East Lindsey District Council has named Acis Group as the operator of the Campus for Future Living in Mablethorpe. In partnership, the Council and Acis will bring the campus to life to deliver significant benefits to support the health and prosperity of the local community. The Campus for Future Living in Mablethorpe is East Lindsey District Council’s flagship project which will bring transformational health, wellbeing, research and community services to this area of the Lincolnshire coast for the first time, thanks to £8.6m government funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. The Campus consists of two, two-story buildings and open green space all within easy access for the people of Mablethorpe. Beyond the physical structure, the vision is about creating learning opportunities, new jobs, and support for the local community. Alongside a wealth of community-based services the campus will also offer a café facility for all to enjoy. Proposed plans for the Campus by Acis include a range of activities, networking space and room hire, with each initiative designed to make a tangible difference in the community. Sited close to the Marisco Medical Centre, Mablethorpe Children’s Centre, Platform Housing and Mablethorpe Community Hub, the campus is primely positioned to become a thriving centre that links services together, creates new services that support local need and offers opportunities for learning, research and wellbeing for generations to come. This flagship and internationally significant campus benefits from the commitment of the University of Lincoln and the Lincoln Institute for Rural and Coastal Health to use the Campus as a base to conduct research and learning into health inequalities affecting coastal communities. This is just the start of realising the potential of the Campus vision. In line with the original business case, the collaboration of even more local, regional and national partners is set to grow over the next five years as the campus offering becomes established. The partnership with Acis and the University of Lincoln further supports the original Mablethorpe Investment Plan which underpinned the bid for government funding to help turn health and medical challenges in this area into nationally significant strengths and opportunities to improve services and create jobs. Cllr William Gray, Political Lead for the Campus for Future Living at East Lindsey District Council, said: “I could not be more thrilled that East Lindsey District Council has secured Acis Group as a partner to bring the vision of the Campus for Future Living alive. Acis already has a well established background in supporting people into work, housing, education and skills, including in Mablethorpe, and now the Campus for Future Living will support Acis in providing even more opportunities for local people. “The Campus for Future Living is all about partnerships, all focussed on supporting people in Mablethorpe and the Lincolnshire Coast get the services and support they need. Mablethorpe has a very exciting future and by investing in the town through the support of government funding, a whole host of new opportunities are being created. “As well as the services being developed by Acis, I am also delighted the University of Lincoln and the Lincoln Institute of Rural and Coastal Health have committed to the future use of the Campus as a research and learning facility. “This is exactly the potential we want to realise for Mablethorpe – facilitating coastal health research, providing residents with greater access to health and wellbeing services they need on their doorstep, bringing more people to the town, creating social opportunities, growth and expanding employment and skills.” Greg Bacon, CEO of Acis Group, said: “This is an exciting opportunity that aligns perfectly with our commitment to enhancing services, skills and education within our communities. “In proud partnership with East Lindsey District Council, we will bring our knowledge and skills of delivering for local communities that we have grown across the Group over the last 25 years. We work in Mablethorpe and surrounding areas already through Community Learning in Partnership (CLIP) which has delivered there for over 15 years, and which joined the Acis family in 2022. “Acis are thrilled to lead this project in delivering future services and helping to make a bigger difference in these communities.” As part of this development, the existing CLIP centre on Seacroft Road will relocate to the new Campus, giving the team further opportunities to provide education, skills and wellbeing services. Potential future partners, including those in the health and education sector, recently visited the campus to visualise the facility in use and the benefits it will bring to Mablethorpe and coastal communities. The campus also provided a visit from hundreds of delegates from across Europe who attended the 13th EURIPA Rural Health Forum hosted by the University of Lincoln. The forum’s theme ‘Tackling Health Inequalities in Rural and Remote Communities’ saw high praise for the campus and the potential it offers in providing a welcome space for the community to access health and wellbeing services as well as coastal health research opportunities.   Image: The Campus for Future Living in Mablethorpe – credit: East Lindsey District Council

  Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Chris Loneragan

Boston Borough Council has reported progress in reducing fly-tipping across the borough. In the first quarter of last year, 1,439 fly-tipping incidents were reported. This year, the same period has seen a 10.63% decrease. Key to the success has been a multi-faceted approach that includes increasing fine levels to meet government limits, installing new CCTV systems, conducting more targeted patrols, relocating litter bins, and implementing an identifiable waste scheme. Additionally, a recent education scheme has played a vital role in reducing these incidents. Councillor Butler highlighted the council’s efficiency in clearing waste, thanking the dedicated crews and partners for their hard work. “We are one of the most efficient councils in tackling fly-tipping, and this achievement is a testament to our committed team and community partners. “In the past 12 months, the council’s enforcement team has issued 237 fixed penalty notices (FPNs) for fly-tipping. We will continue to advocate for central government to take fly-tipping more seriously nationwide, ensuring our efforts contribute to a cleaner, safer environment for all.”   Image: Boston, Lincolnshire – credit: Stock.adobe.com/Tony

The final awards for the UK Shared Prosperity Funded (UKSPF) GRASSroots grant scheme have been announced, with almost £650,000 awarded over the past year through the South Holland District Council scheme, distributed by Lincolnshire Community Foundation. With match funding leveraged, just under £800,000 has been invested in parishes, village halls and community projects in South Holland through the programme, which is now closed for new expressions of interest. GRASSroots first began awarding grants 12 months ago, and has supported 40 community projects, sports clubs, parish councils and village halls to meet their aim of bringing people together through many methods including improving facilities and boosting volunteering opportunities. This latest round of funding, which totals £235,981, brings the scheme to an end in South Holland, however applications are still being accepted elsewhere in the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership, in Boston Borough and the East Lindsey district. In this round, awards have been distributed to: Surfleet Play and Recreation Charity – To repair and replace equipment in the children’s play area, install a shelter for the Forest School and install safety signage around the park. West Pinchbeck Village Hall – Replacement of existing boiler, installation of disabled toilet/improvement to toilet blocks and disabled access, resurfacing of car park and replacement of two windows. Holbeach Amateur Theatrical Society – New lighting and sound equipment. Deeping St Nicholas Parish Council – Redevelopment of St Nicholas Park. Sutton Bridge Parish Council – Development and refurbishment of play area. Crowland Town Bowling Club – New clubhouse. Gedney Drove End and Dawsmere Village Hall – Upgrading of electric wiring, installation of kitchen extractor fan and signage for the hall. Fleet Parish Council – Renovation of the playing field with more accessibility for disabled users. Holbeach United Community Sport Academy – New lighting and redecoration of academy building. Weston St Mary Village Hall – Upgrading the village hall, replacing the floor, fire doors, patio and fencing. Marjorum Beehive Association Ltd – Replacement of hall’s warped wooden floor and redesign of male toilet to include ramp and changing facilities. Sutton St Edmund Parish Council – Installation of outdoor gym equipment. Councillor Paul Redgate, deputy leader and portfolio holder for finance, said: “I am so pleased that we have marked this milestone just 12 months after the first awards were made by Lincolnshire Community Foundation. “This investment marks a once in a generation investment by the council. “There has been a huge demand for this grant scheme and those who have been successful have demonstrated what can be achieved with the right combination of suitable funding and passion. “All of the recipients have used the funding to help to build their communities and improve their facilities or volunteering opportunities – and that’s exactly what we wanted to see happening with the UKSPF funding. “I hope that these final recipients make the most of their awards, and I look forward to seeing the results of their work.”   Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Stockfotos-MG

Lincolnshire’s golfing Freemasons have given St Barnabas Hospice £5,000 – enough to fund 250 hours of in-home care, or more than 50 hours of doctor’s care to balance medications for individual patients, or two syringe drivers. The money was raised at the Lincolnshire Freemasons’ Golfing Association centenary match played at the Seacroft course in Skegness. It topped up the Association’s charity fundraising efforts over its 100-year life to £50,000, all of which was given to good causes in Lincolnshire. This year running the Hospice will cost £14m, half of which must be raised by the Hospice itself. Receiving the cheque from the golfers Caroline Swindin said: “The Hospice is working through a five-year recovery and growth plan. Funding is a challenge; we were hoping to receive a 2% increase this year, but we actually got just 0.6%. Added to that we are dealing with more complex cases, with complications caused by people suffering long Covid.” She added: ” All donations are gratefully received, and will help us to continue delivering care not only in the in-patient unit in Lincoln, but also at Wellbeing Centres in Grantham, Louth, Boston, Gainsborough, and Spalding, and through our ‘Hospice at Home’ service, through which staff visit patients in the own homes.”

Community projects, sports clubs, parish councils, and village halls have been given a share in £270,000 through Lincolnshire Community Foundation’s Grassroots scheme. The scheme has been funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), distributed by East Lindsey District Council, and aims to support projects in bringing people together through many methods, including improving facilities and boosting volunteering opportunities. In this round, a total of £272,656 has been distributed among: East Barkwith PCC – Significant capital works, with substantial match funding, including a new servery and toilet facilities. High Toynton PCC – Refurbishment of toilet, small kitchen and storage within the Church. This compliments the previous £12,000 grant given to the PCC made under UKSPF and significant co-investment from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Woodhall Spa Cottage Museum – Provision of craft events and materials for community events and resources to re-open the tourist and heritage information hub for the local community. Furthermore, support will be offered to improve safety measures at the site and increase the availability of the site to visitors and residents alike. Alford Squash Club – Replacement of wooden court floors and upgrading of court walls. Authorpe Village Hall – Making the village hall more accessible, replacing fire doors and fitting a disabled toilet. Wainfleet Methodist Church and Community Centre – New kitchen fitted, commercial equipment including dishwasher, fridge and hot holding cupboard. Coningsby Community Hall – Complete refurbishment of ladies’ toilets/cloakroom. Spilsby Christian Fellowship – Installation of a new suspended ceiling and ramp access to front and rear of building. Evergreens Miniature Railway – Making the railway more accessible through renovating the station, allowing more local miniature railway enthusiasts to access the provision. Burgh Le Marsh Town Council – Restoration of historic features within the town, including heritage railings, the replacement of the Tinkers Green entrance gates and new sheltered seating. Carrington Village Hall – Replacement of village hall’s flat roof. Binbrook Parish Council – Renovations to green spaces and improvements to encourage physical activity for residents, including exercise equipment and play equipment for young people. JB’s Community Outreach – A programme of sports events for children and young people, including football and netball. Welton Le Marsh Village Hall – Funds to support the renovation of the Village Hall, including renovation of toilet facilities. Winthorpe Community Partnership – Capital renovations to a local facility as well as services to support young people in the local area. The Storehouse, Skegness – Replacement of doors and front windows. Grimoldby Football Club – Equipment to support the local football team and to expand engagement with football in the local area. Councillor Steve Kirk, portfolio holder for the coastal economy, and Councillor Adam Grist, portfolio holder for market towns and the rural economy, said: “We are thrilled to see so many of the district’s community initiatives receiving funding from this popular UKSPF funded scheme, as the number of projects supported surpasses 50, drawn from across our district. “Substantial investment has been made in play equipment and support for young people, including through sport and youth work, as well as improvements to green spaces and community facilities throughout East Lindsey. “This is a substantial down-payment on the future of our rural communities, which we have further sustained through an additional investment of £250,000 made in the GRASSroots scheme by East Lindsey District Council through our Community Reserve Fund. “This means the fund can stay open for longer and can continue to make a difference for more local communities. “Each award will have a huge impact to each project and the communities they support – and we look forward to seeing the results. “There is still funding available for projects who have not yet applied, so we would encourage those groups to get in touch with the Lincolnshire Community Foundation to find out more.” The GRASSroots scheme has already awarded over £750,000 of funding to 57 projects across the district. When combined with the additional match funding contributed by applicants and third-party funders, over £1.1m of funding has been provided to parish councils, village halls and community projects directly, leveraged by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund in East Lindsey District.

Lincoln’s London Camera Exchange is preparing to offer the recently annouced new models from CANON, with a half price Lexor 128GB CF Express card when bought as part of a pre-order. The CANON EOS R5 Mark II & EOS R1 can be pre-ordered now, for those ready to be among the first to own one of the new flagship models. CANON has revealed full specifications for the highly anticipated flagship EOS R1 and an exciting release with the EOS R5 Mark II. Both cameras feature stacked full-frame sensors, high-resolution RAW internal video recording, fast continuous burst shooting, a new DIGIC Accelerator, and Action Priority mode. Ideal for sports, news, and action photographers aiming to capture career-defining moments, the EOS R1 helps you get ahead and redefine your photographic potential with speed, precision, and advanced technology. For photographers and filmmakers across all genres – from wildlife and reportage to portrait photography, filmmaking, interviews, and documentaries – the EOS R5 Mark II empowers you to create your most innovative work yet. To pre-order visit: https://www.lcegroup.co.uk/Promotion/Canon+EOS+R+Launch_2447.html

A huge thank you has been given to Michelle, Amber and Sarah for holding a charity ball at the Bentley Hotel, Lincoln, in memory of Michelle’s son Connor, and raising over £5,000 for Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance. Connor sadly passed away in 2022 after being involved in a road traffic incident near Doddington, Lincoln. Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance were called but despite the efforts of the crew to save his life, his injuries were too serious. Since Connor’s passing Michelle and her friends have vowed to raise money for LNAA, knowing that every penny they donate could help save lives. To date, Michelle and family and friends have raised £11,774.60, which has funded the cost of three missions. And they have their sights set on next year’s fundraiser already!

North Kesteven District Council is continuing to explore opportunities to invest in a refreshed vision for the Heart of Sleaford, centred on renewed aspirations to deliver a new cinema in the town. Options are currently under consideration as it continues to engage in discussions around the potential for a cinema to sit within a broader vision of regeneration. Council Leader Cllr Richard Wright said the economic position of such a project had changed enormously over the five years since the previous £4m proposals were outlined, but which the Covid pandemic put an end to. “The realisation of a cinema remains a key objective within both the Sleaford Masterplan and the Council’s investment aspirations. Given the volume and nature of many public comments regretting – as I do – that it has not happened yet, but still calling for a cinema to be a part of that vision, I am reassured that we continue to be doing the right thing by exploring opportunities to bring one to fruition,” he said. Options for the Heart of Sleaford, with proposals, will be developed in consultation with key stakeholders and the community, building on extensive engagement to date in the progressive development of masterplan options. “I hope that we will be able to advance these during the current financial year,” said Cllr Wright. “While I realise many people are frustrated that we’ve not used any of the recent £3.2m Government funding for Sleaford and the wider District to bring a cinema forward, we did explore it and included its feasibility in our initial proposals. But it proved impossible given the time constraints on spending the money by March 2025 and the negotiation needed to ensure everything is in place to secure the best solution for the town. “Even if timings weren’t an issue, the nature of the funding meant that very little of it could have been spent on an actual building in this case but, as I say, our enthusiasm to bring a solution forward is unchanged.”   Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Mr. Music

The Lincolnshire Heart Centre is among the first non-surgical centres in the country to use a new life-saving device to assist with the heart function during complex procedures to treat narrowings in the arteries of the heart. The Impella device is the world’s smallest heart pump that allows the heart to rest and recover by temporarily assisting the pumping function of the heart to efficiently deliver blood and oxygen to the entire body during procedures. The device has been used in some cardiac surgical centres around the country, but the centre at Lincoln County Hospital is among the first non-surgical heart centres to start using the device. The first procedure was performed by the team in one of the high-tech cath labs at Lincoln County Hospital on Wednesday 19 June. They were supported by Consultant Interventional Cardiologist Dr Sohail Q Khan from University Hospitals Birmingham, who has fitted the device before, and Ollie Goss, who provided technical support from Abiomed – the company that have created the device. 83-year-old Dennis Hauton from North Somercotes says he feels privileged to be the first patient to receive the device and believes his procedure will give him a new lease of life. Mr Hauton needed to have percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), commonly known as a coronary angioplasty or stent. This is a procedure used to treat the narrowed or obstructed coronary arteries of the heart found in coronary heart disease that can cause angina or heart attacks. Without the use of the Impella device this procedure would have been too high a risk to be performed. Mr Hauton, a retired continental coach driver, said: “18 months ago I went for a routine check-up and mentioned that I occasionally get out of breath. After lots of tests I knew that I needed to have the procedure, but I also knew that I needed an extra piece of kit to be available for it to happen. “The whole team have been absolutely brilliant. I feel privileged and proud to be the first patient at the heart centre to use one of the new devices.” Mr Hauton says he is looking forward to being able to be a bit more active. He said: “I used to walk up to the village shop every day to get my newspaper, but noticed that it was getting harder and harder to do. Eventually I had to start driving up, but now I will be able to run to the shop or at least a brisk walk. “This will give me a new lease of life and I will always be so grateful to the team for all they have done for me.” Consultant Cardiologist Vinod Venugopal and Consultant Cardiologist Juan Fernandez are part of the Lincolnshire Heart Centre Team and worked together to perform the procedure. Dr Fernandez said: “Today is a momentous day. We have wanted to offer these procedures to our patients from across the county with complex conditions for some time. “An enormous amount of work has taken place behind the scenes to make today possible. There has been a real buzz in the centre and we had more colleagues in the cath lab during the procedure as it is also a brilliant training opportunity. “Most patients having a coronary angioplasty will not need an Impella device, but for more serious and complex cases it really will help us to save lives.” Dr Venugopal added: “Mr Hauton’s procedure lasted around three hours and the device did take over the function of the heart for a period of time. “The device did exactly what we needed it to. It took the pressure off of his heart during the procedure which meant we were able to complete everything that we needed to in a thorough manner and will really help with his ongoing recovery. “The most rewarding part for everyone involved is seeing Mr Hauton sitting up, smiling and chatting with the team.”   Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/smolaw11

Crimestoppers and West Lindsey District Council have launched a new campaign in Gainsborough appealing for communities to unite in taking a stand against crime by speaking up anonymously. Information given to Crimestoppers about crime across Lincolnshire has increased by 12% over the last year. This shows more people are putting trust in our charity. The charity, which is independent of the police, is working with West Lindsey District Council to make local people aware of our promise of 100% anonymity when taking and passing on crime information. Over the coming weeks, the focus will be on specific areas of the town. Additional lamp post signs are being placed in prominent areas and there will also be an extensive social media campaign targeting various age groups. Crimestoppers can be contacted in over 140 different languages via our website, and for those that call us, if required, a translator can be on the other end of the line within a couple of minutes. This service is a key factor for the residents of Gainsborough, as the most common languages spoken in the area after English are Eastern European. Lydia Patsalides, Crimestoppers East Midlands Regional Manager, said: “I feel it’s important that the people of Gainsborough know they have a voice to be able to speak up completely anonymously about their concerns on crime in their community. “Some people know about crime but feel they don’t have anywhere or anyone to turn to. Please remember that the charity Crimestoppers is here to help. We do not judge or take any personal details from those that contact us. All we want is the information you have. You will remain 100% anonymous. Always. “Since the charity began in the 1980s, we have always kept our promise of anonymity to everyone who contacts us.” West Lindsey District Councillor Jeanette McGhee, a ward member on the South West ward of Gainsborough, said: “As councillors, we often hear people say that crime is taking place, but they have not reported it because they are worried they will be identified and targeted. “To make a real difference to the places where we live and work, we need to take action now and that is why I am pleased to see the launch of the Gainsborough Crimestoppers campaign. “It is important that we make reporting crime as simple and easy for everyone to do and making that completely anonymous is crucial if we want to get a real understanding of the issues in the area. It will also help us to liaise with partners and help us find solutions to some of the problems that specific areas are facing. “Our campaign will also target young people aged 13-17, encouraging them to report crime in the town over the coming months.”

Joanna Brigham has been announced as the new Chair of Boston Town Board. Joanna, a highly experienced senior leader who has held Chief Executive and Director roles within a broad range of organisations, assumes the role after former Chair Neil Kempster decided to step down. Joanna’s appointment comes as the Boston Town Board begins a new phase in its existence having been repurposed to oversee the delivery of £20m Long Term Plan for Towns funding awarded to Boston. This additional funding complements the £21.9m Town Deal funding which is being invested in Boston through a number of transformational projects, including the new Mayflower learning centre at Boston College and improvements to the Geoff Moulder Centre. Joanna, who was also most recently Chief Executive of UK Shared Business Services Ltd and previously CEO for the Scottish Police Services Authority, and Director of Strategy and Marketing for the Royal Parks said: “I am so pleased to have been appointed to lead Boston Town Board through its next chapter, when we will build on the successful and significant progress to date and look to the future by creating and overseeing the implementation of a long term plan for Boston. “I would like to thank my predecessor Neil who has held the position of chair almost from the very beginning. I look forward to continuing to work with him and all the board members as we bring together our shared skills, commitment, and ambition for Boston to make a difference for the town.” Neil, who is Land and Development Director of Chestnut Homes was an inaugural member of the Board and has been Chair of the Boston Town Board since June 2020. During his four years at the helm, the Board’s role expanded after further funding including Levelling Up and more recently Long Term Plan for Towns investment was awarded to Boston. Neil said: “It has been a privilege to serve as Chair for the Boston Town Board, and to be involved in shaping the town investment plan and projects ever since the announcement of the funding. “Following the establishment of the Boston Town Board in 2020, which enabled the Boston Town Deal investment of £21.9 million, we have supported significant further funding and investment into Boston. “This has included Levelling Up and Levelling Up Partnership, match funding for the Town Deal, UK Shared Prosperity Funding, High Street Task Force support and most recently the Long Term Plan for Towns funding. “Now, with the changes in the board’s role, it feels like the right time for me to step down. I am looking forward to remaining as a board member, and continuing to work with Jo and the other board members. I wish Jo all the very best in her role as Chair.” Councillor Anne Dorrian, Leader of Boston Borough Council, said: “I think I speak for all the partner organisations who are represented on the Town Board when I say that Neil’s chairmanship over the last four years has given a steady and stable influence, giving oversight to the important major projects of the Town Deal. “I am delighted that he has chosen to stay on as a board member and is willing to offer his vast wealth of experience as we move forward with the Long Term Plan for Towns.”   Image: Boston, Lincolnshire – credit: Stock.adobe.com/Tony