140,000 illegal cigarettes seized during multi-agency raids in Gainsborough
A total of 140,000 illegal cigarettes have been seized following raids on three stores and a residential property in Gainsborough.
Searches of the premises were carried out as part of a pre-planned, intelligence-led, multi-agency operation, involving officers from West Lindsey District Council, Lincolnshire County Council’s Trading Standards and Lincolnshire Police.
Kim Enderby, senior licensing and community safety officer for West Lindsey District Council, said the raids were carried out on Tuesday 28 February 2023.
He said: “All agencies involved had received intelligence that these stores were involved in the sale of illicit cigarettes. The three stores were raided simultaneously, whilst local police officers from Gainsborough also executed a search warrant at the residential address.
“Seizures of illegal cigarettes were made from all three of the retail stores with a further quantity being seized from the house. Over 140,000 illegal cigarettes were seized, which will have a real impact on the individuals behind this activity. Further investigations are ongoing by all the organisations involved.”
Chairman of the Prosperous Communities Committee, Cllr Owen Bierley, said: “The Council’s aim is to make the district a safe and vibrant place to live, work and socialise. One of the ways to support legitimate businesses is by targeting those involved in criminal activity.
“Shops selling dangerous and illegal products contribute nothing to the local community or economy and this sort of activity will be met head on. Agencies working together, sharing information, pooling resources and skills, means we can make the maximum impact on days like this.”
Sergeant Amy Brigginshaw from Lincolnshire Police said: “During this operation we seized a large quantity of these goods, preventing them from hitting the streets in West Lindsey.
“All cigarettes are harmful, but some illegal and illicit goods, such as these made up of poor-quality ingredients, can actually be more damaging to a person’s health than an ordinary cigarette – they are not produced by licensed companies and contain unknown ingredients and quantities of chemicals. The sale of these goods is generating large incomes for criminal gangs and the loss of tax revenue means less money spent on your schools or hospitals.
“If you smoke, we urge you to purchase cigarettes and tobacco from reputable shops, where you know they have been produced by a licensed company.”
Andy Wright, Principal Trading Standards Officer at Lincolnshire County Council, explained seizures such as this are always investigated by the Trading Standards Service.
He said: “My officers will now investigate to establish the person, or persons, responsible. Anything we can do to reduce the consumption of cigarettes generally, is in everyone’s interest. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that they kill people, it’s even written on the packets. The availability of non-duty paid, smuggled and counterfeit cigarettes such as those seized, clearly doesn’t help.
“In many areas of Lincolnshire, we see a distinct relationship between retail of illegal cigarettes, anti-social behaviour, drugs, modern day slavery, and violent crime. The sale of illegal cigarettes is unacceptable to law abiding members of the community, but few realise the connection to more serious crime. The premises we inspected on Tuesday were used for the purpose of supplying illegal cigarettes and tobacco.
“Make no mistake, these are not local traders making a few quid on the side. These are part of national organised crime groups with links to more serious crime. If you have any information you feel may assist, we ask that you contact us.”
Lincoln College School of Food and Hospitality unveiled after significant Town Deal investment
Michelin Star chef James Mackenzie christened the new kitchens at Lincoln College’s School of Food and Hospitality after a £1.1m investment project.
The star-chef, who runs the Pipe and Glass in Yorkshire, cooked with college catering students to celebrate the reopening of the college restaurant and training kitchens.
This follows the College’s recent purchase of the Old Bakery Restaurant and last years’ renovation and re-opening of the Drill.
All of these projects have been supported by significant Lincoln Town Deal Board investment, with the aim of plugging skills gaps in the local economy.
Lincoln College Group principal and CEO Mark Locking said: “These investments enable us to achieve our purpose of being an extraordinary employer-led organisation; producing highly skilled and productive local workforce. They allow us to train school leavers and adults from local businesses in the highest quality environments.
“The Drill, the Old Bakery and Sessions then act as real-life finishing school environments to develop the customer service, problem solving and confidence required to excel in the workplace.”
Debbie Barnes, OBE and Chief Executive at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “It’s a great opportunity not only for the city but also for the students that attend Lincoln College.
“Lincolnshire is well known for its food production. The college provides an outstanding and appealing venue for learners to get real-life experience in the sector – which is vital in supporting our young people to go on to have careers in hospitality and the food industry.”
Lincoln College Board of Corporation Chairman James Pinchbeck said: “This investment will enable us to address hard and soft skills gaps in catering and hospitality for the visitor economy, one of the Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership Priority sectors.
“COVID business recovery, the current employment landscape and the impact of Brexit has created severe skills shortage in our cafes, bars, pubs, restaurants and tourist attractions and these fantastic new training facilities will help us address this issue.”
To celebrate the reopening, invited guests enjoyed a taster menu specially prepared by Michelin Star chef and proprietor at the Pipe and Glass James Mackenzie, along with Lincoln College students.
James said: “It is vital to inspire and encourage people to pursue a career in hospitality – I am honoured to work with Lincoln College to do just that. I started my career at 13 years of age, and after training at Scarborough Technical College, I understand the value of practical experience in the field.
“That’s why it’s a pleasure to work with current and qualified students – like Lucy who came to us recently for work experience, and former Lincoln catering student Eloise who is employed as a chef with us. I do not doubt that the facilities in the Sessions restaurant and at Lincoln College will help the students to achieve great things in the industry.”
Image shows student working alongside James Mackenzie
Lincolnshire Co-op launches hygiene poverty campaign
Hygiene bank collection points have been introduced in over 45 Lincolnshire Co-op pharmacies, helping to tackle hygiene poverty, which is a growing problem across the region.
Customers are being encouraged to donate hygiene essentials like deodorant, soap, toothpaste, toilet roll, sanitary products, washing up liquid, laundry detergent, nappies, pull ups, wipes, shower gel, shampoo and conditioner. Products will be collected from the donation points and delivered to an assigned charity or good cause. They will then be distributed to those in need.
Lincolnshire Co-op is supporting a total of 16 different charities throughout this campaign, including hygiene banks, domestic abuse services, homelessness support and foodbanks. Each pharmacy is linked to a nearby group, so the impact is felt firsthand in local communities.
In Spilsby Pharmacy, items that are donated within the branch are collected for the East Lindsey Food Bank Collective.
Pharmacy Service Assistant Lara Daintree said: “The hygiene bank collection points are a hugely positive step towards improving the quality of life of people who are struggling within our communities during this difficult time.
“The most popular items that have been donated in our branch are toothbrushes and sanitary products. Even cotton wool has been donated, which I myself may have overlooked, but products like that are universal and can be really useful.”
Lisa Saxon, a fellow Pharmacy Service Assistant in Spilsby stressed the importance of donating, saying: “It’s easy to take items like deodorant and shower gels for granted, because they’re promoted as luxury items sometimes, rather than something that everyone needs.”
The Lincoln Hygiene Bank, which operates in multiple sites within Lincoln, is the local charity supported by Newark Road Hykeham Pharmacy, Hykeham Village Pharmacy, Forum Pharmacy, Brant Road Pharmacy and Sincil Street Pharmacy.
Lincoln Hygiene Bank Project Co-ordinator Melissa Wheeler said: “Hygiene poverty can affect the physical and mental health and wellbeing of individuals and families. Poor hygiene can be degrading and embarrassing, and it can break down a person’s social life and self-confidence.
“Hygiene products can be expensive, which makes them inaccessible to people who are struggling during this difficult time. But feeling clean isn’t a luxury. Everybody deserves to be clean.”
Lincoln offers free open top city tour bus rides
To celebrate the return of the Open Top Sightseeing Tour Bus in Lincoln tickets will be FREE during Discover Lincolnshire Weekend of 25th and 26th March.
With 106 Excellent and Very Good ratings on Trip Advisor, the tour bus is back by popular demand from the 25th of March and will run until 29th October (operating weekends only until July) and everyone is invited to come and experience the tour for themselves as this popular attraction takes in the highlights of Lincoln, pointing out hidden treasures within the city that are often missed.
The Tour Bus is a brilliant opportunity to experience Lincoln in a fun, unique way with family, friends, and partners. Everyone can hop on and hear about the history of the city with our entertaining and knowledgeable tour guides – but get ready for the jokes and puns to come thick and fast!
Over the weekend, tours will depart hourly from 10.30am to 3.30pm from the West Front of Lincoln Cathedral.
Visitors can board the bus at any of the nine stops including: Lincoln Cathedral, Northgate, Newport Arch, Lincoln Castle, Museum of Lincolnshire Life, Brayford Waterfront, Transport Hub, High Street and Cultural Quarter. People are also able to hop on and hop off the bus at any of the stops, as many times as they like, offering a useful and interesting form of travel throughout the city so everyone can see what’s on offer during Discover Lincolnshire Weekend and beyond.
Tickets for the weekend can be booked on Eventbrite using this link – https://www.eventbrite.com/o/lincoln-business-improvement-group-61182106663
After the free event, tickets for the Tour Bus can be purchased in two simple ways, either from the driver on the bus (cash or contactless payments accepted), or on the Stagecoach app.
A music-packed March at Southside
Lincoln’s newest live music venue Southside has announced a packed schedule of events throughout March, including St Patrick’s Day celebrations and a performance from the University of Lincoln’s choir.
Southside, formerly St Katherine’s Church and the Priory Centre, is focused on bringing a variety of music, activities and events to the city.
After opening in autumn of last year, Southside has been hosting popular weekly events and has now announced its events line-up for March.
“We’re really excited to announce everything that’s coming up here at Southside in March,” said Emily Nichol, Operations Director at the venue.
“We’re hosting some new events this month, showcasing local talent and hopefully providing something everyone will enjoy. We’re also continuing to host some of our popular events such as Commuter Jazz and we are very grateful for all the support we have received so far.”
The venue is holding an International Women’s Day concert on Wednesday 8th March. The all-female lineup for the event includes Hannah Rowe, Tinned Peaches and Who’s Misty?. The evening will be hosted by Katy Baggott from LCR FM’s The Sunday Underbelly. All proceeds will be donated to Lincolnshire Rape Crisis, which works to support people who have been affected by any form of sexual violence.
Celebrate St Patrick’s Day weekend at Southside on Saturday 18th March with a performance from Lincoln’s Castile Céilidh Band. The event will take place in Southside’s Amie Slavin Hall and will be similar to a traditional Irish Céili with Irish folk music, traditional dancing and storytelling.
Tickets for Southside’s St Patrick’s Day Céili can be purchased on online via its website. There is also the option to buy a ticket with food included and the menu will be announced soon. Southside has recently received a five-star food hygiene rating.
Throughout March Southside will also be hosting a number of concerts. On Saturday 11th March, local singer/songwriter Ben Simmons will be taking to the stage with special guest Georgie Hanson. On Thursday 30th March the University of Lincoln Choir will be performing alongside a folk band as part of the university’s Chamber Ensemble showcase.
Alongside these new events, Southside will continue to host its popular recurring events including Folk Night, Snug Sessions and Commuter Jazz.
Here’s the full list of events at Southside in March:
Friday 3rd March – Commuter Jazz
Wednesday 8th March – International Women’s Day
Saturday 11th March – Ben Simmons
Thursday 16th March – Southside Folk Night
Friday 17th March – Commuter Jazz
Saturday 18th March – St Patrick’s Day Céili
Thursday 23rd March – Snug Sessions
Sunday 26th March – Naughty Night Market
Wednesday 29th March – Southside Jam Night
Thursday 30th March – University of Lincoln Chamber Ensemble
Friday 31st March – Commuter Jazz
You can find more information about the events at Southside and how to book tickets here. Sign up for the Southside newsletter on the website: https://southsidelincs.com/.
Image: Snug Sessions, a monthly occurrence at Southside, celebrates underground music in Lincoln.
Take the Dragon Trail at Bransby Horses this Spring
Brave boys and girls can burn off some energy and enjoy a day outdoors when they take part in the ‘Train Your Dragon’ activity now running until April 30 at Bransby Horses, just north of Lincoln.
With clues hidden along the visitor walkways, which are pushchair and wheelchair friendly, they can joust their way along this magical trail to collect courage and train their dragon.
Entry to the equine welfare charity, based just outside of Lincoln, is free and there is no need to book, simply ask in the Gift Shop on arrival.
Activities are £3.50 per child which includes a prize at the end.
Why Not Make a Day of It
After all that running around families can warm-up in the Bransby Horses Café which serves refreshments to eat in or takeaway including English breakfast, afternoon teas and plenty of delicious cake choices.
The cafe is open 10am – 4pm. Hot food is served until 2.45pm and hot drinks and cake are served until 3.45pm.
Charity Shop
The Donated Goods and Tack Shop are also open and filled with pre-loved bargains. Bransby Horses is always happy to take donations for the shop from which every penny of profit made goes directly back to paying for the charity’s equine rescue and welfare work.
Bransby Horses is open Wednesday to Sunday 10am – 4pm and during school holidays it is open seven days a week, Monday to Sunday, 10am – 4pm.
Find all this and more at Bransby Horses, Bransby, Lincoln, LN1 2PH.
Happy jubilee birthday to you, Lincolnshire Wolds
This year the Lincolnshire Wolds marks its 50th anniversary as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – an ideal opportunity to discover more about this protected, living, working and thriving landscape!
The 50th Anniversary is a chance to celebrate all that has been achieved in working to protect and enhance the Lincolnshire Wolds, it’s habitats and physical features, it’s heritage, culture, communities and management.
The Lincolnshire Wolds Chair – Councillor Richard Avison says: “The beauty of our landscape has brought a real joy throughout recent trying times for everyone and reinvigorated the nation’s interest in our countryside. Harnessing that interest along with Government initiatives will provide an ideal opportunity to promote and celebrate our Lincolnshire Wolds AONB 50th anniversary. We look forward to seeing you at the forthcoming events, come along and enjoy a part of the countryside which we proudly represent.”
The care of the AONB has been entrusted to the local authorities, organisations, community groups and those who live and work in the area. Much of the Wolds is in private ownership, with few publicly owned and managed sites. Partners, communities and individual landowners, particularly farmers and land managers, have a crucial role to play in continuing to safeguard this unique landscape.
In recognition of the jubilee, the Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service, the Lincolnshire Chalk Stream Project and the AONB Farming in Protected Landscapes network have worked with partners to coordinate a series of 50 events from April to October to showcase, promote and engage with people who live, work and visit the Lincolnshire Wolds.
Excitement over Lusso Homes flagship launch in the Lincolnshire Wolds
Lusso Homes’ flagship residential site, Tye’s Close, Ludford is gearing up to host their first Open Day.
As Lusso has already sold some of the homes and has had a great amount of interest, they would like to invite those thinking of downsizing to come and view the homes to see what makes a Lusso Home different from traditional park home style properties.
With only 9 homes planned on the site, each resident can benefit from an upgraded lifestyle while downsizing their existing home.
All of the homes are either on site already or due to be delivered this year (2023). Lusso offer a variety of choices, including the traditional layouts of the Prestige Residence and Majestic or the more contemporary open-plan living of the Bella Vista and other models from the Prestige collection – all situated in large private landscaped gardens.
You are invited to come and see the exclusive luxury park, improving the standard of retirement, with homes ranging from £255k to £295k and immediately available.
All homes can be tailored to your lifestyle and personal taste. With the option of having additional garages, decking, further landscaping patios and more you can truly create your dream retirement property.
The first residents, who will be in their home very shortly, said: “Lusso’s attention to detail has blown us away, the views and careful thought about creating quality gardens to maximise privacy and sunlight certainly make them exclusive luxury we’re looking forward to enjoying!”
Lusso has also partnered with Quickmove Properties for those wanting to move quickly but who haven’t sold their property. They aim to help people move within around 4 weeks, often something which is vital for those needing to downsize.
To book an appointment for the Open Day on the 11th & 12th March from 10am to 4pm or to arrange a private viewing and get in early to avoid disappointment, call 01673 847743 or email sales@lussohomes.co.uk.
The first residents, who will be in their home very shortly, said: “Lusso’s attention to detail has blown us away, the views and careful thought about creating quality gardens to maximise privacy and sunlight certainly make them exclusive luxury we’re looking forward to enjoying!”
Lusso has also partnered with Quickmove Properties for those wanting to move quickly but who haven’t sold their property. They aim to help people move within around 4 weeks, often something which is vital for those needing to downsize.
To book an appointment for the Open Day on the 11th & 12th March from 10am to 4pm or to arrange a private viewing and get in early to avoid disappointment, call 01673 847743 or email sales@lussohomes.co.uk. Making the most of your home: innovative improvement tips for every homeowner
Home improvement is a topic that every homeowner should consider. Making the most of your living space makes your home more comfortable and can increase its value.
Home improvement doesn’t always have to mean significant renovations and costly upgrades. Simple changes can make a big impact, from adding a fresh coat of paint to rearranging your furniture.
Making the most of your home can also positively impact your mental and emotional well-being. A comfortable and functional living space can improve your mood and overall quality of life. So, whether you’re a new homeowner or a seasoned pro, it’s never too late to explore innovative improvement tips for your home. Below are tips for taking your living space to the next level.
Maximising Space
Living in a small space can be challenging, especially regarding storage and functionality. However, with creative thinking and strategic planning, homeowners can make the most of their limited space. One way to maximise space is by installing built-in storage. This can include custom-made cabinets, bookshelves, and even under-stair storage solutions. Homeowners can reduce clutter and make their living areas more spacious by using every available space.
Another tip for making the most of limited space is to use multi-functional furniture. A storage ottoman can provide extra seating while also serving as a place to store blankets, pillows, and other items. When choosing furniture, look for pieces that serve multiple purposes and can be easily stored away when not in use.
Other ideas for making the most of limited space include utilising wall space for storage, or using curtains or room dividers to create separate areas. You could even maximise natural light to create the illusion of a larger space. With some creativity and practical solutions, homeowners can transform even the smallest of spaces into functional and stylish living areas.
Upgrading Technology
By installing energy-efficient appliances and a smart home system, homeowners can reduce their energy consumption and save money on monthly utility bills. In addition to cost savings, upgrading technology can also increase the convenience and comfort of living in the home. For example, a smart home system can allow homeowners to control lighting, heating, and cooling systems from their smartphones, making it easy to adjust settings from anywhere in the home. This can also lead to more efficient energy use, as homeowners can adjust based on their daily habits and routines.
Another benefit of upgrading home technology is the potential for increased home security. With smart home systems, homeowners can install security cameras, motion sensors, and door locks that can be controlled remotely. This can give homeowners peace of mind, especially when they are away from home for extended periods.
Furthermore, improving the technology in your home can increase its value and make it more attractive to potential buyers if the homeowner decides to sell in the future.
DIY Projects
Improving your home doesn’t have to be expensive. There are plenty of budget-friendly DIY projects that can make a significant impact on the overall look and feel of your living space. Repainting cabinets, creating a feature wall, and adding new hardware to doors and cabinets are just a few ideas that can transform a room. If you need more information about designing and building a project, you can check out 24Housing.
Another budget-friendly option is to upcycle furniture. You can turn an old piece of furniture into something new and stylish with some creativity and some paint. For example, you could transform an old dresser into a statement piece by painting it a bold colour or adding new hardware.
If you want to improve your home’s functionality, consider simple DIY projects like installing shelving or adding organisers to your closet. You don’t need to break the bank when building a contemporary home interior. The truth is that even minor adjustments can make all the difference.
Green Home Improvements
Eco-friendly home improvements have become increasingly important in recent years. People are now more conscious of the impact of their daily activities on the environment. By making simple home changes, homeowners can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Installing solar panels is a good option for homeowners looking to cut their energy bills. Solar panels harness the power of the sun to generate electricity. This can help reduce or eliminate the need for traditional energy sources like fossil fuels. Other ways to reduce energy usage include installing energy-efficient appliances and upgrading home insulation.
Eco-friendly home improvements are a smart investment for homeowners—especially those looking to reduce their environmental impact and save money on energy and water bills. By reducing energy and water usage, homeowners can make a big difference in the world around them.
Adding Personal Touches
Making a house feel like a home often involves adding personal touches that reflect the homeowner’s personality and style. Adding personal touches creates a welcoming and inviting atmosphere, making the home unique and memorable. Incorporating personal style into home decor can be done in many ways, and it doesn’t have to break the bank.
Creating a gallery wall is one way to add a personal touch to the home. A gallery wall is a great way to display family photos, artwork, and other sentimental items. Homeowners can mix and match different frame styles and sizes to create a visually exciting display.
Another way to incorporate personal style is to repurpose and upcycle old furniture or decor items. With a little creativity, old items can be given a new life and add character to the home. For example, an old ladder can be repurposed as a bookshelf, or a vintage suitcase can be turned into a side table.
Also, incorporating family heirlooms into home decor can add a sense of history and tradition to the home. Displaying antique family photos or using a family quilt as a throw blanket can add warmth and charm to any room.
Incorporating personal style into home decor makes the home feel more personal and welcoming. Most of all, it can bring homeowners joy and happiness every time they walk through the door.
Refurbished St Mary’s Guildhall is ready to take its place in the community again
The half-million pound refurbishment of City of Lincoln Council’s St Mary’s Guildhall are now complete.
A total of £502,980 from Historic England’s High Street Heritage Action Zone Regional Repair Grand and Regional Repair Enhancement scheme has seen works completed, which include emergency structural works and the following:
- Full re-roofing of the Norman House
- Restructuring roof of Northern Range, and structural works including buttressing
- Timber repairs
- Repairs to lead gutters
- Local reconstruction of first floor chimney
- Quarterly monitoring of the elevation
- Feasibility works including business plan, community engagement plan and governance review
