New jobs to be created as almost 17 acres of North Lincolnshire land and property bought by Rainham Steel Company
Major investment is to lead to the creation of up to 60 new jobs following a deal in which independent international steel stockholder and distributor Rainham Steel Company has bought almost 17 acres of commercial land and properties in North Lincolnshire.
The business, which already services the UK, European and world markets from a 70 acre site and distribution facility in Scunthorpe, is to use the Althorpe Wharf site, in Station Road, Keadby, as a base for manufacturing reinforcement bar products.
The sale of the land, which was owned by RMS Trent Ports Limited, included open storage land and a number of industrial warehousing facilities, with a deal close to asking price agreed.
Rainham Steel Company is now to invest around £3.5m into developing the site over the coming year, installing plants and machinery in the existing facilities on site. Longer term plans are to build a dedicated new building on site.
The company supplies major steel fabricators, stockholders, construction companies, civil engineers and builders’ merchants, employing more than 180 members of staff. It already has four other sites in Scunthorpe.
The land had previously been used by RMS Trent Ports Limited to stock a variety of mainly bulk and steel based imports and exports.
The company, which handles all types from cargo through the Humber ports, turned to Hull-based commercial property specialists Garness Jones to sell the site after it became surplus to their business requirements.
Francis Micallef, operations director at Rainham Steel, said: “This is a really exciting announcement as we are going to be making a significant investment into this site to transform it into a northern reinforcement bar manufacturing site, adding to a similar one we have down south.
“We’ll initially be creating around 20 new jobs at the site, and we expect that number to increase to around 60 new jobs over the course of the year, as the site becomes fully operational.
“We’d actually looked around the site a few years ago as we’ve always enjoyed a good working relationship with RMS Trent Ports through their importing of steel. It wasn’t quite the right time then, but when we saw it on the market recently it was the perfect time and opportunity for us to add this new manufacturing facility.
“It’s obviously very pleasing to be able to put this large site into good use, expanding our operations and creating new employment in the region. We also have plans to reopen the Wharf on site in the future too.”
Chris Hyam, senior surveyor at Garness Jones, handled the deal and said: “We are delighted to have secured this sale for our client RMS Trent Ports Limited, as the site had become surplus to requirements for them.
“Following a short period of marketing we had strong levels of interest from developers and owner occupiers.
“It is an excellent acquisition for Rainham Steel, as they have secured a large site which can meet their expanding manufacturing and storage needs.
“The existing buildings allow for immediate expansion of their manufacturing processes and the surplus land allows for potential future development. It is a great deal for the local economy given it is leading to further significant investment and new jobs.”
Over 5,000 votes cast in annual Classic Ibiza track-poll
With Classic Ibiza at Burghley House near Stamford on Saturday 29 July rapidly approaching, over Easter the show’s 40,000 social media followers had the opportunity to vote for the tracks they most wanted to hear performed live by the 32-piece Urban Soul Orchestra (USO).
The five most popular tracks will be added to an orchestral set of over 30 house classics this summer, including 10 other new orchestrations and some firm Classic Ibiza favourites. USO, who headline the show, have worked alongside dance music greats, including Groove Armada, Robert Miles and Nightmares on Wax.
With over 5,000 votes now counted, the five winning tracks, which were selected from a shortlist of 10, are: Silence (Delerium, Tiësto, Sarah McLachlan), King of My Castle (Wamdue Project, Roy Malone), Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now) (C & C Music Factory), On a Ragga Tip (SL2) and Need You (100%) (Duke Dumont, A*M*E).
Classic Ibiza’s Lisa Ward says: “We’ve all been to concerts before hoping to hear our favourite track, only to leave slightly disappointed when it’s not played. Our annual track poll, which is always hugely popular, gives our incredible Burghley House audience the opportunity to do something about that. All I can say is that it’s a good thing they’ve got taste!”
Gates open at Burghley House at 5.30pm, with the show starting with a Chill-Out DJ Set. Former Pacha Ibiza resident, DJ Jose Luis then takes control of the decks for his Latin House Set, which includes a live jamming session with members of USO. Next up, USO and DJ Goldierocks take centre stage for the Sundowner set, followed by Goldierocks’ Deep House DJ Set. The show then reaches a rapturous crescendo at 11pm, following USO’s return to the stage for the Dance Set, accompanied by an amazing laser & light show.
Lisa Ward adds: “We’re blessed with a loyal audience who love to come to Classic Ibiza every year. Our challenge is to make sure we always serve up something fresh and exciting to keep them coming back. The tracks we play are obviously a major part of that. Having already heard some of the new orchestrations, I know our Burghley House audience are going to love what we have in store for them this summer. We’ve also once again upped the ante on the show’s visuals – it’s going to be awesome.”
Tickets for Classic Ibiza at Burghley House are once again due to sell out in advance of the show. Classic Ibiza is proud to be supporting East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices. There will be various fundraising initiatives taking place on the evening, including a £2.50 donation from every programme sold.
Information: Parking is free and there are no booking fees. Bring your own picnic or visit the on-site street-food vendors and San Miguel Bar. Prices: Adults (over 18s): £48, Children (aged 5–17): £24, Under 5s: free. Visit: classicibiza.co.uk
Image credit: David Evans
Divers explore Lincoln’s Glory Hole below the waterline
An expert team of divers has been under the water at Lincoln’s Glory Hole to help with the latest phase of the Council’s investigation into the site.
With the primary investigation above the river by council officers and engineers now complete, the next stage in the ongoing data-gathering means finding out exactly what’s happened below the waterline.
The dive team has carried our out an underwater fingertip assessment of the underpinning of the walkway, and data gathered from what they discovered will become part of the overall investigation detail into why and how the aged footpath has degraded.
Once all the information has been grouped together, Lincolnshire County Council’s specialist engineering team will assess what’s been discovered and then work on the live plan about what can next be done at the historic location.
Burghley Game & Country Fair returns
The popular Burghley Game & Country Fair returns for the Spring Bank Holiday weekend, on Sunday & Monday May 28th & 29th, at Burghley House.
The Country Show will be full of country sports and pursuits with a couple of main arenas offering all day entertainment. Watch Falconry, Gundogs, Horse boarders, stunt display teams and even a Grand National.
Around the showground there is plenty of opportunity to join in all the various ‘Have a Go’ events, Clay shooting, Airguns, Archery & Paintball in the Shooting Village, fishing, falconry and the World of Dogs competitions & displays. Lurcher & Whippet racing, gundog scurries, training and even a Fun dog show will take place for the family pet. So don’t leave them at home.
And you are not done yet, there is plenty more to see – The Craft Fair, Food Halls, Chefs demonstrations where you can join Be & Andrea in the Country Kitchen with Glorious Game and Easy Entertaining themes.
Still going, then perhaps it’s time to relax in one of the Food Courts, appreciate the excellent street food and drink on offer, whilst relaxing to background music of Jazz & Folk.
Children’s entertainment and amusements make it a great family day out at the Burghley Game & Country Fair. It’s all happening in the stunning grounds of Burghley House in Stamford, Lincolnshire, pop PE9 3JY into your SAT NAV or just follow the AA signs into the car parks.
Open Sunday & Monday May 28th – 29th 10am – 6pm.
Advance tickets are now available.
Full details can be found on https://www.livingheritagecountryshows.com/tickets/
Around the showground there is plenty of opportunity to join in all the various ‘Have a Go’ events, Clay shooting, Airguns, Archery & Paintball in the Shooting Village, fishing, falconry and the World of Dogs competitions & displays. Lurcher & Whippet racing, gundog scurries, training and even a Fun dog show will take place for the family pet. So don’t leave them at home.
And you are not done yet, there is plenty more to see – The Craft Fair, Food Halls, Chefs demonstrations where you can join Be & Andrea in the Country Kitchen with Glorious Game and Easy Entertaining themes.
Still going, then perhaps it’s time to relax in one of the Food Courts, appreciate the excellent street food and drink on offer, whilst relaxing to background music of Jazz & Folk.
Children’s entertainment and amusements make it a great family day out at the Burghley Game & Country Fair. It’s all happening in the stunning grounds of Burghley House in Stamford, Lincolnshire, pop PE9 3JY into your SAT NAV or just follow the AA signs into the car parks.
Open Sunday & Monday May 28th – 29th 10am – 6pm.
Advance tickets are now available.
Full details can be found on https://www.livingheritagecountryshows.com/tickets/
Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance has busiest Easter in almost 30 years
The life-saving charity responded to 31 call-outs between Friday 7 April and Monday 10 April with 17 missions on the helicopter and 15 on the critical care cars.
The crew, who are called to life-threatening emergencies, attended a variety of incidents including seven road traffic collisions, 13 medical incidents and six assaults, including a stabbing.
Pilots, doctors and paramedics responded to 11 emergencies at night including a road traffic collision near Boston, Lincs, where the helicopter arrived on scene within 15 minutes of leaving LNAA HQ in Lincoln. The team, supported by other emergency services, gave life-saving treatment to a patient before flying them to the nearest Major Trauma Centre.
LNAA Head of Operations, Chris Bailey said: “Our crew were on standby throughout the whole of the holiday period ready to react and help where needed. This is the busiest Easter in our 30-year history!”
The critical care car dedicated to Nottinghamshire was dispatched eight times over the four days. The crew were called to a location in North Nottinghamshire to treat a patient who had been stabbed in the chest. Following treatment on scene, the patient was taken to Nottingham’s Queen’s Medical Centre.
Chris added: “Our teams respond every day of the year, day and night thanks to the generous support of people across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.
“We are a charity and receive no regular direct funding from the Government. It is thanks to the people who donate and volunteer for us that we are able to keep our helicopter flying and our critical care cars operational, serving all communities in Lincs and Notts.”
Council remains adamant about future of RAF Scampton
West Lindsey District Council is still adamant that the former Raf Scampton is unsuitable to house refugees, and continues to push back against Home Office plans.
Work to safeguard the future of the former base continued this week as the new Central Lincolnshire Local Plan has been formally adopted by the Central Lincolnshire Joint Strategic Planning Committee.
Central Lincolnshire covers the three council areas of City of Lincoln, North Kesteven and West Lindsey, with a strategic planning partnership made up of the two district, city and Lincolnshire County Council.
West Lindsey District Council has welcomed this milestone, which followed months of consultation and has also been approved by an independent inspector who examined the plan.
West Lindsey District Council does not consider this site to be appropriate for asylum seekers and the Council remains clear that Home Office proposals will curtail plans to deliver the £300 million regeneration programme and put at risk the world-renowned heritage.
The Council issued a letter before action, to the Home Office and maintain the position that the Home Office’s decision to use the site is irrational and moreover the appropriate planning permissions for the intended use are not in place.
The Council’s Director of Planning, Regeneration and Communities, Sally Grindrod-Smith, said: “Despite the Council’s ongoing engagement with the Home Office, the only correspondence received since the issue of the pre-action protocol letter has been to state that they could not make a substantive response by the deadline of 6th April and would seek to reply by 14th April.
“In light of this, the Council renewed its request that the Home Office take no steps towards the use of RAF Scampton until a substantive response to the Council’s pre-action protocol letter has been provided.”
The Council shares the concerns raised by the local community regarding the future of the site and the potential loss of the £300m regeneration scheme that was announced just days before the Home Office plans for the site emerged.
Councils are required to develop a Local Plan to shape and guide development in their area for at least a 15-year period. The plan must be based on local data providing a robust evidence base of need and be anchored in statutory consultation with communities, businesses and stakeholders, to shape and inform policy decisions.
West Lindsey District Council, as part of the Central Lincolnshire Joint Strategic Planning unit, has proactively planned to safeguard the future of RAF Scampton through the new Local Plan. A specific ‘opportunity area’ policy for RAF Scampton is now included in the new plan, which provides a framework to ensure any redevelopment is sustainable and holistically planned. The policy is very clear that major development proposals for the site should be contained in a masterplan and any proposals that will result in a conflict between uses, safety concerns in connection with the ongoing use of the site or the airspace or which delivers substandard development, will not be supported.
Sally added: “Adopting a site-specific policy for RAF Scampton, based on sound evidence and shaped by our community, has been an aspiration of the Council since the closure of the base was announced. Today is a landmark moment as any future proposals for the site will be required to follow due process and conform with this policy.
“This work demonstrates that the Council takes a considered, planned and strategic approach to planning for the long-term development and regeneration needs of our communities. It is clear the Home Office’s recent announcement regarding RAF Scampton has not considered the key material planning matters and has not paid due attention to statutory processes.”
The Council will continue to strongly contest the Home Office decision to utilise RAF Scampton for asylum provision and further updates will be provided in due course.
Breakthrough treatment for Dry AMD eye problems now available locally
As we age, our sight tends to become less clear, and some of us will develop what is known as ‘Dry Age-related Macular Degeneration’.
When this happens, the central area of our vision darkens and becomes blurred, making it difficult to see detail, and preventing activities such as driving, reading, watching TV, using computers, tablets, and so on. Even recognising faces can prove difficult.
Until recently, there were no effective treatments for Dry AMD, the only suggestions being lifestyle changes or dietary supplements. Now, sufferers will be delighted to learn that there is a newly developed treatment available locally.
It is a safe, non-invasive, painless therapy which is fully approved under European and UK directives. This breakthrough treatment is known as photobiomodulation (PBT) and uses a cold laser system to produce low levels of red, yellow and infra-red light to stimulate the centre of vision by energising and providing oxygen for cell repair.
Results from extensive monitored trials of the therapy show that for many Dry AMD sufferers, there can be an improvement in sharpness of vision corresponding to some 5 or 8 extra letters on the testing chart. This therapy has also been shown to help diabetics who have certain eye problems related to their diabetes.
Dr Sheeraz Janjua is now providing this new treatment at his special clinics held regularly at O’Brien’s Opticians in Brigg. He can be contacted on 01652 653595.
Image: Dr Sheeraz Janjua using his new laser equipment to treat a patient’s Dry AMD eye problem.
Diamond anniversary for Leisure group
One of Lincolnshire’s most successful leisure companies celebrates 60 years in business.
They say ‘It never rains in California’ but one day in the early 80s ‘it poured’ for Don Amott during a spell at his Palm Springs holiday home. So, he took his wife, Mary, on a tour of holiday parks in the area.
Having already opened a small caravan park at Nettleton near Castor, he was looking for ideas, and that rainy California trip became a ‘light-bulb-moment’ for Don.
He explained “My early experience of caravan parks in the USA back then, with upmarket facilities such as beautiful landscaping, fitness centres and bars, gave us a clue to the way we should go.
“Soon after that we purchased Lakeside Lido at North Somercotes from Haven Holidays and transformed it into the most luxurious park on the East coast.
“I do believe that we set the standards of Holiday Parks as we know them today.”
Fast forward to the company’s 60th celebration year, Don Amott Leisure now has five Lincolnshire holiday parks with facilities which are considered the best on the East Coast.
The group now operates across Lincolnshire, Derbyshire, and East Staffordshire and besides the five holiday home destinations it includes four residential parks. And Derby based Leisure Kingdom is one of the largest caravan and motorhome retail outlets in Europe.
Still a family business, three generations of the Amott family work within the group, Don acting as group Chairman, and Samantha Heap, Managing Director of the Lincolnshire parks division.
Sporting connection
One of the things that has contributed to the success of the Don Amott parks is their extensive sporting and leisure facilities.
Don explained: “It’s no secret that I have always had a desire to support sport in general and I see it as putting something back into the community.”
Over the last two decades, Don’s involvement in local and national sport has included a spell of eight years as charman of Derbyshire County Cricket Club, serving as a board member of both Derby County and Burton Albion and he is now Chairman of Mickleover FC in Derby. In 2012, Derby University awarded Don Amott an Honorary Doctorship for services to local sport.
The history
The company was started in 1963 in Derby by Don Amott Senior who recognised that caravanning was becoming more popular in Britain, but prices from large national retailers made it unaffordable for some families. So, he started one of the county’s first caravan dealerships. On leaving school, Don junior joined him after which it went on to become one of the largest caravan and motorhome retail outlets in Europe selling thousands of models each year. Mr Amott Senior passed away in 1975 after which Don junior took over control of the business.
The Parks
Holiday homes are on sale from Don Amott Parks at five exclusive Lincolnshire locations, including lively Lakeside Park and tranquil Nettleton Park which is set deep in the Lincolnshire Wolds.
It’s two Mablethorpe parks offer the delights of a traditional seaside holiday at Whispering Waters which is close to the sandy beaches, or Willows, a more secluded location just a mile out of town.
Existing motorhome and caravan owners can also stay at the group’s award-winning Lakeside Park at North Somercotes, Lincolnshire.
Don Amott added: “The leisure industry is wonderful to be involved with. It has many amazing people and you are dealing with a part of people’s lives that is so enjoyable for them.”
Sporting connection
One of the things that has contributed to the success of the Don Amott parks is their extensive sporting and leisure facilities.
Don explained: “It’s no secret that I have always had a desire to support sport in general and I see it as putting something back into the community.”
Over the last two decades, Don’s involvement in local and national sport has included a spell of eight years as charman of Derbyshire County Cricket Club, serving as a board member of both Derby County and Burton Albion and he is now Chairman of Mickleover FC in Derby. In 2012, Derby University awarded Don Amott an Honorary Doctorship for services to local sport.
The history
The company was started in 1963 in Derby by Don Amott Senior who recognised that caravanning was becoming more popular in Britain, but prices from large national retailers made it unaffordable for some families. So, he started one of the county’s first caravan dealerships. On leaving school, Don junior joined him after which it went on to become one of the largest caravan and motorhome retail outlets in Europe selling thousands of models each year. Mr Amott Senior passed away in 1975 after which Don junior took over control of the business.
The Parks
Holiday homes are on sale from Don Amott Parks at five exclusive Lincolnshire locations, including lively Lakeside Park and tranquil Nettleton Park which is set deep in the Lincolnshire Wolds.
It’s two Mablethorpe parks offer the delights of a traditional seaside holiday at Whispering Waters which is close to the sandy beaches, or Willows, a more secluded location just a mile out of town.
Existing motorhome and caravan owners can also stay at the group’s award-winning Lakeside Park at North Somercotes, Lincolnshire.
Don Amott added: “The leisure industry is wonderful to be involved with. It has many amazing people and you are dealing with a part of people’s lives that is so enjoyable for them.” RAF to march through Lincoln in Freedom of the City Parade
About 150 personnel from RAF Waddington will march through Lincoln later this month for the Freedom of the City Parade.
The Lincolnshire RAF squadron will exercise their Freedom of the City Parade on Friday 21 April from 11.30am.
As part of the event, the march will celebrate Lincoln’s strong ties with the RAF, a special flypast also scheduled to take place.
From 11.30am, the base will march from St Martin’s Square, down Lincoln High Street to the High Street War Memorial, where it will be greeted by the Town Crier, who will cry a dedicated commemoration cry to the RAF station.
RAF Waddington has held the honour of Freedom of the City of Lincoln since 1959. Visitors are encouraged come and celebrate alongside the personnel.
Boston to host celebration with procession and live entertainment for King’s coronation
Boston Borough Council community leadership team is planning a carnival in Central Park to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III.
The town will be decked out in red, white and blue on Saturday, 6th May with May Fair stalls decorated with bunting and shopkeepers encouraged to decorate their shops. There will also be a procession starting in Pescod Square Shopping Centre going through to Central Park Boston.
Festivities will include a stage with performances by The Biz Entertainment School, fancy dress competition, balloon modelling, face painting, comedy Maypole, music entertainment and activities.
The event is to run between 10am and 2pm with free entry.
The organiser of the team said: “The coronation will be for many a once in a lifetime experience and a chance to celebrate a day where history is made.
“The focus of the day will be to encourage people to enjoy the spectacle of the coronation.”
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport is also encouraging communities to have street parties by relaxing road closure rules and making residents aware of available support and guidance.
This event is sponsored by Boston Big Local, Boston Borough Council, Rock Construction and Greenyard.
