New Armed Forces Hub opens in North Lincolnshire
A brand new Armed Forces Hub has opened in North Lincolnshire, signposting the local Armed Forces community to support with health and wellbeing, housing, employment and skills.
Situated at 186 High Street, Scunthorpe, The North Lincolnshire Armed Forces Hub, which was funded by North Lincolnshire Council, will serve as a one stop shop for the Armed Forces community.
Open every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 10am to 3pm, the hub will provide a welcoming environment where people can meet others from the Armed Forces community.
Holly Mumby-Croft, MP for Scunthorpe, who officially opened the hub, said: “It is a pleasure and an honour to be opening the North Lincolnshire Armed Forces Hub. There is a need for a hub such as this that will support so many of the Armed Forces community, whether it’s with advice and guidance or simply as a place to meet and talk with other families within the Armed Forces community.
“I’d like to extend a big thank you to all those involved in developing this hub and to our council leader who I know is very passionate around this area and also express my gratitude for all those within the Armed Forces.”
The council now want to hear from current and former members to help shape the future design of what the hub can offer so it can develop and be tailored to deliver what is really needed.
Cllr Elaine Marper, Armed Forces Champion for North Lincolnshire Council, said: “I am a strong advocate for the Armed Forces community and want to ensure that they are recognised for their sacrifices and dedication.
“This hub isn’t just for veterans; it is for absolutely everyone within the Armed Forces community. We really hope that families and children will come and use this as a social space and a place to interact with others.
“How this hub continues to develop is in the hands of the families that use it, it’s a place for sharing, caring and helping.”
North Lincolnshire Council have signed the Armed Forces Covenant to show their commitment to the local Armed Forces community and have been awarded the Gold Award under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
The Armed Forces Covenant ensures that anyone who has served in HM Armed Forces is not disadvantaged for having done so.
Winterton’s multi-sports pitch set for £250,000 makeover
The multi-sport community pitch in Winterton is set for major overhaul with £250,000 cash confirmed to create a new playing surface.
Plans have been developed by North Lincolnshire Council and the community for a new pitch that supports the widest array of sports – including football, tennis and hockey.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This is a significant investment in expanding and updating the sports facilities in Winterton, ensuring a whole host of clubs, community groups and children from the local schools can play as wide an array of sports as possible.
“It is the latest investment in the community and follows cash for the town council to expand the play facilities in West Street Park and a new gym and library only a few years ago.
“This investment in the community will create a modern facility that can be used by many groups, clubs and families.”
North Lincolnshire Council is paying £100,000 towards the pitch with a further £148,000 taken from cash secured by the council from developers.
While the pitch is already used by Winterton Community Academy, Barton Hockey Club and a range of other community sports groups, the investment in an improved surface will open up the pitch to attract new users.
The refurbishment will be completed through the Football Federation Framework, fast-tracking the development and ensuring the highest standards.
Enviro-crime enforcement contract awarded for Boston, East Lindsey and South Holland
The South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership has awarded a three year contract, with the provision to extend for up to another two years, to Kingdom LA Support Ltd to carry out environmental crime enforcement work, commencing in January 2023.
This contract award is a key strategic milestone for the Partnership in addressing enviro-crime head on across each authority as littering, dog-fouling, fly-tipping and other enviro-crime offences continue to blight the communities.
Kingdom will provide foot patrols and overt CCTV surveillance across the Partnership to tackle littering, dog fouling and fly tipping. Officers will also be able to enforce offences in areas under Public Space Protection Orders.
Cllr Deborah Evans, portfolio holder for environmental services at Boston Borough Council, said: “The partnership brings huge benefits by coming together to deliver the best possible outcome and service for the people of Boston, this is an exciting time.
“Kingdom have already made a great impact on our town by helping us crackdown on environmental crimes, and we look forward to seeing continued improvements as time progresses.”
Cllr Martin Foster, portfolio holder for operational services at East Lindsey District Council, said: “By working across the Partnership, Kingdom can work with the councils to help deliver our key education messages to all our residents no matter where they live over such things as fly-tipping and litter.”
Cllr Anthony Casson, portfolio holder for public protection, at South Holland District Council, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to deliver a cost-effective way to tackle enviro-crime issues collectively for all of our residents.
“Good enforcement is the key to public confidence and we are pleased to have Kingdom on board.”
Michael Fisher, Managing Director of Kingdom Local Authority Support, said: “We are delighted to have been afforded the opportunity to work in partnership with Boston, East Lindsey and South Holland authorities on a project designed to reduce instances of fly-tipping, littering and other environmental crime.
“This will be a multi-faceted operation using experienced Environmental Enforcement Officers together with our highly successful technology to enforce as well as educating through engagement and explanation to the community.
“We patrol with consent and our aim is to contribute towards keeping the streets and public spaces cleaner and safer to reside in and visit.”
Funding awarded to give popular theatre new lease of life
A popular theatre will get a new lease of life thanks to a £33,000 refurbishment in time for its 20th anniversary.
North Kesteven District Council has received funding from the Tarmac Landfill Community Fund. The funds will allow a major refurbishment to take place at the Terry O’Toole Theatre.
The project will enable the replacement of 200 theatre seats and improve the existing dance floor/performing area with new flooring.
The carpets of the theatre will be replaced, and a new hearing loop will be installed, facilitating those who need additional hearing help.
North Kesteven District Council executive board member with special responsibility for leisure, councillor Steve Clegg, said: “It’s encouraging to see the plan for renovation come together on a much-loved theatre in the District. The improvements will allow the theatre to celebrate its anniversary in style and comfort.
“Working with partners and funding sources such as the Tarmac Landfill Community Fund means that much-needed refurbishments can take place and allow the theatre to grow and develop serving the community. As part of the project, North Kesteven District Council is putting in an additional £12,000.
“Investing in this project not only preserves our heritage and champions culture but allows many more generations to enjoy the offerings of the site. We’re keen that everyone can come and experience the Terry O’Toole Theatre, from school groups to individuals and families of all ages.”
The project will take place in January 2023 and will take approximately two weeks. There will be no closure of the site as the work will take place in the theatre’s natural down period.
The Terry O’Toole Theatre was originally opened in 2002 by Jim Broadbent, since hearing of the project Jim has sent his good wishes.
Residents asked for views on arts and culture across South Kesteven
Residents are being asked for their views on arts and culture across South Kesteven.
South Kesteven District Council’s Cultural Strategy will play a central part in ensuring the rich heritage and culture of the district is celebrated and built upon.
A consultation is offering the chance for people to help shape plans for the Council’s future cultural offer which reflects and recognises the opportunities within, and demands of, a post-pandemic environment. The consultation closes on 27 January.
Key to the new strategy will be a demonstration of the positive impact that arts and cultural activity can have on mental health and social wellbeing.
Cllr Adam Stokes, deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for finance and leisure, said: “We know how important it is for us all to have opportunities to participate in cultural activities.
“We want to find out how people like to spend their spare time, and what is most important to them. We can then make sure that the funding we have is directed towards arts and culture activities and events which are the most beneficial for our local communities.
“Please use this opportunity to have your say.”
The consultation on the strategy is open until the 27 January. To take part visit https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/SKCulturalStrategy.
Printed copies of the survey will also be available at The Guildhall Arts Centre, Grantham, Stamford Arts Centre and Bourne Corn Exchange.
Grimsby man prosecuted for waste offence
North East Lincolnshire Council has prosecuted a man after his car was used to fly-tip waste at a bring to recycling bank in Grimsby.
Wayne Kiss, 37, of Wroxham Avenue, Grimsby, pleaded guilty to an offence under the Environmental Protection Act.
His black Citroen C2 vehicle was caught on CCTV arriving at Fisherman’s Wharf on 2 April 2021.
An occupant of the car took cardboard boxes from the vehicle, dumped them next to the recycling bins and then drove away.
The person fly-tipping the rubbish could not be identified from the footage, but enforcement officers were able to trace the vehicle to Kiss.
Officers sent him a fixed penalty notice on 24 November 2021, but he failed to pay the fine. As a result, he appeared before Grimsby Magistrates’ Court on Friday 9 December.
Magistrates fined Kiss £200 and ordered him to pay a £34 victim surcharge but did not order him to pay a contribution towards costs because he had spent a day in custody.
Cllr Ron Shepherd, portfolio holder for safer and stronger communities at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “We will not tolerate fly-tipping in our borough. All incidents are investigated and where there is enough evidence, we will take legal action.
“This case stands as a reminder that even if you aren’t the person who personally fly tips waste you are responsible in the eyes of the law should your vehicle be used by anyone to transport waste that is found to be illegally dumped.
“It costs taxpayers in North East Lincolnshire tens of thousands of pounds each year to clear up illegally dumped waste.
“The rubbish could easily have been taken to the tip for free and disposed of correctly, there was no need to dump it.”
Fisherman’s Wharf bring to recycling bank was removed in May 2022 due to excessive fly-tipping.
New Skegness hotel gets green light
Plans for a new hotel in Skegness have been approved by East Lindsey District Council.
Burney Property Group are behind the proposals for the former Crazy Golf site on South Parade, which has been left vacant for the past four years.
The new scheme involves two units on the site; a six storey Travelodge hotel with 80 rooms, and a drive thru Starbucks restaurant.
A design statement indicates that the development would create a significant number of local job opportunities, and have knock on beneficial impacts associated with the wider regeneration and investment in the local area.
EV charging points would be included in the development, along with cycle parking spaces, 65 car parking spaces for the hotel and 17 spaces for the Starbucks unit.
A publicly accessible food and drink outlet is also proposed on the hotel’s fifth floor, with panoramic views across Skegness beach and coastline.
Woolroom launches Woolly Winter sale
Did you know you can get 25% deeper, more regenerative sleep when using wool bedding?
Start your way to better natural sleep by heading over to the Woolroom Woolly Winter sale – with special offers across the site and 30% off selected handcrafted mattresses!
The Woolroom, partnering with British Wool and Allergy UK, are proud to provide the first 100% natural wool bedding, that is 100% washable, traceable and certified hypoallergenic by Allergy UK.
You can now sleep easy knowing you’re sleeping in the purest of environments, free from synthetics and harmful chemicals. Woolroom also offer the world’s first Organic Washable wool GOTS certified bedding range, making living sustainably practical.
The Woolroom also have an exclusive partnership with the Chatsworth Estate, home to the Devonshire family. This partnership uses the wool from the estate to create the ‘Chatsworth Collection by Woolroom’ bedding range. This stunning range offers a selection of wool duvets, pillows, mattress protectors and toppers, all wrapped in certified organic cotton.
Stig no longer in the dumps
From the uncertain beginnings of living on a landfill site to becoming a much loved and cared for pony – it’s fair to say Bransby Horses’ Stig has had an adventurous year.
The friendly black and white pony made headlines when he was rescued from the site in Gainsborough in January.
The little colt had been spotted wandering around the site for a few days and concerned staff alerted equine welfare charity Bransby Horses to see what could be done.
An abandonment noticed was served and when no one claimed him, Bransby Horses were able to take him in and start him on a rehabilitation programme.
Nine months later he has started a new life in a foster home where he is providing companionship to an older horse with one of the charity’s supporters.
Stig’s handler at Bransby Horses, Natalia De Benedictis said: “From the day we started handling and training Stig he was amazing. He never said no or proved difficult, he’s such a lovely pony that deserves to be loved and cared for.”
Stig’s foster carer Victoria Hotchkin collected Stig from the charity’s main site in Bransby near Lincoln this week and says he has settled in well with her older horse Cyril.
And she added: “I applied to foster a horse from Bransby Horses after my old mare had to be put to sleep. When they rang me and said they had the perfect pony for us I couldn’t believe it.
“We had three dates with Stig, so we could get to know him and be sure he was right for us and we were right for him. It was love at first sight really. I just thought what a cute little pony.
“He will have a home for life with us and I feel so lucky to be able to give him a new start where he will be pampered and loved forever.”
Stig and Cyril live on land behind Victoria’s house so she is able to see them from her kitchen window.
“I just love the peace and tranquillity of being with horses. They are such majestic creatures and I think it’s a privilege to have them in my life.”
Bransby Horses Perfect Partner Rehoming Scheme offers some of their rescued animals the chance to enjoy life in a carefully selected loan home, freeing up time and space at the charity for the rescue and rehabilitation of others.
To apply to rehome one of Bransby Horses’ equines, find out more about the charity’s work or to make a donation visit BransbyHorses.co.uk
What the law says about horse ownership
Since 2020 it has been a legal requirement for all equine owners to make sure their horses are microchipped and the details of ownership are up to date.
Microchips are important as they allow owners to be traced through the Central Equine Database – check www.equineregister.co.uk.
If you have a horse make sure your details are up to date with the Passport Issuing Organisation (PIO) and the microchip is properly registered with them. This will help lost or stolen horses to be reunited with their owners.
An Abandonment Notice runs for four working days and unfortunately, Stig’s expired without anyone coming forward. At the end of the notice, the ownership of the animal is legally transferred to the landowner who can then decide what to do with the equine, which can include selling or rehoming them.
If a horse is suspected of being abandoned, the landowner is responsible for providing that animal with adequate food, water, shelter and veterinary care while an owner is sought.
Bransby Horses and other animal welfare charities are always happy to offer advice and guidance if needed.
Lincolnshire pharmacies sold
Stagedale Limited, the operator of two high-dispensing volume pharmacies in Lincolnshire, has been sold.
The sale comprised West Elloe Pharmacy, which sits adjacent to a busy health centre in Spalding, and Knight Street Pharmacy, which occupies a prominent high street location in Pinchbeck. On average, West Elloe Pharmacy dispenses a huge 53,000 items per month – making it one of England’s highest dispensing bricks and mortar pharmacies – and Knight Street Pharmacy dispenses over 9,000 items per month.
Innovation and technology have been core principles of the business, as they have adapted over the years to implement automated dispensing services and to allow patients to collect prescriptions 24 hours a day – a service that has developed strongly as a result of the pandemic.
Stagedale Limited, which owned and operated these pharmacies for over a quarter of a century, was put up for sale following the impending retirement of some of its shareholders.
Through a confidential sales process managed by Carl Steer and Tony Evans at Christie & Co, it has been sold to BMP Healthcare Limited, a Leicester-based, eight-strong pharmacy group.
Ryszard Cygan, Managing Director of Stagedale Limited, says: “We are delighted to have sold the business to BMP Healthcare, a young and exciting group which shares the same ethos and principles we have had at the core of our business for the last 25 years. We are confident that Rahul and team will continue to develop the services the pharmacies offer, further enhancing their profile with patients across the Spalding area.”
Rahul Patel, Managing Director of BMP Healthcare Limited, says: “We are delighted to have acquired such a prestigious pharmacy business which has been at the heart of community pharmacy in the Spalding area for over a quarter of a century. Working alongside our existing eight pharmacies, we are looking forward to delivering not only the strong service the pharmacies already offer but also to introducing additional services to further enhance the delivery of care to our patients.”
Carl Steer, director – Medical at Christie & Co, says: “The sale of Stagedale Limited demonstrates the appetite and confidence some operators have in the marketplace. Knowing Rahul’s existing pharmacy estate, the purchase of Stagedale Limited’s pharmacies will complement this further to the benefit of patients and the communities the pharmacies serve.”
Stagedale Limited operating West Elloe Pharmacy and Knight Street Pharmacy was sold for an undisclosed price.
