New teaching block opens for Louth special school

Tess Egginton
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New teaching block opens for Louth special school

New-and-improved facilities at St Bernard’s School in Louth have been officially opened.

The £8.7m project saw the creation of a new teaching block as well as an extension and refurbishment of the existing building, enabling the school to meet all special educational needs. The work included the creation of improved teaching facilities, dedicated hygiene suites, kitchen, dining space, laundry area and meeting room. Along with renovated medical and professional areas, increased office and break out spaces, a new library and enhanced parking were added. Cllr Mrs Patricia Bradwell OBE, executive member for children’s services, said: “The council wants to ensure that all children can access high-quality education, as near to their family and local community as possible. To help achieve that, we’re investing £100m in improving our special schools. “Our ambitious programme will mean more pupils with SEND can attend a local school rather than having to travel large distances for their education, which will be of great benefit to both the children and their families. “I’m confident that these fantastic new facilities at St Bernard’s will make a real difference to the pupils there, both now and in the future.” Executive headteacher Lea Mason added: “As a community we are extremely pleased with the new building and improvements, to St Bernard’s and Maples, that have been undertaken. “Through our shared values of Community, Connection and Communication, our aim is continually and consistently to assist our students in reaching their full potential. This new build as well as the remodelling works has and will be incredibly supportive, to that end, in providing access to appropriate, purpose-built spaces, both inside and out. “The impact of this work is far reaching and will continue to be for many years to come. Our pupils and students both current and into the future now have access to a purpose built and considered environment that will continue to provide many learning opportunities and access to world of work experiences, not only for our students, but also the local community.” The building work was carried out by Willmott Dixon Construction Ltd, with the funding provided by the county council.

Market Rasen shop fined for selling vapes to children

Tess Egginton
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Market Rasen shop fined for selling vapes to children

Fantasy Vapez in Market Rasen has been fined over £3,000 after a case was brought against them by Lincolnshire Trading Standards.

In October 2022, Trading Standards carried out an underage test purchase at the store at 14 King Street. On that occasion, the 15-year-old volunteer was sold an age-restricted e-cigarette (disposable vape) after staff failed to check their ID. In the month before the test purchase, Lincolnshire Trading Standards had given advice to the business specifically around putting processes in place to prevent children being sold age-restricted products. This included writing to them, and officers visiting to follow-up on complaints from residents that the shop was selling vapes to children. At Boston Magistrates Court on 5 June 2023, the magistrate noted that Fantasy Vapez had been given ample opportunity by Lincolnshire Trading Standards to put a system in place to address underage sales, but had failed to do so. Fantasy Vapez was fined £1,200, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £481, and costs of £1,621.81, making a total of £3,302.81. Principal Lincolnshire Trading Standards officer, Daniel Brown, said: “During our visit to Fantasy Vapez in September last year, we found that the business had no staff training process in place, no refusals log, and no till prompts of any kind which would help stop children being illegally sold nicotine products. “We gave them lots of advice on how to prevent underage sales, including ‘Challenge 25’ and staff training, and creating and using a refusals log. But a month later, when the test purchase took place, staff confirmed they still hadn’t been trained on how to prevent underage sales. “We want to help businesses in the county to follow the laws and trade safely and legally – and the vast majority of them do. But there comes a point where it’s clear our advice is falling on deaf ears and we need to take action to stop these products falling into the hands of children.” Vapes have become a new battleground for Lincolnshire Trading Standards in the past year after they have exploded in popularity. The service carries out underage test purchases for vapes at premises across the county. Roughly one in five results in the underage volunteers being sold vapes, compared to around one in ten for cigarettes and alcohol. Illegal, oversized vapes have also become a more prevalent issue, and around 9,500 of these illicit products have been seized from Lincolnshire shops since May 2022. Research shows that vaping is 95 per cent less harmful than smoking cigarettes, and the public health message remains that smokers should look to e-cigarettes as a way to quit smoking. But those who have never smoked should not take up vaping. To help curb the rise in young people vaping who have never smoked, the county council has a dedicated officer who delivers workshops to schools explaining the laws and health impacts of vaping.

South Lincolnshire community projects to share in £5m of grant funding

Stuart Pearcey
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South Lincolnshire community projects to share in £5m of grant funding

Almost £5milion is due to be shared amongst to projects making a difference to local communities across Boston, East Lindsey and South Holland, as the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership announced the second round of UK Shared Prosperity Fund grant awards.

Ten organisations, community groups and initiatives are set to benefit from the funding, which is part of a Government programme designed to build pride in place, provide high quality skills training and increase life chances across the sub-region. Those receiving grant awards include:
  • The Old Bolingbroke Gas House– To support the development of a new visitor attraction, with revitalisation of a historic building and a series of exhibitions.
  • Dance Free by the Sea– Dance, creative, sensory and environmental sessions running across East Lindsey
  • Grants4Growth 2– A grants programme for businesses in Boston, East Lindsey and South Holland, to award grants of between £1,000 and £25,000 helping to grow capacity, market & product diversification and enhance productivity. This decision is subject to call-in*.
  • Sunset Station– Investment in a local visitor attraction, supported by private sector investment, for extending the miniature railway line at Skegness Water Leisure Park with the addition of a new station.
  • Spilsby Sessions House 2023 to 2025 Arts Programme and Capacity Building– Project to establish an all-year-round programme of cultural events, talent / skills development, and community engagement. This decision is subject to call-in*.
  • Boston Wings Trail– Developing art projects that improve the town and peoples’ perception of it, making it more attractive, interesting, and distinct.
  • Lincolnshire Community Foundation – Levelling UP Community Grants Programme– The creation of a grant scheme which will focus on supporting projects from parishes, village halls and community organisations to achieve ‘match funding’ from other third-party organisations, central government, and private investment. This decision is subject to call-in*.
  • YMCA – Empowering Rural Communities– Working in rural communities across the sub-region to make positive change and help create pride in place.
  • Strengthening Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship– To invest in an advisor to support residents to become social entrepreneurs to grow the number of social entrepreneurs locally.
  • Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce – SEL to the World – International Trade– To increase the number of businesses in the sub-region thinking about International Trade, looking at new markets overseas and sharing skills, knowledge and best practice.
For Grants4Growth, the Lincolnshire Community Foundation and the Lincolnshire YMCA, these projects are funded as delivery partners for UK Shared Prosperity and Rural Prosperity Funding. Through these schemes, substantial investments will be made in advice and support to local businesses, parish councils and community groups. These schemes will also include substantial, ringfenced grant funds dedicated to supporting both these smaller, community organisations and local economic growth. These funds will be open for application imminently. The announcement follows the first round of funding at the end of March, where ten organisations received over £750k to support a variety of projects, including Holbeach Medieval Festival, The Bread and Butter Thing, Long Sutton Men’s Shed Youth Shed Project and the Linkage Community Trust. Councillor Anne Dorrian, Leader of Boston Borough Council, said: “This significant funding opportunity for local organisations and communities is another vital step in developing our aspirations for the Borough, supporting, and empowering our local businesses and residents to thrive, and creating a great place to live, work and visit. “I am excited to see the successful projects develop and grow, and to hear more about future applications with Boston at their heart that can help to drive our ambitions to regenerate the town.” Councillor Paul Redgate, portfolio holder for Finance, Commercialisation, Levelling Up and UK Shared Prosperity Funding at South Holland District Council, said: “I am delighted that we can continue to provide this unprecedented level of funding and support in South Holland, helping realise projects that will offer huge benefits to our economy and communities. “We hope that the funding will accelerate local economic growth and employment, whilst also ensuring that our communities, including those who have been historically under-represented in funding for regeneration, can receive their fair share of support.”  

Parking poorly will land parents in hot water with school camera installations

Stuart Pearcey
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Parking poorly will land parents in hot water with school camera installations
North East Lincolnshire Council and Equans are installing two new CCTV enforcement cameras at Queen Mary Infant and Nursery School in Cleethorpes and Welhome Academy in Grimsby. The cameras will go live on Friday 9 June. The council says CCTV cameras have been a success at Signhills and Old Clee, with 152 Penalty Charge Notices being issued since the installation last year. These cameras automatically detect and enforce parking contraventions on the keep clear markings which will help deter dangerous parking and reduce accidents. Drivers caught stopping on the yellow zig zag lines will receive a £70 PCN in the post, discounted to £35 if paid within 14 days. Lynne Bromley, parking manager at Equans, said: “Signhills and Old Clee have demonstrated the effectiveness of these cameras as less people are parking dangerously outside schools. We hope these two new cameras will have the same effect at Queen Mary School and Welholme Academy.” Councillor Stewart Swinburn, portfolio holder for environment and transport, said: “Children’s safety is paramount, more so around schools where dangerous parking threatens this safety during busy school times. These cameras are here to help children enter and leave school safely without the worry of vehicles being parked dangerously. We hope these two new cameras will create a safer environment for the children.”

Hit the trail for an easier ride between Chapel and Ingoldmells

Stuart Pearcey
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Hit the trail for an easier ride between Chapel and Ingoldmells
A new multi-user trail between Chapel St Leonards and Ingoldmells will make it easier for people to walk, cycle, and enjoy the outdoors around Skegness. The mile-long path next to the A52 joins up with other footpaths to create a four-mile-long circular route that leads to the beach and promenade. The trail also allows for links to public transport connections, offering new, safe, and sustainable routes between resorts and more travel options for local people and visitors. The trail has been created by Hardy’s Farm and Connected Coast Town Deal with Towns Fund investment provided for the project. Chris Baron, Chair of Connected Coast said: “The new trail provides a safe, active, and greener travel option, and it’s ideal for people who want to explore the area on foot or on bike. By linking into other footpaths and routes, the new trail also allows for travel onto popular locations such as Fantasy Island, Butlins, and the town, creating better connections in the area. “The new trail offers a great opportunity for people to get out and enjoy the area sustainably and actively all year round.” The management and maintenance of the multi-user trail is being carried out by Hardy’s Farm, a children’s petting farm and popular visitor attraction at Ingoldmells. Stuart Hardy of Hardy’s Farm said: “With the Towns Fund’s match funding, we’ve been able to successfully establish a versatile multi-user trail connecting Ingoldmells and Chapel St Leonards. It’s a great asset providing safe passage away from the main road and is regularly used by both residents and visitors. “This project underlines Hardys Animal Farms ongoing commitment to improve our area and provide community benefit from our new luxury holiday park development at Country Meadows in Ingoldmells.”

Ding Dong! MP invites constituents to tour Elizabeth Tower, the home of Big Ben

Stuart Pearcey
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Ding Dong! MP invites constituents to tour Elizabeth Tower, the home of Big Ben
Brigg, Goole, and Isle of Axholme MP Andrew Percy is inviting his constituents to get in touch if they are interested in applying for free tickets for a tour of the newly-refurbished Elizabeth Tower at the Houses of Parliament.
He said: “I understand that the Elizabeth Tower will officially reopen to the public this summer following its conservation project .  As such, MPs have been provided with a certain number of free tickets for their constituents to tour the Tower and see the Big Ben bell.
“If you are a constituent and would like to register your interest in these tours, please do email andrew.percy.mp@parliament.uk. Please include your full names and addresses.”
This guided tour of the Elizabeth Tower takes visitors up a narrow 334-step spiral stairwell to the Belfry that’s home to the bell Big Ben. Along the route, guides reveal details of the most extensive and complex conservation project in the Tower’s history.
This vital conservation work involved more than 500 people skilled in stone masonry, glass blowing, gilding, plastering, cast iron and clock mechanics.
Visitors will see the inner workings of the clock mechanism, stand next to the world-famous Big Ben bell as it strikes the hour, and step behind the dials, almost seven metres wide.
The Big Ben tour is not suitable for everyone. Visitors must be aged 11 and over and be comfortable climbing 334 steps unaided and able to sustain moderate physical exertion for up to 90 minutes. You will experience high noise levels from the clock mechanism and bells – ear defenders will be provided. The total tour duration is 90 minutes and toilet facilities are available at the beginning and end of the tour only. Due to the constraints of the Tower, accessible tours including step-free access are not currently available.

Natural England stages a day of summer activities on the coast

Stuart Pearcey
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Natural England stages a day of summer activities on the coast
A day of summer activities is being held at Chapel St Leonards on the Lincolnshire coast this June to celebrate the King Charles III England Coast Path. The event, being hosted by Natural England and partners, takes place next Saturday 17th June at the North Sea Observatory in Chapel St Leonards between10am to 4pm. Suitable for people of all ages and abilities, the day will include a variety of free activities ranging from arts and craft, mindfulness, trike riding and live music. There will also be guided walks along the coast, readings by expert storytellers and a chance to find out more about the coast’s wildlife including occasional sightings of grey seals. Neil Constable, a programme manager for Natural England, said:”This is a fantastic opportunity to come and find out more about the path and its rich local environment. So whether you’re a seasoned walker or new to the coast path and would like to find out more, we’re very much looking forward to welcoming you.” The stretch of the England Coast Path at Chapel St Leonards increased access to the magnificent Lincolnshire coastline with a 16-mile route from Skegness to Mablethorpe when it opened in 2019. Encompassing the tourist hotspot of Skegness, wild sand dunes and the world’s first official cloud-spotting area, Lincolnshire’s first open stretch of the King Charles III England Coast Path enables people to explore the trail and the diverse wildlife that can be found along the line of the route. The route takes into account the area’s important coastal habitats, including the seascapes and unique habitats of Anderby Marsh, Chapel Pit and Wolla Bank Reedbed. Walkers can enjoy the adjacent sand dunes, clay pits and beaches, where a range of bird species, such as the bearded tit and reed bunting thrive. Flocks of knot, sanderling, and dunlin may be spotted patrolling the edge of the waves, and visitors may see oystercatchers.  Grey seals, one of the rarest seals in the world, can be spotted bobbing in the water and the small natterjack toad can be heard croaking on a summer evening.  In spring, areas are awash with purples and pinks as the unique flowers of the sands bloom including sea lavender, sea aster and thrift. Users can also enjoy views of the Chapel Point to Wolla Bank Site of Scientific Special Interest (SSSI) at very low tides which shows evidence of sea level changes over the past 11,000 years. There is also access to the world’s first official cloud spotting area at the Anderby Creek Cloud Bar. Opening access to the coast is part of the Government’s ambition to connect people with nature, and is key to achieving the aspirations of the Government’s 25-Year Environment Plan. When completed, the new national trail will stretch all the way around the coast of England and will be about 2,700 miles long. It will take people through some of the finest landscapes in England, linking iconic places and heritage on the coast with less well-known areas and unlocking access to some parts of our coast for the first time. The King Charles III England Coast Path will connect people with nature, enabling all to access the natural environment and experience the health and wellbeing benefits that it can bring.

EDAN Lincs celebrate 24 years providing domestic abuse services in Lincolnshire

Tess Egginton
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EDAN Lincs celebrate 24 years providing domestic abuse services in Lincolnshire
This month EDAN Lincs (Ending Domestic Abuse Now in Lincolnshire) are celebrating 24 years providing domestic abuse services in Lincolnshire. From 1 April a new-look domestic abuse support service called Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Specialist Service (LDASS) and delivered by EDAN Lincs was launched providing support and assistance to victims of domestic abuse across Lincolnshire. With support from Lincolnshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board and Lincolnshire County Council and other agencies and partners, the new service offers a more joined-up approach and includes: · Universal offer of support – this is online support and advice for all domestic abuse victims via digital platform www.ldass.org.uk · A support hub and helpline run by EDAN Lincs on 01522 510041 opt 2 and accessible Monday – Friday 9am-5pm (excluding bank holidays) · Intervention services for both adults and children and young people that include safety planning, 1:1 practical/emotional support and crisis intervention, family support and direct support for children, support in accessing legal advice, support in court and other services, courses/group support designed for survivors · Recovery support · A new outreach and engagement team to increase community and individual awareness, providing early interventions, developing survivor support networks and recruiting domestic abuse champions to signpost victims to appropriate support Celia Madden, Chief Executive of EDAN Lincs, said: “It is crucial that victims fleeing domestic abuse are able to access services that they know and trust and are local to them. EDAN Lincs delivering LDASS (Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Specialist Services) will carry on strengthening links with NHS, Police and other partner agencies in helping women, men and children living in Lincolnshire who have experienced domestic abuse and supporting them to live lives free from the fear of domestic abuse. If you or someone you know is going through domestic abuse, we’re here to help.”

North Lincolnshire runner takes on the Sahara Desert for Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance

Tess Egginton
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North Lincolnshire runner takes on the Sahara Desert for Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance
Firefighter, Steve Clark from Howsham, near Brigg is celebrating after completing the Marathon des Sables, a 256km race across the Sahara Dessert and dubbed the toughest foot race on Earth. Asked why he wanted to compete in the race Steve said: “You only get one life and if you live it and truly test yourself one life should be enough. Being my 40th Birthday year, I wanted to find a race that would test myself to the limit.” Steve’s achievement has raised an incredible £4,000 which he is splitting between ‘SOBS’ Charity and Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA). He said: “To me it’s vital LNAA is available every hour of the day. This donation is my way to help towards keeping the helicopter in the skies. I’ve been in the situation a few times with my work and when out riding my bike when LNAA has been called, so I know how vital it is.” Georgia Watson, events lead at LNAA, said: “A big well done to Steve for completing this gruelling challenge. It costs £8 million per year to keep our helicopter flying and our critical care cars operational but we receive no government funding. As a charity, we rely on the generosity of people like Steve to keep our doctors and paramedics operational, delivering pre-hospital emergency care to critically ill or injured people at the scene. We are incredibly grateful for all the support we receive.” The Marathon des Sables is the stuff of legends – a truly gruelling multi-stage adventure in one of the world’s most inhospitable environments, the Sahara Desert. Completed in six days, running over 250 kms across endless sand dunes, rocky jebels and white-hot salt plains, carrying sleeping bag, 7 days-worth of food and whatever else is needed to survive on your back, it is an experience like no other in the world. Back home, concentrating on his Fitness Company, ‘Off That Couch Fitness’, Steve is nursing his sore muscles, but has now had time to reflect on his achievement. He said: “The highlight was finishing and getting that medal after the last stage. My lowest point was getting sick on the longest day when we ran 56.5 miles. It was brutal getting through that day, it was 55 degrees, I was dehydrated and did not have much food so I was low on energy.”

Boston children play areas to receive £150,000 of improvements

Tess Egginton
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Boston children play areas to receive £150,000 of improvements
£150,000 of play area improvements are to be made in Boston parks. This includes play areas at Central Park, Woodville Road, St John’s and Garfits Lane. Woodville Road’s funding will mean the pirate ship is replaced after it was destroyed by a fire back in September 2022. The improvements to Central Park will include new surfaced areas, picnic benches and tables, a large horse springer, new water lilies with four way springers and a little mermaid, ugly duckling and castle playground framed unit. Meanwhile, a new large three-piece pirate ship complete with climbing net will be installed at St John’s Boston. The strong themed ship inspires dramatic play, and the variation of climbing, gliding and sliding attracts play on end, year after year. The unit forms a whole playground with its diverse play activities. At Garfit’s Lane two concrete table tennis tables with tarmac bases will be introduced. These works are to be funded by Boston Town Area Committee (BTAC), Boston Borough Council, Boston Big Local and local charity Local Hope. Cllr Barrie Pierpoint, chairman of BTAC, said: “The playgrounds in Boston have all seen their fair share of play and fun over the years. These areas chosen are ready for an upgrade and we are thrilled to be able to support our community with these new playground additions and upgrades which I am sure will make a positive impact to local communities and visitors of Boston.” Cllr Andy Izard, Portfolio Holder for Communities (Place), said: “These new additions to our play areas will I am sure be welcomed by many families looking to entertain their children at no cost. “I would like to thank all those that have put funds towards these works to allow them to proceed and I look forward to hearing what our youngsters think once the new equipment is in situ.”
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