Riverside meadow set to become Grimsby’s newest nature reserve
North East Lincolnshire is set have a new Local Nature Reserve designated on grassland next to the River Freshney in the town’s Yarborough ward.
Known as Freshney Parkway, the new Local Nature Reserve can be found east of Great Coates Road, between St Michael’s Church and the River Freshney.
Back in the 1980s, the Council planted many trees and landscaped the area. Since then, the area has returned to nature and is now a haven for wildlife including birds, deer, mammals, invertebrates and wildflowers.
Most of the site is grassland and the Council’s long-term objectives are to develop and maintain areas of meadow with as many species of native grasses and wildflowers as possible.
Trees line the southern and eastern borders of Freshney Parkway. These woodlands will be managed to improve the natural habitat.
Freshney Parkway is also appreciated by people living nearby and is popular with dog walkers and other recreational users.
By designating it as a Local Nature Reserve, the Council aims to raise the site’s profile as well as enhancing it for wildlife conservation and as a recreational space.
Cllr Stewart Swinburn, portfolio holder for Environment and Transport at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “Freshney Parkway is a much-loved green space at the heart of its community where people can connect with nature.
“Making the site a Local Nature Reserve will elevate its status and means we can enhance and conserve the natural habitat.
“We also have ambitions to make it part of a traffic-free walking and cycling route between the town centre and outlying areas.
“It has fantastic potential for local schools and community groups to get closer to the environment on their doorstep, and nearby habitat such as Town’s Holt could become part of a larger reserve in the future.”
Ward member Cllr Martyn Sandford added: “The new designated Local Nature Reserve is a gem in the crown of the Yarborough ward.
“There are lots of things to see in the reserve, such as roe deer, muntjac deer, voles, kingfishers and even an unusual brown and beige magpie.
“The designation also offers educational benefits as well. For instance, local schools can benefit from learning more about what they can find in the Parkway and how to look after it.”
Construction of 96 new energy efficient homes begins in Ancaster
Bellway has begun building 96 energy efficient homes at a new housing development in Ancaster.
The Willows is one of the first developments being delivered by the housebuilder’s Eastern Counties division where all homes will be fitted with environmentally friendly air-source heat pumps instead of gas boilers.
Construction work is now under way at the site off Wilsford Lane after South Kesteven District Council granted planning permission for the development in 2022.
The development will comprise 67 properties for private sale, including a range of three to four-bedroom houses, as well as 29 affordable homes for local people through shared ownership or low-cost renting.
There will also be a public open space, a play area and a green edge with a footpath around the site.
The heat pumps, which run on electricity instead of natural gas, consume significantly less energy and will enable homeowners to minimise their fuel bills and reduce their carbon footprint.
Rhiannon Jones, head of sales for Bellway Eastern Counties, said: “This development marks a significant step in our push for greater sustainability because it will be one of our first sites to exclusively feature homes supported by an eco-friendly heating system.
“As part of our ongoing commitment to future proof our homes, we are also providing electric vehicle charging points for all residents at The Willows to enable the switch away from petrol and diesel cars.
“We are expecting the development to be particularly popular with families due to the site’s proximity to Ancaster Church of England Primary School, which has been rated good by Ofsted and is located just half a mile from The Willows.
“Commuters will appreciate the good transport links, as the development is less than a mile from Ancaster railway station and just a 10-minute drive from the A15.”
Bellway is planning to release the first homes at The Willows onto the market in April 2023, with the first properties due to be completed later in the same year.
What is Herringbone flooring? We explore and list the benefits
At some point, you might find it necessary to replace the flooring in your home. Perhaps you want to redecorate, and the current floor wouldn’t fit with your new vision. Or you might find out that there is damage that isn’t possible to repair. If you’re looking for a timeless, elegant design, you might want to consider the option of Herringbone flooring.
The Herringbone style is easy to recognise, with the rectangular blocks of hardwood laid in a pattern resembling a fish’s bone structure, more specifically, a herring. This style of flooring has been around for centuries and is suitable for both residential and commercial buildings. Here are the benefits you should know about before you install Herringbone flooring in your home.
Add Aesthetic Flair To The Interior
The zigzag pattern that the Herringbone flooring offers can light up any room. No matter what your interior design preferences are, the flooring might make a significant impact and bring in a breath of timeless elegance. These days, Herringbone flooring is available in many materials and various colours that can help you to reach any design objectives that you might have. Companies like Floors Direct offer a variety of LVT Herringbone flooring and can help you to find the perfect fit for the needs of your project. Regardless of the colour or material that you choose, there is no doubt that this style of flooring can help you to bring any room to new heights and upgrade its overall appearance.
Take Advantage Of The Flooring’s Durability
One of the most significant benefits that Herringbone flooring can bring to your interior is its durability. If you’re looking for flooring that can last for years to come and doesn’t get damaged easily, then this might be an ideal option for you and the needs of your project. With such flooring in your home, you’ll be able to enjoy precious moments with your family without needing to worry about scratches or spillages that might cause damage to other materials. The thickness of the parquets also makes it possible for you to resurface them when needed without damaging the flooring. Thanks to its durability and longevity, the flooring is ideal for busy homes where families want to enjoy life without having to worry about damaging the floor with the smallest accidents.
Create An Illusion Of More Space In Smaller Rooms
When you want to redecorate a small room, there are many tried and tested tricks that can help you to make the space look bigger. For instance, you might want to consider working with light colours that can make the room seem more spacious. You can also decorate the walls with mirrors that can reflect any natural light coming into the room throughout the day. It’s also often recommended that you equip the area with leggy furniture that can allow the light to spread in every nook and cranny of the room. However, you can also make a significant difference with the choice of flooring. The pattern of Herringbone flooring can help you to make the room look wider and more spacious. And if you choose flooring in lighter colours, you might intensify its impact on the interior.
Enjoy The Easy Maintenance
Another reason why Herringbone is so popular and versatile is its easy maintenance. When you have a family with small children, some spillages are bound to happen. However, with this kind of flooring, you don’t need to panic about the impact such accidents could have on the material. Herringbone flooring is exceptionally easy to clean, and you can swipe any spillages with minimum effort. The flooring also has a protective layer that stops stains from soaking in. Due to these characteristics and the ease of maintenance, you’ll be able to keep your home looking beautiful for many years. Being able to get rid of dust and dirt easily will also allow you to keep your family healthy and safe from allergens.
Conclusion: Bring Timeless Elegance Into The Interior
Herringbone flooring is versatile and can bring more character into any home. With its durability, longevity and easy maintenance, it’s also an ideal solution for families with small children. You won’t need to worry about stains or getting stressed over scratches on the floor. There are many colours and finishes available on the market, so you should be able to find a solution that suits your needs and requirements. Herringbone flooring has been popular for centuries, and the trend doesn’t show any signs of stopping. Use the pattern to bring more timeless elegance into the interior and take advantage of a design that will never go out of style. Before you proceed with the purchase of the flooring, remember to measure the room correctly and conduct thorough research so you can avoid unpleasant situations.
Three elderly residents targeted by courier fraudsters in Horncastle
Three elderly residents have been targeted by courier fraudsters in the Horncastle area, seeing Lincolnshire Police appeal to the public to remain vigilant.
In one of the reports, a woman in her 90s was contacted last Friday (20 January) by someone claiming to be DC Ryan Gosling from Lincolnshire Police. The alleged officer asked for the victim’s personal details and urged the victim to dial 999 during the call so his identity could be confirmed.
Whilst still connected to the fraudster, the victim dialled 999 and a second individual claiming to be a Lincolnshire Police call taker confirmed the identity.
The alleged officer then instructed the victim to withdraw foreign currency from a bureau de change as it was believed to be counterfeit. The victim was also told to put the cash in an envelope and was given a password to mention to the courier attending her address.
On Friday afternoon, a male attended the victim’s address and collected the cash from her. It’s believed the same fraudster contacted the victim again on Saturday (21 January) and instructed her to take more cash out to help with an investigation into her bank. A female later attended the victim’s address and collected the cash.
A woman in her 80s also received a similar call from someone claiming to be PC 9139 Ryan Gosling from Lincolnshire Police informing her that her bank card had been cloned. Thankfully the victim recognised that this was a scam and has contacted her bank since the incident.
In another report, a man in his 80s was contacted by an unknown male who mentioned they had suspects in custody who they believe stole money from his account. It’s believed no money was lost during this incident.
Large haul of illicit cigarettes and tobacco seized from local businesses
A multi-agency operation between North East Lincolnshire Council, Humberside Police and a specialist search dog unit has seen a large haul of illicit cigarettes, tobacco and vapes seized from various businesses in Grimsby and Cleethorpes.
North East Lincolnshire Council’s commercial regulatory team, including Trading Standards, alongside Humberside Police, and supported by specialist search dogs from B.W.Y Canine Ltd, visited three businesses in Freeman Street, one in Cleethorpes and another in Grimsby, on Thursday 19 January.
Dressed in plain clothes, the raids were part of an intelligence-led operation targeting illicit tobacco dealers, which comes under Operation CeCe – a joint venture between National Trading Standards and HMRC.
In total, 172,000 cigarettes (8,600 packs), 79.25kg of tobacco (1,585 pouches), 1.15kg of Shisha, and 1,662 illegal disposable vapes were seized during the operation.
An estimated value for the cigarettes and tobacco would be a street value of £60,435 and a legitimate value of £149,552. The legitimate value of the vapes would be £18,282.
Officers will review their findings and follow-up with enforcement action where necessary.
Councillor Ron Shepherd, portfolio holder for safer and stronger communities, said: “This joint operation shows just how important it is to work together. Multi-agency operations such as these are keeping these products, that do not meet safety standards and are putting lives at risk, off the streets. We know illicit and fake cigarettes do not comply with the Reduced Ignition Propensity requirements and won’t self-extinguish, so are likely to start a fire.
“When you buy these products, you could be putting your own health at risk. Not only has no duty been paid on them but they’ve not been tested to ensure they’re safe.
“You can make a difference by reporting any suspicions you may have to Trading Standards on trading.standards@nelincs.gov.uk or call (01472) 326299, option 3.”
Inspector Matt Stringer, Neighbourhood Policing Inspector for Grimsby East, said: “We deployed our teams in support of North East Lincolnshire Council during this important operation to combat illicit cigarettes and tobacco within North East Lincolnshire. This operation demonstrates the importance of different agencies working together in order to make our communities safer, which my teams are absolutely committed to doing.”
Lord Michael Bichard, Chair, National Trading Standards, said: “The trade in illegal tobacco harms local communities and affects honest businesses operating within the law. Having removed 21 million illegal cigarettes, 5,800kg of hand rolling tobacco and almost 175kg of shisha products from sale, the National Trading Standards initiative in partnership with HMRC continues to successfully disrupt this illicit trade.”
Since the commencement of Operation CeCe in January 2021, the council’s Trading Standards team have seized more than 1,083,220 illegal cigarettes (54,161 packs) and 332.2kg of tobacco (6,644 pouches), with a legitimate value of £833,701 and a street value of over £343,889.
Buyer steps in to acquire Scunthorpe United
Former Ilkeston Town chairman David Hilton has been appointed as chairman and owner of Scunthorpe United with immediate effect.
Hilton replaces outgoing owner Peter Swann, who had a ten-year period at the helm of the Iron.
Mr Hilton said: “I’m pleased to say the takeover has now been completed, and the deal includes the football club, stadium and surrounding land.
“The first job I’ve got to do over the next 48 hours is settle the winding up petition with the HMRC, which will help us get out of the transfer embargo we’re under, so we can bring some bodies in and strengthen the squad.
“Any remaining debts will be eradicated in due course and we’ll be looking to put the football club on a sustainable model as quickly as possible, while remaining competitive in whichever division we’re in.
“I can also add, if there is to be any development in and around Glanford Park, it will be purely for the benefit of the football club and to help it move forward, not for personal gain.
“It’s all been done very quickly, so there’s a lot I need to digest but I fully intend to interact with supporters. I just need a little bit of time for the dust to settle so I can understand the business fully.”
Cat raises money for Lincoln charity
A local university campus cat has raised £525 for a much-loved local charity, by launching his own calendar.
Johnty, Bishop Grosseteste University’s famous mascot, posed up a storm for his 2023 calendar. The feline philanthropist is a familiar furry face to students, staff, and campus visitors and boasts a significant online following via his Facebook page. His main role on campus is providing a calming influence to support students in their studies.
On sale since October, the calendar includes twelve photos of the mascot-turned-model and has proven popular with the BGU community.
Johnty’s adopted owner, Vice-Chancellor of BGU, Professor Peter Neil said: “The staff in IT who enjoy his company in the office were very keen to do something for charity and, together with our reprographics department, have designed a unique calendar which shows Johnty off at his mischievous best.
“I am delighted this money has been raised by staff and students for this important local feline charity.”
The cheque for £500 was presented to Lincoln Cat Care Trustee Liz Thomson by Vice-Chancellor Peter Neil and Ian Ferguson from IT at BGU, Johnty’s personal photographer for the calendar.
Established in 2004 by a group of cat lovers, Lincoln Cat Care relies on donations to rehome strays, cover vet bills, and provide emergency care to felines in need.
Liz said: “We currently have around 100 cats and caring for them can be expensive, so this donation is so appreciated.
“Thank you to everyone who bought Johnty’s calendar. Your donation will help a lot of cats.”
There are still calendars available for purchase by contacting johntyuniversitycat@gmail.com
All proceeds will continue to be donated to Lincoln Cat Care.
The White Hart Hotel to welcome guests for Wedding Open Evening
The White Hart Hotel, located in the heart of Lincoln’s historic quarter, will welcome guests to its Wedding Open Evening on Thursday 26 January 2023 from 5.00pm – 8.00pm.
With no appointment necessary, you will have the opportunity to view the venue, wedding spaces and bridal suite, as well as speak with the dedicated wedding team who will be on hand to help plan your special day.
The hotel’s preferred suppliers, Chambers Florist, My Wedding Hire and QL Discos, will also join for the evening at the venue, which hosts weddings all year round.
Catering for intimate, family affairs as well as larger functions with live music, banquet dinners and buffets, the historical ambiance and contemporary styling of the White Hart Hotel offers a unique venue, tailored individually for your dream wedding.
For more information click here.
Planning permission granted for Stacey West Stand development
Planning permission has been granted for Lincoln City Football Club’s development of the Stacey West Stand at the LNER Stadium.
This project will provide a range of infrastructure improvements to the LNER Stadium, including new power and mains water supplies as well as a pitch water recycling system.
Working closely with the Sports Grounds Safety Authority, the club have also submitted an application to trial safe-standing in a small section of the Stacey West Stand – with the intention of installing rail seats throughout the entire stand and into the GBM Stand should the trial be successful.
The project will create vital space for Lincoln City Foundation by providing a new Community Skills and Education Hub based at the stadium.
Building a new Community Skills and Education Hub will help tackle the growing skills gap in the city by providing the Foundation with a fit-for-purpose facility from which it can champion the delivery of education and employability skills, all under the brand of the football club.
Martin Hickerton, Chief Executive at the Foundation, said: “This is fantastic news for everyone connected with the Foundation – the work we do in Lincoln and the surrounding area has never been more important.
“This will help us unlock the real potential of the Foundation and we cannot wait to watch the new building take shape.”
The contemporary new-build will offer community space, offices and dedicated classrooms, enabling the club to increase its social impact value and improve the quality of life of local residents through its wide range of educational, health and wellbeing initiatives.
Funding for the development has come from the Be Lincoln Town Deal board as well as significant investment via the Stacey West Investment Bond.
The Be Lincoln Town Deal board are building on Lincoln’s strength as a centre for learning and research to promote and enable a tech-friendly environment to support the growth of the digital sector.
Charlotte Goy, Town Deal Board member and Chief Executive of Visit Lincoln, added: “The plans we have all been looking at over the last 18 months as Town Deal Board members are starting to come to life and we can begin to realise the positive impact they will make to Lincoln. We are delighted that the pledges included in the Town Deal original investment plan will be delivered for the benefit of the local community.”
Creative businesses offered share in funding worth £1.3m
Creative businesses in Greater Lincolnshire can now apply for a free programme of support to accelerate business growth, create jobs, and prepare for investment.
Businesses from architects to photographers and crafts designers to publishers can now bid to East Midlands Creative Consortium for a share in more than £1.3 million of Government funding.
Led by the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership, the consortium provided one of six successful regional bids for the Government’s Create Growth Programme.
Andy Reed OBE, LLEP co-chair, said: “The creative sector has created almost 4,000 jobs since 2010 in Leicester and Leicestershire alone. The vast majority of those jobs are in microbusinesses and Create Growth will help these high-potential employers to scale up.”
EMC² has commenced its regional project across Greater Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire, and Rutland, and it is backed by a coalition of partners including regional universities, Innovate UK, local businesses, and non-profit organisations.
The EMC² website is now live and accepting applications from local creative organisations. The programme starts in the Spring and runs to 2025.
It aims to support 100 creative businesses in four cohort groups across the three years. Around 50 creative organisations have already made early-stage expressions of interest.
Since funding was confirmed by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, the LLEP has been working with partners to develop a delivery plan that meets the specific needs of local creative businesses. It will offer bespoke business support and investor outreach activities.
Applicants will also gain the opportunity to go on and apply for finance support from a £7m Government fund delivered by InnovateUK.
Creative industries are worth more than £100 billion to the UK economy and account for 2.3 million jobs.
Helen Donnellan, PVC Regional Business and Innovation, said: “The Create Growth fund has the potential to transform the creative sector by supporting ambitious businesses to scale up their business in the region.
“We already have one of the largest creative clusters outside of London but as Andy says, many of these are microbusinesses and this fund will help them to grow, creating more jobs and creating a thriving creative centre here. We’d encourage creative businesses to apply for this funding and not miss this opportunity.”
