£13.5m partnerships deal to deliver 68 homes in Witham St Hughs
Grimsby’s Jubilee mosaic lost during shopping centre revamp
A well-known mosaic in Grimsby’s Freshney Place shopping centre has been demolished as part of ongoing redevelopment works, despite efforts to preserve it.
The artwork, created in 1977 to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee, became the focus of local campaigns earlier this year, with over 1,250 people signing a petition to save it. Groups like the Grimsby, Cleethorpes and District Civic Society also advocated for its retention.
North East Lincolnshire Council said it explored options to remove the mosaic tile by tile but found it was too damaged to survive extraction. Experts warned the piece was cracking significantly during removal attempts, making it impossible to preserve in its original form.
While some residents have expressed frustration, the council maintains that heritage concerns were carefully considered. It confirmed that specialist advice was sought and that scans and high-resolution images were taken before demolition.
These images will now be used to create a full-scale reproduction in a new location. The council has promised to involve the community in selecting a site for the display, ensuring the artwork’s legacy continues in a different form as part of the Freshney Place regeneration.
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Port operator nets Grimsby Seafood Village
Council tests Spalding playing field as cemetery nears full capacity
As Spalding Cemetery approaches its limit, South Holland District Council is assessing new options for burial space, including the potential use of a popular community playing field.
Environmental testing is currently underway at Chiltern Drive playing field to determine if the site could support burials without impacting groundwater levels. The assessment will continue into autumn. If the land proves unsuitable, the process will be halted.
Chiltern Drive has long served as a valued green space for families, dog walkers, and local children, and some residents have expressed concerns about losing one of the area’s few safe outdoor areas. The field includes swings, wildflowers, and a footpath leading into a wooded section.
Previous efforts to expand the cemetery into the same field were met with strong opposition. A 2014 planning application drew more than 100 petition signatures and was ultimately rejected in 2015 due to the loss of recreational space. Sport England also objected to the proposal at the time.
The council says no final decision will be made until all environmental findings and community considerations are fully evaluated. Officials aim to establish a long-term solution within the next year to maintain burial services in the town.
Meanwhile, the Law Commission is reviewing national burial legislation, with proposals that could allow the reuse of existing graves to ease space shortages across the country.
Image shows Spalding. Credit: Stock.adobe.com/Steven F GranvilleStreet art adds colour to Grimsby’s town centre revival
Grimsby’s town centre continues to transform, with a vibrant new street art piece joining a wave of regeneration efforts reshaping the area. The mural, titled Migration, was recently completed by local artist Dogma Art on Victoria Street and features a flock of birds flying over a cherry blossom tree.
The artwork is part of a broader push to bring life and beauty back to the high street. Recent changes include colourful planters, living walls, and decorative plaques created by school children, all contributing to a more inviting public space. Riverhead Square has also been revitalised, now serving as a relaxing spot for residents to unwind and socialise.
Dogma Art’s mural was created in just a few days but took weeks of preparation, including stencil design and coordination with local stakeholders. The goal was to create something that not only brightened the streetscape but also aligned with the town’s evolving identity.
This creative addition sits alongside several larger developments, including the Horizon Youth Zone, Alexandra Dock housing plans, and the upcoming E-Factor Business Hub. Together, these projects are helping to secure the future of Freshney Place and support more than 1,700 local jobs, part of a broader strategy to breathe new life into Grimsby’s urban centre.
Image credit: North Lincolnshire CouncilGrimsby ice rink secures £150k for essential infrastructure upgrade
Grimsby Ice Rink is undergoing a major refurbishment thanks to a £150,000 investment secured by the community group managing the facility. The funds, raised through a combination of local fundraising efforts and financial reserves, will cover critical infrastructure upgrades to keep the 50-year-old venue operational.
The refurbishment project, due to begin on 31 July and expected to last around a month, includes a full replacement of the rink’s ageing barrier system and the installation of a more energy-efficient chiller unit. The work aims to extend the lifespan of the facility, ensuring continued access to ice sports in the region.
The project is led by Grimsby Ice Rink Community Group, which took over operations in 2017 after the site faced closure. In addition to structural repairs and general maintenance, the group has ambitions to eventually develop a new ice rink, thereby future-proofing skating and ice sports locally.
Image credit: Google mapsHydrotherapy pool saved following council funding
First beaver kit born in Lincolnshire for over 400 years
Grange pupils honoured for making a difference beyond the classroom
Six pupils from Grange Primary School have been recognised for two years of exceptional community service as the school celebrated its key stage two Community Ambassadors.
At a special assembly attended by parents, teachers, and local officials, the school reflected on a year of outreach, with a spotlight on pupils who have helped strengthen ties between the school and its wider community.
The Year Six ambassadors, now preparing for secondary school, were celebrated for their long-standing efforts with Edmund House Care Home, where they’ve built intergenerational friendships and taken part in creative projects, including a winning entry in the Easter Bunny Trail.
The celebration also marked a handover, as the outgoing ambassadors introduced a new cohort of pupils set to continue their work. The event underscored Grange Primary’s core values—being reflective, resilient, and respectful—while reinforcing the importance of giving back.
Throughout the year, pupils have been involved in charity initiatives and family engagement activities, all designed to build confidence, empathy, and connection.
The event closed with a sense of shared pride and optimism, as the school community looks forward to what the next generation of ambassadors will achieve.
Image credit: North Lincolnshire CouncilGrantham leisure centre turns up the heat on sustainability
Grantham Meres Leisure Centre is setting a new standard for eco-friendly public amenities with the rollout of a £4 million low-carbon heating system designed to slash emissions and energy bills. The project introduces a purpose-built Net Zero Pod, powered by air source heat pump technology, to replace the site’s ageing gas boilers.
The innovative system, built off-site and transported to the centre, uses CO₂ as a natural refrigerant and promises efficiency levels four times higher than traditional gas boilers. It’s expected to reduce carbon emissions by over 550 tonnes annually—helping South Kesteven District Council progress towards its goal of cutting emissions by 30% by 2030.
This latest upgrade follows the recent addition of 574 rooftop solar panels, funded in part by a £399,000 grant from Sport England. Combined, these efforts mark a major push to modernise Grantham’s leisure infrastructure and futureproof community facilities with cleaner, smarter energy systems. Completion is scheduled for spring 2026.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Seadog81Book club provides vital support to cancer patients thanks to charitable funding
Cleethorpes set for revival with new investment and renewed charm
Once overlooked in favour of sunnier European spots, the seaside town of Cleethorpes is experiencing a long-awaited resurgence, thanks to an £18.4 million investment from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund.
The North East Lincolnshire resort, perched on the Humber estuary, is undergoing major regeneration works aimed at refreshing its appeal for locals and tourists alike. The funds are being used to redesign key public areas, including the Pier Gardens, which will be transformed into a vibrant recreational zone with a new playground, water features, performance space, and reflective gardens.
Cleethorpes’ Market Place is also getting a makeover, with plans to create a flexible area for markets and pop-up events, enhanced lighting for safety, and a new green corridor connecting St Peters Avenue to the seafront. Restaurants will be able to expand their dining areas outdoors, while landscaping will help soften the town’s coastal winds.
One of the most ambitious elements is a new three-storey landmark building at the former Waves site, offering modern public facilities and commercial space just opposite the town’s iconic pier.
This latest funding builds on earlier local improvements to Sea View Street and Cleethorpes Beach. The town also draws significant crowds for events like Armed Forces Weekend, which last year attracted over 350,000 visitors, solidifying its growing reputation as a destination on the rise.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/simonCampus for Future Living officially launches in Mablethorpe
New watch station to bring extra pair of eyes to Cleethorpes seafront
New council housing given the go-ahead for Market Deeping
How to keep your tomatoes fresher for longer
Storing tomatoes properly can make all the difference to their flavour and shelf life, and no, the fridge isn’t always the answer.
Tomatoes keep best at room temperature, ideally on a kitchen worktop away from heat sources like ovens. For better airflow and to prevent bruising, lay them out on a flat dish instead of piling them into a bowl. Removing the stems can also help them stay plump, as the stems tend to draw out moisture.
Once they’ve fully ripened, especially during warmer months, a short stint in the fridge can slow spoilage. If you do refrigerate ripe tomatoes, let them return to room temperature before eating to bring back their flavour.
Storing tomatoes stem side down can also help retain moisture and protect the scar from bacteria, both key to keeping them fresher, longer.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/DenisProduction.comAccessibility upgrades make Lincoln Castle concerts more inclusive
Following criticism of last year’s concert accessibility at Lincoln Castle, significant improvements have been made to enhance the experience for attendees with disabilities.
The changes come after Richard Adams, a wheelchair user and advocate behind the Facebook page Disabled in Lincoln, highlighted issues during the 2023 Kaiser Chiefs concert. He flagged concerns over poor views, inaccessible toilets, and obstructions within the designated accessibility lane.
In response, event organisers Cuffe & Taylor have introduced several updates ahead of this year’s summer lineup. These include a raised accessible platform with clearer sightlines to the stage, a relocated accessible area closer to toilets and entrances, a dedicated team to manage accessibility needs, and a new drop-off zone located closer to the venue.
Adams, who visited the site ahead of this year’s concerts, commended the organisers for taking the feedback seriously and making tangible changes. He plans to return this summer to enjoy upcoming performances by The Human League and UB40, featuring Ali Campbell.
The venue upgrades signal a positive shift in making large-scale events more welcoming for all, especially those with mobility challenges.
Image shows Lincoln Castle. Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/chrisdorneyDementia UK shares tips on tackling tough conversations around dementia ahead of free Lincolnshire clinics
- Act – if the person suddenly becomes upset or frustrated with themselves, this can be a good opportunity to have a conversation with them about the symptoms they are experiencing and if they’d like support with seeking help
- Explain – the signs and symptoms of dementia are often shared with other conditions. Explaining this, and encouraging the person to seek advice from their GP can be less daunting than suggesting they seek a diagnosis of dementia. You can also explain that a prompt diagnosis of dementia will help them seek the right support sooner
- Support – seeking support can be tough, and people will appreciate help in arranging the appointment and attending it. You can also help them to keep a symptom diary which will support a healthcare professional to make an accurate and timely diagnosis
More support on the way for Lincolnshire students with special needs
Mainstream schools across Lincolnshire are preparing to welcome more students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), as part of a £7.2 million plan to expand specialist support in the region.
Thirteen schools, five council-run primaries, six primary academies, and two secondary academies are set to receive dedicated SEND facilities. These new spaces will feature tailored areas and trained staff to support better students who need additional help. With demand for special education places rising sharply and current specialist schools at capacity, the move aims to ease pressure while keeping students in their local communities.
The initiative is designed to create 200 extra school spaces, with ambitions to roll out up to 20 specialist units across the county. While the council will oversee improvements in state schools, academies will manage their upgrades. Most of the funding comes from the Department for Education, with the remaining £1.2 million covered by Lincolnshire County Council.
By strengthening support within mainstream settings, the council hopes to reduce reliance on costly placements at independent schools and keep more families closer to home.
The plans will be reviewed by the Children’s and Culture Scrutiny Committee on 20 June, with final approval expected shortly after.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/JenkoAtaman