North Lincolnshire Council has secured £3.5 million to improve energy efficiency across three major public buildings. The funding will go towards new low-carbon heating systems, lighting upgrades, and building fabric improvements at The Baths Hall, Scunthorpe Central Library, and Waters’ Edge Visitor Centre in Barton-upon-Humber.

Heating these council buildings produced over 3,000 tonnes of CO2 last year, accounting for nearly 40% of the council’s direct emissions. Most of the heat came from natural gas, biomass, and oil systems. The upgrades will replace some of the oldest and highest-emitting systems with ground or air source heat pumps to cut carbon emissions and reduce running costs.

The funding comes from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme under the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. Works are expected between late 2025 and early 2028.

This follows earlier environmental efforts by the council, including installing solar panels on several public buildings. The Baths Hall already has 360 solar panels, saving an estimated £15,000 a year on energy bills while reducing emissions by 24 tonnes annually.

The council aims to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2030.

The new unit at Lincoln County Hospital will offer a modern, accessible facility for patients. It will provide state-of-the-art procedure rooms, as well as post-procedure rooms that include en-suite facilities which will improve patient experience. The building will also offer a bright and spacious waiting room, as well as larger working areas for staff.   

Lincolnshire Community and Hospitals NHS Group chief executive, professor Karen Dunderdale, said: “Our endoscopy diagnostic services can help to detect cancer, so it is vital that we invest in these services to continue to be able to support our patients with fast and comfortable diagnostic services.

“Our new unit will mean that we can increase diagnostic capacity, offer even higher levels of patient privacy and provide a great working environment for our staff.

“The new 1,972 square metre unit will increase the number of procedure rooms we have at Lincoln from three to four, with the potential to add a further two rooms in the future. This will ensure we can meet increasing demand and allow our patients to be seen sooner.”

A vape fire in Gainsborough has left three homes uninhabitable and caused damage to a fourth. The fire, tackled by crews from Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, and Humberside, was found to have started when a vape overheated and exploded. Preliminary investigations suggest the cause was thermal runaway, a failure often linked to damaged batteries, overcharging, or unregulated products.

No one was injured, but authorities are urging people to use and charge electronics safely. Tips include using only manufacturer-approved chargers, unplugging devices once charged, avoiding overnight charging, and keeping devices off beds or sofas where airflow is restricted. Damaged or swelling batteries should be disposed of immediately.

Trading standards officers also warned against buying cheap, counterfeit vapes or chargers that may lack essential safety features. Buying from reputable retailers helps ensure products meet UK safety regulations.

Robot dogs turned heads at the Lincolnshire Show as the STEP fusion energy team gave visitors a glimpse into the future. The two mechanical pups entertained crowds, sparking conversations about the upcoming fusion power plant planned at West Burton, a former coal-fired station being transformed into a hub for clean energy.

Around 60,000 people visited this year’s show, which marked its 140th anniversary with a celebration of agriculture, trade, and local produce. The robot dogs drew curious children and adults alike, along with a few confused real dogs who weren’t sure what to make of their animated counterparts.

The STEP programme, hosted at the event by West Lindsey District Council, is expected to create thousands of jobs and new training opportunities while helping bring green power to the Grid. Visitors were also invited to take part in naming the two robot dogs, adding a playful touch to a project that promises to shape the future of energy.