a greater Lincolnshire for all is about working closely with our health partners to deliver better outcomes and to provide better, more accessible services to our residents of all ages and circumstances, and this project shows those pledges in action.”   Image shows Spalding. Credit: Stock.adobe.com/Steven F Granville

Flood warnings across Lincolnshire have been upgraded to improve accuracy and reach, following several disruptive flood events earlier this year. The Environment Agency has expanded its service to cover hundreds more properties, with a particular focus on areas such as Grantham, Boston, Lincoln and Market Rasen.

The January floods prompted more than 30 warnings in a single period, and highlighted gaps in the existing alert system. Some residents in Grantham, for example, were notified unnecessarily, leading to avoidable concern.

In response, the Environment Agency has introduced more precise alert zones. One key change is the creation of a dedicated warning area for the South Forty-Foot Drain in Boston. In Grantham, the River Witham alert area has been split to better reflect flood risk patterns.

These updates mean over 800 properties have now been placed into a more appropriately sized flood warning zone. Officials are encouraging locals to register for alerts, as better data and targeting means warnings are now more useful and less likely to cause false alarms.

The changes are part of broader efforts to make flood alerts feel less like blanket warnings and more like tailored, timely tools to help people prepare.

  Image shows Boston. Credit: Stock.adobe.com/Tony

  Image credit: Google maps

Efforts to improve safety and wellbeing in Scunthorpe are beginning to show results as North Lincolnshire Council continues to roll out targeted initiatives in partnership with police and community groups.

A renewed focus on street-level issues such as drinking, fly-tipping, and unlicensed trading has led to a string of enforcement actions. Public Space Protection Orders have been extended, illicit tobacco and vapes have been seized from multiple premises, and two serious offences are now with the Crown Court.

Retail inspections found alcohol licence breaches in six shops, though only one required formal action. A new selective licensing scheme is also in place, aimed at improving standards in rental housing.

Beyond enforcement, the council has stepped up local engagement. Environmental clean-up projects have been run alongside faith and cultural groups, and new health and education services have been introduced in key neighbourhood hubs.

There’s now a new one-way traffic system to ease congestion, and patrols during busy periods are helping address noise, litter, and trading issues.

With additional funding secured and enforcement hours extended, the council says it’s aiming to make neighbourhoods not just safer, but more connected and confident.

Image credit: North Lincolnshire Council

The University of Lincoln has launched the UK’s first dedicated institute to tackle health disparities in rural and coastal communities. The Lincoln Institute for Rural and Coastal Health (LIRCH), based in Mablethorpe at the newly developed Campus for Future Living, aims to address health inequalities affecting 85% of the UK’s landmass.

LIRCH is backed by a £10.9 million grant from the UKRI Research England – Expanding Excellence in England (E3) fund. The initiative focuses on integrated, multi-disciplinary research to develop practical solutions tailored to the needs of these underserved areas. The Institute aims to improve access to healthcare and address the impact of factors like climate change and socio-economic deprivation, which contribute to higher rates of preventable illnesses and lower life expectancy in rural and coastal regions.

The launch event featured key speakers, including Professor Mark Gussy, Director of LIRCH, and Claire Woodward, Director of Community Investment at ACIS Group. The event was also supported by Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England, who spoke remotely and underscored the significance of the new institute in improving health outcomes across rural and coastal communities.

The Campus for Future Living, which serves as the new home for the Institute, underscores LIRCH’s commitment to creating community-driven, place-based health solutions. Through collaboration with local councils, community organisations, and healthcare providers, LIRCH will develop research that aims to drive meaningful, long-term impact in these regions.

Image credit: University of Lincoln

Thrill-seekers Lianne Clee and Donna Eaton are taking a leap of faith for the ultimate adrenaline rush at Larpool’s famous viaduct bungee jump, to raise vital funds for United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity. The event, on Sunday 27 July, will give Lianne and Donna an amazing opportunity to jump from a staggering height of 42 metres from England’s only bridge bungee jump, the iconic Larpool Viaduct near Whitby. Lianne, a Clinical Educator at United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust explained why she is undertaking this mammoth challenge: “I did a skydive for my 30^th birthday and fancied doing something more extreme. “When I mentioned this to my work colleagues, they took the decision out of my hands and bought my place on the bungee jump as a birthday present! I am ready to embrace this challenge as I will be jumping for such a fantastic cause which I am passionate about.” When she realised she was the only participant, Lianne roped in her friend Donna who is a Professional Nurse Advocate Lead at Lincoln County Hospital. Both are passionate about their work at the hospital and are keen to support the activities of United Lincolnshire’s Hospitals Charity. Donna said: “We both must be crazy to do this, but it is for a good cause. The money we raise for the charity will help support the well-being of our staff and help improve patient care.” Charity Manager, Ben Petts gives thanks to the duo and said: “It is an incredible challenge which takes great courage to complete. It is with the support of such wonderful people like Lianne and Donna that we can fund innovative and exciting projects that make a real difference to the lives of our patients, their families and the staff that take care of them.” Any donations, small or large will be much appreciated by the duo and can be made on their fundraising page on United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity website. Fundraisers | United Lincolnshire Hospitals   Image shows: Donna Eaton (left) and Lianne Clee (right).

Lincolnshire County Council is moving ahead with plans to restore the worn stone surface of Bailgate, aiming to preserve the street’s heritage while improving durability.

Installed in 2010 to match the area’s historic character, the Yorkstone blocks have begun to shift, crack and loosen due to the failure of their original sand base. Council engineers now propose relaying most of the existing stones on a stronger mortar foundation to prevent further damage. Broken blocks would be replaced with new ones in the same style.

If approved, the project would begin in January 2026 and last up to three months, depending on weather. Around 65% of the original stones—approximately 32,000—could be salvaged and reused. The estimated cost for the work is just over £1.7 million.

While traffic plans are still being finalised, phased road closures will be necessary. Pedestrian access and entry to homes and businesses will be maintained throughout the project. Final dates and traffic details are expected to be announced later this year.

Image credit: Lincolnshire County Council

Bereaved parents will benefit from specialist counselling thanks to a hospital charity-funded partnership between United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (ULTH) and Petals, the baby loss counselling charity. This vital specialist support that is so often needed by parents following pregnancy and baby loss is not routinely available through the NHS. The emotional impact of this type of loss can be devastating, leaving many parents struggling with day-to-day life, unable to return to work, and feeling isolated in their grief. United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity Manager, Ben Petts, said: “It is a privilege to stand alongside our Specialist Bereavement Midwifery Team and provide £100,000 to secure this vital baby loss counselling service for the next two years. This partnership will ensure compassionate, specialist care is offered to those who need it most, when they need it most.” Petals provide specialist counselling to help parents navigate the trauma of baby loss. In the past year alone, the charity has delivered more than 6,759 counselling sessions across the country. Karen Burgess, Petals CEO, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be working with ULTH to offer this vital support. Lincolnshire is one of the largest counties in England, and this new contract is a major step forward in reaching more families who need help after baby loss.” From July 2025, when a family cared for by ULTH experiences a pregnancy loss or the loss of a baby, they will be given the option of counselling. The Maternity Bereavement team will then ensure the most appropriate psychological support is offered. Alternatively, families can self-refer for counselling via the Petals website. Rachel Bond, Specialist Bereavement Midwife at ULTH, said: “We are immensely proud to have secured funding from United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity to provide a much-needed service to support the bereaved families that we care for. “Echoing the words of Petals, we believe all families should have access to specialist bereavement counselling following the loss of a baby. We recognise the devastation that the loss of a baby has on families, regardless of gestation and hope that the provision of this service will make a positive difference to our families in their time of need.” You can find out more about the partnership at: ULTH NHS Trust – Petals Charity.   Image shows Rachel Bond, Specialist Bereavement Midwife at ULTH

The final phase of restoration work on Grantham’s iconic Victorian clock tower is set to begin this Sunday, following delays caused by unexpected structural issues.

Perched above the town’s Guildhall arts centre, the bell turret has been under repair since October after heavy rain exposed damage to the ballroom ceiling. Initial fixes focused on the roof and timber frame, but further inspection revealed deeper problems with the bell tower itself.

South Kesteven District Council has confirmed that the entire turret will now be carefully lifted by crane and transported off-site for specialist restoration in a workshop. The four supporting columns will also be removed, with any exposed gaps sealed during the process.

As part of the final steps, the windows will be redecorated and the scaffolding taken down by August. The bell tower is expected to return to its home atop the Grade II listed building by spring next year.

  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Seadog81

Roxby Community Centre is set to undergo a small but meaningful transformation, with improvements that promise to make the much-loved local spot warmer, brighter, and more energy-efficient.

North Lincolnshire Council has approved a £10,944 grant to help fund a new roof and upgraded blinds for the building. The total project, valued at just over £12,000, includes a contribution from the centre itself.

These changes aren’t just cosmetic—they’re designed to improve comfort, reduce heating costs, and make the centre more sustainable long term. It’s a practical boost for a space that hosts everything from social gatherings to local events.

The Roxby upgrade is part of a broader wave of investment in community-led initiatives across North Lincolnshire. Through its Community Grant Fund, the council has supported a wide range of organisations and groups with millions of pounds in funding since 2011.

It’s a reminder that even small improvements can make a big difference in the everyday lives of residents, keeping neighbourhood hubs like Roxby’s active, inviting, and ready for the future.

Image credit: North Lincolnshire Council