A new report says upcoming enhancements to Lincoln’s rail services mark an important step forward, but states they must be safeguarded and built upon if the city’s growing population and economy are to be properly supported. Keeping Pace: Enhancing Lincoln City’s Rail Connectivity shows that demand for rail travel in Lincoln continues to rise, even as national usage has fallen. While train use across Britain declined by 6 per cent between 2019 and 2024, passenger numbers at Lincoln Station increased by nearly 5 per cent to more than two million journeys a year. Transport for the East Midlands (TfEM) and the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority (GLCCA) say that the planned doubling of trains between Lincoln and Nottingham from December 2025 represents a long-awaited improvement, but the report warns that this is still vulnerable to change, and stresses the need for clear long-term commitments to secure further progress. Sir Peter Soulsby, chair of TfEM, said: “Lincoln is growing at a pace unmatched by its transport network. The new timetable will be a major step forward, but unless it’s safeguarded and built upon, the city risks slipping backwards again. This report makes a clear, evidence-based case for sustained investment in one of the East Midlands’ most important rail corridors.” Dame Andrea Jenkyns DBE, mayor of Greater Lincolnshire, said: “The new Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority is committed to working with the rail industry to improve rail services across the area. For Lincoln, rail services need to be more frequent and attractive to tourists, visitors and businesses alike. “Despite promises made nearly ten years ago during the last rail franchise planning – such as better Sunday services – Lincoln’s regional rail connections still fall short of providing hourly service every day and lack proper integration across the network.” The report also points to earlier progress on Lincoln’s London connections, noting that the introduction of six direct daily services led to a 51 per cent increase in travel to the capital. It says this shows what targeted investment can deliver, but warns that parts of this progress remain at risk, with a direct Sunday service due to be withdrawn from December 2025 and longer-term pressures on East Coast Main Line capacity creating uncertainty for Lincoln’s remaining London links. Cllr Sean Matthews, chair of the GLCCA Transport Board and chair of East Midlands Councils, said: “People in Lincolnshire want a rail service that works. At the moment, it is still too slow, too infrequent and too easy for services to be cut back. “Good rail links make a real difference to everyday life, whether it is getting to work, visiting family, going to hospital appointments or enjoying a day out without relying on the car. The demand is already there, and this report shows why Lincoln needs a fair deal and a network that keeps up with the city.” The report also identifies a number of long-standing constraints that need to be addressed to support Lincoln’s future growth, including delayed signalling upgrades, slow line speeds on key sections of the network, and the limitations created by the Newark Flat Crossing. These issues, it argues, will need sustained attention if the city is to benefit fully from the upcoming timetable improvements and secure stronger regional and national connections in the years ahead. Keeping Pace: Enhancing Lincoln City’s Rail Connectivity was produced by East Midlands Councils on behalf of Transport for the East Midlands (TfEM), in partnership with the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority (GLCCA).   Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/den-belitsky

North Lincolnshire Council, in partnership with charge point operator (CPO) Believ, will install a minimum of 470 Electric Vehicle (EV) on-street charge points to support local residents who cannot charge their vehicles at home and improve access to EV infrastructure. The project, which is majority funded by Believ and part funded via the Government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund, will reinforce the county council’s commitment to promoting cleaner, more sustainable transport through enhanced EV infrastructure. As 1 in 4 of households in North Lincolnshire are without off-street parking, the initiative will improve charging accessibility in the region to encourage wider adoption of EVs. The chargers will be installed in both urban and rural locations, as well as a high volume in residential areas to reflect user demand. A mixture of fast and rapid chargers will be deployed, with 16 rapid and ultra-rapid chargers in key car parks across the county for drivers needing to charge en-route. Guy Bartlett, Believ CEO, says the business is thrilled to be supporting North Lincolnshire Council in its ambition to make EV ownership as inclusive as possible: “With NLC, we are working with partners who are driven by a desire to support as many local people as possible making the transition to EVs. Our shared goals to help decarbonise transport and deliver cleaner air for all will create a partnership that will benefit the area for many years to come.” Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation, Keir Mather said: “We’re backing Britain’s EV revolution with £381 million to roll out over 100,000 new chargers, including these latest additions in North Lincolnshire, and another £25 million to help people without driveways access cheaper charging rates. “Chargepoint figures in North Lincolnshire are up 47% in the past year and drivers can save thousands off the price of new EV’s through our Electric Car Grant which continues to expand with more models being added from the most popular brands.” Councillor David Rose, cabinet member for environment and strategy shared his excitement about the project: “To deliver the next phase of our Charging Ahead project, to install more electric charging points in North Lincolnshire, we are delighted to be working in partnership with Believ. “It is important that the needs of residents, businesses and visitors are met, which this new scheme aims to do, to benefit the area now and in the future. “We are committed to supporting residents make cleaner, greener transport options and part of that is making the right infrastructure available in local communities. Not everyone has the option of off-street parking, which is why a high number of chargers will be located in these residential areas.”

Plans to transform vacant upper-floor offices in Scunthorpe’s town centre into new housing have been cleared by North Lincolnshire Council. The scheme will create 26 self-contained one, two, and three-bedroom flats above the Ellko supermarket on High Street.

The approval confirms a shift from commercial to residential use across the first, second, and third floors of the property. A noise assessment supported the application, and the development will not function as an HMO.

No public consultation was required due to the type of planning request. The building, a prominent multi-storey structure on the street, will now form part of efforts to increase town centre living and reuse underutilised space.

Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards is set to give away £120,000 as part of its annual 12 Days of Giving Christmas campaign. For 12 days in the lead up to Christmas, £1,000 will be given to ten charities each day – with 120 charities in total benefitting from a festive financial boost. Nominations are now open, and residents in Lincolnshire are being encouraged to nominate a cause they care about to give them a chance of receiving a share of the award money. Draws will take place every weekday between 1^st – 16^th December and nominating is easy using the online form at www.movementforgood.com. Winners are drawn at random with every charity nominated in with a chance of winning a vital donation this Christmas. Last year Scunthorpe-based Starlight Arts, a charity that provides opportunities for disabled adults to engage with music therapy, Makaton, drama, disability dance, life and social skills, arts and crafts and Lego® therapy, received £1,000 following nominations by members of the public. Mark Hews, group chief executive of Benefact Group, said: “We’re delighted to be giving away another £120,000 in valuable donations to causes around the country. We know that charities across the country are struggling, and for many the festive season is a critical time. We’re asking residents to take a few minutes of their time to nominate a cause they especially care about. “Owned by a charity, Benefact Group gives all of its available profits to good causes, and the more the Group grows, the more the Group can give. We know that £1,000 can make a huge difference to the incredible work that charities do and we’re looking forward to seeing how this financial boost will change lives for the better.”   Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Halfpoint

Care Homes across the Country Court group participated in Cake4Kindness Day on Thursday 20th November. Cake4Kindness is a registered not-for-profit Community Interest Company (CIC) with a vision to alleviate loneliness and social isolation for those experiencing homelessness through the distribution of cakes. Tallington Lodge Care Home in Tallington, near Stamford in Lincolnshire, had its kitchen team make and decorate cupcakes on behalf of the residents. The finished cakes were delivered to The Light Project Peterborough. This charity has been active in Peterborough since 2009 and continues to support wherever it can. Over the years, they have led City Chaplaincy, Winter Night Shelters, Multi-Agency Community Support Teams and daytime services through their hub of delivery, the Garden House. The Garden House offers information, advice and support to the rough sleepers in Peterborough seven days a week, with over 200 people who are homeless or in need visiting them every month. Their guests can receive food, drink and clothing. They are supported by volunteers, members of staff and service providers in Peterborough who visit The Garden House regularly, supporting people sleeping rough in Peterborough. Natalie White, home manager, said: “We wanted to be a part of the Cake4Kindness day and to give back to an amazing project in Peterborough. Being able to contribute and give them a sweet treat has put a smile on the residents’ faces, and we are excited to help build a kinder and more supportive community.” For more information about Tallington Lodge Care Home, please contact Morgan Hicks on 01780 740 314 or email careenquiries@countrycourtcare.com.